Maple Bacon Baked Beans

At the heart of this recipe are navy beans, small white beans that are creamy in texture and have a mild flavor. They are packed with nutritional benefits, making them an excellent choice for any meal. Navy beans are a great source of plant-based protein, dietary fiber, and essential nutrients such as folate, magnesium, and iron. Their ability to absorb flavors makes them an ideal canvas for the rich and robust flavors of maple syrup and bacon.

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Maple Bacon Baked Beans recipe. Combining tender navy beans, crispy bacon, and the sweetness of pure maple syrup, this dish elevates the traditional baked beans to a whole new level. Perfect as a side for summer barbecues or as a hearty main course, these beans are versatile and satisfying. With a blend of flavors from garlic, onion, and mustard, they are sure to impress at any gathering. Enjoy the rich, indulgent taste that brings everyone together around the table.

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Ingredients

4 cups navy beans (dried)

8 oz bacon, chopped

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup maple syrup

1/4 cup ketchup

2 tbsp Dijon mustard

2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

1/2 cup water (more if needed)

Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Beans:

- Soak the dried navy beans in water overnight. Make sure the water covers the beans by a few inches to allow for expansion. The next day, drain and rinse the beans.

Cook the Beans:

- In a large pot, cover the soaked beans with fresh water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the beans are tender. Drain and set aside.

Cook the Bacon:

- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel to drain. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet.

Sauté the Vegetables:

- In the same skillet with the reserved bacon fat, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

Combine Ingredients:

- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beans, sautéed onion and garlic, crispy bacon, maple syrup, ketchup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix everything well to incorporate all flavors.

Bake the Beans:

- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Transfer the mixture to a large baking dish or a Dutch oven. Add 1/2 cup of water, stirring to combine. Cover with aluminum foil or a lid.

Cook in the Oven:

- Bake the beans for about 2 hours, stirring halfway through. Check for dryness; if it looks too thick, add a splash of water. Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of baking to allow the top to caramelize nicely.

Serve:

- Once cooked, remove the beans from the oven and let them sit for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. These beans are delicious on their own or as a side dish!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 mins | 2 hours 30 mins | 8 servings