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Savory Baked Beans with Maple and Crispy Bacon

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A hearty baked beans recipe combining smoky bacon, sweet maple syrup, and tender navy beans for a perfect BBQ side dish that’s both comforting and flavorful.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (200g) dried navy beans, soaked overnight or quick-soaked
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) pure maple syrup (Grade A amber preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 3 cups (720ml) water or low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup (200g) dried navy beans and soak them overnight in cold water, covering by at least 2 inches (5cm). Alternatively, quick soak by boiling beans for 2 minutes, removing from heat, covering, and letting sit for 1 hour. Drain and rinse before cooking.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 6 slices of thick-cut bacon until crispy, about 8 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.
  3. Add 1 large finely chopped yellow onion to the bacon fat and cook over medium-low heat until golden and soft, about 12-15 minutes. Add 3 minced garlic cloves in the last 2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
  4. Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1/4 cup (60ml) pure maple syrup, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Cook for 2 minutes to blend flavors.
  5. In a large oven-safe Dutch oven, combine soaked and drained beans, caramelized onion mixture, reserved bacon fat, and crispy bacon pieces. Pour in 3 cups (720ml) water or low-sodium chicken broth. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  6. Cover the Dutch oven with a lid or foil and bake at 325°F (165°C) for 1.5 to 2 hours. Check after 90 minutes; beans should be tender but not mushy. Add a splash of water if liquid is low. For a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 20 minutes of baking.
  7. Once baked, gently stir the beans. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Let the beans rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

If beans seem dry mid-bake, add hot water in small increments to keep sauce rich. Use a Dutch oven for best heat retention and caramelized crust. For vegetarian version, substitute bacon with smoked tempeh or mushrooms and use vegetable broth. Stir gently to avoid breaking beans. Salt should be added halfway or towards the end of cooking to prevent toughening beans.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, maple syrup, bacon, BBQ side dish, comfort food, navy beans, smoky, savory, easy recipe

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/savory-baked-beans-with-maple-and-crispy-bacon-easy-recipe-for-bbq-lovers/