By eatmundo · July 5, 2026
🇺🇸Same ingredients, elsewhere in the world
1 matchDishes from other countries' kitchens, made from the same core ingredients as Classic Boston Baked Beans. The percentage is the share of ingredients the two recipes have in common.
Compare these dishes: Taze Fasulye (Fresh Green Bean Stew in Olive Oil)Same technique: Stew404 recipes from 26 countries
A cornerstone of New England cuisine, these slow-cooked, savory-sweet beans are a culinary marvel. Prepared with navy beans, molasses, and often salt pork, they undergo a lengthy baking process, resulting in a rich, deeply flavored dish perfect for any gathering.
According to eatmundo's ingredient comparison, the closest dish to Classic Boston Baked Beans from another cuisine is Taze Fasulye (Türkiye): the two share 67% of their ingredients.
Ingredients
tick what you already have - the rest goes on your shopping listHow to Make It
- 1
Rinse 500 g navy beans and soak overnight. Drain and rinse again.
- 2
Place 1 medium onion, peeled and halved, in the bottom of a heavy pot or Dutch oven, then place the beans on top. Add 120 ml molasses, 50 g brown sugar, 1 tsp dry mustard, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- 3
Nestle 120 g salt pork (or bacon) into the beans. Cover with enough hot water to just submerge the beans.
- 4
Bake covered at 300°F (150°C) for 6-8 hours, adding more hot water if needed to keep beans moist. Uncover for the last hour to brown the top.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Boston Baked Beans?
Boston Baked Beans is a regional American dish consisting of beans slow-cooked with molasses, salt pork, and mustard. Originating in Massachusetts, this savory-sweet meal is typically served as a main course or side dish, often associated with colonial history and New England cuisine.
What type of bean is traditionally used for Classic Boston Baked Beans?
Small white beans like Navy beans (also called pea beans) or Great Northern beans are the traditional choice, as they absorb the rich, savory-sweet flavors beautifully.
Which cut of pork provides the best authentic flavor for Boston Baked Beans?
Unsmoked salt pork, with the rind on, is essential for authentic Boston Baked Beans; it renders fat and imparts a deep, salty flavor without overwhelming the beans.
How long should Classic Boston Baked Beans bake, and what indicates they are properly cooked?
Bake the beans low and slow for 6-8 hours at 300°F (150°C), or until they are very tender and the sauce has thickened to a rich, syrupy consistency.
Can I substitute another type of molasses for dark unsulphured molasses in this dish?
For authentic flavor, use dark unsulphured molasses; blackstrap molasses is too bitter, and light molasses won't provide the characteristic deep, robust sweetness.
🇺🇸