Smoked Baked Beans Recipe with Root Beer + Video
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Smoked Baked Beans with bacon is the perfect side dish for weeknight meals, potlucks, or backyard barbecues. Make this smoked beans recipe using any smoker! This easy side dish can pair with any main course!
Made with simple ingredients, these classic recipe has rich flavor and makes the best bean mixture, ever.
What I love about these easy baked beans is that they’re a great pairing for a main dish, and the added smoked bacon really brings out that smoky flavor.
I use thick-cut bacon, but you can easily use pork belly or thin bacon pieces as well. I’ve even diced up some hot dogs and stirred them in before – and it’s delicious!
Pay attention to the cooking method listed below on the recipe card.
The cook time for this smoky baked beans recipe does matter, and if you follow it, you’ll have a fantastic recipe to share and enjoy.
A lot of people remark about how this is one of the best side dishes they’ve had – and I agree! From the first time that I made this best beans recipe,
I was hooked on the great flavor and taste of the rest of the ingredients. I also think that this is a fun pairing with potato salad!
Smoked Baked Beans
These smoker baked beans are one of our favorite summer sides. But, summer parties are the perfect time to bring along a variety of dishes.
Corn and Black Bean Tortellini Salad is a simple recipe that kicks up the traditional salsa to a whole new level.
Or, you might want to try these Italian Style Crockpot Beans. The flavor is absolutely incredible.
Have you had a chance to try any of my other smoker recipes?
These smoked chicken quarters are juicy and tender on the inside with crispy skin on the outside, and you can never go wrong with plump smoked brats!
How to Make Smoked Baked Beans from Scratch
After preheating your smoker and choosing your favorite wood, you simply combine the ingredients in a pan.
I prefer to use a cast iron pan for smoked baked beans, but you can also use a Dutch Oven if you want to.
Or, if you are cooking for a crowd, you can use a disposable aluminum pan!
Place your pan in the smoker and cook for about three hours. Stir every hour and cook until the sauce has thickened and the beans are tender.
Don’t have a smoker?
You can prepare this smoked baked beans recipe in the slow cooker instead. Cook everything on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 6 hours.
Or, pop the pan into the oven and bake at 400°F for 55-60 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
Either version will be missing that incredibly smoky flavor, but a splash of Liquid Smoke will remedy that!
Smoked Beans Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Start with cooked bacon. Lay slices of bacon on a foil-lined baking pan. Place the pan in the cold oven, turn the heat to 400°F, and bake for 8-10 minutes.
Or, you can air fry the strips instead! - Use canned beans. This trick will save you the trouble of soaking dry beans overnight!
- Add extra flavor. Garlic and red onion will make this dish extra savory.
If you prefer smoked baked beans that are a bit sweeter, try some maple syrup or pineapple juice.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Smoker Baked Beans
Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for 5 to 7 days.
You can also freeze smoker baked beans. Allow them to cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheat smoked baked beans in a pan on the stove until they are warmed through. Or, warm them in the microwave.
Smoked Baked Beans Recipe FAQ
Baked beans are usually made from haricot beans. Another name for haricot beans is navy beans. You can find them either dried or in a can at the grocery store.
This smoked baked beans recipe takes about three hours to make in your smoker. You will need to check it every hour.
The exact time you need really depends on the type of smoker you have. The baked beans are done when the sauce has thickened and the beans are heated all the way through.
This smoked beans recipe starts with two cans of already prepared baked beans.
If you would prefer to make smoked baked beans from scratch, you can do that as well. Just be careful what seasonings you use so that they do not overwhelm the smoke flavor.
Other baked bean recipes to make
Have you had a chance to try my other baked bean recipes?
These BBQ Baked Beans are a family favorite, with a recipe so easy it comes together in less than minutes.
Or, my Slow Cooker Baked Beans are an easy recipe with bold flavors. I cook them for hours in molasses, brown sugar, veggies, smoky spices, and bacon.
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Other Side Dish Recipes
Smoked Baked Beans Recipe with Root Beer + Video
Ingredients
- 56 ounces Bush's baked beans , 2 28-ounce cans (or 4 (15.5-ounce) cans)
- 28 ounces kidney beans, 2 14-ounce cans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup barbecue sauce, I used KC Masterpiece
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 7 ounce can fire-roasted diced chiles, (I used Macayo’s)
- 1 cup A&W root beer
- 1 pound regular cut bacon, cooked and chopped (1/2-3/4” pieces)
Instructions
- Preheat your smoker to 225°F. Choose your favorite wood, I am using my favorite blend of oak, maple and hickory on my pellet smoker.
- Combine the ingredients in a cast iron pan or aluminum pan (I used a 9×12-half steam table pan) , whatever you prefer to cook on your smoker with.
- Place your pan on your smoker. Keep in mind the closer to the heat source, the faster they will cook. I like to keep my beans closer to the heat source when possible.
- Smoke for 3 hours, gently stirring every hour, or until the sauce has thickened and the beans are heated through. If the sauce gets too thick, you can stir in some more root beer to thin it out.
Video
Donna’s Notes
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published August 2020, updated and republished May 2024
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What temp for the smoker? 225-250?
My husband made these and they were insanely good! We will make this a lot more now LOL
These are wonderful! Every time I take them to a party they are a hit!!
Thank you for the great recipe!
I’ve made a lot of baked beans, but these are by far the best. Thanks, Donna and Chad!
Hi Christina!
We’re so glad that you enjoyed the recipe!
TSRI Team Member,
Devlyn