Best BBQ Baked Beans

Name: Best BBQ Baked Beans
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound turkey bacon, diced; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 2 jalapeños, seeded and diced (or substitute 1 green bell pepper); 4 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cans (15 oz each) great northern beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup brown sugar; 1 cup BBQ sauce (choose your favorite brand); 1 cup cola (Dr. Pepper, root beer, or regular cola); ¼ cup apple cider vinegar; 2 tablespoons molasses; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon salt; 2 teaspoons black pepper

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Looking for the Best BBQ Baked Beans to wow your guests? This recipe is the perfect mix of sweet, smoky, and tangy. Packed with beans, crispy turkey bacon, and rich BBQ sauce, this side dish is full of flavor in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, a cozy potluck, or a casual family dinner, these baked beans are always a hit.

What makes them stand out? The bold sauce, made with cola, molasses, and Dijon mustard, gives these beans a deep and satisfying taste. The use of turkey bacon keeps it lighter without losing the classic smoky touch. Plus, the combination of great northern beans and black beans adds a creamy texture that blends perfectly with the zesty sauce.

If you want a hearty, easy-to-make side dish that brings comfort and flavor to the table, this is your go-to recipe for BBQ baked beans done right.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love These Best BBQ Baked Beans

These BBQ baked beans aren’t just any side dish they’re a crowd-pleaser with layers of flavor in every spoonful. Here’s why you’ll keep coming back to this recipe:

Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple steps and everyday ingredients. Once it’s in the oven, it cooks low and slow while you focus on the rest of your meal.
These are hands-down the best BBQ baked beans for anyone who loves bold taste and comforting food.
Packed with Flavor: The mix of BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and molasses gives these beans a perfect balance of sweet and smoky. Add in a splash of cola and apple cider vinegar, and you’ve got a rich, tangy kick that makes every bite exciting.
Healthier Twist: Using turkey bacon instead of regular bacon cuts down on fat while keeping that satisfying smoky taste. It’s a lighter option that still delivers big on flavor.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer cookout, potluck, or holiday meal, these baked beans fit right in. They’re warm, filling, and easy to serve straight from the pan.

Pair these beans with crowd favorites like our BBQ Chicken Sliders for the ultimate cookout combo.

Ingredients for Best BBQ Baked Beans

To create these Best BBQ Baked Beans, you need several key items. First, gather your diced turkey bacon, yellow onion, and jalapeños. Minced garlic adds another layer of aroma. For the beans, you will use great northern beans and black beans. The rich, flavorful sauce combines brown sugar, your favorite BBQ sauce, and a cup of cola. Apple cider vinegar, molasses, Dijon mustard, and tomato paste complete the sauce. Finally, salt and black pepper season the dish perfectly.

Equipment You’ll Need

Making these Best BBQ Baked Beans requires a few essential tools. You will need a large cast iron skillet. Alternatively, a large oven-safe pan works just as well. This allows you to cook and bake the beans in the same dish. Ensure your oven or smoker is available and preheated. Basic kitchen utensils like a knife for dicing and a spoon for stirring will also be necessary.

How to Make Best BBQ Baked Beans

Making delicious Best BBQ Baked Beans starts simply. First, preheat your oven or smoker to 275°F (135°C). While it heats, put a large cast iron skillet or oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. Add your diced turkey bacon to this pan. Cook the bacon for about 5 to 7 minutes. It will render fat but remain soft. This step builds the savory foundation for your beans.

Next, carefully drain most bacon grease. Leave about one tablespoon in the skillet for flavor. Now, add the diced yellow onion and the diced jalapeños. If you prefer milder beans, use a green bell pepper instead. Toss in the minced garlic as well. Continue cooking these ingredients together. Stir them occasionally for about 6 to 8 minutes. The bacon will become crispy. Vegetables will soften and release wonderful aromas. Your kitchen will start to smell incredible.

Now, add the beans. Stir in your drained and rinsed great northern beans. Add the drained and rinsed black beans too. These give a hearty texture. Then, build the signature sauce. Add the brown sugar for sweetness. Pour in your favorite BBQ sauce and the cup of cola. The cola adds a unique depth and sweetness to the dish, enhancing your Best BBQ Baked Beans.

Continue crafting the rich sauce with more flavor boosters. Stir in apple cider vinegar for a pleasant tang. Add molasses for its deep, sweet character. Mix in Dijon mustard for zest and tomato paste for color and richness. Finally, season everything with salt and black pepper. Stir all these ingredients together very well. Ensure every bean and piece of bacon gets generously coated in the delicious sauce. Thorough mixing ensures evenly flavored Best BBQ Baked Beans.

