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.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:240 mins

Total Time:260 mins

Servings: 6

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

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the dried navy beans under cold water, removing any debris or damaged beans.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).

Step 5

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.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

Add the cooked beans to the sauce and mix until the beans are well coated.

Step 9

Pour in the 2.5 cups of water or broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 10

If you cooked bacon earlier, crumble it over the top of the beans.

Step 11

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.

Step 12

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.

Step 13

Serve warm as a side dish or enjoy with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3395.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2372.5

Total Fat 23.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 36mg	0%
Sodium 3416.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 452.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 66.6g	0%
Total Sugars 202.8g
Protein 105.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 979.0mg	0%
Iron 29.0mg	0%
Potassium 7815.6mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 8.6%

Protein: 17.3%

Carbs: 74.1%