Welcome to our blog, where we share delicious homemade recipes that are not only easy to make but also a delight to devour. Today, we are bringing you a classic recipe that has stood the test of time – homemade baked beans. There’s something incredibly comforting about the rich, smoky flavors of baked beans that warmly embrace your taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a weekend barbecue, looking to elevate your side dish game, or simply craving a hearty meal, this recipe will never disappoint.
Classic Homemade Baked Beans
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 3 hours
Serves: 6-8
Ingredients:
1 pound dried navy beans
6 cups water
1 onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup molasses
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons mustard
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/4 cup maple syrup (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
Instructions:
Rinse the navy beans under cold water and remove any debris or stones. Place them in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and let it simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and let the beans soak for 1 hour. Drain and rinse.
In the same pot, add the soaked beans and 6 cups of fresh water. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for about 1 hour or until the beans are tender.
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
In a separate bowl, combine the chopped onion, molasses, brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
Drain the cooked beans and reserve about 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
Place the drained beans in a 2-quart casserole dish. Pour the sauce mixture over the beans and stir until well combined. If the mixture looks dry, add some of the reserved cooking liquid.
Sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top of the beans. For a touch of sweetness, you can drizzle some maple syrup over the bacon.
Cover the casserole dish with a lid or aluminum foil and bake for 2 hours.
After 2 hours, remove the cover and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened.
Allow the baked beans to cool for a few minutes before serving. They can be enjoyed hot, warm, or at room temperature.
These classic homemade baked beans are perfect on their own, as a side dish for grilled meats, or even served over toasted bread as a satisfying lunch. The sweetness from the molasses and brown sugar, combined with the tanginess of mustard and apple cider vinegar, creates a harmonious balance of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. So, grab your apron and get ready to make a batch of these irresistible baked beans that will surely become a family favorite!
