Okay, y’all, let me tell you about my absolute weakness: Southern Barbecue Baked Beans. I’m talking that smoky, sweet, tangy perfection that just screams summertime. Growing up, my grandma made these for every family cookout, and the smell alone would send us kids racing to the picnic table. Seriously, forget Potato Salad; these beans were the star. Think of them as the ultimate comfort food, but with a little extra oomph from the barbecue sauce. They’re even better than your average canned beans, trust me – there’s no comparison! I always make sure to whip up a batch of my famous **Southern Barbecue Baked Beans** for potlucks, holidays, or honestly, just a regular Tuesday night when I need a little bit of home. They’re that good!

What is Southern Barbecue Baked Beans?

So, what *are* Southern Barbecue Baked Beans, exactly? Well, it’s essentially a leveled-up version of your Classic Baked beans. Think of it as baked beans on steroids, kicked up a notch with smoky bacon, sweet brown sugar, molasses, and of course, a generous glug of your favorite barbecue sauce. It’s not just beans thrown in a pot – it’s a symphony of flavors coming together. They’re baked low and slow, allowing all those delicious flavors to meld together into something truly magical. My version uses a combination of different beans for a more complex texture, but feel free to stick with your favorite kind. It’s a total crowd-pleaser, and honestly, there are never any leftovers when I make them!

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Oh honey, where do I even begin? There are so many reasons to adore this Southern Barbecue Baked Beans Recipe. First off, the **flavor** is out of this world. The smoky bacon, the sweet molasses, the tangy barbecue sauce – it’s a party in your mouth! What I love most about this is that it’s incredibly **simple** to make. Seriously, you just throw everything in a pot and let it bake. It’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Plus, it’s surprisingly **cost-effective**. Beans are cheap, bacon is usually on sale, and you probably already have most of the other ingredients in your pantry. This recipe is also super **versatile**. You can serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken, pulled pork, hamburgers, hot dogs…the possibilities are endless! Think of it as the MVP of side dishes. If you like a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. It complements any barbecue style and adds so much to a meal, the rich texture is divine, and the flavor always has people coming back for seconds (or thirds!). Compared to other sides, like coleslaw (which I *never* seem to get right!), this is foolproof. It always feels like such a treat, even though I know exactly how easy it is. The family goes mad for them and it’s one I always enjoy making.

How do I make Southern Barbecue Baked Beans?

Quick Overview

Making these amazing Southern Barbecue Baked Beans is easier than you might think! Basically, you cook some bacon, mix it with beans, barbecue sauce, and a few other key ingredients, and then bake it all until it’s bubbly and delicious. The magic is in the low and slow baking, which allows the flavors to really meld together. It’s a dump-and-bake recipe, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining.

Ingredients

For the Main Beans: What are some examples?
* 1 pound bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces. I like to use thick-cut bacon for extra smoky flavor.
* 1 large onion, chopped. Yellow or white onions work best.
* 1 (28 ounce) can of baked beans in sauce. Bush’s are my go-to.
* 1 (15 ounce) can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed.
* 1 (15 ounce) can of great northern beans, drained and rinsed.
* 1 (15 ounce) can of Pinto Beans, drained and rinsed.
* ½ cup barbecue sauce. Use your favorite – sweet, smoky, or tangy all work well.
* 14 cup packed brown sugar. Light or dark brown works fine.
* 2 tablespoons molasses. This adds depth of flavor that’s essential.
* 1 tablespoon yellow mustard. Adds a nice tang.
* 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce. Don’t skip this – it adds umami.
* ½ teaspoon smoked paprika. For extra smokiness!
* Salt and pepper to taste.

What is the step-

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. This prevents beans from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove from the heat and set aside. With a slotted spoon, remove the bacon and set aside, reserving about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease. In the skillet. I always do this because bacon grease adds so much flavor to onions!

