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With Salt and Wit

Laugh Often. Eat Well.

67 May 17, 2016 Allergy Friendly

Slow Cooker Healthy Maple Bacon Baked Beans

These Slow Cooker Healthy Maple Bacon Baked Beans are a barbeque, get together must have! A healthy twist on the classic bacon baked beans with maple, that allows your slow cooker do all the work. 

These Slow Cooker Healthy Maple Bacon Baked Beans are a barbeque, get together must have! A healthy twist on the classic bacon baked beans that allows your slow cooker do all the work!
These Slow Cooker Healthy Maple Bacon Baked Beans are a barbeque, get together must have! A healthy twist on the classic bacon baked beans that allows your slow cooker do all the work!

These Slow Cooker Healthy Maple Bacon Baked Beans are a barbeque, get together must have! A healthy twist on the classic bacon baked beans that allows your slow cooker do all the work!

Being from the midwest, there are some non-negotiables for summer get together’s.

The obvious, something delicious on the grill.  A chilled beverage of choice; a chilled glass of pinot grigio or margarita are my two top picks! And lastly, baked beans.

These Slow Cooker Healthy Maple Bacon Baked Beans are a barbeque, get together must have! A healthy twist on the classic bacon baked beans with maple, that allows your slow cooker do all the work.

With summer on the horizon, we all need a delicious, and not to mention, eassyyyyyyy side dish we can all count on. And one everyone will be thankful you brought. And I am not talking about those cans of baked beans. After seeing some of the ingredients in them, I decided to give a go at them. I thought, how hard could they be?

Spoiler. Not hard one bit.

Beans + a homemade maple and bacon infused BBQ = insanely addicting dish. I am tellin ya. You will forget all about those cans of beans from the Bush family.

These Slow Cooker Healthy Maple Bacon Baked Beans are a barbeque, get together must have! A healthy twist on the classic bacon baked beans with maple, that allows your slow cooker do all the work.

I am not lying when I say these beans are the best . They start with bacon. So duh. Then maple, tomato paste, chile powder, coconut sugar (or brown sugar if that suits ya), onion and garlic all simmer into a delicious glaze. Resist not to just eat the sauce as is. I had to hide it from my husband before he put big ol’ spoonfuls onto nearly everything…poor guy. I am constantly telling him to keep his paws off food in our fridge until I get around to photographing it. Oh, the joys of being married to a food blogger…

After letting the beans soak overnight, some of the soaked bean water is mixed with the luscious BBQ sauce in the slow cooker. Then the hardest part awaits. Flipping on the switch and waiting. The maple bacon aroma that slowly fills your house will make you think you are in the heart of a midwest BBQ joint. Just minus the cleaning crew. Rats.

These Slow Cooker Healthy Maple Bacon Baked Beans are a barbeque, get together must have! A healthy twist on the classic bacon baked beans with maple, that allows your slow cooker do all the work.

The only thing left to do is find yourself an invite to a summer BBQ. If you find one, make sure to shoot one my way!

These Slow Cooker Healthy Maple Bacon Baked Beans are a barbeque, get together must have! A healthy twist on the classic bacon baked beans with maple, that allows your slow cooker do all the work.

Items I used to make this recipe:

  • Slow Cooker
  • Skillet
  • Measuring Spoons & Cups 
  • Coconut Sugar
  • Maple Syrup

Slow Cooker Healthy Maple Bacon Baked Beans

These Slow Cooker Healthy Maple Bacon Baked Beans are a barbeque, get together must have! A healthy twist on the classic bacon baked beans that allows your slow cooker do all the work!

12 hrPrep Time

6 hrCook Time

18 hrTotal Time

Yields 10

Author:

Megan

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Ingredients

  • 1 pound dry navy beans
  • 6 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 uncooked pound turkey bacon, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1/3 cup tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire suce
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  1. Place dry beans in a large pot. Add the water and cover. Let beans soak overnight.
  2. Drain the beans, but reserving 4 cups of water. Rinse the beans and set aside.
  3. When beans are rinsed, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  4. Add the bacon, garlic, and onion to the prepared pan. Stir frequently until crispy, 5 to 10 minutes.
  5. Add the tomato paste, maple syrup, coconut sugar, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt and pepper. Whisk until incorporated. Bring to a simmer then allow to cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
  6. Add the beans and reserved water.
  7. Cove the beans and bring to a low boil over medium heat. Remove from heat and transfer to a slow cooker.
  8. Cook beans on high for 4 to 5 hours, or until beans are soft and sauce begins to thicken. Keep beans on "warm" in slow-cooker until ready to serve.

