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Boston-Style Baked Beans

Boston-Style Baked Beans
Written By: The Old Farmer’s Almanac Editors The Almanac Editors and Staff
Yield
6-8 servings
Category
Course
Preparation Method
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Boston-style baked beans are a true New England classic, known for their rich, slow-cooked flavor and deep molasses sweetness. Inspired by the traditional baked beans once served at Boston’s famous Durgin-Park restaurant, this hearty dish has been a staple at family gatherings, Sunday dinners, and historic New England tables for generations. Made with simple ingredients and baked low and slow, these beans develop a thick, savory-sweet sauce that makes them the perfect comfort food side dish for any occasion.

Ingredients
1 pound (2 cups) dried navy beans
1/2 pound salt pork or bacon, chopped, divided
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup dark molasses
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper
1 teaspoon table salt

Instructions

  1. Soak beans overnight in cold water. 
  2. When you’re ready to cook, place beans in a heavy saucepan; fill with water to cover by about a half inch. Boil 25-30 minutes, until just tender; don’t overcook. (Pick up a bean between thumb and forefinger and pinch; the outer shell should slip off.) Drain and rinse, reserving the liquid.
  3. Preheat oven to 400°. Place half the salt pork in the bottom of a large ovenproof pot. 
  4. Add beans, sugar, molasses, dry mustard, white pepper, salt, and reserved liquid. Top with remaining salt pork. 
  5. Cover and bake 4 to 4-1/2 hours. Stir occasionally and add more water as needed. 
  6. Let beans rest 30 minutes before serving.

 

About The Author
The Old Farmer’s Almanac Editors

The Old Farmer’s Almanac Editors

The Almanac Editors and Staff

Under the guiding hand of its first editor, Robert B. Thomas, the premiere issue of The Old Farmer’s Almanac was published in 1792 during George Washington’s first term as president.Today, the Almanac...