Do not salt the soaking water

According to MenuCochon: : this could prevent the beans from softening correctly.

Use good quality lard

According to MenuCochon: : a good salted lard adds an unmatched flavor.

According to MenuCochon: : choose a grade A amber maple syrup for a richer flavor in your traditional homemade beans recipe.

According to MenuCochon: : slow cooking is what gives the beans their creamy texture and caramelized taste.

Baked Beans: Traditional & Savory

Name: Traditional Quebec-Style Baked Beans
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 480 min
Total time: 500 min
Yield: 8 portions
Cuisine: Québécoise
Ingredients: 500 g (approximately 2 ½ cups) of dried white beans (haricots blancs or navy beans); 200 g cubed salt pork; 1 g finely chopped yellow onion; 125 ml (½ cup) of pure maple syrup; 60 ml (¼ cup) of molasses; 30 ml (2 tbsp) of brown sugar; 15 ml (1 tbsp) of dry mustard (or Dijon mustard); 1 c. à thé salt; ½ c. à thé black pepper; Water (enough to cover the beans)

FR|EN

Traditional Quebec-Style Baked Beans

Prep20 min

Cook480 min

Servings8

DifficultyMedium

By Menucochon|

April 26, 2025

|Updated: Apr 6, 2026

Traditional Quebec-Style Baked Beans

Prep20 min

Cook480 min

Servings8

DifficultyMedium

By Menucochon|

April 26, 2025

|Updated: Apr 6, 2026

Quebec-style baked beans are a true staple of our culinary heritage. Their sweet, caramelized aroma brings back memories of sugar shacks and family meals. This comforting dish is simple, hearty, and packed with flavor. Today, I’m sharing an authentic recipe that lets you recreate these traditional tastes at home. Whether it’s for brunch, a family dinner, or a festive gathering, these baked beans will take center stage and bring a touch of Quebec tradition to your table.

Ingredients

Servings

350 kcal

Preparation

Instructions

0/4

Pre-cooking of the beans
Place the drained beans in a large saucepan. Cover with fresh water and bring to a boil. Let simmer for about 30 minutes, until the beans are slightly tender but still firm. Drain again.
Preparation of main cooking
In a large cast-iron pot, slow cooker or baking dish, place half of the lard at the bottom. Add half of the cooked beans on top. Spread the chopped onion over the layer of beans. Add the remaining lard, then finish with the remaining beans.
Preparation of the sauce
In a bowl, mix maple syrup, molasses, brown sugar, dry mustard, salt and pepper. Pour this mixture over the beans in the pot. Add enough hot water to just cover the beans.
Slow cooking of the beans in lard
For a traditional homemade baked beans recipe, slow cooking is key: In a conventional oven: Preheat your oven to 120 °C (250 °F). Cover the pot and bake for about 6 to 8 hours. Stir gently every 2 hours and add water as needed to prevent the beans from drying out. For a nice caramelization, remove the lid during the last hour of cooking. Tip: If using a slow cooker, set it to low heat for 8 hours.

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Our Tips

Chef's tips for making this recipe

Avoid salting the soaking water, as it can prevent the beans from softening properly. Opt for high-quality lard to enhance the flavor. And most importantly, be patient: slow cooking is the secret to achieving perfectly tender and flavorful baked beans.

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Serving Suggestions

Making Quebec-style baked beans is like taking a culinary trip back in time. Each bite is a reminder of the simplicity and authenticity of meals from the past. Serve them at a Sunday brunch, a family gathering, or enjoy them as part of a comforting homemade meal. This recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. And remember, the longer they cook, the richer the flavors will be!