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A serving of smoked baked beans with hearty bacon pieces mixed in.

Smoky Maple Bacon Baked Beans

These Smoky Maple Bacon Baked Beans are the perfect side dish for any BBQ or potluck. With a smoky, sweet, and savory flavor, these beans are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings 8 people
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Smoker (or oven)
  • Dutch oven or cast iron pot
  • Skillet

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cans (15-ounce) great northern beans drained and rinsed
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon divided
  • 1 medium yellow 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 apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for a kick
  • 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon liquid smoke if not using a smoker

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your smoker to 275°F (135°C) or your oven to 300°F (150°C).
  • Cook 6 slices of bacon in a large Dutch oven until crispy, then remove and crumble, reserving 1 tablespoon of bacon fat.
  • Sauté the diced onion in the reserved bacon fat until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  • Stir in the drained beans, maple syrup, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), broth, and liquid smoke (if using).
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, remove from heat, and stir in the crumbled bacon bits.

Cooking

  • Transfer the Dutch oven to the preheated smoker or oven, covering the pot if using an oven.
  • Cook for 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring every 45-60 minutes, until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened. Add more broth if the beans become too dry.
  • While the beans cook, chop the remaining 2 slices of bacon and cook in a skillet until crispy.
  • Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, then garnish with the freshly cooked bacon bits before serving.

Notes

For an extra smoky flavor, consider using a wood chip blend in your smoker. If the sauce gets too thick while cooking, add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.