Our homemade baked beans recipe starts with dried navy beans that simmer in a sweet, savory and smoky sauce. It is everything you want as a side dish for potlucks, summer picnics, tailgates or backyard barbecues.

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried navy beans
• 1-1/2 teaspoons salt
• 4 quarts cold water, divided
• 1 cup chopped red onion
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 6 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions

1. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, bring beans, salt and 2 qt. water to a boil; boil for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; let stand for 1 hour. Drain beans, discarding liquid.
2. Return beans to pan. Cover with remaining water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1-1/2 to 2 hours or until beans are tender. Drain, reserving liquid.
3. Return to pan; add back 1 cup liquid, onion, molasses, bacon, brown sugar, mustard and pepper. Pour into a greased 2-1/2 qt. baking dish.
4. Cover and bake at 325° for 3 to 3-1/2 hours or until beans reach desired consistency, stirring occasionally. Add more reserved cooking liquid if needed.