Baked Beans

Southern Baked Beans (Sweet, Smoky & Slow-Cooked)

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No Texas BBQ plate is complete without a scoop of sweet and smoky baked beans. Whether spooned next to a pile of brisket or ladled over cornbread, these beans are rich, comforting, and bursting with flavor. In the South, we take our beans seriously—slow-cooked with bacon, brown sugar, onions, and a kiss of BBQ sauce, they’re the perfect side dish to soak up all the smoky goodness from the pit.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 12 Servings
Course: Side Dishes
Cuisine: Southern BBQ
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cans 28 oz each Canned pork & beans ~1.59 kg total
  • 6 slices Thick-cut bacon chopped — ~170 g
  • 1 medium Yellow onion finely chopped — ~150 g
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced — ~6 g
  • ⅓ cup Brown sugar — ~67 g
  • ⅓ cup Ketchup — 80 ml
  • ⅓ cup BBQ sauce Texas-style preferred — 80 ml
  • 1 tbsp Yellow mustard — 15 ml
  • 1 tbsp Apple cider vinegar — 15 ml
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce — 15 ml
  • ½ tsp Black pepper — ~1 g
  • ½ tsp Smoked paprika or chipotle powder — ~1 g optional
  • Pro tip: Swap in Chopped brisket trimmings or Pulled pork for the bacon for a meatier twist ~1–1½ cups / 150–225 g.

Equipment

  • 12 inch Cast Iron Skillet
  • Aluminum foil pan 9 x 13
  • Medium Skillet
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Offset Smoker

Method
 

Preheat:
  1. Oven to 350°F (177°C), or smoker to 275–300°F (135–149°C) for a low, smoky bake.
    Baked Beans ingredients
Render bacon & sauté:
  1. In a Medium skillet over medium heat, cook Bacon until just crisp.
  2. Remove with a slotted spoon.
  3. In rendered fat, cook Onion 5 minutes until soft; add Garlic for the last 1 minute.
Combine:
  1. In a bowl (or the Cast-iron/9×13), mix Pork & beans, Onion/Garlic, Bacon, Brown sugar, Ketchup, BBQ sauce, Mustard, Vinegar, Worcestershire, Black pepper, and Smoked paprika/chipotle (optional) until well combined.
    Baked Beans combine
Bake or smoke:
  1. Transfer to the Cast-iron/9×13 if not already there.
  2. Bake uncovered until bubbly and caramelized on top—oven 60–90 minutes;
    Baked Beans combine1
  3. smoker up to 2 hours over indirect heat.
  4. Stir once or twice for even thickening.
  5. Rest 10 minutes to set.

Notes

Recipe Card (Quick Facts)
  • Category: Sides
  • Method: Bake (oven or smoker)
  • Cuisine: Southern BBQ
  • Prep Time: 15–20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60–120 minutes (oven 60–90; smoker up to 120)
  • Total Time: 1¼–2 hours
  • Yield: ~12 cups
  • Servings: 10–12

Description of the Finished Dish

Sticky, rich baked beans with smoky bacon, molasses-like sweetness, and a tangy finish. Hearty enough for a bowl, perfect as a scoop on any Texas BBQ plate.

Doneness & Texture Cues

  • Top: Slightly sticky, darkened glaze.
  • Consistency: Thick and spoonable, not soupy; beans hold shape.
  • Aroma/Flavor: Sweet-tangy-smoky with bacon and spice; vinegar balances the sugar.

Pro Tips

  • Too sweet? Add 1–2 tsp Apple cider vinegar more to taste.
  • Thicker beans: Stir in 1–2 tbsp Tomato paste or simmer 5–10 minutes longer.
  • Smoker boost: Use pecan/post oak and place the pan uncovered for better smoke pickup.
  • Not a fan of pork & beans sweetness? Drain ½ of one can before mixing.

Variations

  • Chunky brisket beans: Fold in 1–2 cups chopped brisket during the last 20 minutes.
  • Spicy: Add ¼–½ tsp Cayenne or Hot sauce to taste.
  • Maple-bacon: Swap part of the Brown sugar for 2–3 tbsp Maple syrup.

Storage & Make-Ahead

  • Fridge: 4–5 days in an airtight container (flavor improves by day 2).
  • Freeze: Up to 2 months; thaw overnight and reheat gently with a splash of water.
  • Reheat: 325°F (163°C) until hot and glossy; add BBQ sauce to refresh.

More Recipes to Round Out Your BBQ Plate

Looking for the perfect pairings to serve with this dish? Explore more from our kitchen:
  • Appetizers - Get your party started off right. Choose some good starter recipes.
  • Smoked Meats - brisket, ribs, pulled pork, chicken, and more
  • BBQ Sides - beans, slaw, potato salad, cornbread, and more
  • Sauces & Rubs - from tangy mop sauces to Texas-style dry rubs
  • Cocktails - Spice up your cook and party with easy cocktails.
  • Desserts - Finish off that amazing meal with a classic dessert.
Whether you are planning a weekend smoke or building a full BBQ spread, these recipes bring the pit to your plate.

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