Maple Bourbon Baked Beans – A Sweet, Smoky, and Savory Comfort Classic
When it comes to hearty side dishes that bring a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors, few things can compete with Maple Bourbon Baked Beans. This crowd-pleasing dish transforms simple pantry staples—beans, bacon, and a touch of bourbon—into something truly special. Whether served at a summer BBQ, a cozy winter dinner, or as a make-ahead potluck favorite, these beans will always steal the spotlight.
Imagine tender navy beans baked slowly in a rich, caramelized sauce made with pure maple syrup, smoky bacon, a splash of bourbon, and just the right touch of spice. The result? Deeply flavored baked beans that taste homemade in every bite. Let’s dive into how to make them from scratch and discover why this version is so unforgettable.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups cooked navy beans (or 3 cans, drained and rinsed)
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup bourbon whiskey
- ½ cup dark brown sugar
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for mild heat)
- Fresh thyme or chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the Bacon:
In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan. - Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the diced onion to the pan and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. - Deglaze with Bourbon:
Pour in the bourbon and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the bourbon simmer for 1–2 minutes to cook off the alcohol and deepen the flavor. - Mix the Sauce:
Stir in the maple syrup, brown sugar, ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. - Combine with Beans:
Add the drained beans and about two-thirds of the cooked bacon to the sauce. Stir well to coat everything evenly. - Bake Until Perfect:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the pot and bake for 45 minutes. Then uncover and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and glossy. - Finish and Serve:
Remove from the oven, stir gently, and let the beans rest for 10 minutes before serving. Top with remaining bacon pieces and a sprig of fresh thyme or parsley for garnish.
Tips & Tricks:
- For extra depth, use smoked bacon or add a few drops of liquid smoke.
- Want thicker beans? Mash a small portion of them before baking.
- Adjust sweetness by using less brown sugar or substituting molasses for a richer flavor.
- Substitute bourbon with apple cider vinegar for an alcohol-free version.
Variations:
- Vegan Version: Skip the bacon and use smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that signature flavor.
- Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Southern-Style: Mix in a tablespoon of molasses and use pinto beans instead of navy beans.
Serving Suggestions:
These Maple Bourbon Baked Beans are incredibly versatile. Pair them with grilled ribs, smoked brisket, burgers, or fried chicken for a hearty BBQ plate. They also shine next to cornbread or roasted vegetables. Serve them warm at family gatherings, or pack them in a thermos for outdoor picnics—they stay deliciously saucy for hours.
Maple Bourbon Baked Beans
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook bacon until crisp, remove, and reserve 1 tablespoon fat.
- Sauté onion until soft, then add garlic for 30 seconds.
- Add bourbon to deglaze, simmer 2 minutes.
- Stir in maple syrup, brown sugar, ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire, mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Mix in beans and most of the bacon.
- Bake covered at 350°F for 45 minutes, then uncovered for 20 minutes.
- Garnish with remaining bacon and thyme before serving.
Notes
Storage Information:
Leftovers store beautifully.
- Refrigerate: Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Freeze: Up to 2 months. Let thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or microwave until hot, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.
FAQ:
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Sauté the bacon, onion, and garlic first, then add everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
Q: What’s the best bourbon to use?
Choose a mid-range bourbon you’d enjoy sipping. Its flavor directly affects the richness of the sauce.
Q: Can I use canned baked beans as a base?
You can, but homemade gives you full control of sweetness and texture. Starting from cooked navy beans delivers the best results.
History / Fun Facts:
Baked beans have deep roots in North American cooking, dating back to Native American and early colonial recipes. The addition of maple syrup nods to Canada’s heritage, while bourbon adds a Southern flair. Together, they symbolize a beautiful blend of northern sweetness and southern smoke—making Maple Bourbon Baked Beans a true North American comfort classic.
