Transform your side dish game with "Not Your Ordinary Boston Baked Beans," a recipe that takes a classic comfort food to new heights with bold flavors and rich textures. This hearty dish features tender navy beans slow-baked to perfection in a luscious sauce made with smoky paprika, tangy Dijon mustard, sweet molasses, and pure maple syrup. Chopped thick-cut bacon adds a savory depth, while sautéed onions and garlic enhance the dish with aromatic goodness. Perfect for everything from backyard barbecues to cozy family dinners, these baked beans are anything but ordinary. Plus, the oven-baking technique ensures a thick, caramelized sauce that’s absolutely irresistible. Whether served alongside grilled meats or as a standalone dish, this recipe promises a satisfying balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors that will have everyone coming back for more.
Rinse the dried navy beans under cold water, then soak them in a large bowl filled with water overnight (8-12 hours). Drain and rinse before cooking.
In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon pieces with a slotted spoon, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté in the bacon fat until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
Add the soaked navy beans to the pot along with the cooked bacon pieces, molasses, maple syrup, ketchup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, ground black pepper, and kosher salt. Stir to combine.
Pour in 4 cups of water, ensuring that the beans are fully submerged. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
Cover the Dutch oven with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 3 1/2 to 4 hours, stirring every hour, until the beans are tender and the sauce is thickened. If the beans become too dry during cooking, add more water, 1/2 cup at a time.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm, and enjoy the rich, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors!
Calories |
2622 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 49.6 g | 64% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.5 g | 68% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 90 mg | 30% | |
| Sodium | 3610 mg | 157% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 433.4 g | 158% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 73.3 g | 262% | |
| Total Sugars | 148.7 g | ||
| Protein | 133.7 g | 267% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 946 mg | 73% | |
| Iron | 29.3 mg | 163% | |
| Potassium | 8171 mg | 174% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.