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Molasses Baked Beans

Canadian · Side · Easy

Molasses Baked Beans

Total
4 hr 50 min
Prep
1 hr 20 min
Serves
8
Calories
335
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Navy beans bake slowly with bacon, onion and dark molasses until the sauce clings to each spoonful. Cider vinegar keeps the sweetness in balance.

Tender beans must come before the molasses in Molasses Baked Beans. Cooking them in plain water first prevents the sweet, acidic sauce from slowing their softening during the bake.

Use a heavy pot and check the liquid level as the edges turn sticky. A covered first bake protects the beans, followed by an uncovered finish that concentrates the sauce.

SweetSmokySavoryBakingMake AheadGluten-freeDairy-freeNut-freeEgg-free

Method

  1. Cover navy beans with water by 2 inches in a large pot. Boil for , turn off the heat, cover and soak for . Drain.

  2. Cover with fresh water by 2 inches. Bring to a boil and simmer for until fully tender, then drain. Heat the oven to 325°F (165°C).

  3. In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook bacon for until browned. Add onion and cook for until soft. Stir in beans, molasses, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, mustard powder, salt, black pepper and measured sauce water.

  4. Cover and bake for . Uncover and bake for until the sauce thickens around the beans, stirring once and adding a little hot water if the surface looks dry.

Forkue tips

  • Check a few beans for tenderness before adding the sauce; older beans may need longer in plain water.

Storing and reheating

Keep the molasses beans refrigerated for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months. Reheat covered over low heat with a splash of water to loosen the thick molasses sauce.

Kitchen gear

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Nutrition per serving, estimated

335Calories
14gProtein
53gCarbs
8gFat

Molasses Baked Beans: FAQ

Can I use canned beans?

Yes, use about 6 cups drained canned navy beans. Skip soaking and boiling, and start with less sauce water because the beans are already hydrated.

Which molasses should I use?

Use regular unsulfured molasses for balanced sweetness. Blackstrap is more bitter and can dominate the sauce at this quantity.

How do I store and reheat Molasses Baked Beans?

Keep the molasses beans refrigerated for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months. Reheat covered over low heat with a splash of water to loosen the thick molasses sauce.

How long does Molasses Baked Beans take?

About 4 hr 50 min in total: 1 hr 20 min prep and 3 hr 30 min cooking.

What do I need to make Molasses Baked Beans?

The key ingredients are dried navy beans, bacon, onion, molasses, apple cider vinegar and mustard powder, plus pantry basics.

Any tips for Molasses Baked Beans?

Check a few beans for tenderness before adding the sauce; older beans may need longer in plain water.

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