Go Back
–+ servings
Millie's Baked Beans
Millie’s Baked Beans is a classic homestyle recipe featuring tender Great Northern beans baked slowly with sugar, vinegar, pork, and light seasoning for a comforting, hearty side dish. Perfect for gatherings, picnics, or family dinners, these beans balance sweetness and tanginess while delivering a rich, smoky depth from the pork. Slow-baked to perfection, they’re ideal for summer barbecues, potlucks, and holiday spreads.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 8 hours
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 13 hours
Course side
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs Great Northern beans (about 5 cups cooked)
  • hot water (enough to cover beans)
  • 1 cup sugar (or up to 1 cup, white or brown)
  • 2 tbsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
  • ½ lb pork (salt pork or bacon recommended)
  • additional hot water as needed while baking

Instructions
 

Step 1: Soak Beans

  • Place beans in a large bowl, cover with water, and soak overnight.
  • Drain before cooking.

Step 2: Pre-Cook Beans

  • Place drained beans in a large pot and cover with hot water.
  • Simmer until beans are tender, about 45–60 minutes.

Step 3: Season and Prepare for Baking

  • Add sugar, salt, pepper, and pork to the cooked beans.
  • Stir to combine.

Step 4: Bake

  • Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for 2–3 hours OR
  • Bake at 250°F for 4–5 hours for a slower, deeper flavor.
  • Always add hot water as needed while baking to keep beans moist.

Step 5: Serve

  • Serve hot as a side dish for barbecues, potlucks, or family dinners.

Tips

  • Always add hot water while baking (as written on the card) to keep beans moist and saucy.
  • Use white or brown sugar as noted; brown sugar will create a deeper molasses-like flavor.
  • Replace pork with bacon or salt pork for a smokier taste, or omit for a vegetarian version.
  • Add a spoonful of mustard or molasses for classic New England flavor variation.
  • Cook beans gently until just tender before baking to avoid splitting.
  • A Dutch oven works well for even heat and moisture retention during baking.
  • For hands-off cooking, finish the baking stage in a slow cooker on low until thick and bubbly.
  • Taste and adjust salt and pepper after baking; sweetness can be tuned by reducing sugar to ¾ cup as hinted on the card.
  • Leftovers freeze well; portion into containers for easy meal prep.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 16gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.7gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 580mgPotassium: 960mgFiber: 11gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 90mgIron: 4.5mg
Keyword baked beans, comfort food, family recipe, great northern beans, new england, oven baked beans, potluck side dish, salt pork, vintage recipe
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!