Yankee Baked Beans
A hearty and flavorful baked bean dish featuring salt pork and onion, slow-cooked to tender perfection, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place beans in a 4-quart cooking pot, cover with cold water, and let soak overnight.
- In the morning, pour out the water, then cover the beans with fresh water.
- Add the salt pork and the onion which has been cut into fine pieces.
- Bring to a boil and simmer for at least 1.5 hours or until beans are tender.
- Transfer the beans and onion into a baking pan with enough juice to nearly cover the beans.
- Season to taste.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
- Serve with catsup or chili sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, soak the beans overnight to ensure they cook evenly. If you don't have salt pork, diced bacon or ham can be used as alternatives. Adding a touch of brown sugar or maple syrup can enhance the sweetness of the dish. For an extra flavor boost, consider including a splash of apple cider vinegar or a hint of mustard. This dish pairs wonderfully with our favorite baked beans.
Serving Suggestions
Yankee baked beans can be served as a hearty side dish alongside grilled meats, especially barbecue chicken or pork recipes. They also complement cornbread perfectly. For a complete meal, consider serving them with a fresh green salad or coleslaw. They are great as a filling topping for baked potatoes or served with crusty bread.
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 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, covered, in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Yankee Baked Beans contains roughly 157 calories, with 3g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 480mg per serving (21% 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 or pea beans to save time. If using canned beans, skip the soaking and cooking time, and simply combine them with the salt pork and onion in the baking dish. Adjust the baking time to about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
How can I make these beans vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, omit the salt pork and replace it with smoked paprika or liquid smoke to achieve a similar flavor. You can also add diced vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to enhance the texture and taste. Adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Can I add other ingredients to the beans?
Absolutely! Feel free to add ingredients like bell peppers, garlic, or even a splash of barbecue sauce for a different flavor profile. Some people enjoy a bit of heat, so adding jalapeños or chili powder can spice things up. Just remember to balance the flavors.
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).