Introduction
Barbecuing is a cherished summertime tradition for many, but mastering the art of grilling can take time. When it comes to tried-and-true backyard classics like baked beans, small tweaks can take the flavor up a notch. Adding a slice of apple pie filling gives this BBQ side a delightfully sweet twist, marrying the tangy beans and smoky pork with the warmth of cinnamon and brown sugar. Read on for tips, tricks, and recipes for kicking up your baked bean game with a nod to a la mode.
Apple pie baked beans embrace the best of sweet and savory flavors. Canned beans form the base along with pork, onion, spices, and brown sugar or maple syrup. But nestled into the mixture is a hearty slice of apple pie filling, melted down into the beans over indirect heat or a low oven. The tender apples and aromatic spices permeate the entire dish, adding layers of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. The end result is comfort food at its finest.
Should I Make My Own Baked Beans?
Homemade baked beans certainly have their appeal. You can control the ingredients, tweak the flavors, and cook them exactly how you like. However, for backyard barbecues, time is often short. Quality canned beans offer convenience without much compromise on taste. Choosing a brand without excessive sodium or additives lets the natural bean flavor and your own touches shine. Draining and rinsing the beans removes about 40% of the sodium. Below are some quick tips for elevating canned baked beans:
- Sauté diced onion, garlic, pepper, and your favorite spices before adding beans. Try dry mustard, allspice, or chipotle powder.
- Mix in maple syrup, brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, BBQ sauce, or molasses to taste.
- Fold in chopped cooked bacon, ground beef, pulled pork, or smoked sausage.
- Stir in a sliced Granny Smith apple or apple pie filling.
- Garnish with chopped scallions, sliced jalapeño, or fresh parsley.
With easy additions like these, even canned beans become Potluck Perfection!
Is it Better to Bake or Grill Baked Beans?
You can certainly bake beans in the oven, cooking them covered at 325°F for 1-2 hours until thickened. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. But for barbecues, go for grilling the beans indirectly or smoking them if possible. The smoky essence takes ordinary baked beans to new heights. Follow these tips:
- Use a foil pan on a gas grill off to the side, not directly over flame.
- For charcoal, rake coals to sides and place pan in center.
- Add soaked wood chips to gas or charcoal for extra smoke.
- Cook 45-60 minutes with lid down, stirring occasionally.
- Finish 5-10 minutes direct heat to brown.
Smoky baked beans are a revelation! The apple pie slice blends in perfectly.
How to Make Apple Pie Baked Beans
Now let’s discuss how to bring this sweet and smoky treat to life. We’ll start with the ingredients you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 2 (28 oz) cans baked beans (your favorite variety)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or molasses
- 1-2 tsp dry mustard
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp each salt, pepper, allspice (or to taste)
- 1 large slice apple pie filling (or 1 apple peeled, cored, and diced)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil or bacon grease
- Chopped cooked bacon, pork, or sausage (optional)
- Sliced scallions, jalapeño, or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat grill or smoker to medium heat (300-375°F). Have ready a foil pan.
- Heat oil/grease in skillet over medium high. Sauté onion and garlic until softened, 2-3 minutes.
- Drain and rinse beans. Transfer to foil pan.
- Stir in onion/garlic, ketchup, brown sugar, maple syrup, spices, and apple pie slice, breaking up filling.
- If desired, fold in cooked meat. Mix well, adding more brown sugar and spices to taste.
- Place foil pan over indirect heat or in smoker. Cover grill.
- Cook 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer directly over heat last 5-10 minutes to brown tops slightly.
- Serve garnished with scallions, jalapeño, parsley, bacon crumbles if desired. Enjoy!
The sweet apples and warm spices take these backyard beans to new levels. Balance the sugar and spice to your taste. Now let’s look at some serving ideas and frequently asked questions.
Creative Serving Suggestions
Apple pie baked beans pair wonderfully with many classic BBQ foods. Consider these tasty suggestions:
- Pile beans alongside pulled pork, beef brisket, or smoked sausages.
- Serve beans on cornbread or baked potato halves.
- Top with shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or crumbled bacon.
- Enjoy as a dip with tortilla chips or Fritos.
- Wrap in flour tortillas with shredded lettuce and barbecue sauce.
- Spoon over hot dogs or brats for an easy upgrade.
- Stir into chili for a touch of sweetness.
- Top a baked potato and microwave briefly for an easy bean and bacon loaded spud.
With a little creativity, apple pie baked beans liven up favorites in delicious new ways. Keep reading for helpful answers to common questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of beans work best?
- Bush’s Original Baked Beans are a top choice for their quality and taste.
- Avoid beans packed in overly sweet sauce. You’ll be adding flavor.
- Navy, great northern, and cannellini beans also work well.
How do I stop beans from burning?
- Cook over indirect heat and stir occasionally.
- Add a bit of liquid if needed.
- Lower heat and cover grill to prevent scorching.
Can I prepare these indoors?
Absolutely! Bake at 325°F covered for 1-2 hours until thickened. Or cook in a skillet and finish in the oven.
What meat goes best with apple pie beans?
The apples and spices complement rich meats like bacon, sausage, pulled pork, or brisket beautifully.
How long will leftover beans keep?
Store covered in the refrigerator up to one week. Reheat gently before serving.
Conclusion
For your next backyard barbecue or potluck, wow the crowds with smoky apple pie baked beans. With a few simple ingredients and tips, you can level up canned beans into a sweet, savory, and satisfying crowd-pleaser. Tailor the spices to your taste and feel free to substitute ingredients to suit your preferences. Baked beans are a warm-weather staple, so fire up the grill and embrace the delicious aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg, and apples wafting from the smoker. With this recipe in your repertoire, you’ll be a new backyard barbecue all-star!