7 Ultimate BBQ Baked Bean Recipes to Elevate Your Cookout

As an affiliate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. We get commissions for purchases made through links on this website from Amazon and other third parties.

When it comes to cookouts, BBQ baked beans can be the star of the show. You might think of the classic sweet and smoky version, but there's so much more to explore. From spicy chipotle twists to unique combinations like pineapple and brown sugar, these recipes cater to every taste. Curious about how to elevate your next gathering with these delicious options? Let's plunge into the ultimate bean recipes that'll impress your guests.

Jump to: show

Key Takeaways

Classic Sweet and Smoky BBQ Baked Beans are a crowd-pleasing favorite, perfect for summer barbecues and picnics.
Spicy Chipotle BBQ Baked Beans offer a bold kick, combining smokiness with sweet flavors for a unique twist.
Maple Bacon BBQ Baked Beans provide a sweet and savory flavor profile, enhanced by crispy bacon and maple syrup.
Vegetarian BBQ Baked Beans With Quinoa deliver a nutritious alternative, merging plant-based ingredients with traditional BBQ flavors.
Unique combinations like Pineapple and Brown Sugar BBQ Baked Beans or Tex-Mex BBQ Baked Beans With Chorizo elevate the classic recipe experience.

Classic Sweet and Smoky BBQ Baked Beans

BBQ Baked Beans are a classic side dish that perfectly complements any summer barbecue or picnic. These beans are rich, flavorful, and have a delightful balance of sweetness and smokiness. The combination of tender beans with a zesty BBQ sauce makes them a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Whether you're hosting a family gathering or just looking for a hearty side, these classic sweet and smoky BBQ baked beans are sure to impress.

This recipe is easy to follow, and you can customize it to suit your taste. If you enjoy a bit of spice, feel free to add in your favorite hot sauce or diced jalapeños. For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the bacon with smoked paprika to maintain that smoky flavor without the meat.

Get ready to indulge in a delicious dish that will elevate your next meal!

Ingredients:

2 cans (15 oz each) of navy beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup diced onion
1/4 cup diced bell pepper
2 slices of bacon, chopped (optional)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the navy beans, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, diced onion, diced bell pepper, chopped bacon (if using), Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Mix the ingredients well until thoroughly combined. Transfer the mixture to a 2-quart baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, allowing the top to caramelize slightly and the flavors to meld together.

Once done, let the beans cool for a few minutes before serving.

Extra Tips:

For added depth of flavor, consider using a combination of different beans such as pinto or black beans. You can also experiment with different BBQ sauces to find your perfect flavor profile.

If you prefer a thicker consistency, let the beans bake uncovered for a bit longer. Finally, these BBQ baked beans can be made ahead of time and reheated, making them a convenient option for busy days or gatherings. Enjoy!

Spicy Chipotle BBQ Baked Beans

Spicy Chipotle BBQ Baked Beans are a delicious and hearty dish that combines the smokiness of chipotle peppers with the sweetness of baked beans. This recipe is perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or even a cozy family dinner. The bold flavors of the chipotle sauce give the beans a spicy kick, while the slow cooking process allows all the ingredients to meld together beautifully, resulting in a rich and satisfying side dish that will leave your guests wanting more.

Not only are these baked beans easy to prepare, but they can also be made ahead of time, making them a convenient option for busy cooks. The combination of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors makes them the ideal accompaniment to grilled meats, burgers, or even as a hearty vegetarian main dish. So fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a tasty twist on a classic favorite!

Ingredients:

2 cans (15 oz each) of navy beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (adjust for spice level)
2 tablespoons adobo sauce from the chipotle can
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent and softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained navy beans and the sautéed mixture. Pour in the BBQ sauce and mix well until all the beans are evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes, removing the foil for the last 10 minutes to allow the top to caramelize slightly.

Extra Tips:

For an even deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the bean mixture before baking. If you like your baked beans extra spicy, feel free to add more chipotle peppers or even a dash of cayenne pepper. Additionally, these baked beans can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making them a great make-ahead option for gatherings.

Enjoy your Spicy Chipotle BBQ Baked Beans as a standout dish at your next meal!

Maple Bacon BBQ Baked Beans

Maple Bacon BBQ Baked Beans are a deliciously sweet and savory dish that brings a delightful twist to traditional baked beans. Perfect for summer barbecues, family gatherings, or as a comforting side dish on a chilly evening, these beans are sure to please any crowd.

