Smoky & Sweet BBQ Baked Beans Recipe That Steals The Show

Savory bbq baked beans spark memories of backyard gatherings and summer celebrations.

Smoky aromas waft through the air, promising deliciousness ahead.

Grandma’s secret recipe combines sweet and tangy flavors that dance on your palate.

Hearty ingredients meld together in a cast-iron skillet, creating comfort in every bite.

Southern traditions shine through this classic dish that brings people closer.

Rich, thick sauce coats tender beans with a robust personality.

You’ll want to make this crowd-pleasing recipe that turns any meal into a delectable feast.

FAQ Section For BBQ Baked Beans

• Can I make these BBQ baked beans without bacon?

Yes, you can easily omit bacon and use 1 tablespoon of oil to sauté the onions. The beans will still be delicious and vegetarian-friendly.

• What type of BBQ sauce works best for this recipe?

Any standard BBQ sauce will work great. Choose a sauce with a balanced flavor profile – not too sweet or too tangy – to complement the beans’ natural taste.

• How can I add more flavor to the beans?

Consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika, a dash of worcestershire sauce, or some minced garlic to enhance the overall depth of flavor in the dish.

• Are these BBQ baked beans spicy?

The recipe as written is not spicy. If you want heat, you can add a small amount of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to customize the flavor to your preference.

Why BBQ Baked Beans Are Always A Favorite

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Classic BBQ baked beans deliver ultimate home-style deliciousness that everyone loves, perfect for satisfying hunger and creating happy meal memories.
• Minimal Prep Magic: Simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps mean you'll spend less time preparing and more time enjoying this hearty side dish with minimal kitchen effort.
• Versatile Party Companion: These beans shine at backyard barbecues, potlucks, family gatherings, and summer celebrations, complementing grilled meats and adding a delectable touch to any spread.
• Flavor-Packed Customization: The recipe allows easy personalization with different BBQ sauces, adding bacon for richness, or adjusting sweetness levels to match individual taste preferences.

What You’ll Need For BBQ Baked Beans

• Bacon: Adds a smoky, crispy texture and rich flavor to the beans.

• Baked Beans: Serves as the primary base and foundation of the dish.

• Onion: Provides a sweet and savory depth to the overall flavor profile.

• BBQ Sauce, Brown Sugar, Vinegar, Dijon Mustard: Create a tangy, sweet, and complex sauce that complements the beans and bacon.

How To Make BBQ Baked Beans At Home

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F. Grab a 9×9-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Crisp Up the Bacon

Toss chopped bacon into a skillet and cook it until it’s gloriously crispy and golden. Scoop out the bacon bits with a slotted spoon and let them rest on a paper towel to drain excess grease.

Step 3: Sauté the Onions

Using the same skillet with leftover bacon drippings, sauté diced onions until they’re soft and translucent. If you’re skipping bacon, just use a splash of oil to cook the onions.

Step 4: Mix the Magic

• Baked beans
• Crispy bacon pieces
• Sautéed onions
• BBQ sauce
• Brown sugar
• Vinegar
• Dijon mustard

Stir everything together until it’s well blended and looking delicious.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Pour the bean mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake uncovered for one hour. Halfway through, give the beans a gentle stir to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Pull the beans out of the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to mingle and the dish to cool slightly. Serve hot and enjoy the mouthwatering results!

BBQ Baked Beans Cooking Tips To Know

• Bacon Bliss: Crisp the bacon thoroughly for maximum flavor and textural contrast in your beans.
• Sauce Selection: Choose a high-quality BBQ sauce with complex flavor notes to elevate the dish's overall taste profile.
• Sugar Balance: Adjust brown sugar quantity based on your BBQ sauce's sweetness to prevent overpowering the savory elements.
• Low-Fat Swap: Replace bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a vegetarian version that maintains deep, smoky undertones.
• Stirring Strategy: Mix beans midway through baking to distribute heat evenly and prevent burning at the edges.

Ways To Switch Up BBQ Baked Beans

• Vegetarian Bean Feast: Replace bacon with smoky tempeh or plant-based bacon bits for a meat-free protein boost, maintaining the rich BBQ flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Beans: Add diced jalapeños, chipotle powder, and a dash of cayenne to create a fiery version with southwestern heat and complexity.
• Gluten-Free BBQ Beans: Use certified gluten-free BBQ sauce and verify all ingredients are gluten-free, perfect for those with celiac or gluten sensitivity.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or reduce sugar content, using sugar-free BBQ sauce for a diabetic-friendly alternative.

Great Sides With BBQ Baked Beans

• Pair with Smoky Pulled Pork: Complement the rich, tangy BBQ baked beans with tender pulled pork that echoes the smoky flavor profile and adds protein-packed depth to the meal.
• Create a Crisp Coleslaw Side: Balance the beans' sweetness with a zesty, crunchy coleslaw that provides a refreshing contrast and cuts through the dish's richness.
• Select a Bold Craft Beer Companion: Choose a robust amber ale or dark stout that matches the beans' intense BBQ notes, enhancing the overall smoky and caramelized taste experience.
• Serve with Cornbread Perfection: Add a warm, slightly sweet cornbread to soak up the delicious bean sauce, creating a classic Southern-style comfort food combination that feels like a warm hug.

Store BBQ Baked Beans Without A Hassle

• Transfer cooled BBQ baked beans to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Pack beans in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Pour beans into a saucepan, add a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce to prevent sticking.

BBQ Baked Beans Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Smoky, sweet BBQ Baked Beans elevate classic comfort cuisine with a rich blend of bacon, molasses, and tangy sauce. Hearty flavors meld together, creating a crowd-pleasing side dish perfect for summer gatherings and backyard barbecues you’ll savor to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 6 strips bacon (chopped small)

Vegetables:

• 1 small onion (finely diced)

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 2 28 ounces (794 grams) cans original baked beans (do not drain)
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Dijon mustard

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 350°F and lightly coat a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Render bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden, then transfer to a paper towel to drain excess fat.
3. Utilize the same skillet with residual bacon drippings to sauté onions until they become soft and translucent.
4. Amalgamate baked beans with crispy bacon pieces, caramelized onions, tangy BBQ sauce, rich brown sugar, sharp vinegar, and zesty Dijon mustard in a large mixing bowl.
5. Transfer the robust bean mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring even distribution.
6. Roast uncovered in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, gently stirring midway to promote uniform heating and prevent surface burning.
7. Extract from oven and allow a brief resting period to let flavors meld and settle before serving hot.

Notes

• Select thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crispy texture, ensuring it renders enough fat for sautéing onions.
• Consider using low-sodium BBQ sauce to control salt content and customize sweetness levels for different taste preferences.
• Experiment with different bean varieties like navy, pinto, or mixed beans to create unique flavor profiles and accommodate dietary restrictions.
• For vegetarian version, replace bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke to maintain deep, rich barbecue undertones without meat.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 230 kcal
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 540 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg