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Savory Smoky Maple Baked Beans Recipe with Crispy Bacon

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A comforting and flavorful baked beans recipe featuring smoky paprika, sweet maple syrup, and crispy bacon for a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups canned navy beans (about 2 cans, 15 oz / 425 g each), drained and rinsed
  • 6 slices crispy bacon, chopped
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (60 ml)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup water or broth (120 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan.
  3. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the bacon fat in the skillet. Toss in the diced onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent and soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the tomato paste, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, ground mustard, black pepper, salt, and water or broth. Whisk until smooth and well incorporated.
  5. Add the drained navy beans, sautéed onion and garlic mixture, and half of the crispy bacon into the bowl. Gently fold everything together until the beans are evenly coated.
  6. Pour the bean mixture into your prepared oven-safe baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining crispy bacon over the top.
  7. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until the sauce bubbles gently, thickens, and develops a slightly caramelized edge. If it looks too dry near the end, add a splash of water or broth and stir carefully.
  8. Let the beans cool for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to deepen and beans to firm up.

Notes

For a vegetarian option, omit bacon and add smoked paprika with sautéed mushrooms or smoked tofu. Use low-sodium bacon or rinse beans thoroughly to reduce sodium. Fresh spices improve flavor. Add extra smoked paprika or liquid smoke for more smokiness. Can be made in a slow cooker on low for 4-5 hours, adding bacon in the last hour.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, smoky baked beans, maple syrup, crispy bacon, comfort food, barbecue side dish, easy baked beans

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/savory-smoky-maple-baked-beans-recipe-with-crispy-bacon-easy-and-delicious/