Homemade Maple Baked Beans

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Difficulty Level: Easy to Medium

Introduction:

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a hearty dish of baked beans. While store-bought versions are convenient, there’s something special about making homemade baked beans from scratch. These Maple Baked Beans are the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and smoky, making them an excellent addition to any meal, whether as a side dish for your weekend BBQ, a filling brunch option, or even as a cozy comfort food on a cold day.

Using the natural sweetness of maple syrup and combining it with a blend of smoky, tangy, and savory ingredients, this recipe transforms simple beans into an irresistible dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds. The slow cooking method ensures the beans absorb all the wonderful flavors, resulting in tender beans with a rich, complex taste.

Ingredients:

2 cups dried navy beans (or cannellini beans)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup maple syrup (preferably pure, not imitation)
1/4 cup molasses
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1 1/2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional, for extra smoky flavor)
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for added warmth)
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Equipment:

Large bowl (for soaking beans)
Large pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring spoons and cups
Knife and chopping board
Strainer
Small bowl (for combining wet ingredients)
Oven-safe baking dish (if finishing in the oven)

Instructions:

Step 1: Soak the Beans

Start by placing the dried navy beans (or your preferred beans) in a large bowl. Cover them with plenty of water, ensuring the water level is a few inches above the beans. Let the beans soak for at least 6-8 hours, or overnight for best results. This softens the beans and helps them cook more evenly.

If you’re short on time, you can use the quick-soak method: bring a large pot of water to a boil with the beans inside, boil for 5 minutes, remove from heat, and cover. Let them sit for 1 hour before draining and rinsing.

Step 2: Prep the Beans

After soaking, drain and rinse the beans thoroughly. Set them aside for now while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure they don’t burn. Once the onion is softened, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning. The garlic should become fragrant but not browned.

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients

To the pot with the onion and garlic, add the maple syrup, molasses, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and ketchup. Stir everything together until well combined. You’ll notice the rich, sweet aroma of the syrup and molasses starting to fill the kitchen.

Add the Worcestershire sauce and the liquid smoke if you’re using it for extra smoky flavor. The combination of these ingredients will create a balanced, slightly tangy, and very flavorful sauce for your beans.

Step 5: Spice It Up

Add the smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, salt, cinnamon (if using), and the bay leaf to the pot. Stir the spices in thoroughly, making sure they’re well-distributed throughout the sauce. The spices will give the beans that deep, earthy flavor and a little bit of warmth.

Step 6: Add the Beans and Broth

Now it’s time to add the soaked beans to the pot. Stir the beans into the sauce, ensuring they’re well-coated. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and give everything a good stir. The broth will help cook the beans evenly and provide a nice base for the sauce to thicken.

Step 7: Cook the Beans

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let the beans cook slowly for 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally, checking to ensure the beans are not sticking to the bottom of the pot. If the beans are drying out, add a little more broth or water to keep them moist.

If you’re using an oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, you can also transfer the pot to a 300°F (150°C) oven for the same cooking time, checking periodically and adding more liquid if necessary.

Step 8: Check for Tenderness

After 1.5 to 2 hours, the beans should be tender and the sauce thickened. Taste the beans and adjust the seasoning as necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or maple syrup for sweetness, depending on your taste. Remove the bay leaf and discard it.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mash a portion of the beans with the back of a spoon or a potato masher to help thicken the mixture. Alternatively, if you want the sauce to be a little thinner, add more broth and simmer until you reach the desired consistency.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Once the beans are fully cooked, give them a final stir and taste. Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired. These beans are perfect as a side dish with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or a hearty salad. They also make a fantastic topping for baked potatoes or can be served as a filling for vegetarian tacos or wraps.

Tips for Success:

Beans: If you don’t have time to soak dried beans, you can use canned beans instead. You’ll need about 4 cans of navy beans (drained and rinsed). Just reduce the cooking time, as canned beans are already soft.
Maple Syrup: For the best flavor, use pure maple syrup. Imitation syrup doesn’t have the depth of flavor and will alter the final result.
Smoked Paprika: This is the key ingredient for a smoky flavor. If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can use regular paprika or add a small amount of liquid smoke (but don’t overdo it as it can become overpowering).
Crockpot Option: You can also cook these beans in a slow cooker. After sautéing the onions and garlic, transfer all the ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beans are tender.
Sweetness: If you like your beans sweeter, feel free to adjust the maple syrup and molasses to your taste.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving):

Calories: 215 kcal
Total Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 430mg
Total Carbohydrates: 42g
Dietary Fiber: 7g
Sugars: 18g
Protein: 7g

Conclusion:

This homemade maple baked beans recipe is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish, a main course, or just because you want something comforting and delicious, they’re sure to be a hit. The long, slow cooking process allows the beans to absorb all the flavors, creating a rich and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the warmth and goodness of these homemade baked beans!