Smoky Sweet Baked Beans with Bacon bring a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors to any cookout or family gathering.
This hearty side dish is loaded with smoky, crispy bacon that adds irresistible depth.
These baked beans pair beautifully with grilled meats, burgers, or barbecue spreads, making them a reliable crowd-pleaser for holidays, potlucks, and backyard feasts.
Key Ingredients for Smoky Sweet Baked Beans with Bacon
Pork and Beans – The hearty base, providing tender beans in a mild sauce that soaks up all the bold flavors.
Ketchup – Adds classic tang and a touch of sweetness to bind the sauce together.
Barbecue Sauce – Infuses rich, smoky-sweet barbecue flavor for that backyard cookout taste.
Brown Sugar – Deepens the sweetness and helps caramelize the sauce as it bakes.
Mustard – Balances the sweetness with a subtle tangy kick.
Worcestershire Sauce – Layers in savory umami depth and complexity.
Hot Sauce – Adds a gentle heat that complements the sweetness and smoky notes.
Liquid Smoke – Optional but recommended for an extra boost of smoky flavor without a smoker.
Bacon – The star ingredient, bringing crispy, smoky bites throughout every spoonful.
Onion and Garlic – Aromatics that build a flavorful base, enhancing every bite.
Fresh Parsley – A sprinkle of freshness to brighten the rich, hearty beans.
How to Make Smoky Sweet Baked Beans with Bacon
These Smoky Sweet Baked Beans with Bacon start with a rich sauce whisked together from ketchup, barbecue sauce, mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire, hot sauce, and a hint of liquid smoke.
Bacon is partially cooked to render flavor, then onions and garlic are sautéed in the drippings. Everything is combined with the beans, topped with more bacon, then baked until bubbling and finished under the broiler for perfectly crisped bacon.
Tips for Perfect Smoky Sweet Baked Beans with Bacon
For extra saucy baked beans, skip draining the liquid from the pork and beans.
Liquid smoke is optional but adds authentic smoky depth just a drop or two is enough.
Customize the heat level with your favorite hot sauce.
If time allows, let the baked beans rest for 10 minutes before serving to thicken up nicely.
How to Store Smoky Sweet Baked Beans with Bacon
Store leftover Smoky Sweet Baked Beans with Bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these baked beans ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare and bake them a day in advance, then reheat in the oven at 300°F until warmed through.
What’s the best type of bacon to use?
Thick-cut bacon works best for hearty, crispy bites that hold up well during baking.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Omit the bacon and add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor, or use plant-based bacon alternatives.
What barbecue sauce works best?
Use a smoky-sweet store-bought sauce or homemade—choose your favorite to match your preferred flavor profile.
Smoky Sweet Baked Beans with Bacon
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1/2 onion finely diced
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 6 –8 slices bacon chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 –2 drops liquid smoke optional
- 2 cans 28 oz each Pork and Beans
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 3/4 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Set the oven to preheat at 350°F.
- Carefully open the pork and beans cans, discarding half of the excess liquid. In a sizable bowl, vigorously whisk together the ketchup, barbecue sauce, mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and liquid smoke until smooth and unified; reserve for later.
- Warm a large cast iron or oven-proof skillet over medium heat, render the bacon pieces until they are partially cooked, then transfer them to a paper towel to drain.
- In the remaining bacon drippings, sauté the diced onions for approximately 2 minutes until tender, then introduce the minced garlic and stir until its fragrance blooms.
- Incorporate the pork and beans into the skillet, pour in the prepared sauce, and stir thoroughly to ensure an even coating. Scatter the partially cooked bacon atop the bean mixture.
- Bake for about 1 hour, or until the beans have thickened and are bubbling.
- To finish, switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until the bacon crisps to your preference. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
Though optional, liquid smoke imparts a delightful depth of smoky essence. Select any preferred store-bought or homemade barbecue sauce.
Adjust the heat level with your favored brand of hot sauce; Louisiana’s pure hot sauce is a classic choice.