Potent Maple Baked Beans
Sweet, smoky, and irresistibly rich, Potent Maple Baked Beans are the ultimate crowd-pleasing side dish with a bold New England twist. This recipe features tender navy beans infused with layers of flavor from real maple syrup, molasses, and a touch of smoked paprika, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and smokiness. Optional crispy bacon adds a savory depth, while Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar deliver a tangy kick. Slowly baked to perfection, these beans develop a luscious, thick sauce that’s perfect for scooping up with crusty bread. Whether served at a backyard barbecue or as a comforting addition to a cold-weather meal, these baked beans are an unforgettable treat that elevates a classic favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Dried navy beans
- 8 cups Water
- 4 slices Bacon (optional, for smoky flavor)
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 0.5 cups Maple syrup
- 0.25 cups Molasses
- 2 tablespoons Brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2.5 cups Water or broth
Instructions
Rinse the dried navy beans under cold water, removing any debris or damaged beans.
Place the beans in a large bowl or pot and cover them with water. Allow them to soak overnight, or use the quick-soak method by boiling them for 2 minutes and then letting them sit covered for 1 hour.
Drain and rinse the soaked beans. In a large pot, combine the beans with 8 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 45 minutes to 1 hour until the beans are tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
If using bacon, cook the slices in a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot. If not using bacon, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in the pot.
Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the tomato paste, maple syrup, molasses, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and salt. Mix well until the ingredients are combined into a thick sauce.
Add the cooked beans to the sauce and mix until the beans are well coated.
Pour in the 2.5 cups of water or broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
If you cooked bacon earlier, crumble it over the top of the beans.
Cover the pot or Dutch oven with a lid or foil and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally and checking to ensure the beans remain moist. Add a splash of water or broth if they start to dry out.
Once the beans are tender and the sauce is thickened to your liking, remove the pot from the oven. Let the beans rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Serve warm as a side dish or enjoy with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
406 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 4.6 g | 6% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.1 g | 6% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 8 mg | 3% | |
| Sodium | 515 mg | 22% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 76.8 g | 28% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.8 g | 39% | |
| Total Sugars | 35.3 g | ||
| Protein | 18.2 g | 36% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 180 mg | 14% | |
| Iron | 4.6 mg | 25% | |
| Potassium | 1287 mg | 27% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
