5 Must-Try Baked Bean Recipes for BBQ Season

As the warmer months roll in, the aroma of BBQs wafting through neighborhoods signal the start of grilling season. While many focus on meats and vegetables, there's an unsung hero of the BBQ platter that deserves its moment in the spotlight - baked beans. Not only are they a classic side dish, but with a little creativity, baked beans can become the star of your BBQ or cookout. Here are 5 delicious and innovative baked bean recipes that you absolutely must try this BBQ season:

1. Savory Bourbon Baked Beans

Imagine the rich, deep flavor of bourbon infusing your baked beans. This recipe brings sophistication to your plate:

• 1 lb. dried navy beans, soaked overnight
• 6 slices of bacon, diced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ¹⁄₂ cup bourbon
• ¹⁄₂ cup ketchup
• ¹⁄₃ cup molasses
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon dry mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Begin by rendering the bacon until crispy, then cook the onions and garlic in the bacon fat. Add all ingredients into a pot, transfer to a preheated oven, and bake at 325°F for about 3 hours, stirring occasionally. The result? A rich, flavorful dish that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats.

🍽️ Note: Remember, the alcohol from the bourbon cooks off, leaving only the deep, complex flavor.

2. Spicy Vegan Chili Baked Beans

Who says baked beans have to come from a can? Here’s a twist that’s both spicy and vegan:

• 1 lb. dried pinto beans, soaked overnight
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 jalapeños, minced (remove seeds for less heat)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp. tomato paste
• 1 tbsp. chili powder
• 1 tsp. cumin
• 1 tsp. smoked paprika
• ¹⁄₄ tsp. cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt to taste

After soaking the beans, combine all ingredients in a pot, cover with water, and cook until beans are tender. Then, transfer to a baking dish and bake at 350°F for about 1 hour to meld the flavors. This vegan delight provides a kick of spice and depth of flavor that's hard to resist.

3. Sweet and Tangy Pineapple Baked Beans

For a sweet and tangy twist, try incorporating pineapple into your baked beans:

• 2 (15 oz.) cans of navy beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup pineapple chunks, drained
• ¹⁄₂ cup BBQ sauce
• ¹⁄₃ cup brown sugar
• ¹⁄₄ cup pineapple juice
• 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp. mustard
• ¹⁄₄ tsp. ground ginger
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients, place in a baking dish, and bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes. The pineapple adds a sweet, tropical zest that perfectly complements smoky BBQ flavors.

4. French Green Lentil and Bean Casserole

Move over traditional baked beans; this recipe elevates the game with French green lentils:

• 1 cup French green lentils, rinsed
• 1 can of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 large leek, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• 1 tsp. thyme
• ¹⁄₄ cup red wine vinegar
• ¹⁄₂ cup vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cook lentils with water until tender, then drain. Sauté vegetables, combine with lentils, beans, and other ingredients. Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes. This dish adds sophistication to your BBQ with its earthy flavors and hearty texture.

5. Apple and Bacon Baked Beans

Combine the sweetness of apples with the smokiness of bacon for an irresistible combo:

• 2 (15 oz.) cans of pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 apples, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• ¹⁄₄ cup maple syrup
• 2 tbsp. cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
• ¹⁄₂ tsp. allspice
• Salt to taste

Mix all the ingredients in a casserole dish, cover, and bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes. The apples soften and meld with the beans, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and savory that's just perfect for a BBQ.

🥓 Note: Feel free to use turkey bacon or pancetta for a lighter version of this dish.

These recipes not only enhance the flavors of your BBQ but also introduce new dimensions to a classic side dish. Experiment with different beans, herbs, and spices to make each dish uniquely yours. Whether it's the comfort of bourbon-infused beans or the tangy sweetness of pineapple, these recipes ensure your baked beans will be the talk of the grill this season. With each bite, you'll discover new layers of taste that enhance your BBQ experience, making your cookouts memorable for all the right reasons.

Can I use canned beans for these recipes?

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Yes, you can definitely use canned beans. Just make sure to rinse them well to reduce the sodium content and adjust the cooking time accordingly, as canned beans are already cooked.

What if I don’t like bourbon in my beans?

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Substitute the bourbon with an equal amount of beef or vegetable broth to retain the liquid consistency while avoiding the alcohol flavor.

How can I make these recipes vegan-friendly?

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Replace animal products like bacon with vegan substitutes or omit them. Use maple syrup or agave instead of honey, and check labels for any non-vegan ingredients in other condiments.