# Baked Beans Recipe
Canonical URL: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/recipes/baked-beans
Publication state: published
Updated: 2026-08-02
Primary keyword: baked beans recipe
A practical, source-aware recipe for baked beans, with the history kept close to the method.
## Timing and Yield
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Cook: 30 minutes
- Total: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
## Ingredients
- 1 lb. dried pinto beans (2¼ cups)
- 8 oz. bacon (about 12 slices), cut into ½" pieces
- 1⅓ cups chopped white or yellow onion
- 1 cup ketchup
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup dry mustard
- 2 Tbsp. mild-flavored (light) molasses or brown sugar
- 2 bay leaves
- 1½ Tbsp. finely chopped garlic
- 1 tsp. Diamond Crystal or ½ tsp. Morton’s kosher salt
- 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
## Method
1. Step 1: Place 1 lb. dried pinto beans in large bowl. Add enough water to cover by 3". Let stand overnight. Drain beans; set aside.
   Step image: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/images/recipes/steps/baked-beans-step-1.webp
   Image description: Step 1: Step 1 for Baked Beans.
2. Step 2: Preheat oven to 350°. Sauté 8 oz. bacon, cut into ½" pieces in a Dutch oven or other heavy large pot until crispy, about 8 minutes. Add soaked beans, 1⅓ cups chopped white or yellow onion, 1 cup ketchup, ⅓ cup pure maple syrup, ¼ cup apple cider vinegar, ¼ cup dry mustard, 2 Tbsp. mild-flavored (light) molasses or brown sugar, 2 bay leaves, 1½ Tbsp. finely chopped garlic, 1 tsp. Diamond Crystal or ½ tsp. Morton’s kosher salt, 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, and 8 cups water to pot. Bring to boil.
   Step image: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/images/recipes/steps/baked-beans-step-2.webp
   Image description: Step 2: Step 2 for Baked Beans.
3. Step 3: Transfer pot to oven. Bake uncovered until beans are tender and liquid thickens, stirring occasionally, about 4 hours. Do ahead: Chill, covered, up to 1 day. Bring beans to a simmer before serving.
   Step image: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/images/recipes/steps/baked-beans-step-3.webp
   Image description: Step 3: Step 3 for Baked Beans.
## Storage
Cool completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat only when the texture benefits from it.
## History Context
This side builds on the history of how dried legumes — from fertile crescent pulses to american phaseolus — became humanity’s portable protein and fiber pantry, linking the dish to beans’s longer story in food culture.
## Primary Image
- URL: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/images/recipes/variants/baked-beans/baked-beans-og.webp
- Description: Baked Beans. Photo: Silar / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0).
- Status: editorial-placeholder
## Sources
1. Original Baked Beans recipe. Bon Appétit. https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/baked-beans