Great Northern Beans Recipe

Close-up of tender Great Northern beans showing creamy texture after cooking.

5 from 1 vote

Great Northern Beans are slow-simmered with smoky pork chops or ham and simple seasonings. These beans are a rich, flavorful dish that's perfect for family dinners, Sunday suppers, or cozy weeknights.

Prep Time15

Cook Time2

Course: Main Dish, Side Dish

Cuisine: Southern

Servings: servings

Calories: 133kcal

Author: Gina Abernathy

Ingredients

1-2 pounds Great Northern Beans I used 2 pounds. This will serve a crowd.
1.5-2 pounds Sliced smoked ham or smoked pork chops cut into pieces
8-10 cups Water I used 10 cups for 2 pounds of beans.
2 teaspoons Salt Adjust accordingly. This was for 2 pounds.
1 teaspoon Pepper

Instructions

Clean the Beans. Wash the beans and pick out any foreign matter or damaged beans. Rinse well and set aside.
Quick Soak the Beans. For every 1 pound of beans, soak in 2 quarts of water. Add beans and water to a large pot. Bring to a full rolling boil. Boil for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat, cover, and let it soak for 1 hour. After soaking, remove and discard any remaining water, rinse, and reexamine the beans for any bad beans.
Start Cooking. Add the soaked beans back to a large pot or Dutch oven.
Add Remaining Ingredients. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a rolling boil.
Simmer. Reduce the heat to a low boil and cook for about 20 minutes. Then lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover tightly, and cook for 1½ to 2 hours, or until beans reach your desired tenderness.
Serve. Once beans are tender and creamy, taste and adjust the seasoning. Serve hot with cornbread or your favorite sides.

Notes

I cooked a 2-pound bag of beans. Adjust the recipe according to water and seasonings. The cooking times stay the same.

Recipe Tips

Always rinse and sort the dried beans before cooking.
Don't skip the overnight soaking or the quick soak. It helps the beans to cook evenly.
Simmer for the best flavor.
A leftover holiday ham bone, pork neck bones, smoked turkey wings, or smoked sausage will also work for the added meat.
Make sure the beans are covered with water throughout cooking.
Soaking the beans is not included in the prep or cook time. This should be done before you start this recipe.

Nutrition