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Maple Bourbon Baked Beans

These Maple Bourbon Baked Beans are sweet, smoky, and savory! A comforting, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners or cookouts.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time2 hours
Total Time2 hours 20 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Baked Beans, Bourbon, Comfort Food, Easy, Maple, Smoky, Sweet, Turkey Bacon
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 cups dried navy beans
  • 4 cups water for soaking and cooking
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 cups turkey bacon chopped

Instructions

  • Rinse the dried navy beans under cold water. Place them in a large bowl and cover with 4 cups of fresh water. Let soak overnight or at least 8 hours.
  • Drain the soaked beans and transfer to a large pot or Dutch oven. Add fresh water to cover by about 2 inches. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered for 45 to 60 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
  • Chop the onion and mince the garlic. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped turkey bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving rendered fat in the pan.
  • Add onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  • In a bowl, whisk together maple syrup, molasses, brown sugar, mustard powder, black pepper, salt, and smoked paprika. Pour mixture into the skillet with onions and garlic, stirring to combine and heat through.
  • Return cooked beans and turkey bacon to the pot or transfer everything to an oven-safe baking dish. Pour the sauce over and stir gently to coat evenly.
  • Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Cover baking dish with lid or foil and bake for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until beans are bubbly and thickened with a rich glaze.
  • Let the beans rest for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy with grilled dishes, salads, or your favorite sides.

Equipment

  • Large Bowl
  • Large Pot
  • Dutch oven
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Oven-safe Baking Dish

Notes

  • Soaking the beans overnight improves texture and reduces cooking time.
  • Use turkey bacon fat for extra smoky flavor without overpowering the beans.
  • Stir beans occasionally during baking to prevent sticking and encourage sauce thickening.
  • Substitute smoked paprika to add subtle smoky depth that complements maple and bourbon.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.