How to Make BBQ Baked Beans Recipe

Why These Beans Are the Best

These aren’t your run-of-the-mill baked beans; they’re a flavor-packed hit at any BBQ.

Choosing the Right Beans

Picking the right beans is key to perfect BBQ baked beans. The type of bean you use affects the texture, flavor, and overall success of your dish. Here’s a rundown of the best beans for this classic recipe and why they’re the top picks.

Best Beans for BBQ Baked Beans:

Why These Beans Work:

• Absorption: These beans soak up the rich, smoky, and sweet flavors from the sauce and spices, making the dish taste even better.
• Consistency: They keep their shape and texture during slow cooking, ensuring a perfect bite every time.
• Availability: Easily found in most grocery stores, these beans are convenient for any home cook.

While beans like black or kidney can be used, they don’t offer the same classic texture and flavor profile as navy, pinto, and Great Northern beans. Stick with these reliable options for the best results in your BBQ baked beans recipe.

Essential Ingredients

Creating the ultimate BBQ baked beans means blending sweet, smoky, and savory flavors seamlessly. Here are the essential components, along with some variations to customize your dish:

Customization Tips:

• Spice Level: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes for extra heat.
• Smokiness: Incorporate a dash of liquid smoke for an intense smoky flavor.
• Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary can add an earthy note.

Spices and Seasonings: The right spices and seasonings can elevate your BBQ baked beans from good to extraordinary. They add depth and complexity, enhancing the dish’s overall flavor profile. Here’s a rundown of essential spices and seasoning options to suit various taste preferences:

Salt and Pepper:

• Purpose: Basic seasoning to enhance all other flavors.
• Variation: Use sea salt or kosher salt for a cleaner taste, and freshly ground black pepper for a more robust flavor.

Smoked Paprika:

• Flavor: Adds a subtle smokiness and mild heat.
• Variation: Regular paprika can be used if smoked is unavailable, though it won’t add the smoky flavor.

Ground Cumin:

• Flavor: Provides a warm, earthy undertone.
• Variation: Toast whole cumin seeds for a more intense flavor before grinding.

Chili Powder:

• Flavor: Adds a mild heat and rich chili flavor.
• Variation: Use chipotle chili powder for a smoky, spicy kick.

Mustard Powder:

• Flavor: Adds a tangy sharpness.
• Variation: Prepared mustard can be used, but adjust the quantity to taste.

Cayenne Pepper:

• Flavor: Provides significant heat.
• Variation: Adjust the amount based on your heat tolerance, or substitute with red pepper flakes for a similar effect.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for BBQ Baked Beans

Cooking up some delicious BBQ baked beans is a breeze with these step-by-step instructions. Follow this guide, and you’ll have perfect beans every time.

Instructions:

1. Prepping the Beans

First things first, you need to get the beans ready. Whether you’re using dried beans or canned, proper preparation is key for the best texture and flavor.

For Dried Beans:

• Rinse and Sort: Place the dried beans in a colander and rinse them under cold water, removing any debris or damaged beans.
• Soak the Beans:
  • Overnight Soak: Transfer the rinsed beans to a large bowl or pot, cover with water (at least 2 inches above the beans), and soak overnight (8-12 hours).
  • Quick Soak Method: If short on time, place the beans in a pot, cover with water, bring to a boil, then remove from heat and let soak for 1 hour.
• Drain and Rinse: After soaking, drain the beans and rinse under cold water to remove indigestible sugars.
• Cook the Beans: Place soaked beans in a large pot, cover with fresh water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 1-1.5 hours, or until tender. Drain and set aside.

For Canned Beans:

• Drain and Rinse: Open the cans, pour beans into a colander, and rinse under cold water to remove excess salt and canning liquid.

Cooking Techniques

After prepping your beans, it’s time to cook them. There are several methods to choose from, depending on your equipment and desired flavor profile. Here are three popular techniques:

Time Frames and Temperature Settings:

• Slow Cooker: Low for 6-8 hours, High for 3-4 hours
• Smoker: 250°F (120°C) for 2-3 hours
• Oven: 300°F (150°C) for 2-3 hours

Slow Cooker:

1. Combine Ingredients: Add the prepared beans, bacon, sautéed onions and garlic, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, molasses, mustard, apple cider vinegar, tomato paste, and spices into the slow cooker. Stir well to combine.
2. Set Temperature: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beans are thick and flavorful. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Smoker:

1. Preheat Smoker: Preheat your smoker to 250°F (120°C).
2. Combine Ingredients: In a smoker-safe pot or disposable aluminum pan, combine the prepared beans with the bacon, onions, garlic, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, molasses, mustard, apple cider vinegar, tomato paste, and spices. Stir well.
3. Smoke the Beans: Place the pot or pan in the smoker and cook for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. The beans should be thick and bubbly with a deep, smoky flavor.

Oven:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Combine Ingredients: In an oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, mix together the prepared beans, bacon, onions, garlic, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, molasses, mustard, apple cider vinegar, tomato paste, and spices. Stir well.
3. Bake the Beans: Cover the pot with a lid or aluminum foil and bake for 2-3 hours. Stir occasionally and remove the lid during the last 30 minutes if you prefer a thicker consistency.

Loving this recipe? You might want to try our “How To BBQ Right Chili – Bonafide Chili Recipe” for another delicious option!

