Evolution of Baked Beans: From 1800s Classics to Modern Twists

pork belly

🥗Healthier: turkey bacon

💰Cheaper: pork shoulder

Turkey bacon reduces fat while still providing a smoky flavor.

maple syrup

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: corn syrup

Honey offers a natural sweetness with a distinct flavor.

brown sugar

🥗Healthier: coconut sugar

💰Cheaper: white sugar

Coconut sugar adds a caramel-like taste with lower glycemic index.

navy beans

🥗Healthier: cannellini beans

💰Cheaper: pinto beans

Cannellini beans provide a creamy texture while being more affordable.

Preheat oven to 140ºC (275ºF).

Cover beans with water and soak overnight, or cover with water and boil for 45 minutes.

Drain beans and place in a bean pot, stirring in all of the other ingredients, and nestling the pork on top.

Cover tightly and bake for 5-6 hours, checking occasionally to see if you need to add more liquid.

If using a chunk of bacon/salt pork, remove and chop up before stirring back into the beans.

Bake another 30-40 minutes with the lid off.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: