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Amberly Vahn

Delicious Homemade Baked Beans for Autumn

Cozy and rich baked beans, perfect for autumn and holiday gatherings, made from scratch with a blend of sweet and savory ingredients.
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Prep Time 8 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Group: Beans
  • 1 lb. navy beans, dried or great northern beans
  • 6 cups water
Group: Base Flavorings
  • 1 cup yellow onion, chopped about 1 medium onion
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup molasses preferably unsulfured
  • 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp. salt plus a pinch for seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp. black pepper
Group: Bacon and Condiments
  • 4 oz. bacon, chopped thick-cut preferred
  • 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper optional for a kick

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • Dutch oven
  • Slotted spoon
  • Baking dish or pot lid

Method
 

  1. Begin by rinsing the dry navy beans under cold water. Place them in a large bowl and cover them with enough water to submerge them fully. Allow them to soak overnight or for at least 8 hours. The next day, you’ll be greeted by plump beans ready for cooking.
  2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the chopped bacon over medium heat until it’s crisp and golden. Once crispy, remove it with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
  3. In the rendered bacon fat, add the chopped onion. Sauté until the onions are translucent and begin to caramelize, about 5 minutes.
  4. Drain the soaked beans and add them to the pot with the onions. Stir in the brown sugar, molasses, mustard, salt, pepper, and optional cayenne. Pour in 6 cups of water and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  5. Transfer everything to a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C). Cover the pot or transfer the mixture into a baking dish covered with foil. Bake for 2 to 3 hours, checking occasionally, until the mixture is thick and bubbly.
  6. In the last 30 minutes, taste and adjust the seasoning. Before the beans are done, stir in the apple cider vinegar and the reserved crispy bacon.
  7. Let the beans cool slightly before serving. Present them in a rustic serving bowl for a family-style feast.

Notes

Be sure to soak the beans overnight for optimal tenderness, and don't forget to taste and adjust seasoning before serving for the best flavor!