A flavorful and hearty baked beans recipe, perfect for gatherings or as a comforting side dish.
Rinse and sort the beans, removing any debris.
Sorting the beans ensures no unwanted debris ends up in your dish.
Place the beans in a large pot and cover with water, about 3 inches above the beans. Soak overnight.
Soaking beans overnight reduces cooking time and improves digestibility.
Drain the beans and add fresh water to the pot. Stir in the baking soda.
Adding baking soda helps soften the beans and reduces cooking time.
Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Drain and reserve the cooking liquid.
Reserve the cooking liquid to use in the sauce for added flavor.
Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
Preheating ensures even cooking of the beans.
Combine the molasses, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, seasoning salt, dry mustard, black pepper, maple syrup, and smoked paprika in a bowl.
Mixing the sauce thoroughly ensures even distribution of flavors.
Layer the beans, chopped onion, and bacon in the bean pot. Pour the sauce over the top, adding 2 cups of the reserved cooking liquid.
Ensure the beans are fully submerged in the liquid to prevent drying out.
Cover the pot with a lid or aluminum foil and bake for 3 to 4 hours, checking every hour to add more liquid if needed.
Stir gently during baking to avoid breaking the beans.
Serve warm as a side dish or main course. Enjoy!
Pair with cornbread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.