These Molasses Baked Beans are a rich, smoky, and sweet dish that slow-cooks to perfection. Infused with the deep flavors of molasses, brown sugar, bacon, and spices, this classic comfort food is perfect as a side dish or served on toast for a hearty meal. Whether for a weekend brunch or a barbecue, these baked beans bring warmth and nostalgia to the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deep, rich flavor – The combination of molasses, brown sugar, and smoked paprika creates a delicious balance of sweet and savory.
- Slow-cooked perfection – Cooking low and slow allows the flavors to develop and the beans to become tender.
- Great for gatherings – A comforting side dish for barbecues, potlucks, or holiday meals.
- Versatile – Serve as a side dish, on toast, or alongside eggs for a complete meal.
- Easy to make ahead – Tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups dried navy beans (or 4 cups canned, drained)
- 6 cups water (for soaking)
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup molasses
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 cups water (or chicken broth)
Directions
1. Soak the Beans
- If using dried beans, soak them in 6 cups of water overnight. Drain and rinse before cooking.
2. Cook the Beans
- In a large pot, cover the beans with fresh water and simmer for 1 hour until tender. Drain.
3. Prepare the Sauce
- In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in molasses, brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne. Mix well.
4. Combine & Bake
- Add the cooked beans and 2 cups of water (or broth). Stir to combine.
- Cover with a lid and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally.
5. Thicken the Sauce
- Remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of baking to allow the sauce to thicken.
- Serve warm as a side dish or on toast for a classic comfort meal.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 280 kcal per serving
Variations
- Vegetarian Version – Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth for a meat-free dish.
- Spicier Beans – Add extra cayenne or a splash of hot sauce for more heat.
- Maple Baked Beans – Replace brown sugar with pure maple syrup for a Canadian twist.
- Slow Cooker Method – Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
- BBQ Style Beans – Add a teaspoon of liquid smoke for an extra smoky flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed, or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use canned beans instead of dried?
Yes! If using canned beans, skip the soaking and boiling steps. Simply drain and add them directly to the sauce before baking.
What type of beans work best?
Navy beans are traditional, but great northern beans or pinto beans also work well.
Why do I need to soak dried beans?
Soaking helps soften the beans, reduces cooking time, and makes them easier to digest.
Can I cook these beans in a slow cooker?
Yes! After preparing the sauce, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Removing the lid for the last 30 minutes of baking helps thicken the sauce. You can also mash some beans with a spoon for a thicker consistency.
Are molasses baked beans sweet?
They have a mild sweetness from the molasses and brown sugar, balanced by the smoky bacon and savory spices.
Can I add other meats?
Yes! Try adding diced ham, smoked sausage, or pulled pork for extra heartiness.
What can I serve with molasses baked beans?
They pair well with toast, cornbread, grilled meats, or a simple green salad.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Baked beans taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
This recipe is naturally dairy-free. Just ensure your Worcestershire sauce is also dairy-free.
Conclusion
These Molasses Baked Beans are the perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. Slow-cooked to perfection, they make an excellent side dish for barbecues, potlucks, or cozy family meals. Whether served with toast, cornbread, or as a standalone dish, this comforting classic will quickly become a favorite. Try them today and enjoy a taste of homemade goodness!
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Classic Molasses Baked Beans
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minute
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Slow-cooked, rich, and hearty baked beans sweetened with molasses and flavored with smoky bacon.
Ingredients
For the Beans:
- 2 cups dried navy beans (or 4 cups canned, drained)
- 6 cups water (for soaking)
For the Sauce:
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 cups water (or chicken broth)
Instructions
-
Soak the Beans (If Using Dried):
- Soak dried beans in water overnight.
- Drain and rinse before cooking.
-
Cook the Beans:
- In a large pot, cover soaked beans with fresh water.
- Simmer for 1 hour, until tender. Drain.
-
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.
- Add chopped onion and cook until soft.
-
Mix Ingredients:
- Stir in molasses, brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne.
- Mix well until combined.
-
Combine & Bake:
- Add the cooked beans and 2 cups water (or broth).
- Stir, cover with a lid, and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally.
-
Final Touch:
- Remove the lid for the last 30 minutes to thicken the sauce.
-
Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve warm as a side dish or on toast for a classic comfort meal.
Notes
- For extra depth, add ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar at the end.
- No bacon? Use smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a vegetarian version.
- Slow Cooker Option: Cook on low for 6-8 hours instead of baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Side Dish, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking, Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Canadian, Traditional
