Step 1

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Drain the soaked beans and rinse them thoroughly under cold water. Set aside.

Step 2

In a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it's crispy and the fat has rendered, about 5-7 minutes. Remove half of the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside for later use as a topping.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion to the pot with the remaining bacon and bacon fat. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the drained beans to the pot along with 4 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 45 minutes, or until the beans are just beginning to soften.

Step 5

In a separate bowl, whisk together the molasses, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and tomato sauce. Pour this mixture into the pot with the beans and stir to combine thoroughly.

Step 6

Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 2 hours, stirring once halfway through. After 2 hours, remove the lid and continue baking for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.

Step 7

Remove the pot from the oven and let it stand for 10-15 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken further. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 8

Sprinkle the reserved crispy bacon over the top of the beans before serving. Enjoy your homemade Southern-style baked beans hot as a delicious side dish or main course!