4th of July Baked Beans

prep time:: 20 min
cook time:: 6 - 8 hours

Makes 10 servings

To be completely honest baked beans are not my favorite side at any cookout. However; every 4th of July cookout needs baked beans and I say if you’re the one bringing the beans, don’t take short cuts and buy them in a can. Take some pride in the baked beans, I mean everyone knows that everything tastes better if it’s homemade, anyway. Betty Crocker gave this recipe to me about 7 years ago, I amened it to fit in with my food allergies, of course.

ingredients

10 cups water
2 cups dried navy beans (1 pound)
1/2 cup packed Brown Sugar
1/4 cup Molasses
1 teaspoon Kosher salt
6 slices organic bacon, crisply cooked and crumbled
1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
3 cups water

directions

1
Heat oven to 350°. Heat 10 cups water and the beans to boiling in 8 quart ovenproof Dutch oven. Boil uncovered 2 minutes. Stir in remaining ingredients except 3 cups water.
2
Cover and bake 4 hours, stirring occasionally. Stir in 3 cups water. Bake uncovered 2 hours to 2 hours 15 minutes longer, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender and desired consistency.

The Cook’s Two Cents

Note that due to varying oven temperatures and type of cookware, the cooking time may vary. If you are not using a well insulated dutch oven the cooking time could take up to an additional 2 hours.

Source: Rachel Hammel