Notes

*Recipe modified from Whole and Heavenly Oven Serving Size is 1/2 cup

7.8.1.2
352
https://withsaltandwit.com/slow-cooker-healthy-maple-bacon-baked-beans/

Looking for more potluck type recipes?

A favorite sandwich gets a pasta salad makeover! BLT Pasta Salad is a combination of bacon, tomatoes and lettuce with avocado added for one flavorful dish!

BLT Pasta Salad with Balsamic Dijon Vinaigrette

A salad doesn't get any better or fresher than this! Honey Basil Fruit Salad is a mix of fresh fruit and tossed in a 3 ingredient dressing: honey, basil and lemon!

{Simple} Honey Basil Fruit Salad

Serve the pork with this White Cheddar and Bacon Chopped Salad! It is a simple salad, filled with flavor in each bite thanks to the way the ingredients are chopped! A great salad to make ahead of time and eat all week long!

White Cheddar and Bacon Chopped Salad

If you make this recipe, make sure to snap a photo and hashtag it #WITHSALTANDWIT. I’d love to see what you are cooking up in your kitchen!

67

Categories: Allergy Friendly Tags: bacon, BBQ, beans, dairy free, gluten free, healthy, maple, Pot Luck, slow cooker, tailgate

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Crystal says

    May 17, 2016 at 8:42 am

    Ohhhhh This recipe looks delicious! I love the addition of maple, these would be great for a summer BBQ!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      May 17, 2016 at 8:44 am

      Why thank you Crystal! And yes...summer BBQ's are perfect! Thanks so much!
      Reply
  2. Liz says

    May 17, 2016 at 12:29 pm

    Love baked beans and these sound so good. Thank you.
    Reply
    • Meg says

      May 17, 2016 at 12:33 pm

      I am with ya! Thanks so much Liz!
      Reply
  3. Laura / I Heart Naptime says

    May 17, 2016 at 1:01 pm

    I live in Kansas City and am as snobby with my baked beans as I am with my BBQ - and these look AMAZING! I will totally make these soon (because, ahem, I'm known for still doctoring up a canned variety).
    Reply
    • Meg says

      May 17, 2016 at 3:10 pm

      Wait...You live in KC?! So do I!! We must meet!
      Reply
  4. Kacey @ The Cookie Writer says

    May 17, 2016 at 4:41 pm

    I've always wanted to make my own baked beans (especially in the slow cooker!) My daughter will love these (and now not complain when I run out of the "sugar beans," lol.)
    Reply
    • Meg says

      May 18, 2016 at 7:33 am

      So happy to hear that! And yes you need to. They are SO easy! Thanks Kacey and hoping your daughter loves them too ;)
      Reply
  5. Patricia @ Grab a Plate says

    May 17, 2016 at 10:01 pm

    Love, LOVE the BBQ sauce you've got going on with these beautiful beans! We eat them a lot in the summer, with all the grilling that's going on, so this will be a great recipe to have on hand!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      May 18, 2016 at 7:32 am

      I want to join those yummy grilling dinners! Thanks Patricia!
      Reply
  6. Ashlyn @ Belle of the Kitchen says

    May 19, 2016 at 2:06 am

    I'd forgo everything else at a barbecue if these were there! All of my favorite flavors in one! Yes please!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      May 19, 2016 at 8:16 am

      I am with ya! Thanks Ashlyn!
      Reply
  7. Malinda @Countryside Cravings says

    May 19, 2016 at 8:53 am

    Homemade baked beans are the best and they are even better in the slow cooker!!!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      May 21, 2016 at 7:31 am

      This was my first time making them homemade and kicking myself for not doing it sooner! Thanks Malinda!
      Reply
  8. Melanie | Melanie Makes says

