BY Karen H

Baked Beans & Apples

A sweet and savoury slow-baked bean dish that's easy to make ahead and perfect for chilly days.
PREP TIME
COOK TIME
TOTAL TIME
SERVINGS
YIELDS
INGREDIENTS
  • 2 cups dried beans (see Tips)
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 tsp Dijon or artisanal mustard
  • 2 tbsp blackstrap molasses
  • ½ cup maple syrup
  • 3 tbsp tomato paste
  • 3 tart apples (any variety), chopped
  • 2 tbsp butter, melted
  • 2 tsp sea salt
INSTRUCTIONS
  1. Soak and cook the beans according to the Soaking & Cooking Times for Beans chart.
  2. Preheat the oven to 300°F. Combine cooked beans, onion, mustard, molasses, maple syrup, tomato paste, and enough reserved cooking liquid (or fresh water) to cover the beans in a casserole dish. Bake for 3 hours, checking occasionally to add water if needed.
  3. Add apples, drizzle with melted butter, sprinkle with salt, and bake uncovered for 1 more hour until apples are soft.
TIPS & VARIATIONS
  • Navy beans, white pea beans, black-eyed peas, Great Northern beans, and pinto beans all work well for this recipe.
  • Extra cooked beans can be divided into 2–4 person servings or frozen for soups, casseroles, or salads.
  • This recipe makes great leftovers and can be frozen in similar serving sizes for packed lunches or quick side dishes.