Boston Baked Beans with Smoky Bacon & Maple Glaze
Boston Baked Beans With Smoky Bacon Maple Glaze
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 350 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 10g |
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy some proper baked beans dishes recipe then? Honestly, who doesn't love baked beans ? This recipe packs sweet maple and smokey bacon flavor.
Brief Overview
Boston baked beans recipe are as American as apple pie, steeped in history. This recipe is easy baked beans level and takes about 3 hrs. Makes enough for 6-8 hungry folks.
Main Benefits
These aren't your average canned beans! my homemade baked beans are packed with protein and fibre. it's perfect for your next bbq or cozy night in.
This boston baked beans recipe is special because it combines classic comfort with a modern twist.
Diving into the Bean Pot
So, what makes this particular recipe so darn good? well, for starters, we're talking smoked bacon baked beans . oh my gosh, the smell alone is enough to make your mouth water.
The key is the low and slow cooking time. this allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a creamy, rich, and unforgettable dish.
We're using both great northern and cannellini beans for a bit of texture, but you could totally swap them out for other beans if you fancy.
Kidney beans work really well too. plus, let's not forget that glorious maple glazed baked beans . the touch of apple cider vinegar in the glaze cuts through the sweetness perfectly.
Did you know that baked bean recipes are versatile, and you can tweak it with spices.
Don’t skimp on the bacon, alright? get the thick cut stuff. fry that up so it will be nice and crispy, it makes all the difference.
If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try cooking these in a dutch oven baked beans . it'll give them that authentic, wood fired flavor.
Serve as one of your bbq side dishes and get ready for the compliments to roll in!.
Right, let's dive into what you'll need for some smokin' baked beans ! i'm talking about a baked beans dishes recipe that'll knock your socks off.
We are aiming for a boston baked beans recipe with an amazing smoky bacon and maple twist, ready?
Ingredients & Equipment
Honestly, getting the ingredients right is half the battle. No one wants bland beans, am I right? The secret for the best baked beans starts here.
Main Players: Beans and Bacon
- Bacon: 6 slices of thick cut bacon (about 200g ). Get the good stuff. You want that proper smoky flavour. Quality bacon makes a HUGE difference.
- Onion: 1 medium yellow onion (around 150g ), finely chopped. Don't be shy with the onion, it is one of the pillars of a great baked bean recipes .
- Garlic: 2 cloves minced (about 6g ). Fresh is best, always.
- Great Northern Beans: 2 (15-ounce) cans, rinsed and drained ( 850g total). I use canned for speed, but homemade baked beans are incredible if you use dried beans.
- Cannellini Beans: 1 (15-ounce) can, rinsed and drained ( 425g total).
- Molasses: ½ cup (about 170g ). This is key to that classic Boston baked beans recipe flavour.
- Brown Sugar: ¼ cup packed dark brown sugar ( 50g ).
- Dijon Mustard: 2 tablespoons ( 30g ). Adds a nice tang.
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon ( 15ml ). Umami bomb.
- Dry Mustard Powder: ½ teaspoon ( 2g ).
- Smoked Paprika: ½ teaspoon ( 2g ). Hello, smoked bacon baked beans flavour!
- Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon ( 1g ).
- Chicken Broth: 2 cups ( 480ml ).
- Salt: To taste.
Sweet and Sticky Glaze
- Maple Syrup: ¼ cup ( 80g ). Real maple syrup, not the fake stuff! This is where that maple glazed baked beans goodness comes from.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 tablespoon ( 15ml ). Cuts through the sweetness.
Seasoning Sensations
Don't underestimate your spices! smoked paprika is non-negotiable, trust me. worcestershire sauce adds depth like you wouldn't believe. for a bit of heat, you could chuck in a pinch of cayenne pepper.
My nan used to say “a pinch of spice will always entice”
For the sweetness, a combination of molasses and brown sugar gives that authentic, rich flavour. If you are looking for a BBQ side dishes this is your guy.
Essential Gear
- Dutch oven or large oven safe pot ( at least 6-quart ). A Dutch oven baked beans recipe is the way to go.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Chopping board.
- Chef's knife.
- Garlic press (optional).
Honestly, if you don't have a Dutch oven, a regular oven safe pot will do. Just make sure it's got a tight fitting lid. Now, what are you waiting for? Let's create some magic!
Making proper Baked Beans at Home
Honestly, who doesn't love a good baked beans dishes recipe ? these ain't your average tin of beans, mate. we're talking proper comfort food.
We are gonna make some proper boston baked beans! this homemade baked beans recipe really elevates a simple dish. and honestly, it is one of my favourite bbq side dishes .
Prep Like a Boss: Your Mise en Place
First things first, get everything prepped. dice 200g of thick cut bacon . finely chop 150g of yellow onion and mince 6g of garlic .
Rinse and drain two cans of great northern beans and one can of cannellini beans. get out your molasses, brown sugar, mustard, and spices.
This little bit of work ahead of time is like your prep squad, getting you ready to win the game.
Honestly, this essential mise en place will save you so much stress later.
Let's Get Cooking: A Piece of Cake
- Fry the diced bacon in a large oven safe pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until crispy. Take the bacon out and set it aside. Leave the yummy bacon fat in the pot.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook in the bacon fat until soft. Chuck in the minced garlic and cook until it smells good.
