Maple Bacon Baked Beans

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 45 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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Maple Bacon Baked Beans are a delightful twist on a classic dish, perfect for any gathering or cozy night in. The sweet and savory combination of maple syrup and bacon brings a comforting, rich flavor to these baked beans that will win over any crowd.

Ingredients for Maple Bacon Baked Beans

Navy beans are the base of this dish, providing a creamy texture that absorbs the flavors beautifully. Thick-cut bacon adds a savory, smoky element that pairs perfectly with the sweet notes. Onion contributes aromatic depth, while pure maple syrup infuses the beans with a natural sweetness. Apple cider vinegar brings a tangy brightness to balance the richness. Ketchup adds a touch of tomato-based sweetness and thickness to the sauce. Dijon mustard gives a mild, tangy heat that complements the other flavors. Garlic enhances the savory notes, and smoked paprika provides a subtle, smoky warmth. Finish with salt and black pepper to taste, rounding out the flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you like your beans extra thick, let them cool for a bit longer before serving.
  • For a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
  • Use a cast-iron Dutch oven for more even cooking.

Serving Suggestions

These baked beans are fantastic alongside grilled meats like chicken or ribs. They also pair well with cornbread or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. For a cozy night in, try serving them as a hearty main dish with crusty bread.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of bean?
Yes, you can use any small white bean, like great northern or cannellini beans.
Is there a vegetarian version?
Absolutely. Skip the bacon and use olive oil to sauté the onions and garlic.

Maple Bacon Baked Beans Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures your beans will bake evenly. Grab a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven and cook your chopped bacon over medium heat. Keep an eye on it until it turns crispy, then scoop it out with a slotted spoon, leaving that glorious bacon fat in the pot — that's liquid gold right there.

Toss in your diced onion and let it sauté in the bacon fat until it turns translucent, which should take about five minutes. Stir in your minced garlic and let it cook until fragrant, which usually takes just a minute. You want that aroma to fill your kitchen.

Now, pour in the maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika. Give it a good stir to combine everything. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Add your navy beans and the cooked bacon back into the pot, mixing everything together so the beans are nicely coated.

Move the pot to your preheated oven and let it bake uncovered for about 45 minutes. This will thicken the sauce and let the flavors meld together beautifully. Once done, take it out and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the savory-sweet magic you've just created!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • A perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
  • Uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
  • Easy to make, yet impressively delicious for any occasion.
  • Great as a side dish or a hearty main course.

Ingredients

2 cans (15 oz each) navy beans
6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
1 medium onion, diced
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
3. Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté in the bacon fat until translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Add the maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
6. Add the navy beans and cooked bacon back into the pot, mixing everything together.
7. Transfer the pot to the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 45 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
8. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.

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