Maple Bourbon Baked Beans – A Cozy Twist on a Classic

There’s something truly special about a pot of baked beans simmering away on a cool evening—the aroma of maple, brown sugar, and smoky bacon filling the kitchen. These Maple Bourbon Baked Beans bring together everything you love about the classic dish, but with a grown-up twist: a splash of smooth bourbon and a drizzle of pure maple syrup. The result? Sweet, savory, and smoky perfection that makes any meal feel warm and comforting.

Every cookout, potluck, or cozy Sunday dinner could use a dish like this one. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like home—made from scratch, slow-cooked in rich flavors, and kissed with a hint of bourbon that deepens everything it touches. The moment you take that first bite, you’ll taste the caramelized edges of bacon, the deep molasses tones, and the sweet tang of maple syrup dancing through every spoonful.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cooked navy beans (or two 15 oz cans, drained and rinsed)
• 8 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 1 medium red onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1/3 cup bourbon
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 cup water

Instructions:

1. Cook the bacon: In a large cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp and golden. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan.
2. Sauté the aromatics: Add the diced red onion to the skillet and sauté for 3–4 minutes, until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Deglaze with bourbon: Carefully pour in the bourbon and scrape the bottom of the pan to release all those flavorful bits. Let it bubble for a minute to cook off the alcohol.
4. Add the sauce ingredients: Stir in the maple syrup, brown sugar, ketchup, tomato paste, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and combined.
5. Add beans and bacon: Fold in the cooked navy beans and about half of the crispy bacon pieces. Add 1/2 cup of water to thin the sauce slightly. Stir gently to combine.
6. Bake: Transfer to a 350°F (175°C) oven and bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the sauce thickens and caramelizes around the edges.
7. Finish and serve: Remove from the oven and top with the remaining bacon and a sprinkle of chopped red onion or thyme for garnish. Serve warm and enjoy!

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Tips & Tricks

• For extra depth of flavor, let the beans bake slowly for up to an hour and a half. The longer they bake, the richer the sauce becomes.
• If you prefer a saucier version, stir in a few tablespoons of water near the end of baking.
• Don’t skip the bourbon—it cooks off but leaves behind a beautiful smoky-sweet note that makes this dish special.
• Try adding a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy balance.

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Variations

• Vegetarian version: Omit the bacon and use a tablespoon of olive oil to sauté the onions. Add a drop of liquid smoke for that smoky flavor.
• Spicy kick: Stir in diced jalapeños or a dash of chipotle powder for a fiery twist.
• Southern-style: Use molasses instead of maple syrup and add a spoonful of barbecue sauce for deeper flavor.

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Serving Suggestions

These baked beans are a natural partner to backyard favorites like grilled chicken, burgers, or ribs. They also pair beautifully with cornbread, roasted vegetables, or even breakfast eggs. For gatherings, serve them straight from a cast-iron skillet for a rustic, homey presentation.

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Storage Information

Allow leftovers to cool completely before storing. Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. They also freeze beautifully—just portion into freezer-safe bags and thaw overnight before reheating.

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FAQ

Can I make these without bourbon?
Yes! Substitute with apple juice or a bit of coffee for depth of flavor.

Can I use canned baked beans as a shortcut?
You can, but adjust the sweetness—reduce sugar and maple syrup since canned beans are already sweetened.

Can I make them in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Sauté the bacon, onions, and garlic first, then combine everything in your slow cooker and cook on low for 4–5 hours.

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History / Fun Facts

Baked beans have been around for centuries, tracing their roots to Native American traditions of cooking beans with maple syrup and bear fat. As settlers adapted the recipe, ingredients like salt pork, molasses, and eventually tomato sauce found their way in. The addition of bourbon and maple syrup is a modern nod to those original flavors, blending heritage with comfort in every spoonful.

Every family seems to have their own baked bean recipe, but the Maple Bourbon Baked Beans bring a touch of luxury—something hearty enough for a BBQ, yet sophisticated enough for a dinner spread. It’s comfort food that tells a story, and once you make it, it’ll become part of yours.