Maple Bourbon Baked Beans (Print Version)
Beans with maple, bourbon, bacon, onion, and mustard, baked for smoky depth and sweet caramelized finish.
# Ingredients:
→ Bean Base
01 -
1 can (28 oz) baked beans, beans listed as the first ingredient
→ Sweeteners & Flavorings
02 -
1/4 cup real Grade A maple syrup
03 -
2 tablespoons mid-shelf bourbon
04 -
2 tablespoons high-quality ketchup
05 -
1 tablespoon yellow or Dijon mustard
→ Aromatics & Enhancements
06 -
1 small onion, diced
07 -
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled, with reserved fat
08 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
# Steps:
01 -
Preheat oven to 350°F. Select a wide, shallow baking dish to maximize surface area and promote even caramelization.
02 -
Cook bacon slices until crisp and crumble into small pieces, reserving a portion of the rendered bacon fat for added flavor.
03 -
In the prepared baking dish, add baked beans, maple syrup, bourbon, ketchup, mustard, diced onion, and half of the crumbled bacon.
04 -
Thoroughly mix ingredients until evenly combined. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, recognizing seasoning may intensify during baking.
05 -
Scatter the remaining bacon pieces over the surface. Bake in the center of the oven for 45–50 minutes, or until bubbling at the edges and the top is lightly caramelized, checking at 40 minutes for doneness.
06 -
Allow beans to rest 5 minutes before serving to moderate temperature and allow flavors to settle.
# Notes:
01 -
For maximum flavor, use authentic maple syrup and save some rendered bacon fat to stir directly into the beans.