Smoky Maple Baked Beans

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour
🍽 Serves: 6
Be the First to Review!

If you're looking to elevate your baked beans game, these Smoky Maple Baked Beans are just the ticket. With a rich, smoky-sweet flavor and a hint of heat, they're perfect for any gathering, from summer barbecues to cozy winter dinners.

Ingredients for Smoky Maple Baked Beans

Navy beans are the heart of this dish, providing a creamy texture that soaks up all the flavors. Bacon adds a smoky, salty depth, while the yellow onion brings a touch of sweetness and aromatic foundation. Maple syrup and molasses are the dynamic duo of sweetness and richness, with the apple cider vinegar offering a tangy counterbalance. Dijon mustard contributes a gentle heat and complexity, and smoked paprika enhances the smoky profile. Finally, the spices — salt, black pepper, and a hint of cayenne pepper — round out the flavors, making each bite a delight.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a vegetarian version, skip the bacon and use a teaspoon of liquid smoke for that smoky flavor.
  • If you don't have a Dutch oven, any oven-safe pot with a lid will do the trick.
  • Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level — a little goes a long way!

Serving Suggestions

These baked beans pair wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or pork chops. For a vegetarian meal, serve them alongside a hearty grain salad or roasted vegetables. They're also a classic side dish for burgers or hot dogs, making them a versatile choice for any occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, but you'll need to soak and cook them first, which will add time to the recipe. Make sure they're fully cooked before adding them to the sauce.
What if I don't have maple syrup?
You can substitute honey or brown sugar, though the flavor will be slightly different.
How can I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Smoky Maple Baked Beans Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives you time to get everything else ready while the oven warms up. In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, cook the dice bacon over medium heat until it's nice and crispy. Once it's done, scoop it out with a slotted spoon and set it aside for later. Keep that bacon fat in the pot, though — it's liquid gold for flavor.

Next, toss in the diced onion. Sauté it in the bacon fat until it's soft and translucent, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. This process builds a flavor base that will infuse the entire dish. Once the onions are ready, add in the maple syrup, molasses, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika. Stir everything together until well combined.

Now, it's time for the beans. Drain the navy beans and add them to the pot, stirring to ensure they're evenly coated with the flavorful sauce. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Adjust these to your taste, especially the cayenne if you prefer a milder dish.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once it's bubbling away, cover the pot and pop it into your preheated oven. Let it bake for 45 minutes to an hour. You'll know it's ready when the sauce is thickened and the flavors have melded beautifully. Just before serving, stir in the crispy bacon for that perfect crunch.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Smoky and sweet flavors that balance beautifully.
  • Simple ingredients that pack a punch.
  • Bacon adds a crispy, savory touch that takes it over the top.
  • Great make-ahead dish for busy days.

Ingredients

2 cans of navy beans (15 oz each)
1 large yellow onion, diced
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup molasses
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1/4 lb thick-cut bacon, diced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside.
3. In the remaining bacon fat, sauté the diced onion until soft and translucent.
4. Add the maple syrup, molasses, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika to the pot, stirring to combine.
5. Stir in the drained navy beans, ensuring they are well-coated with the sauce.
6. Season with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper, adjusting to taste.
7. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pot and transfer to the preheated oven.
8. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
9. Stir in the crispy bacon just before serving for added texture and flavor.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!