Southern Style Maple Bacon Baked Beans
This Southern Style Maple Bacon Baked Beans recipe is a mouthwatering twist on a traditional favorite. Inspired by Paula Deen's classic, I’ve added my own touches to enhance its flavor and presentation. The warmth of the maple syrup pairs beautifully with the savory richness of bacon, while the combination of brown sugar and ketchup creates a tantalizing sweet-and-sour balance. Perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or family gatherings, these baked beans are bound to become a hit at your table. With a satisfying depth of flavor, they’re not just a side dish - they're a star!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Van Camp's Pork and Beans
2 (16 ounce) cans (drained (optional for thickness))
Onion
1 large (diced)
French Yellow Mustard
3 tablespoons (none)
Maple Syrup
1/4 cup (none)
Brown Sugar
1/4 cup (packed)
Ketchup
4 tablespoons (none)
Worcestershire Sauce
1 tablespoon (none)
Black Pepper Bacon
3 slices (raw, for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the two cans of Van Camp's pork and beans (draining one can if you prefer a thicker consistency) with the diced onion, French yellow mustard, maple syrup, brown sugar, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
3
Spray a medium-sized casserole dish with cooking spray (like Pam) to prevent sticking, then pour the bean mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
4
Layer the slices of black pepper bacon over the top of the beans to infuse them with flavor while baking.
5
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
6
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes to allow the top to caramelize and the flavors to meld beautifully.
7
Let the baked beans cool slightly before serving, allowing the flavors to develop even further.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of these Southern Style Maple Bacon Baked Beans?
These baked beans feature a mouthwatering sweet-and-sour balance created by combining maple syrup, brown sugar, and ketchup with savory black pepper bacon.
What kind of beans are recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for two 16-ounce cans of Van Camp's Pork and Beans.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How can I make the baked beans have a thicker consistency?
To achieve a thicker consistency, you can drain one of the two cans of pork and beans before mixing.
What type of onion should be used?
Use one large onion that has been diced.
What kind of mustard is included in the recipe?
The recipe uses three tablespoons of French yellow mustard.
How much maple syrup is needed?
You will need 1/4 cup of maple syrup.
How much brown sugar should I add?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar.
What role does ketchup play in the recipe?
Four tablespoons of ketchup are used to help create the tantalizing sweet-and-sour balance of the sauce.
How much Worcestershire sauce is required?
Add one tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the mixture.
What type of bacon is used for the topping?
The recipe specifically calls for three slices of black pepper bacon.
Should the bacon be cooked before adding it to the beans?
No, the bacon slices should be placed raw over the top of the beans to infuse them with flavor while baking.
How do I prepare the casserole dish?
Spray a medium-sized casserole dish with cooking spray, such as Pam, to prevent the beans from sticking.
How long do the beans bake while covered?
The beans should be covered with aluminum foil and baked for the first 30 minutes.
Do I need to bake the beans uncovered at any point?
Yes, after the initial 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
What is the total baking time?
The total baking time is 45 minutes.
Why is the foil removed for the last part of baking?
Removing the foil allows the top of the beans and bacon to caramelize and helps the flavors meld.
Should the beans be served immediately after baking?
It is recommended to let the baked beans cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to develop further.
Who was the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by Paula Deen's classic baked beans, with custom touches added for enhanced flavor.
Is this dish suitable for large gatherings?
Yes, it is perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or family gatherings.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients: pork and beans, onion, yellow mustard, maple syrup, brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper bacon.
Can I use a different brand of beans?
While the recipe specifies Van Camp's, you can use other brands of pork and beans as a substitute.
What kind of container is best for mixing the ingredients?
A large mixing bowl is best for combining the beans, onion, and various sauces before transferring them to a casserole dish.
Is the brown sugar measured loosely or packed?
The brown sugar should be packed when measuring the 1/4 cup.
Can this be considered a main course?
While usually served as a side dish, the recipe notes they have a satisfying depth of flavor that makes them a star of the table.
How do I ensure the beans don't stick to the pan?
Using a cooking spray like Pam on the casserole dish before adding the bean mixture will prevent sticking.
What does the Worcestershire sauce add to the recipe?
The Worcestershire sauce adds a savory depth and enhances the overall richness of the bean sauce.
What is the purpose of the black pepper bacon specifically?
The black pepper bacon adds a savory richness and a hint of spice that complements the sweet maple syrup.
How should the bean mixture be spread in the dish?
The mixture should be poured into the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly before topping with bacon.
Are these beans considered 'Southern Style'?
Yes, the combination of ingredients like bacon, brown sugar, and mustard, along with the baking method, defines them as Southern Style comfort food.