Slow Cooker Maple Bourbon Baked Beans
Sweet, smoky baked beans with real maple syrup, a splash of bourbon, and crispy bacon, slow cooked until thick and deeply flavored. Plan ahead: soak dry beans overnight.
Ingredients
- 1 lb dried navy beans, soaked overnight, drained
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
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1
In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook 8 slices cut into 1-inch pieces thick-cut bacon until crispy. Transfer to a plate. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of drippings. Add 1 diced yellow onion to the skillet and saute over medium heat for 5 minutes. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook 1 minute more.
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2
In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup pure maple syrup, 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey, 1/2 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup packed brown sugar, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 2 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce.
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3
Add 1 lb soaked overnight, drained dried navy beans to the slow cooker. Add the cooked onion mixture and most of the bacon (reserve some for topping). Pour the sauce mixture over everything. Add 2 cups chicken broth (or water), 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir to combine.
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4
Cook on low for 8-10 hours (or high for 4-5 hours), until the beans are completely tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally if possible. If the beans look dry, add a splash of water or broth.
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5
Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve topped with the reserved crispy bacon.