Sweet and Savory Cranberry Baked Beans
Indulge in the delicious harmony of flavors with our Sweet and Savory Cranberry Baked Beans. This delightful dish combines hearty navy beans with the tart sweetness of cranberry juice, complemented by savory ingredients like lean salt pork and chopped onions. Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or as a wholesome side for your favorite entrees, this recipe delivers a unique twist on traditional baked beans. Each bite is a perfect balance of sweetness, tang, and rich textures, making it an unforgettable addition to any meal. Gather your ingredients and experience a comforting home-cooked dish that your family and friends will rave about!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
dried navy beans
3 cups (Rinsed and soaked)
cranberry juice
5 cups (N/A)
lean salt pork
1/2 lb (Diced)
chopped onion
3/4 cup (N/A)
ketchup
1/2 cup (N/A)
molasses
1/4 cup (N/A)
dark brown sugar
5 teaspoons (N/A)
ground mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons (N/A)
salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (N/A)
ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon (N/A)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the dried navy beans under cold water to clean them.
2
In a large Dutch oven or soup kettle, place the rinsed beans and add enough water to cover them by 2 inches.
3
Bring the water to a rapid boil and maintain the boil for 2 minutes.
4
Remove the Dutch oven from heat, cover it, and let the beans soak for 1 hour.
5
After the hour has passed, drain the beans and dispose of the soaking liquid.
6
Return the drained beans to the Dutch oven and add the cranberry juice.
7
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the beans are nearly tender.
8
Once the beans are cooked, drain them again, reserving approximately 1 and 1/2 cups of the cranberry liquid.
9
Transfer the beans to a 2 and 1/2-quart casserole dish or bean pot.
10
In the casserole, mix in the diced lean salt pork, chopped onions, ketchup, molasses, dark brown sugar, ground mustard, salt, and ground ginger.
11
Pour in the reserved cranberry liquid and stir until well combined.
12
Cover the casserole with a lid or aluminum foil and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C).
13
Bake for approximately 3 hours, checking and stirring every 30 minutes to ensure even cooking.
14
If necessary, add reserved cranberry liquid to achieve your desired consistency. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Sweet and Savory Cranberry Baked Beans?
They are a unique twist on traditional baked beans that combine hearty navy beans with the tart sweetness of cranberry juice and savory salt pork.
What kind of beans are used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 3 cups of dried navy beans.
How long should the navy beans soak?
The beans should soak for 1 hour after being boiled for 2 minutes.
What liquid is used to simmer the beans?
The beans are simmered in 5 cups of cranberry juice instead of water.
How long do the beans simmer before baking?
The beans should simmer for approximately 1 hour or until they are nearly tender.
What is the recommended baking temperature?
The beans should be baked in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C).
How long does this dish take to bake?
The beans require approximately 3 hours of baking time.
What provides the savory element in this dish?
Lean salt pork, chopped onions, and ketchup provide the savory foundation.
How much cranberry liquid should be reserved?
You should reserve approximately 1 and 1/2 cups of the cranberry liquid after simmering.
Is molasses used in this baked bean recipe?
Yes, 1/4 cup of molasses is included for depth and sweetness.
How often should I stir the beans while they bake?
You should check and stir the beans every 30 minutes to ensure even cooking.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The recipe calls for ground mustard, salt, and a touch of ground ginger.
Can I use a bean pot for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either a 2 and 1/2-quart casserole dish or a traditional bean pot.
Should the beans be rinsed before cooking?
Yes, you should begin by rinsing the dried navy beans under cold water.
Is brown sugar included in the ingredients?
Yes, the recipe uses 5 teaspoons of dark brown sugar.
What is the purpose of the initial rapid boil?
The 2-minute rapid boil prepares the dried beans for their 1-hour soak.
How much salt pork is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 lb of lean salt pork, which should be diced.
What should I do if the beans become too dry while baking?
If necessary, you can add more of the reserved cranberry liquid to reach your desired consistency.
Is ketchup part of the sauce?
Yes, 1/2 cup of ketchup is mixed into the casserole.
How much chopped onion is added?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of chopped onion.
Are these beans suitable for holiday meals?
Yes, they are tagged as a holiday recipe and are perfect for festive gatherings.
What is the total amount of cranberry juice used?
The recipe uses a total of 5 cups of cranberry juice.
Should the casserole be covered while baking?
Yes, cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil before placing it in the oven.
How much ground mustard is required?
You will need 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground mustard.
Is there ginger in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/8 teaspoon of ground ginger for a subtle kick.
What type of brown sugar is best for this recipe?
Dark brown sugar is recommended for its rich, molasses-like flavor.
What do I do with the soaking liquid?
After the 1-hour soak, the soaking liquid should be drained and disposed of.
What is the serving suggestion for this dish?
It is best served warm as a wholesome side for your favorite entrees.
How much salt is added?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt.
Is this considered comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a comforting home-cooked dish perfect for potlucks and family meals.