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BBQ Baked Beans

A smoky, sweet side dish that transforms simple pantry ingredients into crowd-pleasing comfort food perfect for summer gatherings
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 245
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 (28 oz) cans baked beans, drained
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it's crispy and golden, about 6-8 minutes.
  2. Add diced onion to the bacon and its drippings. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the onion softens and turns translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, mustard, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne if using.
  4. Add the drained beans to your skillet with the bacon and onions. Pour the sauce mixture over everything and stir gently to combine. The beans should be well-coated but not swimming in liquid.
  5. Transfer to your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
  6. The beans are ready when the sauce has thickened and the top looks slightly caramelized. Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Make-ahead tip: Mix everything the night before and refrigerate. Pop in the oven when guests arrive for stress-free entertaining. Kid-friendly swaps: Use turkey bacon for less fat, reduce cayenne, or substitute honey for brown sugar. Don't skip draining the canned beans to avoid watery results. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on stovetop with a splash of water.