BBQ baked beans are a crowd-pleaser, bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a cookout, enjoying a summer picnic, or simply looking for a delicious side for your burgers and hot dogs, The BEST BBQ Baked Beans will elevate your meal. Their sweet and savory taste combined with the smoky flavor of turkey bacon makes them irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: With simple steps and minimal cooking skills needed, anyone can whip up these delicious beans in no time.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of turkey bacon, brown sugar, and BBQ sauce creates a rich flavor that complements any main dish.
- Versatile Side Dish: Great for cookouts, potlucks, or as a cozy family dinner side—these beans fit in anywhere!
- Crowd Favorite: Kids and adults alike love BBQ baked beans, making them an ideal choice for gatherings.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare them in advance for convenience on busy days. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this flavorful recipe, gather your essential tools to ensure the process goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Large mixing bowl
- Frying pan
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×13 inch baking dish: This size is perfect for holding all ingredients while allowing even cooking.
- Non-stick cooking spray: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.
- Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space to mix all your ingredients without spills.
- Frying pan: Ideal for cooking turkey bacon evenly until crispy.
Ingredients
For the Beans
- 12 slices Turkey Bacon
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 cans beef and Beans (16 ounces each)
- ¾ cup of brown sugar
- 2 Tablespoons yellow mustard
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (I use Sweet Baby Ray’s)
- ⅓ cup of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make The BEST BBQ Baked Beans
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F. While it heats up, spray your large 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Turkey Bacon
Cut the turkey bacon into small pieces. Cook the pieces in a frying pan until they are very crispy. Once done, remove them from the grease and place them into a large mixing bowl. Reserve about ½ cup of cooked turkey bacon for topping later.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion
In the same pan used for the bacon, add chopped onions and sauté them in the leftover turkey bacon grease until they become translucent. Once cooked, transfer the onions to the bowl with turkey bacon.
Step 4: Prepare the Beans
Open each can of beef and beans. Pour off all standing liquid on top before adding them to your large bowl with bacon and onions.
Step 5: Mix in Flavorful Ingredients
To your bean mixture, add brown sugar, yellow mustard, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper. Stir everything well to combine all flavors.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Top it with the reserved turkey bacon you set aside earlier. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until it’s bubbling and slightly browned on top.
Enjoy your deliciously homemade The BEST BBQ Baked Beans!
How to Serve The BEST BBQ Baked Beans
BBQ baked beans are a delightful dish that pairs well with many foods. Whether you’re hosting a cookout or enjoying a casual meal, these beans can enhance your dining experience.
With Grilled Meats
- Burgers: The sweet and smoky flavor of BBQ baked beans complements juicy burgers perfectly.
- Hot Dogs: Serve alongside hot dogs for a classic summer combo.
- Ribs: These beans add a hearty side to tender, saucy ribs.
As Part of a Buffet
- Cookout Spread: Include BBQ baked beans in a buffet with other sides for gatherings.
- Picnic Basket: Pack them for picnics to delight friends and family outdoors.
On Their Own
- Standalone Dish: Enjoy them as a main vegetarian option by adding some crusty bread on the side.
- Topped with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top before serving for an extra creamy bite.
How to Perfect The BEST BBQ Baked Beans
Creating the best barbecue baked beans involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dish:
- Bold Ingredients: Use high-quality BBQ sauce for a richer flavor.
- Cook Longer: Allow the beans to bake longer if you prefer a thicker texture.
- Add Spice: Incorporate jalapeños or cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
- Layer Flavors: Experiment with adding different types of meats like pulled pork for added depth.
- Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving for color and freshness.
Best Side Dishes for The BEST BBQ Baked Beans
BBQ baked beans can shine even brighter when served with the right sides. Here are some wonderful pairings to consider:
- Coleslaw: A refreshing mix of cabbage and carrots that balances the richness of the beans.
- Cornbread: This classic Southern bread complements the flavors beautifully and adds texture.
- Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad is a crowd-pleaser that pairs well with BBQ dishes.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies grilled to perfection bring freshness to your meal.
- Macaroni and Cheese: The creaminess of mac and cheese offers comfort alongside BBQ baked beans.
- Deviled Eggs: These savory bites add variety and are easy to prepare for gatherings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making The BEST BBQ Baked Beans, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Avoid these common mistakes for the best results.
- Using low-quality ingredients: Always choose fresh and high-quality ingredients. This can significantly affect the flavor of your BBQ baked beans.
- Not cooking the bacon properly: Ensure the Turkey Bacon is very crispy before adding it to the mix. Undercooked bacon can lead to a soggy texture.
- Ignoring the bean liquid: Pouring off all the standing liquid from the canned beans is crucial. Excess liquid can make your baked beans too watery.
- Overbaking or underbaking: Keep an eye on your dish while it bakes. Overbaking can dry out the beans, while underbaking may leave them too saucy.
- Skipping seasoning adjustments: Taste your mixture before baking. You might want to adjust the seasonings based on your preference for sweetness or tanginess.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store The BEST BBQ Baked Beans in an airtight container.
- They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing The BEST BBQ Baked Beans
- Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating The BEST BBQ Baked Beans
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake covered for about 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short intervals, stirring in between until heated through.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I customize The BEST BBQ Baked Beans?
You can add different types of beans or include chopped vegetables like bell peppers for extra flavor. Spicy elements such as jalapeños or chipotle sauce are also great additions!
Can I make The BEST BBQ Baked Beans ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving.
What are good side dishes with The BEST BBQ Baked Beans?
These beans pair well with burgers, hot dogs, coleslaw, or grilled meats. They’re perfect for cookouts and family gatherings!
Are there vegetarian options for The BEST BBQ Baked Beans?
Absolutely! You can replace Turkey Bacon with smoked tempeh or mushrooms to achieve that savory flavor without meat.
Final Thoughts
The BEST BBQ Baked Beans blend sweet and savory flavors, making them a delicious addition to any meal. Their versatility allows you to customize them based on your preferences. Whether you’re serving them at a barbecue or enjoying a cozy dinner, they are sure to impress! Try this recipe today and enjoy every flavorful bite.
The BEST BBQ Baked Beans
Indulge in the mouthwatering delight of BBQ baked beans—a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors that will elevate any meal. This recipe features tender beans infused with a smoky twist from crispy turkey bacon, creating a dish that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout, enjoying a picnic, or simply seeking a comforting side for your favorite grilled meats, these BBQ baked beans are versatile enough to shine on any occasion. Easy to prepare with just a handful of ingredients, they can be made ahead of time for added convenience. Get ready to impress family and friends with the irresistible taste of The BEST BBQ Baked Beans!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x
Ingredients
- 12 slices turkey bacon
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cans beef and beans (16 ounces each)
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ⅓ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Cook turkey bacon in a frying pan until crispy, then transfer to a large mixing bowl—reserve some for topping later.
- Sauté chopped onions in the same pan until translucent; add to the mixing bowl.
- Drain liquid from canned beans and add them to the bowl with bacon and onions.
- Mix in brown sugar, yellow mustard, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper until well combined.
- Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish, top with reserved bacon, and bake for about 30 minutes or until bubbly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 61g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: For added flavor depth, try using different BBQ sauces or adding jalapeños for heat. These beans can be made one day in advance; simply reheat before serving.
