A couple slices of bacon add just the right amount of richness to this sweet-and-savory side dish.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
In a 2-quart Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium, flipping occasionally, until some of the fat is rendered and bacon is browned in places, about 7 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
In a large bowl, combine maple syrup, mustard, ketchup, brown sugar, chicken broth, Worcestershire, and garlic. Stir in beans. Season with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
Transfer beans to Dutch oven and top with bacon and thyme. Bake, covered, for 30 minutes. Uncover and continue to bake until liquid has thickened and bacon is brown, about 40 minutes more. Let sit 5 minutes; mix well before serving.
If you don't have a 2-quart Dutch oven, you can render the bacon fat in a skillet before baking the beans in a 2-quart baking dish.
