Nothing says Southern comfort quite like a pot of BBQ baked beans. This sweet, smoky, and slightly tangy dish is a staple at cookouts, potlucks, and family dinners across the South. These aren't your average canned baked beans—they're slow-baked with rich molasses, crispy bacon, and a touch of spice for that authentic barbecue flavor. Perfect as a side dish, these beans are sure to have everyone reaching for seconds.
Sweet and Smoky Southern BBQ Baked Beans
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 2 hours hrs
Total Time 2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
For the Beans
- 4 cups cooked navy beans or 2 cans, drained and rinsed
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon chopped
- 1 medium onion finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup yellow mustard
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving about 2 tablespoons of rendered fat in the skillet.
Sauté the Aromatics
Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Make the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the ketchup, mustard, molasses, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Assemble the Dish
In a large baking dish or Dutch oven, combine the cooked beans, sautéed vegetables, and sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated. Sprinkle the cooked bacon on top.
Bake
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes to let the top caramelize slightly.
Serve
Let the beans cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm alongside your favorite BBQ dishes or with a hunk of cornbread for a classic Southern experience.
Pairings
BBQ baked beans pair wonderfully with grilled or smoked meats like ribs, pulled pork, or brisket. For a lighter meal, serve them with a crisp coleslaw and buttery cornbread. Add a tangy cucumber salad for balance, or keep things simple with a tall glass of sweet tea.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of bean?
Absolutely! While navy beans are traditional, you can use pinto beans, Great Northern beans, or even black beans for a twist.
2. What type of bacon works best?
Thick-cut bacon adds a hearty, smoky flavor, but any variety works. Turkey bacon is a lighter option if you prefer.
3. Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the bacon and sauté the vegetables in olive oil. Add a teaspoon of liquid smoke or smoked paprika for that smoky flavor.
4. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Definitely. Make the beans up to two days in advance, refrigerate them, and reheat before serving. The flavors only get better as they sit.
