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Boston Baked Beans Recipe recipe photo - Boston Baked Beans Recipe by Jan

Boston Baked Beans Recipe

Published: July 6, 2025 Prep Time: About 20 minutes Cook Time: About 4 hours Total Time: About 4 hours 20 minutes Serves: 8 Difficulty: Easy Category: Side Dish Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 2 cups dried navy beans
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon mustard
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 4 slices bacon
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1/4 cup water

Instructions

  1. Soak beans overnight in water
  2. Drain and rinse beans
  3. In a large pot, cover beans with water and simmer for 1 hour
  4. Drain beans and place in bean pot or casserole
  5. Mix molasses, brown sugar, ketchup, and mustard
  6. Add onion and seasonings
  7. Pour over beans
  8. Top with bacon slices
  9. Add water
  10. Cover and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 3 hours
  11. Uncover and bake for 1 hour more
  12. Serve hot

Special Notes

This traditional Boston baked beans recipe is a New England classic. The long, slow cooking time creates rich, complex flavors. The molasses and brown sugar provide sweetness while the bacon adds smoky flavor. This dish is perfect for potlucks and family gatherings. The beans can be made ahead of time and reheated. For the best results, use a traditional bean pot or heavy casserole dish.

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