Cranberry Baked Beans
A hearty and tangy baked bean dish infused with cranberries, molasses, and bacon, perfect for holiday gatherings or comforting family dinners with a sweet and savory flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash the navy beans and add them to 1 1/2 quarts of water in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 1 hour.
- Drain off the liquid, reserving 1 cup of bean water.
- Pour the beans, 1 cup of bean water, and remaining ingredients into a crock-pot.
- Cook on low for approximately 8 hours, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper for a hint of heat. If you don’t have navy beans, Great Northern beans or pinto beans can work as substitutes. Make sure to chop the cranberries finely for even distribution throughout the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Cranberry Baked Beans make a hearty main dish or a delightful side. They pair wonderfully with cornbread or serve alongside grilled meats, making them a great addition to any barbecue. For a complete meal, consider serving with a fresh salad or alongside One Skillet Spaghetti for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. You can also freeze the baked beans for up to 3 months; just thaw before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Baked Beans contains roughly 333 calories, with 7g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of protein (13% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1229mg per serving (53% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
Yes, you can use canned navy beans to save time. Rinse and drain them, then skip the soaking and boiling steps. Simply combine the canned beans with the other ingredients in the crock-pot and cook on low for about 4-6 hours.
How do I adjust the sweetness of the beans?
You can easily adjust the sweetness by modifying the amounts of molasses and brown sugar. If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the brown sugar by half or substitute with a sugar alternative. For a sweeter taste, add an extra tablespoon of molasses.
Can I add other ingredients to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add diced bell peppers, garlic, or even some chopped jalapeños for extra flavor. You can also incorporate different spices or herbs to personalize the dish to your liking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).