Smoky Maple Baked Beans

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Slow-cooked baked beans infused with molasses, smoked paprika, and a hint of cinnamon for a sweet-and-savory twist on a classic Southern staple. This southern-inspired sheet pan ready in about 120 minutes pairs pork shoulder, (15 oz) white beans, molasses for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.9 (15 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 90 min Serves 4 Southern cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). In a large oven-safe pot, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy, 8-10 minutes. Add pork shoulder and cook until browned, 5 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Stir in beans, molasses, vinegar, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Pour 1/2 cup water to cover beans. Bake, uncovered, for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender.
  3. Step 3: Serve warm, garnished with crispy bacon and a drizzle of glaze made from leftover molasses.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Maple Baked Beans take to make?

Total time is about 120 minutes (30 min prep + 90 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Smoky Maple Baked Beans?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Maple Baked Beans?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Smoky Maple Baked Beans for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Smoky Maple Baked Beans?

Southern sheet pan like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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