Baked beans are the easy win on a BBQ plate. Canned beans, a few things from the pantry, and one pan. Put them in the smoker next to the meat and they pick up smoke on their own. I love a double win.
When I have the time, I make these from scratch.
The Short Version - Hey, I cheat Sometimes Too
- Start with canned pork and beans. Do not drain them.
- Cook the bacon and onion first. It is worth the extra pan.
- Bake at 350°F for about an hour, or smoke at 250 to 275°F for 1½ to 2 hours.
- Leave the pan uncovered so the sauce thickens and absorbs the smoke.
BBQ Baked Beans
Serves 10. Prep 15 minutes. Cook 1 hour in the oven.
- Serves10
- Prep15 min
- Oven350°F, 1 hr
- Smoker250 to 275°F, 1½ to 2 hrs
Ingredients
Steps
- Heat the oven to 350°F, or get the smoker steady at 250 to 275°F.
- Cook the bacon in a skillet until it starts to crisp. Add the onion for the last few minutes. Leave the fat in the pan.
- Stir the beans, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, mustard and vinegar together in a 9x13 pan or a deep foil pan. Add the bacon and onion with the fat.
- Bake or smoke uncovered. Oven: about 1 hour. Smoker: 1½ to 2 hours. It is done when the edges bubble and the sauce is thick.
- Let it sit 10 minutes before serving. It thickens more as it cools.
Cooking Them in the Smoker
I keep the pan beside the meat, not under it. Drippings are too much of a variable for me, I like to control what goes into the beans. A foil pan is fine. Check at the 1 hour mark. If the beans look dry, add a splash of water or BBQ sauce.
Make It Your Own
- Heat: add a diced jalapeño with the onion.
- Meat: stir in leftover pulled pork or chopped burnt ends.
- Sweeter or tangier: more brown sugar or more vinegar. Taste before you bake.
What to Serve It With
- Pulled pork: smoked Boston butt and more sides for pulled pork
- Ribs: 3-2-1 smoked ribs and what sides go with ribs
- BBQ chicken: side dishes for BBQ chicken
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make them a day ahead. They can sometimes taste better the next day.
- Keep leftovers covered in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Reheat to 165°F.
- Do not leave them out more than 2 hours.
FAQ
Do I need to soak dried beans?
This recipe uses canned beans, so no. Dried beans work, but they need soaking and 2 to 3 hours of simmering first.
Can I make baked beans without bacon?
Yes. Use a tablespoon of oil for the onion and add a little smoked paprika for the smoky flavor.
How do I thicken baked beans?
Cook them uncovered. If they are still thin, bake another 15 minutes, or mash a few beans against the side of the pan.
How many beans do I need for a crowd?
One 28 ounce can serves about 4 to 5 people as a side. The recipe above serves 10.
Gear for these beans
My picks: a deep foil pan or a cast iron pot, a ladle for serving, and bowl-size ramekins or small baked bean pots. They make a nice table presentation too.
PanLodge 5 quart cast iron Dutch ovenCheck price on Amazon
ServingOXO Good Grips stainless steel ladleCheck price on Amazon
PresentationLE TAUCI 4 oz ceramic ramekinsCheck price on Amazon
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