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Homemade Baked Beans

A hearty and comforting dish featuring creamy Great Northern beans, savory bacon, and a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time2 hours
Total Time2 hours 15 minutes
Course: Side
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Comfort Food
Servings: 6 servings

Equipment

  • Large Bowl
  • Dutch Oven

Ingredients

Beans

  • 1 pound Dried Great Northern beans Soaked overnight or for at least 6-8 hours.

Bacon

  • 1 pound Thick-cut bacon, chopped

Vegetables

  • 1 large Yellow onion, peeled and chopped
  • 1 Jalapeño, seeded and chopped

Sweeteners and Sauces

  • ½ cup Dark brown sugar
  • ¼ cup Tomato paste
  • ¼ cup Molasses

Broth and Seasonings

  • 3 cups Vegetable broth Plus more as needed.
  • 2 teaspoons Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon Cayenne pepper

Instructions

  • Step 1: Rinse the dried Great Northern beans under cold water, removing any debris or damaged beans. Place the beans in a large bowl and cover them with water. Allow them to soak overnight or for at least 6-8 hours.
  • Step 2: In a large Dutch oven, add the chopped bacon over medium heat. Cook until browned and crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the fat in the pot.
  • Step 3: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the chopped jalapeño and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  • Step 4: Drain and rinse the soaked beans and add them to the pot. Stir in the dark brown sugar, tomato paste, molasses, vegetable broth, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
  • Step 5: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Add more vegetable broth if needed.
  • Step 6: After simmering, the beans should be tender and the sauce thickened. For a thicker consistency, uncover and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes. Stir in the crispy bacon bits before serving.
  • Step 7: Serve hot as a side dish or main course, pairing beautifully with grilled meats or crusty bread.

Notes

For added flavor, consider using smoked paprika instead of cayenne pepper. Adjust sweetness with dark brown sugar and molasses to taste.