Baked Beans With Ham And Maple Syrup(Microwave)
A comforting microwave-baked dish combining tender ham, sweet maple syrup, hearty baked beans, and flavorful spices topped with crispy bread crumbs for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. cubed ham ⓘ
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced 1/4 inch thick ⓘ
- 1/3 cup maple syrup ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard ⓘ
- 2 cans baked beans (16 oz. each) ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons ketchup ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon butter or margarine, melted ⓘ
Instructions
- Place cubed ham in the center of an ungreased 11 x 9 x 2 inch microwave dish.
- Arrange sliced carrots in a single layer around the ham.
- Combine maple syrup and Dijon mustard in a small bowl.
- Pour the maple syrup mixture over the ham and carrots.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap, venting one edge.
- Microwave on high for 8 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
- In a separate bowl, mix baked beans, ketchup, dry mustard, and chili powder.
- Add the bean mixture to the ham and carrots in the dish and stir to combine.
- Microwave uncovered for 8 minutes, stirring midway.
- Sprinkle dry bread crumbs and melted butter over the casserole.
- Microwave for an additional 2 minutes or place under the broiler 4 inches from the heat for 1 minute.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked ham or adding a dash of liquid smoke to the dish. You can substitute the maple syrup with brown sugar or honey if needed. If you want to add more vegetables, diced bell peppers or celery can work well. To enhance the spices, feel free to increase the chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne for heat. This dish is reminiscent of American recipes like Baked Beans Doctored.
Serving Suggestions
This dish serves well as a hearty main course or as a side at barbecues and potlucks. Pair it with cornbread or a fresh green salad to balance the richness. It also goes nicely with grilled meats or as part of a buffet spread, making it a versatile option for gatherings. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside Split Pea Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, microwave on medium power in short intervals, stirring frequently to ensure even heating. You can also bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, which helps retain the texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Beans With Ham And Maple Syrup(Microwave) contains roughly 707 calories, with 7g protein, 165g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (119% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), and potassium (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 839mg per serving (36% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the ham and using vegetable broth instead of water for cooking. You can also add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to maintain a hearty texture. Additionally, consider using vegetarian baked beans or beans of your choice for flavor.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the dish?
To adjust the sweetness, you can reduce the amount of maple syrup or substitute it with less sweet alternatives like apple cider or a sugar-free syrup. Tasting as you go is key; you can always add a little more sweetness later if needed.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the point of microwaving, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply microwave as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it's cold from the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).