Maple Baked Beans on Toast
Slow-cooked navy beans in a rich, sweet, and savory sauce made with real maple syrup, molasses, and a hint of smoky bacon. A comforting New England classic, perfect served warm over thick, toasted bread for a hearty meal.
For 6 servings
6 steps. 260 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Soak the Beans
- b.Place the dried navy beans in a large bowl. Pick through them to remove any stones or debris.
- c.Cover the beans with cold water by at least 3 inches. Let them soak for 8-12 hours, or overnight.
- d.After soaking, drain the beans in a colander and rinse them thoroughly with fresh water.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Parboil the Beans
- b.Transfer the soaked and rinsed beans to a large pot or Dutch oven.
- c.Add fresh water to cover the beans by 2 inches. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
- d.Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes. This step helps soften the skins. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
- e.Drain the beans, reserving at least 2 cups of the cooking liquid for the sauce.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Build the Flavor Base
- b.Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- c.In the same Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, until it becomes crispy.
- d.Using a slotted spoon, remove the crispy bacon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave the rendered bacon fat in the pot.
- e.Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté in the bacon fat for 4-5 minutes, until softened and translucent.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine Ingredients
- b.Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the pure maple syrup, molasses, brown sugar, dijon mustard, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- c.Add the parboiled beans and the reserved crispy bacon back into the pot.
- d.Pour in the 2 cups of reserved bean cooking liquid. If needed, add a little more hot water so the liquid just covers the beans. Stir gently to combine everything.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Slow Bake to Perfection
- b.Cover the Dutch oven with its lid and transfer it to the preheated oven.
- c.Bake for 4 hours. Check the beans every hour, giving them a gentle stir and adding a splash of hot water if they appear to be drying out.
- d.For the final 30 minutes of baking, you can remove the lid to allow the sauce to thicken and the top to darken slightly.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Rest and Serve
- b.Carefully remove the Dutch oven from the oven and let the beans rest, covered, for 15-20 minutes. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
- c.While the beans are resting, toast the slices of thick-cut bread until golden brown and crisp.
- d.To serve, spoon a generous amount of the hot maple baked beans over each slice of toast. Serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a deeper flavor, use salt pork instead of, or in addition to, the bacon. Score the fat cap and place it on top of the beans before baking.
- 2Don't skip the overnight soak. It's essential for achieving a creamy texture and ensuring the beans cook evenly.
- 3The 'low and slow' baking method is key. Rushing the process will result in firm beans and a less developed sauce.
- 4These beans are even better the next day. The flavors meld and deepen overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
- 5If you're short on time, you can use a 'quick soak' method: cover beans with water, bring to a boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 1 hour before proceeding.
- 6Use a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or a traditional ceramic bean pot for the best heat distribution during the long bake.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian/Vegan
Omit the bacon. Sauté the onion in 2 tablespoons of olive oil or vegan butter. Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce or tamari to the sauce to replicate the smoky, savory flavor.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a finely diced jalapeño (with seeds removed for less heat) along with the onion for a touch of warmth.
Slow Cooker MethodSlow Cooker Method
Complete steps 1-4 on the stovetop. Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beans are tender.
Different BeansDifferent Beans
While navy beans are traditional, this recipe also works well with pinto beans, cannellini beans, or great northern beans. Cooking times may vary slightly.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Fiber
Navy beans are packed with dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes a feeling of fullness, and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Rich in Plant-Based Protein
This dish provides a substantial amount of plant-based protein, essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and overall body function.
Provides Sustained Energy
The complex carbohydrates in beans are digested slowly, providing a steady release of energy that keeps you fueled for hours without a sharp spike in blood sugar.
Packed with Essential Minerals
Beans are a good source of important minerals like iron, which is crucial for oxygen transport; magnesium for muscle and nerve function; and potassium for heart health.
Frequently asked questions
It's a mix. The beans themselves are very healthy, providing excellent fiber, plant-based protein, and essential minerals. However, this recipe contains added sugars from maple syrup, molasses, and brown sugar, as well as sodium and saturated fat from the bacon. It's best enjoyed as a hearty, comforting meal in moderation.