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Savory Maple Bourbon Baked Beans with Crispy Bacon

savory maple bourbon baked beans - featured image
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A comforting and flavorful baked beans recipe featuring smoky bacon, sweet maple syrup, and a touch of bourbon for a unique twist. Perfect as a side dish or hearty snack for cookouts and cozy nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 (15-ounce) cans navy beans, drained and rinsed (or 3 cups cooked dried navy beans)
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped (Applewood smoked recommended)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup (Grade A recommended)
  • 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey (mid-range like Buffalo Trace recommended)
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
  2. In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, add chopped bacon. Stir occasionally until crispy and browned, about 8 minutes. Remove bacon pieces with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
  3. Add diced onion to the bacon fat and cook until translucent and soft, about 6 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. In a bowl, whisk together maple syrup, bourbon, ketchup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  5. Return the reserved bacon to the pot, add drained beans, and pour the sauce over everything. Stir gently to coat beans evenly.
  6. Place the pot uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour until beans are bubbly and sauce is slightly thickened. Stir halfway through baking to prevent sticking. Add a splash of water or broth if it looks too dry.
  7. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce or substitute with coconut aminos. For vegetarian version, omit bacon and add smoked paprika plus liquid smoke. Stir beans halfway through baking to prevent sticking. Use mid-range bourbon for best flavor. If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, maple syrup, bourbon, bacon, comfort food, cookout side dish, smoky baked beans, easy baked beans recipe

Find it online: https://twirltaste.com/savory-maple-bourbon-baked-beans-with-crispy-bacon-easy-recipe/