Tips for Perfect Baked Beans

1. Balance Sweet and Savory:
   • Sweetness: Use brown sugar, molasses, or maple syrup to add depth and sweetness. Adjust to taste, starting with the recommended amounts and adding more if desired.
   • Savory: Counterbalance the sweetness with savory elements like bacon, onions, and garlic. Mustard and apple cider vinegar add a tangy kick that complements the sweetness.
2. Control the Smokiness:
   • Bacon: Using smoked bacon adds a natural smoky flavor. For a stronger smoky taste, add a few drops of liquid smoke or use smoked paprika.
   • Cooking Method: Cooking the beans in a smoker will infuse them with a deeper, more authentic smoky flavor compared to oven or slow cooker methods.
3. Achieve the Right Consistency:
   • Cooking Time: The longer the beans cook, the thicker the sauce will become. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and burning.
   • Uncovering: For a thicker sauce, remove the lid or foil during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow excess liquid to evaporate.
   • Starch: Beans naturally release starch, which helps thicken the sauce. Ensure your beans are well-cooked to release this starch fully.
4. Layer Flavors:
   • Aromatics: Sauté onions and garlic before adding them to the beans to release their flavors more effectively.
   • Spices: Toasting dry spices like cumin, chili powder, and mustard powder can enhance their flavors before adding them to the mix.
   • Taste as You Go: Adjust seasonings gradually, tasting frequently to achieve the perfect balance.
5. Avoid Over-Salting:
   • Salt: Beans absorb salt as they cook, which can make them overly salty. Add salt sparingly at first and adjust towards the end of cooking.
   • Bacon: If using bacon, keep in mind it can be salty, so adjust additional salt accordingly.

Serving Suggestions

BBQ baked beans are a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with various main courses, especially grilled or smoked meats. Here are some delicious pairing ideas to elevate your BBQ feast:

• Cornbread:
  • Classic Cornbread: The slightly sweet, crumbly texture of cornbread is a traditional pairing with BBQ baked beans, offering a delightful contrast.
  • Jalapeño Cornbread: For those who like a bit of heat, jalapeño cornbread adds a spicy kick that complements the beans’ flavors.
• Beverages:
  • Iced Tea: A refreshing glass of iced tea, whether sweetened or unsweetened, is a classic pairing with BBQ fare.
  • Lemonade: The tart, sweet flavor of lemonade provides a refreshing contrast to the smoky, savory beans.
  • Beer: A cold beer, especially a light lager or a smoky porter, complements the rich flavors of BBQ baked beans.

Storing and Reheating

BBQ baked beans are not only delicious fresh out of the oven but also make fantastic leftovers. Proper storage and reheating methods are key to maintaining their quality and taste. Here’s how to do it right:

Storing Leftovers:

1. Cool Completely: Allow the beans to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation and maintains their texture.
2. Airtight Containers: Transfer the beans to airtight containers. Glass containers with tight-fitting lids are ideal, but plastic containers or heavy-duty freezer bags also work well.
3. Refrigeration: Store the beans in the refrigerator if you plan to eat them within 3-5 days. Label the containers with the date to keep track of freshness.
4. Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the beans. Place them in freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
   • Tip: Portion the beans into smaller containers or bags for easier reheating and to avoid thawing more than you need.

Reheating Methods:

1. Stovetop:
   • Method: Place the beans in a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
   • Time: Reheat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the beans are hot throughout.
   • Tip: Add a splash of water or broth if the beans are too thick.
2. Microwave:
   • Method: Transfer a portion of the beans to a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap (leave a small vent).
   • Time: Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Continue heating in 1-minute increments until hot.
   • Tip: Add a bit of water or broth if the beans dry out during reheating.
3. Oven:
   • Method: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the beans in an oven-safe dish, cover with aluminum foil, and bake.
   • Time: Reheat for about 20-30 minutes, or until hot. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
   • Tip: Add a small amount of water or broth before covering if the beans have thickened too much.
4. Slow Cooker:
   • Method: Transfer the beans to a slow cooker and set to low heat.
   • Time: Reheat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are warmed through.
   • Tip: This method is excellent for reheating large quantities without drying them out.

Nutritional Information

BBQ baked beans are a flavorful side dish that can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional content per serving, focusing on calories, macronutrients, and notable micronutrients.

Nutritional Content Per Serving (1 cup):

• Calories: 300-350
• Total Fat: 6-8 grams
• Saturated Fat: 2-3 grams
• Trans Fat: 0 grams
• Cholesterol: 15-20 milligrams
• Sodium: 600-800 milligrams (can vary based on added salt and ingredients)
• Total Carbohydrates: 50-55 grams
• Dietary Fiber: 10-12 grams
• Sugars: 15-20 grams
• Protein: 10-12 grams

Macronutrients:

1. Carbohydrates:
   • Complex Carbs: Beans are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, providing sustained energy.
   • Dietary Fiber: High fiber content aids in digestion and helps maintain a feeling of fullness.
   • Sugars: Includes natural sugars from molasses and brown sugar, contributing to the sweet flavor profile.
2. Protein:
   • Beans: A good plant-based protein source, making this dish suitable for vegetarians (if made without bacon).
   • Bacon: Adds additional protein and a smoky flavor.
3. Fats:
   • Healthy Fats: Some fats from beans and added ingredients like olive oil or bacon.
   • Saturated Fats: Present mainly from bacon and any butter or fatty meats used.

FAQs