Maple Bacon Baked Beans

Before we get into the preparation, let’s take a closer look at the essential ingredients that make this dish stand out. Each component plays a vital role in contributing to the overall flavor and texture of the baked beans, making it crucial to understand their significance.

Transform your traditional baked beans into a crowd-pleasing dish with this Maple Bacon Baked Beans recipe! By combining rich, creamy dried navy beans with the smoky flavor of crispy bacon and the sweetness of maple syrup, you’ll create a comforting side dish perfect for any gathering. Discover essential ingredients, cooking tips, and serving suggestions that elevate this classic dish to new heights. Make it your go-to for barbecues and family dinners!

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Ingredients

2 cups dried navy beans (or 3 cans of navy beans, rinsed and drained)

6 slices of thick-cut bacon, chopped

1 medium onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup maple syrup

1/4 cup ketchup

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)

Instructions

Pre-soak the Beans: If using dried navy beans, rinse and soak them in water overnight. Drain the beans before cooking. If using canned beans, simply drain and rinse them.

Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and drain it on paper towels, leaving about 2 tablespoons of drippings in the skillet.

Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, add the diced onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.

Mix the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the maple syrup, ketchup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, black pepper, sea salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir to mix well.

Combine Ingredients: In a large oven-safe dish or Dutch oven, combine the cooked bacon, sautéed onion and garlic, soaked beans, and sauce mixture. Pour in the chicken broth, and stir well to combine all the ingredients.

Bake the Beans: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil and bake for about 2-2.5 hours, stirring occasionally throughout cooking. If the beans appear too dry, add a little more broth or water.

Final Touches: After 2.5 hours, remove the lid, stir the beans, and bake uncovered for an additional 30-45 minutes until the sauce thickens and the beans are tender.

Serve: Let the baked beans cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra crispy bacon pieces if desired, and enjoy your sweet and savory maple bacon baked beans!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 3 hours | 8 servings