Once mixed, carefully move the skillet to the preheated oven or smoker. Bake these Best BBQ Baked Beans uncovered. This lets the sauce thicken, concentrating flavors. Bake for approximately 1 hour. Beans are ready when the sauce is rich, thick, and bubbly. The aroma alone will tell you something special is happening with your Best BBQ Baked Beans.

After baking, remove the skillet from heat. Let the Best BBQ Baked Beans rest 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This rest helps flavors meld. Serve them warm, directly from the skillet. They are a fantastic side with grilled meats or roasted vegetables. Enjoy every spoonful of these amazing beans!

Tips for the Best BBQ Baked Beans

Want to make sure your BBQ baked beans turn out perfect every time? These simple tips will help you get the best flavor and texture from your dish:

1. Use a Cast Iron Skillet: Cooking and baking in a cast iron pan helps keep the heat even and adds a deep, smoky taste. It also goes straight from stove to oven, saving you time.
2. Don’t Skip the Cola: The cola (or root beer) adds a unique sweetness and helps create that thick, sticky BBQ glaze. It balances the vinegar and mustard perfectly.
3. Taste Before Baking: Once everything is mixed, taste the sauce before baking. You can adjust the salt, sugar, or spice level if needed.
4. Cook the Bacon Just Right: You want the turkey bacon to start crispy but not too dry. This keeps the texture just right after baking.
5. Let It Rest: After baking, let the beans rest for 5–10 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken more and makes serving easier.

Follow these tips and you’ll always end up with the best BBQ baked beans rich, flavorful, and ready to impress.

Helpful Tips

Making the best BBQ baked beans is easy when you keep a few helpful ideas in mind:

Choose Quality Ingredients: Use good BBQ sauce and fresh garlic and onion. They make a big difference in flavor.
Adjust the Sweetness: Like it less sweet? Reduce the brown sugar or cola. Want it sweeter? Add a bit more molasses or sugar.
Make Ahead: These beans taste even better the next day. You can cook them ahead of time and simply reheat before serving.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Freezing: These baked beans freeze well! Let them cool, then freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

These tips will help you enjoy this dish over and over again, with the same bold flavor every time.

Cooking Tips

Cooking these BBQ baked beans the right way helps lock in flavor and texture:

Low and Slow: Bake at 275°F for 1 hour. This slow cooking lets the sauce thicken and the flavors blend.
Keep It Uncovered: Don’t cover the beans while baking. This allows the sauce to reduce and become sticky and rich.
Watch the Bacon: When cooking the turkey bacon, stop before it gets too crispy. It will continue cooking in the oven.
Mix Well: Make sure all the beans are evenly coated in the sauce before baking. This ensures every bite is flavorful.
Smoker Option: For extra smoky flavor, cook the beans in a smoker instead of the oven.

Follow these steps, and your BBQ baked beans will come out perfect every time.

Looking for a protein-packed main? Try these bold Grilled Chimichurri Steak Kabobs alongside your BBQ baked beans.

Variations for Best BBQ Baked Beans

You can easily customize these Best BBQ Baked Beans to your liking. For a different meat flavor, try classic pork bacon instead of turkey bacon. Crumbled cooked ground beef or sausage also adds a hearty touch. If you want to experiment with beans, pinto beans or kidney beans work wonderfully in this recipe. Feel free to mix and match your favorite bean varieties. These simple swaps can create a new twist on your Best BBQ Baked Beans.

Adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Add more diced jalapeños for extra heat. A pinch of chipotle powder can introduce a smoky spiciness. A dash of your favorite hot sauce stirred in at the end also works well. For a sweeter profile, you can slightly increase the brown sugar. Some people enjoy adding a tablespoon of maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness. These small changes let you perfect your personal version of the Best BBQ Baked Beans.

For a vegetarian option, simply omit the bacon. To maintain a smoky flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika. You could also include more vegetables like diced bell peppers of various colors or even some mushrooms. If you are not using a smoker, a few drops of liquid smoke can enhance that classic BBQ taste. These variations ensure everyone can enjoy a delicious bowl of Best BBQ Baked Beans.

Serving Suggestions

These Best BBQ Baked Beans are the perfect partner for many main dishes. Serve them alongside classic barbecue favorites. Think pulled pork sandwiches, smoked brisket, or juicy grilled ribs. They also complement grilled chicken or sausages beautifully. These beans truly shine at any cookout or potluck.

Beyond BBQ, consider pairing them with other comforting sides. Creamy coleslaw, warm cornbread, or a fresh potato salad make excellent companions. You can even make these Best BBQ Baked Beans a more central part of the meal. Serve a generous portion with a simple green salad for a satisfying lunch. For an extra touch, top your beans with some crispy bacon bits or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese.

