Smoked Baked Beans

This smoked baked beans recipe combines the savory flavors of crispy bacon and a variety of beans with a balanced sauce for a tasty side dish you can serve any time.

It takes just a little bit of time to prepare these beans on the stovetop before you can pop them in the smoker and let it do its work. It frees up your time to prepare a main dish or to mingle at your cookout or party. 

If you love the flavor that a smoker imparts into meats and veggies, you’re going to love these smoky baked beans.

Common Questions about Smoked Baked Beans

What are smoked baked beans?

Smoked baked beans are a delicious side dish made by combining beans with savory ingredients such as bacon, onion, garlic, and barbecue sauce. The beans are then smoked for several hours, giving them a rich, smoky flavor that perfectly complements grilled or smoked meats.

What type of beans are best for smoked baked beans?

Great Northern beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, or black beans are all good options for making smoked baked beans. Choose beans that are firm and not too mushy, as they will hold their shape and texture better when cooked.

How long do you smoke baked beans?

The smoking time for baked beans can vary, but most require at least 2-3 hours of smoking.

Storage

After the beans cool to room temperature, store them in the fridge or freezer. 

Refrigerator – Store baked beans for 3-5 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

Freezer – Store the beans in the freezer for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. 

Tips for the Best Smoky Baked Beans

There aren’t too many tips or tricks necessary to make this easy side dish.

• Add beer or water if the beans appear to be getting dry. 
• Slice aromatics and the pepper to similar sizes to ensure even cooking.

Ingredients

The ingredient list for these easy baked beans may be a little long, but you’re sure to have a lot of the ingredients on hand already. 

• Bacon (cut into chunks)
• Large onion (finely chopped)
• Garlic cloves (minced)
• Serrano pepper (diced)
• Great northern beans (drained and rinsed )
• Kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• Black beans (drained and rinsed) 
• Brown sugar (packed)
• Molasses
• BBQ Sauce
• Ketchup
• Worcestershire sauce
• Dijon mustard
• Dry mustard
• Apple cider vinegar
• Beer or water (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Kitchen Supplies You’ll Need 

Cleanup is easy when you only need a few supplies.

• Large pot or cast iron pan
• Spoon
• Smoker

How to Make Smoked Baked Beans

It couldn’t be easier to make these easy smoked beans.

1. Place bacon in a heated pot or cast iron skillet and cook briefly to render the bacon fat.
2. Add the aromatics and pepper to the pot or skillet and stir while cooking.
3. Once the onion is translucent, add the beans, brown sugar, molasses, barbecue sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dry mustard, and vinegar. 
4. Then, sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste.
5. Place the beans in a preheated smoker.
6. Smoke uncovered, and stirring occasionally, until the sauce has substantially thickened.

What to Serve With Baked Beans 

There are tons of meals that you can serve these beans with — they’re the perfect side dish.

• Proteins – Serve these alongside pork chops, chicken, or steak for an easy dinner.
• Grilled foods – These beans are great alongside cookout favorites like hot dogs, brats, and hamburgers. 
• Smoked foods – Serve these with other smoked meats or sides.
• Easy Salads – Try it with this broccoli salad recipe.

Why You Should Make Smoked Baked Beans

If you’re a fan of smoked foods, these beans will be right up your alley.

• Delicious – These beans are full of smoky flavor with an amazing sauce that combines sweetness with just the right amount of earthiness and acidity — it has a perfect balance.
• Easy – The hands-on prep time is minimal, leaving your smoker to do all the work. 
• Versatile – These beans are great to keep on hand for busy weeknights but they’re also perfect for parties or to take to a summer potluck.

Variations and Add-ins

Change up the flavor profile of these smoky beans with a few different twists.

• Beans – Substitute pinto beans for the Great Northern Beans
• Meat – Swap out the bacon for leftover beef brisket, pork belly, or pulled pork.
• Heat – Add diced jalapeno peppers, hot sauce, chili powder, cayenne pepper, or roasted red pepper flakes for more heat. 
• Mustard – Include a little bit of yellow mustard to add extra tanginess.
• Onion – Use any kind of chopped onions you prefer. Yellow onion, white onion, and red onion will all work well.
• Peppers – Dice up some red bell peppers or green bell peppers to add in.
• Brown sugar – For more molasses-style flavor, use dark brown sugar.
• Beans – Use different beans. Just be sure to choose a variety of beans that isn’t likely to get mushy when cooked for a period of time.
• Dried beans – Instead of canned beans, soak dry beans if you have them on hand.

traeger smoked backed beans

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If you love this easy Smoked Baked Beans recipe, you’re going to love these other smoker recipes to pair with it too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!

Other Smoked Dishes

Smoked Queso Dip

Smoked Boneless Leg of Lamb

Mac and Cheese in the Smoker

Smoked Shrimp

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