Baked beans are a classic side dish for any barbecue. When done right, baked beans can be sweet, savory, and utterly delicious. But nailing the perfect baked bean recipe requires some technique. Follow this comprehensive guide to learn how to bbq right baked beans.

Ingredients for BBQ Baked Beans

The first step is gathering high-quality ingredients. Here are the staple items you’ll need:

Beans

Navy beans – Traditional choice with a creamy texture
Pinto beans – Earthier flavor and hold their shape well
Kidney beans – Popular for their reddish color
Black beans – Rich and hearty bean option

Choose dried beans over canned for superior texture and flavor control.

Sweetener

Brown sugar – Provides deep molasses notes
Honey – For mild sweetness and sheen
Maple syrup – Unique, earthy maple flavor

Sweetener balances the acidity and enriches flavor.

Salt Pork or Bacon

Smoked pork hock – Adds smoky flavor and fat
Bacon – Crispy bits infuse saltiness and richness
Salted pork belly – For succulent texture

Pork lends savoriness from rendered fat and pork essence.

Sauce Base

Ketchup – Classic base with tang
Barbecue sauce – Robust flavor from spices and vinegar
Tomato sauce – Milder acidity and sweetness

The sauce base builds depth and binds the ingredients.

Seasonings

Dry mustard – Spicy warmth, pairs great with sweetness
Worchestershire sauce – Umami punch
Liquid smoke – Imitates barbecue smokiness
Onion powder – Rounds out flavor profile
Garlic powder – Adds aroma without harshness
Smoked paprika – Further smoky note
Chili powder – Optional heat

Spices and seasonings customize the complexity.

Liquid

Chicken or vegetable stock – Provides moisture
Water – Thins out consistency
Beer – Certain varieties contribute maltyness

The liquid lengthens the sauce and prevents dryness.

Keys for Cooking Baked Beans

With your ingredients ready, follow these tips for bbqing phenomenal baked beans:

1. Soak the Beans

Place dry beans in water the night before cooking.
Soaking softens skins and reduces cooking time.
Discard soaking water which contains indigestible compounds.

Soaked beans achieve ideal texture after cooking.

2. Cook the Beans

In a pot, cover soaked beans fully with water or stock.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until tender.
Cooking time varies from 1-3 hours depending on freshness.
Beans should be easily squishable between fingers.

Simmering hydrates beans fully and delivers creaminess.

3. Brown the Pork

In a skillet, fry bacon or salt pork over medium-high heat.
Pork should become lightly crispy and render fat.
Pour off most of the grease, reserving just enough for flavor.

Browned pork adds texture contrast and irresistible meaty essence.

4. Build the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together sauce ingredients.
Use ketchup or barbecue sauce as the base.
Balance sweetness and acidity to taste preferences.
Mix in spices, seasonings, liquid smoke, etc.

A balanced, nuanced sauce enhances and unifies flavors.

5. Simmer the Beans and Sauce

In a baking dish, mix cooked beans and pork with sauce.
Add enough stock or water to submerge beans halfway.
Cover and bake at 300°F for 1-2 hours until thickened.
Stir occasionally to prevent scorching on the bottom.

Low and slow simmering allows flavors to meld seamlessly.

6. Finish with Fresh Touches

Before serving, stir in any of these fresh finishes:

Diced onion
Minced garlic
Chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro
Squeeze of citrus juice
Splash of vinegar
Drizzle of olive oil
Ground black pepper

Vibrant toppings provide contrast to the rich beans.

BBQ Baked Bean Recipe Variations

There are endless ways to adapt baked beans to your tastes. Consider these tempting variations:

Sweet and Tangy

Use ketchup as the sauce base.
Add brown sugar, honey, and molasses for caramelized sweetness.
Splash in cider vinegar and mustard for tang.
Stir in minced bell pepper and red onion.

Sweet, sour, and savory flavors shine.

Smoky and Spicy

Opt for a smoky barbecue sauce base.
Mix in chipotle peppers, ancho chili powder, and cayenne pepper.
Top with crispy bacon pieces and smoked paprika.
Garnish with pickled jalapeños.

The intensity excites the palate.

New Orleans-Style

Sauté Trinity aromatics: onion, celery, and bell pepper.
Flavor beans with Cajun seasoning, hot sauce, and Worcestershire.
Finish with green onions, parsley, and Louisiana hot sauce.
Serve over white rice.

Traditional Louisiana flair comes through.

Vegetarian Five Bean

Use a mix of bean varieties – navy, pinto, kidney, black, and lima beans.
Sauté mushrooms, peppers, and onions as the pork substitute.
Season with smoked paprika, rosemary, and liquid smoke.
Make it vegan by omitting bacon drippings.

The bean mix provides intriguing textures.