Storage and Reheating

Okay, let’s talk leftovers – not that you’ll have many with these beans! But just in case, here’s how to keep them tasting amazing for round two (or three… no judgment here).

Fridge Storage

To store leftover Best BBQ Baked Beans, first let them cool completely. Then, transfer the beans to an airtight container. Properly stored, they will keep well in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. This makes them great for meal prepping.

Freezer Friendly

Yes, you can freeze these Best BBQ Baked Beans! Allow them to cool completely. Place them in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. They can last for 2 to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating Like a Pro

Reheat your Best BBQ Baked Beans gently on the stovetop over low heat. Stir occasionally. You can also warm them in a covered dish in the oven. For a quick option, microwave them, stirring midway through heating.

Nutritional Information

These BBQ baked beans with turkey bacon are not only full of flavor but also offer a more balanced option compared to traditional baked beans with pork. Here’s a general idea of what you get per serving (based on 10 servings):

Calories: Approximately 320
Protein: 14g
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Sugar: 28g
Fiber: 9g
Sodium: 780mg

Turkey bacon lowers the saturated fat compared to regular bacon. The beans provide a good amount of plant-based protein and fiber, which help keep you full longer. However, because of the BBQ sauce, cola, and brown sugar, these beans do carry a higher sugar content so enjoy them as a flavorful treat.

If you’re watching your sodium or sugar intake, you can choose low-sodium beans, reduce the brown sugar slightly, or use a sugar-free BBQ sauce.

Alright, bean lovers the floor is yours! Did these BBQ baked beans steal the show at your cookout? Did your picky uncle finally admit he likes something? (A Christmas miracle!) Drop a comment below and let me know how your batch turned out.

Balance your plate with a fresh and fruity side like our Blueberry Chicken Chopped Salad.

Five-star reviews make my day, but honest feedback helps me tweak the recipe even more. And if you snapped a pic of your beany masterpiece, tag me – I live for those saucy skillet shots! Now go forth and spread the gospel of amazing baked beans…

Frequently Asked Questions

After years of making these beans (and fielding questions from friends and family), I’ve heard it all! Here are the answers to the most common questions I get:

Can I add barbecue sauce to baked beans?

Yes! Adding barbecue sauce is one of the easiest ways to boost flavor in baked beans. It brings a rich, smoky-sweet taste that transforms plain beans into the best BBQ baked beans. Choose your favorite BBQ sauce mild, spicy, or smoky and mix it in for extra depth.

How to make tasty baked beans?

To make baked beans taste amazing, use a mix of sweet, savory, and tangy ingredients. This recipe uses brown sugar, molasses, BBQ sauce, vinegar, and cola to create a bold, balanced flavor. Don’t forget to sauté the onions, garlic, and turkey bacon they build a flavorful base that makes all the difference.

What does vinegar do to baked beans?

Apple cider vinegar adds brightness and helps cut through the sweetness of the sauce. It enhances the overall flavor and gives the beans that tangy kick that makes them stand out.

Which supermarket baked beans are the best?

If you’re short on time, brands like Bush’s, Heinz, or Trader Joe’s are popular for their quality and taste. But for a homemade touch, this recipe gives you the best BBQ baked beans customized to your liking, fresh from your kitchen, and perfect every time.

Can I use canned baked beans instead of starting from scratch?

Absolutely! Just drain off most of the sauce first (it’ll be way too sweet otherwise). Reduce the brown sugar in the recipe by half since the canned beans are already sweetened. I’ve done this in a pinch and they still turn out delicious!

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use for baked beans?

Use whatever makes your taste buds happy! I love a smoky, tangy sauce – Stubbs or Sweet Baby Ray’s are my go-tos. But honestly, even the cheap stuff works here. The long cooking time mellows out any harsh flavors.

Why add cola to baked beans?

That’s Grandma’s secret weapon! The carbonation helps tenderize the beans while baking, and the sweetness balances the vinegar’s tang. Plus, the caramel notes in dark sodas add incredible depth. Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it!

Can I make these vegetarian/vegan?

You bet! Skip the bacon and use 2 tablespoons of smoked paprika instead for that smoky flavor. For vegan, just make sure your BBQ sauce doesn’t contain honey. The beans will still have that amazing sweet-savory balance everyone loves.

How do I fix baked beans that are too watery?

No stress! Just bake them uncovered for another 15-20 minutes. If you’re really in a hurry, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir it in, then simmer for 5 minutes. But honestly, I like mine saucy – it thickens as it cools!