Baked Beans

Classic New England-style baked beans made with dried navy beans, salt pork, and maple syrup. These beans are slowly baked until tender and flavored with onions, garlic, and mustard for a rich, hearty dish.

8 servings
13 hr 45 min

Ingredients

  • 1 lb dried navy beans
  • ¼ lb salt pork
  • cups water
  • 1 large onion
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • ½ cup Grade B maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon dry English mustard
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Pick over and rinse 1 lb dried navy beans (2 1/4 cups). Soak in cold water to cover by 2 inches at least 8 hours. Alternatively, quick-soak beans (see cooks' note, below). Drain.

    480 min

  2. 2.

    Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 350°F. Rinse and pat dry 1 (1/4-lb) piece salt pork (rind discarded), then cut into 3 pieces.

    15 min

  3. 3.

    Put beans and pork in an ovenproof 3-quart heavy pot with a lid. Add 4 1/2 cups water, 1 large onion (finely chopped; about 2 cups), 2 chopped garlic cloves, 1/2 cup Grade B maple syrup, 1 tablespoon dry English mustard (preferably Colman's), and 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper and stir to combine. Cover pot and bake until beans are just tender, 3 to 4 hours.

    240 min

  4. 4.

    Reduce oven temperature to 325°F. Remove lid. Bake beans, stirring occasionally, until most of liquid is absorbed but beans are still saucy, 1 to 1 1/2 hours more. Remove from oven. Stir in 1 tablespoon cider vinegar and 1 teaspoon salt or more to taste.

    90 min