Smoky BBQ Beans Bacon

These BBQ Baked Beans have been my go-to potluck dish for years because they never fail to impress. The combination of crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and sweet-tangy sauce transforms ordinary canned beans into something extraordinary that has guests asking for the recipe every time.

I first made these beans for a neighborhood barbecue when I needed something foolproof and delicious. My neighbor's teenage son who claimed to hate beans came back for seconds and thirds that day. Now they're requested at every summer gathering.

Ingredients

• Bacon: Adds smoky flavor and crispy texture. Center-cut bacon works best as it stays crispier throughout baking.
• Onion: Creates a savory foundation. Yellow or white onions work equally well when caramelized properly.
• Canned baked beans: The convenient shortcut that saves time. Original flavor provides the best blank canvas.
• BBQ sauce: Brings authentic barbecue flavor. Choose your favorite brand or homemade version.
• Brown sugar: Enhances the caramelization and sweetness. Dark brown sugar adds deeper molasses notes.
• Apple cider vinegar: Balances the sweetness with acidity. Fresh vinegar provides the brightest flavor.
• Dijon mustard: Adds complexity and subtle heat. Whole grain mustard works wonderfully too.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the baking dish:

Heat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This size dish creates the perfect depth for the beans to develop flavor without drying out during the hour in the oven.

Cook the bacon:

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon pieces until they reach peak crispiness. This typically takes 7 to 10 minutes with occasional stirring. Using smaller bacon pieces rather than whole strips ensures bacon flavor throughout the entire dish.

Sauté the onions:

After removing the crispy bacon with a slotted spoon, utilize the flavorful bacon fat left in the pan to cook your finely diced onions. Sauté for approximately 5 minutes until they become soft and translucent but not browned. The natural sweetness of properly cooked onions adds depth to the final dish.

Mix everything together:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the undrained canned beans, crispy bacon pieces, sautéed onions, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Stir thoroughly but gently to avoid crushing the beans while ensuring the flavors are evenly distributed.

Bake to perfection:

Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish and bake uncovered for a full hour, stirring once at the 30-minute mark. This extended baking time allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together beautifully. The surface will develop a slightly caramelized texture that adds incredible depth.

Rest before serving:

Allow the beans to rest for 5 to 10 minutes after removing from the oven. This cooling period helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes for easier serving.

Pin it

The brown sugar in this recipe is truly the secret weapon. I once tried to make a "healthier" version without it, and while it was good, it lacked that special caramelized quality that makes these beans irresistible. My father in law, who considers himself a baked bean connoisseur, declared these the best he'd ever had at our last family cookout.

Perfect Pairings

These baked beans shine brightest alongside classic barbecue fare. Pulled pork sandwiches, smoked brisket, or grilled chicken thighs make excellent companions. The sweet and savory beans balance the smokiness of the meat perfectly. For a complete summer spread, add coleslaw, cornbread, and watermelon for a meal that celebrates the season.

Pin it

Make It Your Own

While this recipe is delicious as written, feel free to customize it to your taste preferences. For a spicier version, add a diced jalapeño with the onions or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Vegetarians can skip the bacon entirely and use a tablespoon of olive oil to sauté the onions. Sweet additions like diced bell peppers or a tablespoon of maple syrup instead of brown sugar create interesting flavor variations worth exploring.

Storage and Reheating

These beans actually improve with time as the flavors continue to develop. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or chicken broth if they've thickened too much. For best results, reheat slowly on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but may result in uneven warming.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these beans vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the bacon and use one tablespoon of oil to sauté the onions. You can also add a smoky paprika or liquid smoke for a similar flavor.

→ What kind of BBQ sauce works best?

Use your favorite BBQ sauce! Sweet, smoky, or spicy sauces all work well and can be adjusted to your taste preferences.

→ How can I make the beans less sweet?

Reduce the brown sugar or opt for an unsweetened BBQ sauce. You can also balance the sweetness by adding more apple cider vinegar.

→ Can I prepare these beans in advance?

Yes, you can make the beans ahead of time and reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes before serving.

→ What side dishes pair well with these beans?

BBQ baked beans go well with grilled meats, cornbread, coleslaw, potato salad, or even a fresh garden salad.

→ Can I use flavored baked beans for this dish?

Absolutely! Using pre-flavored baked beans like brown sugar, mesquite, or spicy varieties adds additional layers of flavor to the dish.