Savory Maple Bacon Boston Baked Beans
These delicious Savory Maple Bacon Boston Baked Beans are a true labor of love, perfect for gatherings and family dinners. The robust flavors of crispy bacon, sweet maple syrup, tangy apple cider vinegar, and zesty mustard meld beautifully with the creamy, tender pinto beans. Be sure to soak the dried beans overnight to ensure they maintain their texture during the long baking time. With an oven-baked method that takes about four hours, you're rewarded with a hearty, flavorful dish that's well worth the wait. This recipe can also be made in a crockpot for those who prefer a more hands-off approach, and leftovers only get better as the flavors have time to meld. Serve these beans as a side dish or as a standalone meal—either way, guests will be coming back for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
dried pinto beans
1 lb (soaked overnight)
water
7-9 cups (for soaking and boiling)
bacon
12-14 slices (cut into 1/2-inch pieces)
onions
2 (chopped)
ketchup
1 1/4 cups (–)
maple syrup
1/3 cup (–)
apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup (–)
plain prepared mustard
1/4 cup (–)
light molasses
3 tablespoons (–)
bay leaf
1 (whole)
fresh garlic
2 tablespoons (chopped)
salt
1-2 teaspoons (to taste)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
One day before serving, place the dried pinto beans in a large bowl.
2
Cover the beans with enough cold water to submerge them by about 3 inches. Allow them to soak at room temperature overnight.
3
The following day, drain the soaked beans well using a colander and set aside.
4
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
5
In a large, oven-proof Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon pieces over medium heat until they are crisp, approximately 7-8 minutes. Remove excess grease if necessary.
6
Add the drained beans and all remaining ingredients into the pot with the bacon. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a boil on the stove.
7
Once boiling, transfer the Dutch oven to the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 3.5 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking.
8
For optimal flavor, consider making this dish a day ahead of serving. Allow it to cool, cover, and refrigerate. Before serving, bring the beans to a simmer on the stove.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main type of bean used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of dried pinto beans.
How long should the pinto beans be soaked?
The beans should be soaked in cold water at room temperature overnight, or for about one day before serving.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking the beans?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long do the beans need to bake in the oven?
The beans should bake uncovered for 3.5 to 4 hours until they are tender and the sauce has thickened.
Can I make these Boston Baked Beans in a crockpot?
Yes, this recipe is crockpot friendly for those who prefer a more hands-off cooking approach.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, you can make this dish vegetarian by simply omitting the bacon.
What sweeteners are used in the sauce?
The sauce is sweetened with 1/3 cup of maple syrup and 3 tablespoons of light molasses.
How much bacon is required for this recipe?
The recipe uses 12-14 slices of bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces.
Should the beans be covered while baking in the oven?
No, the recipe specifies to bake the beans uncovered to allow the sauce to thicken.
What kind of pot is best for cooking this dish?
A large, oven-proof Dutch oven is recommended for both stovetop browning and oven baking.
Do I need to drain the beans after soaking?
Yes, you should drain the soaked beans well using a colander before adding them to the pot.
What type of vinegar provides the tanginess in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar.
How much garlic should I add?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped garlic.
What type of mustard is used?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of plain prepared mustard.
Is it better to serve the beans immediately or wait?
For optimal flavor, it is recommended to make the dish a day ahead to allow the flavors to meld.
How should I reheat the leftovers?
Leftovers can be brought to a simmer on the stove before serving.
Should I remove the bacon grease?
After cooking the bacon until crisp, you should remove any excess grease if necessary.
How much water should I use for soaking?
Use enough cold water to submerge the beans by about 3 inches.
What kind of ketchup is used?
The recipe uses 1 1/4 cups of standard ketchup.
Do I need to stir the beans while they bake?
Yes, the instructions suggest stirring the beans occasionally during the 3.5 to 4-hour baking period.
What is the serving suggestion for this dish?
These beans can be served as a side dish or as a standalone meal.
How many onions are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 chopped onions.
Does the recipe include any whole herbs?
Yes, it includes one whole bay leaf.
How much salt and pepper should be added?
Use 1-2 teaspoons of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Is the bacon cooked before adding the other ingredients?
Yes, the chopped bacon is cooked for 7-8 minutes until crisp before adding the beans and liquids.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients used in this recipe.
What texture should the beans have when finished?
The beans should be tender and creamy.
Is this recipe suitable for gatherings?
Yes, the description highlights it as perfect for gatherings and family dinners.
Do you bring the mixture to a boil before putting it in the oven?
Yes, combine all ingredients and bring to a boil on the stove before transferring to the oven.
Can I use light molasses for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifically requests 3 tablespoons of light molasses.