This baked beans recipe is an (updated) old Mack family favorite. Now, it's one of the staples our friends look forward to at Huber gatherings. It has a long list of “goes with”—hot dogs, hamburgers, roast pork, barbecued chicken, you name it. Honestly, these baked beans make a meal in and of themselves. They also freeze really well, which makes them ideal to pull out for camping or ski trips, when we know we'll be feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds dried cannellini beans
- 8 ounces center-cut bacon, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch strips
- 2 medium onions, diced
- 1-1/2 cups molasses
- 1-1/2 cups ketchup
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1-1/2 tablespoons dry mustard
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ginger
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions
- Soak cannellini beans in cold water over night, and drain. Place beans in a large pot, cover with cold water by 2 inches, and bring to a boil. Lower heat, and simmer for 1-1/2 hours, until just softened. Drain and reserve liquid.
- While beans are boiling, brown the bacon and onion in a large skillet for 15-20 minutes, until both are a deep golden brown. Spoon off excess fat. Pour 1/4 cup cold water into pan, and scrape up anything stuck to the bottom. Remove from heat.
- Pour beans into a slow cooker. Add bacon mixture and remaining ingredients, and stir to mix well. Pour enough of the reserved cooking water to cover beans by 1/2 inch. Stir again. Cook on high for 6 to 8 hours. (Add more cooking water if beans look dry and cracked.)
Servings: 32
Note: If not using a slow cooker, cook in a Dutch oven (you can sauté the bacon and onion in the same pot) at 250℉ for 6-8 hours, until beans are tender and deep brown.
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