If you’re craving the perfect mix of smoky, sweet, and tangy all baked into one comforting dish, this BBQ Baked Beans Recipe is everything you need. It’s a classic side that brings together tender pork and beans, rich BBQ sauce, crispy bacon, and a delightful crunch from fried onions, all baked to bubbly perfection. Whether it’s a backyard BBQ, potluck, or just a weeknight dinner, these beans are the ultimate companion that can easily steal the show.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This BBQ Baked Beans Recipe calls for a handful of straightforward ingredients, each chosen to build layers of flavor and texture without any fuss. From the hearty pork and beans base to the punch of mustard and crispy bacon bits, every component plays a vital role.
- 2 (15-oz) cans Pork and Beans: The creamy and slightly sweet foundation that gets all the flavors mingling.
- 1 cup BBQ sauce: Adds bold, smoky depth with just the right balance of sweetness and tang.
- 1 Tbsp yellow mustard: Brings a subtle zing that lifts the whole dish.
- 8 slices cooked chopped bacon (crumbled): Crispy bacon bits for that irresistible smoky crunch.
- 1 (6-oz) can French fried onions (divided): A crunchy, golden layer that adds texture and visual appeal.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Simple seasoning to enhance and round out every bite.
How to Make BBQ Baked Beans Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Cook the Bacon
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF and grease a 9-inch baking dish lightly with nonstick spray. Then, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches that perfect crispy crunch. Once cooked, drain the bacon on paper towels to remove extra fat and chop into bite-sized crumbs. This smoky bacon magic is key to elevating those baked beans.
Step 2: Mix the Beans and Flavorings
Grab a big bowl and stir together your pork and beans, yellow mustard, BBQ sauce, and half of the crunchy French fried onions. Toss in your chopped bacon and season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. This blend ensures each spoonful packs a punch of flavor and texture.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Pour the well-mixed bean mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining French fried onions evenly on top to create a golden, crispy crust. Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 25 to 35 minutes until everything bubbles joyfully and the onions are perfectly toasted. This baking step melds the flavors and creates a wonderful harmony of textures.
How to Serve BBQ Baked Beans Recipe
Garnishes
To make your BBQ Baked Beans Recipe even more inviting, fresh garnishes work wonders. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top for a burst of color and a mild herbaceous note. A light drizzle of extra BBQ sauce or a dollop of sour cream can add creaminess and intensity.
Side Dishes
These baked beans love good company. Classic pairings include grilled meats like ribs, chicken, or burgers. They also work beautifully alongside cornbread, coleslaw, or roasted potatoes for a hearty, satisfying meal anyone will adore.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Serve the BBQ baked beans in mini cast-iron skillets for individual portions that look rustic and charming. Or layer the beans into a barbecue-themed dip platter with tortilla chips and veggies for a fun twist. Even spooning them over baked sweet potatoes makes for a fabulous, comforting presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your BBQ Baked Beans Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to 4 days, and the flavors often deepen, making the next day just as delicious.
Freezing
If you want to make a batch ahead of time for future meals, these baked beans freeze beautifully. Place cooled beans in a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, transfer the beans to an oven-safe dish and warm in a 350ºF oven until bubbling hot, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave them on medium power in short bursts, stirring in between, until heated through without drying out the beans.
FAQs
Can I use fresh beans instead of canned pork and beans?
While fresh beans can be used, canned pork and beans provide a softer texture and built-in seasoning that really enhances this BBQ Baked Beans Recipe. If using fresh, be sure to cook them thoroughly ahead of time.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the bacon for smoked paprika or liquid smoke to keep that smoky essence, and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or smoked tofu for texture.
What type of BBQ sauce is best?
Choose your favorite BBQ sauce style—whether it’s sweet, spicy, or tangy. A thicker sauce works best to create a luscious coating on the beans.
Can I prepare this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! Mix all the ingredients and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. Add the fried onions in the last 30 minutes to keep them crispy.
How spicy is this BBQ Baked Beans Recipe?
This recipe is mild and family-friendly, but you can easily add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for some heat if desired.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about a warm dish of BBQ baked beans, especially when it’s made from a recipe that balances smoky, sweet, and savory so effortlessly. I encourage you to give this BBQ Baked Beans Recipe a try at your next meal—it’s simple, comforting, and guaranteed to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Print
BBQ Baked Beans Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-35 minutes
- Total Time: 35-45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious and easy BBQ baked beans recipe featuring tender pork and beans mixed with smoky bacon, tangy BBQ sauce, and topped with crispy French fried onions for a perfect side dish at any meal or barbecue.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 (15-oz) cans Pork and Beans
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 Tbsp yellow mustard
- 8 slices cooked chopped bacon (crumbled)
- 1 (6-oz) can French fried onions (divided)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Spray a 9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Bacon: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the bacon slices until they are crispy. Remove the bacon and drain the excess grease on paper towels. Chop the crispy bacon into small pieces.
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the pork and beans, yellow mustard, BBQ sauce, chopped bacon, and half of the French fried onions. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste, then stir well to combine.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the bean mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Top with the remaining French fried onions to add a crispy texture. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 35 minutes until the dish is bubbly and heated through.
Notes
- You can adjust the BBQ sauce quantity to make the beans more or less saucy.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute bacon with smoked tempeh or omit entirely.
- If you prefer extra crispy topping, add the fried onions in the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Using a low-sodium BBQ sauce helps control the salt content.