    May 19, 2016 at 7:51 pm

    I always love seeing what others put in their baked beans and yours look delish, Meg!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      May 21, 2016 at 7:25 am

      Me too! Thanks Melanie!
      Reply
  9. Cookin Canuck says

    May 20, 2016 at 11:59 am

    This looks like the ultimate summertime side dish. My father-in=law is a huge fan of baked beans - I need to make this for him.
    Reply
    • Meg says

      May 21, 2016 at 7:25 am

      Oh I hope he enjoys! Thanks!
      Reply
  10. Rose @ Half Her Size says

    June 17, 2016 at 5:44 pm

    My grandma used to make baked beans, we called them "cabin beans" because she often made them for picnics at our cabin. I haven't thought to give them a try myself but now I am inspired. I linked to this post in a round up of healthy father's day recipes. http://www.halfhersize.com/healthy-fathers-day-recipes/ Thanks!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      June 20, 2016 at 8:03 am

      I love the name of those! Very creative ;) And why thank you for including my recipe! Have a great week, Rose!
      Reply
  11. Maria says

    September 23, 2016 at 3:42 pm

    Being a Pacific Northwesterner, I am not a baked bean snob by any stretch, but I love them. However, I have to say, I have never understood why they are a summer food? It seems very hot, hearty, and heavy for the summer, but maybe its because no one up here knows how to make a proper batch haha!!! Nonetheless, I am loving these for football parties this fall!!! Sounds perfect. Thank you for the great idea!!!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      September 25, 2016 at 2:49 pm

      You are so right...not sure why they are labeled as a summer food either but we definitely eat them year round considering KC is known for our BBQ! Great idea with the football! I may bring these to our next tailgate too ;) Thanks, Maria!
      Reply
  12. Linda says

    December 29, 2016 at 10:57 am

    Hi Meg- For the soak and rinse cycle :-) do you rinse the beans before putting them to soak? Your instructions say to rinse after the soak, saving the soak water for use in the recipe. I usually make a pot of beans without soaking, and that involves simply rinsing the beans, then putting them into the cooking water. In the browning step, how much oil do you typically use? I've read the recipe several times, even with my glasses on, and I'm not seeing the amount. And since it has turkey bacon, I wouldn't want to overdo on the oil. Thanks!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      December 29, 2016 at 3:36 pm

      Hi Linda! No need to rinse the beans before soaking. As for the browning step, just a tablespoon will do! I will add that into the ingredients. Hope that helps!
      Reply
  13. Julie says

    June 8, 2017 at 6:53 am

    I can't wait to make these! Do you think I can make this a few days before the BBQ? Which steps should I modify?
    Reply
    • Meg says

      June 11, 2017 at 5:57 am

      Yes you could! Just reheat for the BBQ or throw back into the slow cooker to heat up.
      Reply
  14. Adrianna Cote says

    June 26, 2017 at 6:33 pm

    I am making them as we speak. I just eliminated the bacon. I love that they are made with maple syrup and coconut sugar. Thank you for the recipe without refined sugar.
    Reply
    • Meg says

      June 27, 2017 at 12:37 pm

      You bet! Hope you enjoy!
      Reply
  15. Linda says

    July 3, 2017 at 11:08 am

    Quick question..after you bring the beans to a low boil and transfer to the crock pot do you drain the water first or is the water added to the crock pot. Thanks!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      July 5, 2017 at 11:36 am

      Nope, do not drain.
      Reply
  16. Catherine Haeckel says

    July 11, 2020 at 4:32 pm

    Any thoughts on pressure canning these? I love baked beans but I just don't have the time to make a homemade version, so I end up with store bought. I have recently been looking into pressure canning my beans and this would be an awesome idea.
    Reply
    • Megan Kohrs says

      July 14, 2020 at 7:19 am

      Hi Catherine! I have never pressure cooked anything...I am sorry I can't be of more help! They do freeze well so they may work for canning?! Let me know if you try, please!
      Reply

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Hi There!

I'm Megan! A wife, mama and have a serious love of nutritious, time-saving meals with a knack for meal prep hacks. I crave simple, wholesome and balanced meals with a bit of humor on the side! Welcome to my kitchen. Read More…

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