Baked beans are a dish traditionally containing white beans that are parboiled and then baked in sauce at low temperature for a lengthy period. In the United States, the dish is usually made with navy beans, which are a small white variety with a mellow and creamy flavor. In the United Kingdom, the dish is sometimes baked, but usually stewed in sauce. Canned baked beans are not baked, but are cooked through a steam process. Most canned baked beans are made from haricot beans in sauce, which are also known as navy beans. When making baked beans from scratch, certain dried beans stand out for their flavor, texture, and ability to absorb the rich, savory flavors of the sauce. Any of the varieties listed below are a great choice for this recipe:

• Navy Beans: These small beans are the most popular choice for making homemade baked beans. They hold their shape well but become tender and creamy after a long cooking time.
• Great Northern Beans: They are slightly larger than navy beans but have a similar creamy texture.
• Pink Beans: They are very similar to pinto beans in flavor and texture.