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Baked Beans from Scratch – Sweet, Smoky, and Comforting

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These homemade baked beans are sweet, smoky, and infinitely better than canned versions. Perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or as a comforting side dish.

  • Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound dried navy beans, sorted and rinsed
  • 6 cups water (for soaking)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 cups water or broth
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Soak beans overnight in 6 cups water for at least 8 hours. Drain and rinse.
  2. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
  3. In a large oven-safe pot, mix onion, garlic, molasses, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and pepper.
  4. Add drained beans and 4 cups of water or broth; liquid should cover beans by 1 inch. Bring to a boil on stovetop.
  5. Cover and bake for 2.5–3 hours, checking every hour and adding liquid if needed.
  6. Remove lid for the last 30 minutes to thicken sauce and develop a slightly caramelized top.
  7. Season with salt after baking. Stir and let rest 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Do not add salt before baking to avoid toughening beans.
  • Beans can be prepared ahead and reheated gently.
  • Author: lily
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus overnight soaking)
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian