Leahs Old Fashioned Baked Beans Recipe

Now who doesn't like baked beans?!? This recipe is my version of the old fashioned classic - super easy to do in a crock pot or slow cooker - though I still do mine in a slow oven. My great tasting baked bean recipe combines the style and flavors from many states & cities: Boston, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut and mine (New York) - heck it's an American Fave!

I would recommend baking these the day before your 'party' to make it easier. Do not be put off by prep time (the beans need to soak over night) nor the cooking time which takes about 8 hours...ok I know a can of beans might be just as good to some of you and a lot faster, but there are clearly not homemade...so when you want to strut your 'Martha' try this recipe!


Ingredients:

1 bean pot with lid or slow cooker/crock pot
1 large bowl or pot to allow raw beans to soak over night
1 bag of navy beans
1 large yellow onion - cut into chunks
4 gloves garlic, mashed with the side of your knife
1 cup ketchup or more
2 tablespoons dry mustard
1/2 pound or less of salt pork OR 6 semi-cooked pieces of thick bacon
1 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper
1/4 cup dark or light brown sugar
1/4 cup dark molasses (love the stuff - and you can use more)
1 or 2 bay leaves
1/4 cup real maple syrup
1/4 cup spicy or dijon mustard
water

Directions:

I would suggest to start doing this 2 days before you need your baked beans for your picnic or party. Reheating is super easy, but the soaking takes at least 8 hours - as I do this normally over night to make it easier and the cooking takes another 8 hours.
I assure you, you barely do anything as it cooks, you simply let it do its thing - except for when its done, you eat too many they are sooo good! lol
Take strainer and rinse beans under water removing any stones or impurities.
Take large pot or bowl and fill with water to completely cover the beans in pot/bowl - then add another 4 cups water and set aside loosely covered on your kitchen counter.
During the eight hours of soaking, drain off water and add fresh water three times. Now you are ready to start baking your beans!
In bowl, add all spices, garlic, onion and liquids except for water and mix till combined.
Put beans in your bean pot or slow cooker. Add semi-cooked bacon or your salt pork which you have made slits in with a knife. Add onions and stir to mix it around.
Next pour spice mixture into bean pot, slow cooker, etc. Stir till all contents are well mixed.
Add enough water to cover the beans at least an inch above the beans.
If baking in a bean pot, throw the baby in the oven and let it bake at 250-325 degrees - on your oven's lowest setting for 6 to 8 hours - eight is better I find. Stirring once or twice during the baking period.
Take a peek now and then to make sure there is always enough 'water' to just cover the beans as the water may evaporate during the long cooking time. You may add extra ketchup if you like (as I did the other day)
During last hour, remove lid and continue baking - to allow any extra water to evaporate leaving you with a thick sauce and amazing baked beans.
If doing this in a slow cooker or crock pot, follow the directions above, but you may want to use just enough water to the crock pot to just cover the beans.
For alterations - add additional cooked bacon cut up or cooked hot dogs for those who love a little extra to their baked beans!
For veggie versions - omit salt pork and bacon - end results just as good!