Best Applewood Smoked Bacon And Maple Calico Beans Recipes

Applewood smoked bacon and maple calico beans is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for any occasion. The dish combines the smoky, salty flavor of bacon with the sweetness of maple syrup and a combination of beans. It is a dish that is easy to make but is packed with flavor.

What is Applewood Smoked Bacon?

Applewood smoked bacon is a type of bacon that is smoked with applewood chips. This gives the bacon a unique smoky flavor that is slightly sweet and fruity. Applewood smoked bacon is a popular ingredient in many different dishes, including salads, sandwiches, and soups.

What are Calico Beans?

Calico beans are a mixture of various types of beans that are typically cooked with bacon, ground beef, and a tomato-based sauce. The name "calico" comes from the colorful variety of beans that are used in the dish, which can include kidney beans, pinto beans, navy beans, and black beans.

How to Make Applewood Smoked Bacon and Maple Calico Beans?

To make applewood smoked bacon and maple calico beans, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound applewood smoked bacon, sliced into small pieces
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (16 ounces) navy beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (16 ounces) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

To make the dish, follow these steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until crispy. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
3. Add the ground beef to the same skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
4. Add the onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until the vegetables are soft and tender, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the chili powder, paprika, and garlic powder to the skillet and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
6. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), kidney beans, navy beans, and pinto beans to the skillet and stir to combine.
7. Add the maple syrup to the skillet and stir to combine.
8. Add the cooked bacon to the skillet and stir to combine.
9. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper, to taste.
10. Transfer the mixture to a large baking dish and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the beans are hot and bubbly.

Serve the applewood smoked bacon and maple calico beans hot, with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro on top.

Conclusion

Applewood smoked bacon and maple calico beans is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for any meal. The combination of smoky bacon, sweet maple syrup, and a variety of beans makes for a dish that is both hearty and delicious. With just a few simple ingredients and easy preparation steps, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Applewood smoked bacon and maple calico beans recipe is a classic summer recipe that is perfect for any backyard barbecue or family gathering. The combination of the smoky, savory bacon with the sweet, tangy beans creates a flavor explosion that is sure to impress any guest. However, cooking this dish can be a little tricky, especially for beginners. In this article, we will provide valuable tips to help you create the perfect applewood smoked bacon and maple calico beans recipe.

Choose the Right Beans

The first step to making the perfect applewood smoked bacon and maple calico beans is to choose the right type of beans. While any type of bean will work, some varieties are better than others when it comes to this recipe. The most common beans used in calico beans recipes are navy beans, cannellini beans, and great northern beans. These beans are all mild-flavored and have a creamy texture that complements the bacon and maple flavors.

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When choosing your beans, it's important to look for high-quality beans that are fresh and in good condition. Avoid beans that are wrinkled, discolored, or have a musty odor.

Soak Your Beans

Once you have chosen your beans, the next step is to soak them overnight. Soaking the beans will help them cook faster and more evenly. It will also help to remove any impurities and make them easier to digest.

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When soaking your beans, be sure to use enough water to cover the beans completely. You can also add a tablespoon of salt to the water to help soften the beans and improve their texture.

Precook Your Bacon

The key to getting that smoky flavor in your applewood smoked bacon and maple calico beans is to precook the bacon. Frying or baking the bacon until it is crispy will help to release its smoky flavor and oil. This oil will add additional flavor to your beans, and the crispy bits of bacon will provide a nice texture contrast.

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When cooking your bacon, be sure to use high-quality bacon that is thick-cut. This will give your dish a meatier texture and flavor. Also, be sure to let the bacon cool before chopping it into small pieces.

Choose the Right Maple Syrup

The maple flavor in the applewood smoked bacon and maple calico beans recipe comes from the maple syrup. Choosing the right maple syrup is important to get the perfect balance of sweetness and flavor. When choosing your maple syrup, look for one that is 100% pure and has a rich, robust flavor.

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When measuring your maple syrup, be sure to use a liquid measuring cup rather than a dry measuring cup. This will ensure that you get the right amount of syrup and the right consistency for your beans.

Season Your Beans

Seasoning is key when making any dish, but especially when making applewood smoked bacon and maple calico beans. The key to getting the right flavor is to season your beans with the right combination of herbs and spices. Common spices used in calico beans recipes include chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika.

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When seasoning your beans, be sure to taste as you go. This will help you adjust the seasoning to your personal taste. Remember, you can always add more seasoning, but you can't take it away.

Cook Low and Slow

The final step in making the perfect applewood smoked bacon and maple calico beans is to cook them low and slow. This will help to develop the flavors and ensure that the beans are tender and creamy.

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When cooking your beans, be sure to use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. This will help to distribute the heat evenly and prevent the beans from burning. Also, be sure to stir your beans occasionally to prevent sticking.

Conclusion

Applewood smoked bacon and maple calico beans is a classic summer recipe that is perfect for any occasion. By following these valuable tips, you can create a dish that is full of flavor, texture, and aroma. Remember to choose the right beans, soak them overnight, precook your bacon, choose the right maple syrup, season your beans, and cook low and slow. With these tips, you'll be well on your way to making the perfect applewood smoked bacon and maple calico beans recipe.