Granny'S Baked Beans
Granny's Baked Beans combine tender yellow-eyed beans with smoky salt pork, sweet molasses, and savory spices, creating a hearty, comforting dish perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse the beans and soak them covered overnight.
- Cook the beans very slowly in water on top of the stove until they split open when blown on. Drain the beans.
- Place the cooked beans in a bean pot with salt pork, sugar, molasses, dry mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Cover the beans with water and bake in a moderate 350°F oven for 5 or 6 hours.
- Ensure the water covers the beans until the last hour of baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, choose high-quality yellow-eyed beans and soak them overnight to ensure even cooking. If you don't have salt pork, diced bacon can be a suitable substitute, adding a similar flavor. Adjust the sugar based on your sweetness preference or try using maple syrup for a different taste. Remember to keep an eye on the beans during the last hour of baking to avoid drying out.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Granny's Baked Beans alongside grilled meats or as a hearty side at a barbecue. They pair beautifully with Baked Honey Ham for a comforting meal. For a complete dinner, consider adding a fresh Broccoli Salad No.1 or cornbread to balance the flavors and textures. These beans also make a great filling for tacos!
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover baked beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave them in a covered dish, checking every minute to ensure they warm evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Granny'S Baked Beans contains roughly 67 calories, with 1g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1784mg per serving (78% 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 a different type of bean?
Yes, you can substitute yellow-eyed beans with navy beans or great northern beans. However, cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly. Just ensure you soak them properly and check for tenderness before baking to achieve the desired texture in your baked beans.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make Granny's Baked Beans vegetarian, simply omit the salt pork and replace it with smoked tempeh or liquid smoke for a similar depth of flavor. You can also enhance the dish with sautéed onions and garlic for added richness, ensuring it remains delicious and satisfying without meat.
Is it possible to cook these beans in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To adapt this recipe for a slow cooker, follow the initial steps of soaking and cooking the beans, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, adding water as needed to keep the beans covered. This method allows for a hands-off approach while still achieving tender, flavorful beans.
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).