Boston Baked Beans

Chef John’s Boston Baked Beans are a hearty, flavorful dish made with tender navy beans, molasses, brown sugar, and mustard. This recipe delivers all the rich, savory goodness you expect from classic baked beans, without the need for any meat. Perfect for family dinners, BBQs, or holiday meals, this dish is sure to please everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chef John’s Boston Baked Beans are rich and satisfying, with a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. The molasses and brown sugar create a natural sweetness, while the mustard adds depth and a subtle tang. The beans cook low and slow, becoming tender and soaking up all the delicious flavors. This simple recipe is easy to prepare and is a fantastic side dish for any meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 pound dry navy beans

• 6 cups water

• 1 pinch baking soda

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 yellow onion, diced

• ⅓ cup molasses

• ¼ cup packed dark brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder

• 1 ½ teaspoons salt

• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste

Directions

1. Place navy beans in a large bowl and cover with several inches of cool water; let soak overnight.

2. Drain beans and place them in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot with 6 cups water, baking soda, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium, and boil for 10 minutes. Drain the beans, saving the cooking liquid.

3. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).

4. Place beans in a clean Dutch oven and add the diced onion, molasses, brown sugar, dry mustard, salt, and black pepper. Pour in enough of the reserved bean-cooking liquid to cover the beans. Stir everything together.

5. Cover the Dutch oven and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. Check the liquid level, adding more reserved cooking liquid if needed to keep the beans covered. Return the pot to the oven and continue baking until the beans are tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 1 hour.

6. Increase the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Uncover the beans and continue baking for 20 to 30 minutes, until the top develops a flavorful crust.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

• Additional Time: 8 hours (soaking beans overnight)

• Total Time: 10 hours 45 minutes

Variations

1. Vegetarian Option: This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly, so enjoy it as is.

2. Spicy Beans: Add a chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to bring some heat to the flavor.

3. Maple Flavor: Substitute the molasses with maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness.

4. Slow Cooker Version: After soaking the beans, combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the beans are tender.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Allow the baked beans to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.

• Freezing: For longer storage, place the beans in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Let them thaw in the fridge before reheating.

• Reheating: Reheat the beans in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little water or broth to restore moisture.

FAQs

How do I soak the beans overnight?

Place the dry navy beans in a large bowl and cover them with several inches of cool water. Let them sit on the counter for 8-12 hours, or overnight. Drain them before cooking.

Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?

Yes, you can use canned navy beans. If doing so, skip the soaking and boiling steps, and reduce the cooking time. Simply combine the beans with the remaining ingredients and bake until the flavors meld together.

How can I make these beans sweeter?

If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can increase the amount of molasses or brown sugar in the recipe. Taste the beans during cooking and adjust accordingly.

Can I cook these beans in a slow cooker?

Yes! After soaking the beans, combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until beans are tender and the flavors are well combined.

Why is there baking soda in the recipe?

Baking soda helps soften the beans during the boiling process, making them more tender. It also helps neutralize any acidity from the molasses and brown sugar.

How do I prevent the beans from drying out in the oven?

Make sure the beans are always covered with liquid while baking. If the liquid level seems low, add more of the reserved bean-cooking liquid or water to keep them moist.

What should I serve these beans with?

Chef John’s Boston Baked Beans are a great side dish for BBQ meats, grilled sausages, roasted chicken, or even on top of toast for a hearty breakfast.

Can I make these beans a day ahead?

Yes, these beans can be made ahead of time. They will taste even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld together.

Can I adjust the seasoning?

Absolutely! You can adjust the amount of salt, pepper, or mustard powder to suit your taste preferences.

Can I make these beans spicier?

Yes, to add some spice, try adding chopped jalapeño peppers or a dash of hot sauce while preparing the beans.

Conclusion

Chef John’s Boston Baked Beans are the perfect side dish that combines rich, savory, and sweet flavors in every bite. The simplicity of this recipe, with its blend of molasses, brown sugar, and mustard, ensures a comforting and satisfying dish. Whether for a family gathering or a BBQ, this recipe is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.