Smokey Baked Beans: The Ultimate Comfort Food with a Flavorful Twist
Baked beans are a classic comfort food—warm, hearty, and full of rich flavors. But what if we told you that you could elevate this beloved dish with a smoky depth that takes it from delicious to truly unforgettable? That’s exactly what this Smokey Baked Beans recipe does! With a mix of savory seasonings, a hint of smokiness, and a touch of sweetness, these beans are the perfect addition to any meal. Whether you're enjoying them as a side dish at a barbecue, pairing them with a simple weeknight dinner, or having them as the star of a plant-based meal, these beans will become your new go-to recipe.
At Kathryn Cooks, we believe in making comfort food with a twist, and these smokey baked beans are no exception. With simple, wholesome ingredients and a blend of spices that pack a punch, this dish brings all the cozy, flavorful goodness of baked beans—but with a smoky kick that’ll keep everyone coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love These Smokey Baked Beans
-
Smoky Flavor: The magic of these baked beans lies in the smoky depth that comes from ingredients like smoked paprika and a hint of liquid smoke. These seasonings give the beans a rich, campfire-like flavor that’s both satisfying and complex.
-
Sweet and Savory Balance: The recipe strikes a perfect balance between sweetness and savory richness, with the added sweetness of molasses and maple syrup complementing the savory, tangy tomato base.
-
Perfect for Any Occasion: Smokey baked beans make a great addition to any meal, whether you’re grilling up burgers or enjoying a cozy dinner at home. They’re perfect for summer barbecues, holiday gatherings, or just a simple weeknight dinner.
-
Nutrient-Rich: Not only are these beans delicious, but they’re also packed with protein and fiber, making them a filling and nutritious dish. The beans serve as a hearty, plant-based side that satisfies both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.
-
Easy to Make: Despite their complex flavors, these smokey baked beans are incredibly simple to make. Just toss your ingredients together, let them bake, and you’ll have a side dish that feels like a labor of love—without all the fuss.
How to Serve Smokey Baked Beans
These smokey baked beans are versatile and can complement a wide range of dishes. Here are some of our favorite ways to serve them:
-
As a Side for Grilled Meats: Smokey baked beans are the perfect companion to grilled burgers, steaks, or sausages. The smoky flavor pairs beautifully with charred meats, making them a classic side dish for summer barbecues.
-
With Cornbread: You can’t go wrong pairing smokey baked beans with a warm, crumbly cornbread. The beans soak up the sweet and savory flavors of the cornbread, making each bite absolutely irresistible.
-
On a Bed of Rice: For a more substantial meal, serve your smokey baked beans over brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a filling, plant-based dinner.
-
As a Breakfast Dish: Give your morning a savory twist by serving smokey baked beans with scrambled eggs and toast. It’s a hearty, comforting way to start the day.
Smokey Baked Beans
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Category
Side Dish
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
2 hours
These aren’t your regular baked beans. They’re smokey and packed full of flavors that leaves everyone wanting more + they include a handful of vegetables so basically they are extremely healthy, right? *sarcasm* These are the perfect side dish for a family cookout, Super Bowl party or any get together!
Heads up: it makes a lot and everyone will be asking you for the recipe.
These Smokey Baked Beans are the perfect combination of savory, sweet, and smoky flavors that make them an irresistible side dish for any meal. With their simple ingredients, bold flavors, and versatility, they’re sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Whether you're serving them at a barbecue, enjoying them with cornbread, or adding them to a weeknight dinner, these smokey baked beans are guaranteed to be a hit.
Give them a try at your next meal, and let us know how you like to enjoy them. We can’t wait to hear about all the ways you make this dish your own!
Author:Kathryn Martens
Ingredients
-
4 cans pork and beans 28 oz each
-
1 package bacon
-
1 onion diced
-
1 green pepper diced
-
1 red pepper diced
-
1 jalapeno diced
-
3 cloves garlic minced
-
2 chipotle peppers in adobe sauce chopped
-
1 cup barbeque sauce of choice
-
½ cup brown sugar
-
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
-
2 tbsp ketchup
-
4 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
-
4 tbsp liquid smoke
-
1 tbsp dried yellow mustard powder
Directions
Preheat the oven to 325° F.
Take 4 pieces of bacon and chop into bite size pieces. Heat a large skillet to medium heat and fry the bacon until about half way cooked.
Add onions, peppers, garlic and jalapeños. Saute until tender, 5-7 minutes.
Add all remaining ingredients except for the beans to the skillet and bring to a simmer.
Stir in beans.
Transfer beans to a large oven safe regtangular pan (or keep in skillet if it is oven safe).
If desired, place remaining uncooked pieces of bacon on top of beans. You can leave in strips or cut into smaller pieces.
Add beans to 325° oven and cook for at least two hours, or until they are bubbly and sauve is a thick consistency.
Remove from oven and let sit for 10-20 minutes before serving.
Recipe Note
Tips for the Best Smokey Baked Beans
Adjust the sweetness: Depending on how sweet you like your baked beans, you can adjust the amount of maple syrup or molasses. Add a little more if you prefer a sweeter taste or reduce it for a more savory version.
Smokiness level: The liquid smoke adds a rich, campfire-like flavor, but you can adjust the amount based on how smoky you like your beans. Start with a little and taste as you go.
Make ahead: These baked beans taste even better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld together. Make a double batch and store leftovers in the fridge for up to a week.
Add some heat: If you like a little kick, add extra cayenne or even a chopped jalapeño to the mix for a spicy twist.