My Mother'S Baked Beans
A hearty baked beans dish with smoky bacon, sweet sugar, and tender navy beans, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with rich, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak navy beans overnight, then drain and wash them.
- Cover beans with water, add soda, and bring to a foaming boil.
- Drain beans and wash under faucet.
- Return beans to saucepan.
- Cover with water and add salt.
- Boil until skins just start to pop.
- Add more water, white sugar, and chopped bacon.
- Bake until beans are tender, about an hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, soak the navy beans for at least 8 hours to ensure even cooking. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for flavor. Adjust the sugar according to your taste; you could also try using brown sugar for a deeper flavor. Keep an eye on the beans while baking to prevent them from drying out.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these baked beans as a hearty side dish at your next barbecue or potluck. They pair wonderfully with grilled meats, especially alongside Snow'S Smoked Pork Shoulder or with a fresh Pea Salad Extra(Serves 6 Or More). Consider serving with cornbread or over rice for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover baked beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place them in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if they seem too thick. You can also reheat them in the microwave, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of My Mother'S Baked Beans contains roughly 312 calories, with 4g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1962mg per serving (85% 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 navy beans?
Yes, you can use canned navy beans to save time. Just rinse and drain them before adding to the recipe, and reduce the cooking time since they are already cooked. Simmer them for about 20-30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
How do I know when the beans are done baking?
The beans are done when they are tender and the sauce has thickened. You can test their tenderness by tasting a few beans; they should be soft but not mushy. If the beans seem too dry, add a little water and continue baking.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the baked beans?
Absolutely! You can adjust the amount of sugar to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet dish, start with half the amount of sugar and taste as you go. You can also add a splash of vinegar for a nice tang that balances the 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).