New England Baked Beans

For a potluck or picnic, you can’t beat this classic side that starts with a pound of dried beans. Molasses and maple syrup give it a slight sweetness.

New England Baked Beans

Average Rating: 4.485714

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 1-1/2 hours + soaking Bake: 2-1/2 hours
YIELD: 12 servings (2/3 cup each).

Ingredients

  • 1 pound dried great northern beans
  • 1/2 pound thick-sliced bacon strips, chopped
  • 2 large onions, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups ketchup
  • 1-1/2 cups packed dark brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup molasses
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper

Instructions

  • 1. Sort beans and rinse with cold water. Place beans in a Dutch oven; add enough water to cover by 2 in. Bring to a boil; boil for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; cover and let stand for 1 hour or until beans are softened.
  • 2. Drain and rinse beans, discarding liquid. Return beans to Dutch oven; add 6 cups water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1 hour or until beans are almost tender.
  • 3. In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove to paper towels with a slotted spoon; drain, reserving 2 tablespoons drippings. Saute onions in drippings until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, syrup, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper.
  • 4. Drain beans, reserving cooking liquid; place in an ungreased 3-qt. baking dish. Stir in onion mixture and bacon. Cover and bake at 300° for 2-1/2 hours or until beans are tender and reach desired consistency, stirring every 30 minutes. Add reserved cooking liquid as needed.

Nutrition Facts

2/3 cup: 385 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 810mg sodium, 77g carbohydrate (50g sugars, 8g fiber), 11g protein.