Empire State Baked Beans
Empire State Baked Beans offer hearty, savory flavors with tender beans, salt pork, and aromatic spices, perfect for comforting family dinners or hearty gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash the beans and place them in a large saucepan with lukewarm water; cover.
- Let the beans stand for 12 hours.
- Do not drain; add enough cold water to cover the beans well.
- Slowly bring the mixture to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until tender, about 2 hours.
- Transfer the beans and pork to a greased shallow 1 1/2-quart baking dish, covering the pork with beans.
- Combine the remaining ingredients and sprinkle over the beans.
- Bake uncovered at 300°F until the beans are soft and a brown crust forms on top and along sides, about 3 to 3 1/2 hours.
- As the beans dry out, moisten with hot water as needed.
- Reheat the beans if necessary before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a dash of liquid smoke or a tablespoon of brown sugar to the beans. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the salt pork with smoked tofu or tempeh for a similar umami depth. Ensure you cover the beans with enough water while baking to prevent drying out, and check periodically.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Empire State Baked Beans alongside cornbread or as a hearty side to grilled meats. They pair beautifully with 'Linda's' Barbecue Sauerkraut for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and extra flavor. Enjoy as a comforting dish at family gatherings or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover baked beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the beans in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking. Heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Empire State Baked Beans contains roughly 271 calories, with 13g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (75% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (70% of the Daily Value), and iron (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 19g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned beans for a quicker preparation. Use about 4 cups of canned beans, rinsed and drained. Skip the soaking and boiling steps, and add the canned beans directly to the baking dish with the other ingredients, adjusting the baking time to about 1 hour.
What type of beans work best for baked beans?
Marrow or pea beans are traditional for baked beans, providing a creamy texture. However, you can also use navy beans or great northern beans as alternatives. Each type will yield slightly different flavors and textures, so choose according to your preference.
How do I know when the baked beans are done?
The beans are done when they are soft and creamy, and a brown crust forms on top and along the sides of the dish. You can test for doneness by tasting a few beans; they should be tender but not mushy. If they seem dry, add more hot water as needed during baking.
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).