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Savory Vegan Baked Beans with Maple Syrup

savory vegan baked beans - featured image

A hearty and homey vegan baked beans recipe featuring a savory and slightly sweet sauce made with pure maple syrup, smoked paprika, and apple cider vinegar. Perfect as a comforting meal or a crowd-pleasing side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups cooked navy beans (or great northern beans), drained and rinsed if canned
  • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup (Grade A amber preferred)
  • 1/3 cup tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional: a few drops liquid smoke
  • Optional: red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. If using dry beans, soak them overnight and cook until tender but not mushy (about 1-1.5 hours). For canned beans, rinse and drain thoroughly to reduce excess sodium.
  3. In a large bowl, combine maple syrup, tomato paste, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until smooth.
  4. Slowly stir in vegetable broth and olive oil.
  5. Gently fold the cooked beans into the sauce mixture, coating each bean without breaking them.
  6. Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe casserole dish or Dutch oven. Spread evenly without pressing down.
  7. Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
  8. Remove the cover and bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes to thicken the sauce and develop a slight crust.
  9. Check seasoning and texture; if sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of broth; if too thin, bake a bit longer uncovered.
  10. Let the beans rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and sauce to thicken.

Notes

Use canned beans for a quicker version but reduce baking time to avoid mushiness. Liquid smoke adds extra smoky flavor but use sparingly. Stir gently during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent sauce from sticking. Sauce can be prepared the night before and refrigerated. Adjust seasoning and sweetness to taste. For a spicier version, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.

Nutrition

Keywords: vegan baked beans, maple syrup baked beans, savory baked beans, vegan comfort food, smoky baked beans, easy vegan recipe