Dad'S Favorite Baked Beans
Dad's Favorite Baked Beans feature tender Northern beans slow-cooked with sweet molasses, brown sugar, onions, and bacon, creating a hearty, smoky side perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and clean the dried beans.
- Cover the beans with 2 inches of water and let stand overnight.
- Drain the beans and put them in a large pot.
- Add water to cover the beans, bring to a boil, then boil for 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 1 hour.
- Drain the beans and add fresh water to cover them.
- Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer, covered, for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until tender, adding more water if necessary.
- Drain the cooked beans.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika or Worcestershire sauce to the bean mixture. If you don't have Great Northern beans, Navy beans are a great substitute. To speed up the cooking process, you can use canned beans instead; just adjust the cooking time accordingly. For a vegetarian version, skip the bacon and use liquid smoke for a smoky flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Dad's Favorite Baked Beans hot alongside grilled meats or as a hearty side for a summer barbecue. They pair wonderfully with Oven Bologna or Baked Pork Chops With Potatoes. For a complete meal, toss together a refreshing Pea, Cheese And Meat Salad to balance the rich flavors of the beans.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover baked beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, place them in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water if they seem too thick. Stir occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave for quick servings.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dad'S Favorite Baked Beans contains roughly 257 calories, with 5g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (15% of the Daily Value), potassium (13% of the Daily Value), and protein (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1471mg per serving (64% 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 make these baked beans in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beans a day ahead, allowing the flavors to meld. Simply store them in the refrigerator once cooled. Reheat gently before serving for the best taste.
What can I use instead of bacon?
If you're looking for a meatless option, you can substitute bacon with diced smoked tofu or tempeh for a similar smoky flavor. Alternatively, try adding liquid smoke for a vegetarian twist.
How do I adjust the sweetness of the beans?
You can easily adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar or molasses to suit your taste. Start with the recommended amounts and tweak them in small increments until you achieve your desired sweetness.
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).