🇺🇸 USA · Food
Classic Boston Baked Beans
By eatmundo · July 5, 2026
🇺🇸 USA 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.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Rinse 1 lb navy beans and soak overnight. Drain and rinse again.
- 2
Place beans in a heavy pot or Dutch oven. Add 1/2 cup molasses, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp dry mustard, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- 3
Nestle 4 oz 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 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.
🇺🇸 USMundo Match
Dishes across the world that share Classic Boston Baked Beans's core ingredients.