BBQ Baked Bean Pairings

Baked beans complement traditional barbecue fare:

Main Dishes

Pulled pork sandwiches
Beef brisket
Smoked sausages
Chicken drumsticks
Baby back ribs
Burnt ends

Beans balance the richness of smoky meats.

Sides

Coleslaw
Potato salad
Macaroni and cheese
Collard greens
Corn on the cob
Cornbread

Beans uphold the classic side dish theme.

Beverages

Ice cold beer
Sweet iced tea
Tart lemonade
Fruit punch spritzer
Fresh watermelon juice

Refreshing drinks cut the beans’ starchiness.

With so many pairing possibilities, baked beans work for any barbecue spread.

How to Serve BBQ Baked Beans

Baked beans can be served in many fun ways:

Scoop piping hot beans right into bowls.
Layer beans on a disposable plate alongside other sides.
Transfer to a slow cooker set on warm.
Fill small tin buckets or paper cones for individual servings.
Top pigs-in-a-blanket or mini pulled pork sliders.
Stuff into bread bowls from hollowed-out loaf.
Cut corn bread into bites to dip in the beans.

Get creative with serving styles to impress your barbecue guests!

Storage Tips for Leftover Baked Beans

With such large bean batches, you’ll likely have leftovers. Follow these storage tips:

Let beans cool completely before refrigerating.
Divide beans into shallow airtight containers.
Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Freeze extra portions for later use.
Portion into freezer bags or plastic containers.
Freeze for 2-3 months.
Reheat gently on the stovetop until simmering.

Proper storage keeps beans tasty for days to come.

How to Reheat Leftover Baked Beans

Bring leftover baked beans back to their barbeque glory with these reheating methods:

On the stovetop, warm beans over medium-low, stirring frequently. Add water as needed to thin.
In the oven, bake beans in a covered dish at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes.
In the slow cooker, add baked bean mixture and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
In the microwave, transfer beans to a microwave-safe dish, cover, and microwave in 30 second bursts, stirring between each.

Low and slow reheating retains texture and prevents scorching.

Common BBQ Baked Bean Problems and Solutions

Having trouble getting perfect baked bean results? Refer to these troubleshooting tips:

Beans Too Dry

Increase liquid and simmer uncovered to reduce.
Stir in additional sauce, tomato paste, or water as needed.

Beans Burned or Sticking

Use a larger baking dish with more surface area.
Stir more frequently while simmering.
Add more liquid like stock or water.

Beans Too Soft or Mushy

Reduce initial simmering time for firmer beans.
Cut back on soaking time.
Add beans to sauce towards the end.

Beans Lack Flavor

Increase seasonings, brown sugar, and sauce.
Cook bacon or pork longer to render more fat.
Simmer uncovered to reduce liquid concentration.

Beans Too Sweet

Use less sweetener or more vinegar for balance.
Add spices like dry mustard or chili powder.
Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

With the right adjustments, you can always achieve outstanding baked beans.

Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Baked Beans

Here are answers to common queries for flawlessly bbqing baked beans:

Should baked beans be refrigerated after cooking?

Yes, baked beans should be promptly refrigerated after cooking. Leave them out at room temperature no longer than 2 hours. Proper chilling prevents harmful bacteria growth.

How long do baked beans last in the fridge?

Properly stored baked beans will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Transfer leftovers to airtight containers and use within 3-4 days for the best quality.

Can you freeze leftover baked beans?

Absolutely! Baked beans freeze very well for 2-3 months. Let them cool fully before dividing into portion sizes and freezing in airtight bags or containers.

What liquid is best for baking beans?

Water, broth, beer, cider vinegar, and coffee are all good bean cooking liquids. Water allows the real bean flavor to shine. For more complexity, use chicken or veggie broth.

Should you stir baking beans?

Stirring baked beans occasionally as they simmer helps distribute sauce flavor evenly. It also prevents them from sticking and scorching on the bottom of the pan.

How do you thicken bean sauce?

If the sauce is too thin, remove the lid and let it simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes to reduce down. For quicker thickening, stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water.

Get Creative with Your Own Baked Bean Recipes

Now that you know proper bbq baked bean techniques, get creative with your own recipe ideas! Play with different bean varieties, meats, sauces, seasonings, and garnishes for an original side dish. Track your experiments to discover new favorite baked bean flavor combinations. With the right process, you can whip up the most craveable barbecue baked beans that family and friends will request time and time again. Happy bean baking!

Conclusion

Delicious baked beans require finesse, but the rewarding results are well worth the effort. Soak the beans, nail the texture, flavor the sauce, and simmer everything together into sweet, smoky bean bliss. Baked beans are a nostalgic, comforting, and utterly satisfying addition to any summer barbecue spread. Apply these tips for bbqing baked beans right, and get ready for the compliments!

How to BBQ Right Baked Beans