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Boston Baked Beans Recipe

Boston Baked Beans Recipe - Easy Family Meal

Before we dive into the delicious world of Boston baked beans, let’s chat about what goes well with this classic dish. When you think of Boston baked beans, consider pairing them with grilled sausages. 
The smoky flavor from the sausages complements the sweet and savory notes of the beans remarkably well.
Another option is cornbread. Its slightly sweet, crumbly texture balances the hearty beans brilliantly.
For a lighter touch, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette refreshes the palate after a mouthful of those thick, luscious beans. 
Finally, let’s not forget about coleslaw. Its crunch and acidity cut through the rich flavors, making it a wonderful companion to any baked bean dish.
Now, let's dig in!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 5
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 630
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound dried small white beans, such as Great Northern, rinsed and sorted
  • 9 cups water
  • 4 ounces salt pork, rind removed and diced into ½-inch pieces
  • 2 ounces bacon, chopped into ¼-inch bits
  • 1 medium onion, finely minced
  • 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon mild molasses, divided
  • 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Beans
  1. Start by soaking the beans. Place them in a large bowl and cover them with plenty of water. Let them soak overnight. This method hydrates the beans and guarantees even cooking the next day.
Step 2: Cook the Beans
  1. After soaking, drain the beans and place them in a large pot. Add 9 cups of fresh water. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat. Let them simmer for about an hour or until tender but still firm. Once done, drain the beans and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Pork and Onion
  1. In a separate skillet, cook the salt pork and bacon over medium heat until crispy. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the minced onion and cook until soft, around another 5 minutes. The mixture should be fragrant.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
  1. In a large bowl, mix the cooked beans with the bacon, salt pork, and onion mixture. Stir in the molasses, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, sea salt, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika. Make sure all the beans are coated evenly.
Step 5: Bake
  1. Transfer the mixture into a preheated oven at 300°F (149°C) in a greased baking dish. Cover it with foil and bake for about 3 to 4 hours. Stir occasionally.
    The beans should absorb a lot of flavors and become buttery soft.
Step 6: Serve
  1. Remove from the oven. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Enjoy those warm, inviting Boston baked beans!

Notes

  • Soaking is Key: Soaking beans overnight softens them and reduces cook time.
  • Try Different Meats: If salt pork isn't available, feel free to use pancetta or another type of bacon.
  • Sweetness Balance: Adjust the amount of brown sugar based on your taste preference.
  • Storage: These baked beans store well. Make a big batch for future meals!
  • Simplicity is Everything: Don’t stress over exact measurements. Cooking should be fun!