- Dump in the rinsed beans . Then add 170g of molasses , 50g of dark brown sugar , 30g of Dijon mustard , Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, smoked paprika, pepper, and 480ml of chicken broth . Stir well!
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Cover the pot tightly and bake in a preheated oven at 160° C ( 320° F) for 2 ½ hours , stirring now and then.
- Whisk together 80g of maple syrup and apple cider vinegar for the maple glaze.
- Remove the pot from the oven. Stir in half of the cooked bacon. Pour the maple glaze over the beans.
- Return the pot to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 30 minutes . The beans should be thickened, and the glaze bubbly. Let it rest for 10 mins. Garnish with the bacon that is remaining.
Pro Tips and Tricks
Don't be stingy with the bacon! use proper bacon and save that bacon fat , it's flavour gold, innit? give the beans a stir during baking to stop them sticking.
If you want sweeter maple glazed baked beans add more sugar or maple syrup to taste. baking low and slow gives the beans a creamy taste.
Right then, that’s how you make easy baked beans that are miles better than anything you’ll find in a tin.
I think you know that i will suggest you to make a good boston baked beans recipe and share this baked beans recipes with all your family.
Now go and make some good smoked bacon baked beans !
Recipe Notes: Elevate Your Baked Beans Dishes Recipe Game
Alright, so you're ready to tackle this boston baked beans recipe ! before you dive in headfirst, let's chew over some extra bits to guarantee baked bean bliss.
Honestly, sometimes it's the little things that make the best baked beans a knockout.
Serving Suggestions: Dishing Up Deliciousness
Presentation is key, yeah? plating these beauties is easy. think rustic. a dollop of sour cream? bang on. a sprinkle of parsley? classy.
This dish is brilliant as bbq side dishes . serve it alongside grilled sausages, burgers, or even ribs! for a right proper meal, grab some crusty bread.
Homemade baked beans and crusty bread is top-tier comfort food.
Storage Tips: Keep the Baked Bean Dream Alive
Got leftovers? ace! let the beans cool completely before storing. pop them in an airtight container and stash them in the fridge.
They'll be good for up to 3 days. freezing canned baked beans ? not my first choice, but can be done.
The texture may change, though. thaw them overnight in the fridge. reheating is easy - microwave or gently warm on the stovetop.
Just add a splash of water if they've thickened up too much.
Variations: Mix It Up, Mate!
Fancy a twist? vegetarian? easy peasy! just ditch the bacon and use a glug of olive oil instead. add a dash of liquid smoke for that bacon-y vibe.
Boom! easy baked beans for everyone. want a bit of a kick? chuck in a diced jalapeño. seasonal swap? in autumn, use maple syrup from the trees in your yard!
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
Listen, this isn't exactly a health food, but it's got some good stuff. beans are packed with fibre, which is great for your gut.
A serving contains about 350 calories, 20g protein, 15g fat, 45g carbs, 10g fiber, 20g sugar, and 600mg sodium. just remember that this is an estimate.
Smoked bacon baked beans may have additional calories. and be careful with the sugar levels if you are diabetic.
These dutch oven baked beans are not just tasty; they are a proper, filling meal. so go on, give this baked beans dishes recipe a whirl.
I know you can do it! this is a far better recipe for baked beans than you would find anywhere! and remember, a good baked bean dish is the perfect meal.
You know?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried beans instead of canned in this baked beans dishes recipe?
Absolutely! For a richer flavor, use 1 pound of dried navy beans. Be sure to soak them overnight and adjust the baking time accordingly, as they'll need significantly longer to become tender think 6-8 hours at a low temperature.
This adds a lovely depth of flavor, reminiscent of proper old-fashioned baked beans, like your grandma used to make!
How do I store leftover baked beans? Will they last a few days?
Yes, leftover baked beans store beautifully! Allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They'll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. In fact, some people swear they taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together, almost like a good stew or curry.
I'm vegetarian. Is there a vegetarian friendly version of this baked beans recipe?
Certainly! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and use 2 tablespoons of olive oil or vegetable oil for sautéing the onion and garlic. To replicate the smoky flavor, add about a teaspoon of liquid smoke. You can also add some smoked paprika.
What if I don't have molasses? What's a good substitute for this baked beans dishes recipe?
If you're fresh out of molasses, don't fret! Dark corn syrup can be used as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different a bit less complex. You could also try a mix of honey and brown sugar for a similar sweetness and depth.
It won't be quite the same authentic Boston baked beans flavor, but still delicious!
How can I make these baked beans a bit spicier? I like a bit of a kick!
Spice it up! You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely diced jalapeño pepper along with the onion and garlic. Alternatively, a dash of your favorite hot sauce can be stirred in at the end for a final touch of heat.
Just remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it away so go easy at first, mate!
Are baked beans healthy? What's the nutritional lowdown?
Baked beans can be part of a balanced diet, providing a good source of protein and fiber. However, they can also be high in sugar and sodium, so moderation is key. Consider using less sugar or opting for a low-sodium broth to make them healthier, and always check the nutritional information provided with the recipe.
They're a treat, like a proper Sunday roast, so enjoy them responsibly!
