New England-Style Pork and Beans
New England-style pork and beans slowly bake navy beans with salt pork, molasses, onion, and dry mustard until dark and tender.
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Illustrated cooking guide
Step-by-step visual method
A polished English infographic for the whole cooking flow, paired with the full written recipe below for detail and SEO.
Written method
Instructions
Read through once, then cook at your own pace with the illustrated guide above.
- 1
Simmer the soaked beans in fresh water until barely tender; reserve the cooking liquid.
- 2
Layer beans, onion, and salt pork in a bean pot or Dutch oven.
- 3
Mix molasses, brown sugar, mustard, and salt with hot bean liquid and pour over the beans to cover.
- 4
Cover and bake at 300°F/150°C for 4 to 5 hours, adding reserved liquid as needed.
- 5
Uncover for the final 30 minutes to brown the top and thicken the sauce.
Cook notes
Tips
Soaking the beans overnight helps reduce cooking time and improve texture.
For more flavor, brown the pork well before adding the beans.
Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar according to your taste.
Cook smarter
Helpful notes
Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.
Storage Tips
- Leftovers should be refrigerated in an airtight container and can last for up to 3 days.
- You can freeze Pork and Beans for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Substitutions
- Pork shoulder can be replaced with pork belly or ham hocks for added flavor.
- Chicken broth can be swapped with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
What to Serve With
- Cornbread
- Simple green salad
Common Mistakes
- Not soaking the beans long enough, which can lead to tough beans.
- Adding salt too early can prevent beans from softening properly.
Recipe FAQ
Can I use canned beans instead of dried?
Yes, if using canned beans, add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking.
What can I serve with Pork and Beans?
This dish pairs well with cornbread or a simple green salad.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Kitchen tools
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Baking sheet
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Blender
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Saucepan
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Chef knife
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Cutting board
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