Step 3: Sauté the Onion

Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the bacon grease and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. You want them to be translucent and fragrant. Don’t rush this step – it’s important for building flavor.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked bacon (reserving a little for topping, if desired), sautéed onion, baked beans, kidney beans, great northern beans, pinto beans, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, molasses, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove the foil and bake for another 30 minutes, or until the beans are bubbly and slightly browned. How do you make a sauce that melds all the flavors together?

Step 6: Cool & Serve

Let the beans cool before serving. Garnish with reserved bacon, if desired. What are the best side dishes to serve warm?

What should I serve it with?

These Southern Barbecue Baked Beans are incredibly versatile and go well with just about anything you’d serve at a barbecue. I love to serve them alongside:

Grilled Meats:What are the best burgers, Hot Dogs, chicken, ribs and pulled pork? The sweetness of the beans complements the smoky flavors of grilled meats perfectly.

Sandwiches:What are some great side dishes to serve with sloppy joes?

Salads: A scoop of these beans adds a hearty and flavorful element to any salad.

Cornbread:What is better than cornbread and baked beans? What’s a classic Southern combination?

My family always insists that I make a batch of these beans for our annual Fourth of July cookout. We usually have them with burgers, hot dogs, and watermelon. It’s a tradition! It’s not a summer cookout in our house without them. I remember one time, I forgot the molasses. Let me tell you, they were just *not* the same. Don’t skimp on the molasses!

What are some tips for perfecting your Southern Barbecue Baked Beans?

What are some of the best ways to take Southern Barbecue Baked Beans to the next level? What are some of the best tips I’ve learned over the years?

Bacon Quality:Use good quality bacon. The flavor of bacon will shine through in the final dish, so it’s worth splurging on a few. Higher quality brand. I like applewood smoked bacon.

Barbecue SauceWhat is your favorite barbecue sauce? Experiment with different styles to find your perfect match. I love using a Kansas City-style sauce, which is sweet and smoky.

Bean Variety:Use a mix of different beans for more complex flavor. I like to use kidney beans, great northern beans and pinto beans but you can use any combination of them.

Slow and Low Baking: What is the difference betweenDon’t rush the baking process. Cooking beans low and slow allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.

Spice It Up:If you like a little heat, add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the beans. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.

Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar and molasses. Taste as you go and adjust to your liking.

I learned the hard way that you should always cook the bacon *before* adding it to the beans. One time, I tried to shortcut and just throw raw bacon in the baking dish. Let’s just say it wasn’t pretty. The bacon didn’t cook properly, and the beans were greasy. It’s definitely worth the extra step to cook the bacon first!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat your Southern Barbecue Baked Beans:

Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving them at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria can grow quickly at room temperature, so it’s best to refrigerate them as soon as possible.

Refrigerator Storage: Store the beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure they’re completely cooled before refrigerating.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the beans. Transfer them to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: To reheat the beans, you can microwave them, heat them in a skillet over medium heat, or bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if they seem too dry.

I always make a double batch of these beans so I can freeze some for later. They’re perfect for a quick and easy side dish on busy weeknights. Just thaw them overnight and reheat them in the microwave. It’s a lifesaver!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can easily make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the bacon. You can add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to enhance the smoky flavor. For a richer flavor, consider sautéing mushrooms in a bit of olive oil as a bacon substitute.

Can I use different types of beans?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different types of beans. Cannellini beans, black beans, or even chickpeas would work well. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to the recipe.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Definitely! Cook the bacon and onions as directed, then combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

What if I don’t have molasses?

If you don’t have molasses, you can substitute it with maple syrup or honey. However, the flavor will be slightly different. Molasses adds a unique depth of flavor that’s hard to replicate.

Can I add other vegetables?

Sure! Diced bell peppers, celery, or jalapeños would be great additions. Sauté them along with the onions for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – my family’s favorite Southern Barbecue Baked Beans recipe. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser. I promise, once you try these, you’ll never go back to canned baked beans again! If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my recipe for Slow Cooker Pulled Pork or my Grandma’s Classic Potato Salad. They’re all family favorites that are sure to impress. Happy baking, y’all! And don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how yours turn out. I can’t wait to hear about your variations! Tell me, do you like your beans sweet or savory? I love hearing from y’all!

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