Nothing says Independence Day quite like a hearty side of homemade baked beans slowly simmered to perfection. This classic Homemade Baked Beans Recipe delivers rich, smoky-sweet flavor with tender beans and a thick, savory sauce—far better than anything from a can. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, serving grilled burgers and hot dogs, or contributing to a holiday potluck, these baked beans are guaranteed to be a crowd favorite. Best of all, they can be made ahead and taste even better the next day.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus overnight soaking)
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes (plus soaking)
- Servings: 8
- Yield: About 8 cups baked beans
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried navy beans
- Water, as needed
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- ¾ cup ketchup
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup molasses
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra smoky flavor)
- 1 cup reserved bean cooking liquid or water
Directions
- Soak the Beans:
Rinse beans and place them in a large bowl. Cover with several inches of cold water and soak overnight. Drain and rinse before cooking. - Parboil the Beans:
Transfer soaked beans to a large pot and cover with fresh water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45–60 minutes, until beans are tender but not falling apart. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid. - Cook the Bacon and Onion:
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). In a large oven-safe Dutch oven or heavy baking dish, cook bacon over medium heat until partially crisp. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat. - Prepare the Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, mustard, vinegar, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. - Combine and Bake:
Add cooked beans to the bacon mixture. Pour sauce over beans and stir gently to combine. Add reserved cooking liquid. Beans should be saucy but not soupy. - Bake Slowly:
Cover and bake for 2 hours. Remove lid and bake an additional 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce is thick and glossy. Add small amounts of water if beans become too dry. - Rest Before Serving:
Let baked beans rest for 10–15 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to fully thicken.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated values
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 11g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 9g
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 680mg
Conclusion
This Homemade Baked Beans Recipe is the perfect addition to any Independence Day menu, offering deep flavor, comforting texture, and timeless appeal. Slow-baked with bacon, molasses, and just the right balance of sweetness and tang, these beans pair beautifully with grilled meats, corn on the cob, and classic picnic sides. Make them once, and they’ll quickly become a Fourth of July tradition your friends and family look forward to every year.
