Maple Baked Beans

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Servings: 6 Difficulty: Advanced
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Slow-baked navy beans simmered with salt pork, onion, and a sweet-spicy maple molasses glaze.
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Maple Baked Beans

Author: chefs-mate Cooking Method: , Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 6 Calories: 288.6

Description

These Maple Baked Beans are the ultimate comfort food, offering a rich, savory-sweet flavor profile that rivals any diner classic. The combination of dried navy beans, rendered salt pork, and a glaze made from maple syrup, molasses, and brown sugar creates a deeply satisfying dish with a tender yet hearty texture. The slow baking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a sticky, aromatic sauce that clings to every bean. Perfect for potlucks, family Sunday dinners, or pairing with cornbread and coleslaw, this recipe brings a rustic, home-style warmth to your table. Its simple to prepare but rewards patience with incredible depth of flavor.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Rinse the dried navy beans and place them in a large bowl.
  2. Cover beans with cold water and let soak overnight.
  3. Drain soaked beans and place them in a large pot with fresh water and 1 teaspoon of salt.
  4. Simmer gently until beans are tender, about 1 hour.
  5. Drain the beans, reserving the cooking liquid.
  6. Measure 1-3/4 cups of the reserved bean liquid, adding plain water if necessary to reach this amount.
  7. Preheat oven to 300F (149C).
  8. Cut a thin slice from the salt pork and place it in the bottom of a heavy bean pot or baking dish.
  9. Add the cooked beans to the pot.
  10. Place the whole peeled onion in the center of the beans.
  11. In a small bowl, whisk together mustard, brown sugar, molasses, maple syrup, and the reserved bean liquid.
  12. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the beans.
  13. Cut three gashes into the remaining salt pork and place it on top of the beans, rind side up.
  14. Cover the pot and bake in the oven for 5 to 7 hours, adding more water as needed to prevent drying out.
  15. Remove the cover for the last 30 minutes of baking to allow the pork rind to brown and crisp.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 288.6kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 4.4g7%
Saturated Fat 1.4g7%
Cholesterol 22.7mg8%
Sodium 4947.3mg207%
Total Carbohydrate 57.2g20%
Dietary Fiber 3.6g15%
Sugars 51.4g
Protein 10.2g21%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Storage: Allow beans to cool completely before storing. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Ingredient Substitution: If salt pork is unavailable, you can substitute with thick-cut bacon or pancetta for a similar smoky flavor, though the texture will differ slightly.

Tip: For a smoother sauce, you can mash a portion of the beans against the side of the pot during the last hour of baking.

Safety: Ensure the beans are fully tender before baking to avoid digestive discomfort. Soaking overnight is crucial for this step.

Variation: Add chopped bell peppers or jalapeos for a spicy kick, or include a tablespoon of vinegar at the end for brightness.

Keywords: baked beans, navy beans, maple syrup, salt pork, slow cooked, comfort food, molasses, brown sugar, onion, mustard, soaked beans, potluck dish, sweet and savory, oven baked, traditional recipe, hearty main, family dinner, bean casserole, protein rich, home cooking
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