The combination of maple syrup and crispy bacon adds depth to the flavor, making them irresistible. This recipe isn't only easy to prepare but also allows for customization. You can adjust the sweetness or the smokiness to your preference, and if you want to make it vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and substitute with smoked paprika for that desired flavor.

Serve them alongside grilled meats, cornbread, or on their own as a hearty dish.

Ingredients:

4 cups cooked navy beans (canned or homemade)
6 slices of bacon, chopped
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup barbecue sauce
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 tablespoon mustard (Dijon or yellow)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beans, crispy bacon, sautéed onion and garlic, barbecue sauce, maple syrup, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake uncovered in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until bubbly and slightly caramelized on top.

Extra Tips:

To enhance the flavors even further, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy kick or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.

You can also prepare the beans a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together overnight before baking, making it a convenient option for gatherings. If you desire a thicker sauce, bake uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes to allow excess liquid to evaporate.

Enjoy your Maple Bacon BBQ Baked Beans!

Vegetarian BBQ Baked Beans With Quinoa

Vegetarian BBQ Baked Beans with Quinoa is a hearty and nutritious dish that perfectly combines the rich flavors of BBQ sauce with the wholesome goodness of quinoa. This recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional baked beans, making it an excellent option for vegetarians and anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet. The addition of quinoa not only enhances the texture but also boosts the protein content, making this dish filling and satisfying.

Cooking these vegetarian BBQ baked beans is simple and straightforward, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue. The combination of beans, quinoa, and a flavorful BBQ sauce creates a dish that's both sweet and smoky, and it can be served on its own or as a side dish. Pair it with some cornbread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients:

1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups vegetable broth
2 cans (15 oz each) of mixed beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup BBQ sauce (your choice of flavor)
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent.

Stir in the quinoa, vegetable broth, smoked paprika, and ground cumin. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, mixed beans, and BBQ sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, until heated through and slightly bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Extra Tips:

Feel free to customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers or corn, for added flavor and nutrition.

If you like a spicier kick, consider adding some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ mixture. This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it perfect for meal prep or potlucks. Enjoy!

Pineapple and Brown Sugar BBQ Baked Beans

Pineapple and Brown Sugar BBQ Baked Beans are a delightful twist on the traditional baked bean dish. The combination of sweet and tangy pineapple with the rich flavor of brown sugar creates a deliciously unique flavor profile that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

This dish is perfect for summer BBQs, potlucks, or even as a hearty side for a cozy family dinner. With its easy preparation, you can have a hearty and flavorful dish ready in no time.

This recipe showcases the versatility of baked beans while adding a tropical touch. The addition of BBQ sauce enhances the overall flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with grilled meats. Whether you choose to bake these beans in the oven or slow cook them, they're sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

Ingredients:

2 cans (15 oz each) of navy beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup pineapple chunks, fresh or canned (drained)
1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup diced onion
1/4 cup diced bell pepper (optional)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained navy beans, pineapple chunks, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, diced onion, bell pepper (if using), garlic powder, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.

Stir the mixture until all ingredients are well combined. Transfer the mixture to a greased 2-quart baking dish and spread it evenly.

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the beans are bubbly and the top is slightly caramelized.

Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.

Extra Tips:

For an added depth of flavor, consider adding some crumbled bacon or smoked sausage to the bean mixture before baking.

If you prefer a spicier kick, you can mix in some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. Feel free to adjust the sweetness by modifying the amount of brown sugar or BBQ sauce to suit your taste.

Enjoy your delicious Pineapple and Brown Sugar BBQ Baked Beans!

Tex-Mex BBQ Baked Beans With Chorizo

Tex-Mex BBQ Baked Beans with Chorizo is a delicious twist on the classic baked beans that combines the rich flavors of chorizo and a kick of Tex-Mex spices. This dish is perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or even a cozy family dinner.

The hearty combination of beans and chorizo makes it filling and satisfying, while the smoky BBQ sauce brings everything together in a uniquely delightful way.

This recipe isn't only easy to prepare but also allows for flexibility. You can adjust the spice levels according to your preferences or even substitute the chorizo for another type of sausage. The result is a flavorful and hearty side dish that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own as a main course.