Description
Isn’t it fascinating how certain dishes can provoke a wave of nostalgia, whisking you back to warm gatherings around the dinner table? Maple bacon baked beans epitomize that comforting feeling. Imagine a dish where smoky, crispy bacon melds perfectly with sweet
Ingredients
To prepare maple bacon baked beans that will tantalize your taste buds, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Bacon (6 slices): Smoky and crispy, this will be the star of the dish. For a healthier twist, turkey bacon or even plant-based options can be substituted.
- White beans (2 cans or 3 cups cooked): Great northern or navy beans work best; you can also use chickpeas for a unique flavor.
- Maple syrup (½ cup): The sweet backbone of this dish. Opt for pure maple syrup for the best flavor; agave syrup is a suitable alternative for a lighter topping.
- Onion (1 medium, chopped): Adds depth and sweetness. Shallots can be a nice substitute for a milder flavor.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): To enhance the richness; feel free to throw in some garlic powder if you’re in a pinch.
- Dijon mustard (2 tablespoons): For a touch of tanginess; you can swap this with yellow mustard if needed.
- Barbecue sauce (½ cup): Choose your favorite smoky or sweet variant. Homemade barbecue sauce is a fabulous alternative.
- Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon): To balance the sweetness; white vinegar works in a pinch.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
Instructions
Start by frying the bacon in a large pan over medium heat until it’s crispy, around 8-10 minutes. The key here is to get that perfect crunch without burning it. Once done, place the bacon on a paper towel to absorb any excess grease and leave around 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan—this will add incredible flavor to your beans.
In the same pan, add chopped onions and cook them in the rendered bacon fat until they turn translucent, about 5 minutes. The sweet aroma of onions caramelizing will set your kitchen buzzing. Stir in the minced garlic for the last minute of sautéing, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked bacon (chopped into bits), beans, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, and sautéed onions and garlic. Stir thoroughly until everything is evenly coated. Tasting at this stage is essential—adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the dish is bubbling and the top is golden brown. Be sure to keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
Once out of the oven, let the beans rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld further. Serve your maple bacon baked beans warm, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.
Nutrition
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 7g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 12g