What are "baked beans"?

Baked beans is a classic dish consisting of beans slow-cooked in a sweet and tangy sauce. The beans are first soaked overnight, then simmered with ingredients like molasses, brown sugar, mustard, and salt pork or bacon. The long, gentle cooking allows the beans to soften and absorb the sauce, developing a rich flavor. Depending on the variety of bean used, baked beans range in color from reddish brown to nearly black. The classic accompaniment to baked beans is toast, providing a vehicle for scooping up the thick, tangy sauce. Some varieties include chili-style baked beans with the addition of chili spices, chipotle peppers or barbecue sauce. Baked beans are a characteristic dish of New England and the United Kingdom, where they have traditionally been served on Sundays.