Maple Baked Beans with Applewood Smoked Bacon
Indulge in the mouthwatering delight of Maple Baked Beans with Brunson Meat Co.'s Applewood Smoked Uncured Bacon, a culinary masterpiece crafted by the talented Colorado chef Justin Brunson. This flavorful dish combines the richness of slow-cooked baked beans with the sweet and smoky essence of applewood bacon, creating a harmonious fusion that will tantalize your taste buds. The luscious glaze infused with Chef Brunson's secret blend of spices elevates these beans to an unforgettable side dish that will steal the show at any gathering.
INGREDIENTS
- 3 1/2 cups dried yellow eye or cannellini beans, rinsed and picked over, then soaked for 2 hours and drained
- 1-1/2 Tbsp Kosher salt
- 9 thick slices of Brunson Meat Co.s Applewood Smoked Uncured Bacon (10 ounces)
- 1 large white onion, cut into 1/2-inch dice
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup maple granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup dark molasses
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp. Dijon Mustard
- 2 Tbsp Maple Syrup
DIRECTIONS
Step 1:
In a large pot, cover the beans with 2 inches of water and bring to a boil. Simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until just tender, about 2 hours. Add water as needed. Keep beans covered by 2 inches of water. Season the beans with salt and let sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes. Drain the water, reserving 4 cups of the cooking liquid. Place beans into a large baking dish.
Step 2:
Preheat the oven to 350°. In a large skillet, cook the bacon strips for 5 minutes over moderate heat until the fat has rendered. Add the onion and cook over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, 10 minutes. Stir in the apple cider vinegar, maple sugar, molasses, black pepper and 1-1/2 tablespoons of kosher salt and simmer for 1 minute, until the sugar is dissolved. Pour the bacon-onion mixture over the beans and stir in the reserved bean cooking liquid. Cover the beans with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Step 3:
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix the maple syrup with the red wine vinegar and mustard. Arrange the remaining 8 bacon slices on a rimmed baking sheet, and generously brush them with the maple syrup mixture. Bake the bacon in the same oven as the beans for about 15 minutes, basting 3 times and turning the bacon twice, until richly glazed.
Step 4:
Carefully pour 1/3 cup of water onto the baking sheet and return it to the oven for about 3 minutes to dissolve the caramelized syrup. Uncover the beans and carefully stir in the syrup. Bake the beans, uncovered, for about 20 minutes longer, until the liquid has reduced by about one-fourth.
Step 5:
Increase the oven temperature to 400°. Top the beans with the glazed bacon and bake until browned, about 15 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.