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Savory BBQ Baked Beans Recipe with Maple Bourbon Glaze and Crispy Bacon

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A flavorful baked beans recipe featuring a smoky-sweet maple bourbon glaze and crispy bacon topping, perfect for gatherings or a comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) navy beans or great northern beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup pure maple syrup (Grade A amber preferred)
  • ¼ cup bourbon whiskey
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp ground mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
  • Optional: 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Optional: Pinch of cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the bacon in a medium skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 7–10 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan.
  3. Add diced onion to the bacon fat and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds more until fragrant.
  4. Stir in maple syrup, bourbon, brown sugar, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, ground mustard, and optional Worcestershire sauce or cayenne pepper to the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly thickened.
  5. In a large bowl, mix drained beans with the sautéed onions and garlic, then pour the warm glaze over. Add chicken broth and gently stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Pour the mixture into a prepared oven-safe baking dish. Scatter chopped crispy bacon evenly on top.
  7. Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the beans are bubbly and the glaze thickens. Stir gently halfway through baking.
  8. Remove from oven and let rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

If glaze isn’t thickening well, tent with foil and bake longer or finish with a quick broil for caramelization. Rinse canned beans thoroughly to reduce sodium. For vegetarian version, omit bacon and add smoked paprika or liquid smoke. Bourbon can be substituted with vanilla extract or apple juice.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ baked beans, maple bourbon glaze, crispy bacon, baked beans recipe, comfort food, easy side dish, smoky baked beans

Find it online: https://tinastirs.com/savory-bbq-baked-beans-recipe-with-maple-bourbon-glaze-and-crispy-bacon/