A delightful twist on traditional baked beans, enhanced with the rich flavor of maple syrup and smoky bacon.
Soak the dried navy beans in cold water overnight, then drain and rinse them.
Soaking beans overnight reduces cooking time and improves texture.
Place the beans in a pot, cover with fresh water, and bring to a boil. Simmer for 30 minutes, then drain, reserving 1.5 cups of the cooking liquid.
Simmering the beans softens them, making them ready for the next steps.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, salt, pepper, maple syrup, and reserved cooking liquid.
Mixing the sauce ingredients thoroughly ensures even flavor distribution.
Layer one-third of the bacon slices, onions, and beans in a clay pot. Pour one-third of the sauce over the layers.
Layering ensures that all ingredients cook evenly and flavors meld together.
Repeat the layering process, ending with a layer of beans. Top with the remaining bacon slices.
Finish with bacon on top for a crispy and flavorful topping.
Cover the pot with a lid and bake in a preheated oven at 250°F for 8 hours.
Slow baking allows the flavors to develop and the beans to become tender.
Serve the baked beans warm with your choice of sides, such as crusty bread or roasted vegetables.
Serving with crusty bread helps soak up the delicious sauce.
