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Savory Smoky Maple Baked Beans with Crispy Bacon

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A comforting baked beans recipe featuring smoky bacon and sweet maple syrup, balanced with spices and tangy vinegar for a perfect blend of flavors. Easy to prepare and ideal for cozy meals or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) canned navy beans, drained and rinsed
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/3 cup water or low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Chop the thick-cut bacon into bite-sized pieces. Place an ovenproof skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon until crispy, about 7–10 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet; drain excess if needed.
  3. Add the finely chopped onion to the bacon fat and cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. In a mixing bowl, stir together the maple syrup, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, black pepper, and water or chicken broth until smooth.
  5. Add the drained and rinsed navy beans to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Gently stir in the sauce mixture, ensuring all beans are evenly coated.
  6. Fold the crispy bacon pieces back into the beans, reserving a few for garnish if desired.
  7. Transfer the skillet or casserole dish to the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through to prevent sticking and encourage even cooking. The sauce should thicken and become glossy.
  8. Remove from the oven, taste, and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Optionally, sprinkle a little extra smoked paprika for more smoky flavor.
  9. Serve warm, garnished with reserved crispy bacon pieces and chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Use thick-cut bacon for best texture and flavor. Crisp bacon first to render fat for sautéing onions and garlic. Rinse canned beans to reduce sodium and improve texture. Adjust salt at the end to avoid over-salting. If beans are too thick after baking, stir in a splash of water or broth to loosen. Cast iron skillet recommended for even heat and caramelization.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, smoky baked beans, maple syrup, bacon, comfort food, easy recipe, savory beans, smoky flavor

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