Grilled Baked Beans
Flavorful baked beans with smoky bacon, sweet syrups, and vibrant peppers, perfect for outdoor grilling or oven baking, ideal for gatherings and hearty comfort food.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. sliced bacon, diced ⓘ
- 1 cup onion, diced ⓘ
- 1 red bell pepper, diced ⓘ
- 1 green bell pepper, diced ⓘ
- 1 cup packed dark brown sugar ⓘ
- Pulverized, burned ends of grilled brisket (optional) ⓘ
- 1 cup barbecue sauce ⓘ
- 1/3 cup maple pancake syrup ⓘ
- 1/3 cup light corn syrup ⓘ
- 3 (28 oz.) cans pork & beans, drained ⓘ
- 2/3 cup beer or apple juice ⓘ
Instructions
- Fry bacon until crispy.
- Add onions and peppers and cook until vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Stir in dark brown sugar, barbecue sauce, maple pancake syrup, and light corn syrup.
- Put the drained pork & beans in a 12 x 6 x 3-inch foil pan.
- Add bacon mixture, beer or apple juice, and pulverized burnt ends of grilled brisket if using.
- Stir to mix all ingredients.
- For grilling, set the pan on the grill over hot coals, cover, and cook for 40 to 60 minutes, stirring three times.
- For indoor baking, heat oven to 400°F, assemble as directed, cover with loose foil tent, and bake for 40 to 60 minutes, stirring three times.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider adding a bit of smoked paprika or using a barbecue sauce with a rich, smoky profile. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the bacon with smoked tempeh or omit it entirely. Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar or using honey instead. For a touch of heat, add diced jalapeños to the vegetable mix.
Serving Suggestions
These grilled baked beans make a hearty side dish for summer barbecues and pair beautifully with burgers and hot dogs. For a complete meal, serve alongside cornbread or coleslaw. They also complement well with recipes like the Fresh Garden Omelet for a brunch spread. Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro for added freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave in short intervals, stirring between bursts, until hot. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grilled Baked Beans contains roughly 1049 calories, with 59g protein, 124g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (119% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value), and iron (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2618mg per serving (114% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bean mixture a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge after mixing, then transfer it to the grill or oven when you're ready to cook. This allows the flavors to meld even more, enhancing the final dish.
What type of barbecue sauce should I use?
Choose a barbecue sauce that you enjoy, whether it's tangy, sweet, or spicy. A Kansas City-style sauce typically works well, but feel free to experiment with different regional varieties to find your favorite taste profile.
Can I use other types of beans?
Certainly! While the recipe calls for pork & beans, you can substitute with navy beans, kidney beans, or even black beans for a different flavor and texture. Just ensure they're drained and rinsed properly before adding them to the mixture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).