BBQ Baked Beans are a delightful addition to any meal, bringing together the rich flavors of bacon, sweet BBQ sauce, and tender baked beans. This recipe is perfect for summer cookouts, potlucks, or backyard barbecues. The hearty nature of these beans makes them a crowd favorite, and their simple preparation ensures they can be made with ease. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply enjoying a family dinner, BBQ Baked Beans will impress your guests.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of crispy bacon and sweet BBQ sauce creates an irresistible taste that everyone will love.
Easy to Prepare: With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have this delicious dish ready in no time.
Versatile Side Dish: BBQ Baked Beans pair perfectly with grilled meats, sandwiches, or can stand alone as a hearty vegetarian option.
Make Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this dish in advance and simply bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to experiment with different types of beans or sauces for a unique twist on this classic recipe.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

9×9-inch baking dish
Large skillet
Slotted spoon
Mixing bowl
Cooking spray

Importance of Each Tool

Baking Dish: A 9×9-inch baking dish is perfect for even cooking and allows the beans to bubble up nicely.
Large Skillet: This is essential for cooking the bacon and onions evenly while retaining flavor.
Slotted Spoon: Using a slotted spoon helps you easily transfer cooked ingredients without excess grease.

Ingredients

To make delicious BBQ Baked Beans, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Beans

6 strips bacon, chopped small
1 small onion, finely diced
2 (28 oz) cans original baked beans (do not drain)
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

How to Make BBQ Baked Beans

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray your 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

In a large skillet over medium heat:
1. Cook the chopped bacon until crispy.
2. Remove it with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.

Step 3: Sauté the Onions

In the same skillet:
1. Sauté the diced onion in the remaining bacon fat until softened and translucent.
2. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. If you’re skipping bacon, use 1 tablespoon of oil instead.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Combine the baked beans, cooked bacon, sautéed onions, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, and Dijon mustard.
2. Stir until fully mixed.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake uncovered for 1 hour, stirring halfway through for even cooking.

Step 6: Serve

Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving warm alongside your favorite dishes.

With these steps followed closely, you’ll have delicious BBQ Baked Beans ready to enjoy!

How to Serve BBQ Baked Beans

BBQ Baked Beans make a delicious and versatile side dish that pairs well with various meals. Here are some great serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

With Grilled Meats

Ribs: The smoky flavor of BBQ baked beans complements tender, juicy ribs perfectly.
Chicken: Pair these beans with grilled chicken for a delightful contrast of flavors.

As a Potluck Favorite

Layered Dish: Serve in a layered fashion with cornbread or tortilla chips for a fun twist.
In Individual Cups: Use small cups for individual servings; they are easy to transport and serve at gatherings.

Alongside Salads

Coleslaw: The crunchiness of coleslaw balances the richness of BBQ baked beans beautifully.
Potato Salad: This classic side adds a creamy texture that pairs well with the hearty beans.

For Breakfast

With Eggs: Top scrambled eggs with BBQ baked beans for a savory breakfast option.
On Toast: Spread on toasted bread for a filling breakfast or brunch item.

How to Perfect BBQ Baked Beans

To achieve the best BBQ Baked Beans, consider these simple tips that enhance flavor and texture.

Use Quality Bacon: Opt for center-cut bacon for less grease while maintaining crispiness.
Experiment with Sauces: Try different BBQ sauces to find the flavor profile that you love most.
Add Spice: For an extra kick, include jalapeños or hot sauce in the mix.
Let Them Rest: Allow the beans to sit after baking; this helps flavors meld together beautifully.
Try Different Beans: Mix in other canned beans like kidney or pinto for added variety and texture.

Best Side Dishes for BBQ Baked Beans

BBQ Baked Beans can shine even brighter when paired with complementary sides. Here are some great options to consider:

Cornbread: Sweet and crumbly cornbread makes an excellent pairing with savory baked beans.
Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies add color and balance to your meal while enhancing its nutrition.
Macaroni and Cheese: The creaminess of mac and cheese contrasts nicely with the robust flavors of baked beans.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and freshness that elevates any barbecue plate.
Potato Salad: This classic dish brings creaminess that complements the hearty texture of baked beans.
Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up extra sauce from your BBQ baked beans.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

BBQ Baked Beans are a delicious dish, but some common mistakes can affect the final result. Here are a few to watch out for:

Skipping the Bacon: While it’s possible to make BBQ Baked Beans without bacon, this mistake can lead to a less flavorful dish. If you prefer a vegetarian option, consider adding smoked paprika for that smoky flavor.
Overcooking the Onions: Cooking onions too long can make them mushy and lose their sweetness. Sauté until they are just translucent for the best texture and flavor.
Using Too Much Sugar: It’s easy to overdo sweeteners like brown sugar. Stick to the recommended amount to maintain balance in flavors and avoid overly sweet beans.
Not Stirring During Baking: Failing to stir halfway through baking can cause uneven cooking. Stirring ensures that all ingredients meld well and cook evenly.
Not Letting Them Rest: Serving BBQ Baked Beans immediately after baking can lead to a runny consistency. Allowing them to rest lets them thicken up and improves flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover BBQ Baked Beans in an airtight container.
They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing BBQ Baked Beans

Place cooled beans in freezer-safe containers or bags.
They can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating BBQ Baked Beans

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered with a paper towel, for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
Stovetop: Warm on medium heat in a skillet, stirring frequently until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about BBQ Baked Beans, here are some common questions:

How do I make BBQ Baked Beans from scratch?

Making BBQ Baked Beans from scratch involves using dry beans, soaking them overnight, and then cooking them with your favorite seasonings and BBQ sauce. It’s a bit more time-consuming but very rewarding!

Can I use other types of beans for BBQ Baked Beans?

Yes! You can use pinto beans or black beans if you’d like variety or have dietary preferences.

What should I serve with BBQ Baked Beans?

BBQ Baked Beans pair perfectly with grilled meats like ribs or burgers, cornbread, or even as part of a picnic spread.

Are BBQ Baked Beans healthy?

While they do contain sugars and fats from bacon and sauce, they also provide protein and fiber from the beans. Enjoy them as part of a balanced meal!

Can I make BBQ Baked Beans ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare them a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator before baking. This also allows the flavors to develop further.

Final Thoughts

BBQ Baked Beans are not only comforting but also versatile enough for any gathering. You can customize them with different flavors or add-ins like jalapeños for some heat or various types of sauces for unique twists. Try this recipe at your next cookout — it’s sure to impress!

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BBQ Baked Beans

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Author: Nora
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

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Description

BBQ Baked Beans are the ultimate comfort food, combining the rich flavors of crispy bacon and sweet BBQ sauce with tender beans. This delightful dish is perfect for summer cookouts, potlucks, or cozy family dinners. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, it’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or can stand alone as a hearty vegetarian option. With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this savory side that’s sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re serving them at a backyard barbecue or enjoying a quiet night in, these BBQ Baked Beans will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.

Ingredients

Scale

6 strips bacon, chopped
1 small onion, finely diced
2 (28 oz) cans original baked beans (do not drain)
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Cook chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
In the same skillet, sauté diced onion in remaining bacon fat until softened. Drain on paper towels.
In a mixing bowl, combine baked beans, cooked bacon, sautéed onions, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, and mustard. Stir well.
Pour mixture into prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake uncovered for 1 hour, stirring halfway through.
Let rest for a few minutes before serving warm.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American