BBQ Baked Beans
BBQ Baked Beans are a rich, smoky-sweet side dish made with canned baked beans, crispy bacon, sautéed onions, tangy BBQ sauce, and brown sugar. This upgraded version of the classic is baked until bubbly and caramelized—perfect for potlucks, backyard barbecues, or any summer gathering.
Servings: 8
Calories: 341kcal
Ingredients
- 6 strips bacon chopped small
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 2 28 oz cans original baked beans (do not drain)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9x9-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion in the remaining bacon fat until softened and translucent. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. (If skipping the bacon, use 1 tablespoon of oil to cook the onions.)
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the baked beans, cooked bacon, sautéed onions, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Stir well to combine.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake uncovered for 1 hour, stirring halfway through for even cooking.
- Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Use pre-cooked or oven-baked bacon for less mess and easier prep.
Choose flavored baked beans (like brown sugar, spicy, or mesquite) to switch things up.
Center-cut bacon is leaner and stays crispier when baked into the beans.