The recipe prices will vary based on fluctuating grocery costs. Please use what is posted as a guide.
Baked beans are an American classic; these smoked, baked beans are a next-level dish. If you want a new twist on an old favorite for dinner, this easy recipe is definitely for you.
It costs approximately $10.87 to make these beans. The recipe makes eight servings for about $1.35 per serving.
Smoked Baked Beans
In need of a quick side you know everyone around the table will adore? Then this smoked baked beans recipe is definitely for you.
Of course, the flavor is anything but typical, and they only take 2.5 hours or so to make. That’s quick for these kinds of recipes. Throw them on in the afternoon and have that lovely savory-sweet and smoky dish of baked beans by dinner!
Smoked baked beans are the perfect side to main courses like bacon-wrapped hot dogs or hot dog burnt ends. Of course, I won’t judge if you want to eat them alone because they are that good!
What You’ll Love About Smoked Bake Beans
- Rich Smoky Flavor: Smoking the beans infuses them with a deep, smoky flavor that adds complexity and richness to the dish.
- Ideal for Gatherings and Parties: Smoked baked beans are a crowd-pleaser and a great addition to any gathering, barbecue, or potluck. They are comfort food that appeals to various tastes and dietary preferences.
Ingredients and Estimated Cost
Per Serving Cost: $1.35
Recipe Cost: $10.87
- 8 ounces bacon – $3.00
- 1 large yellow onion – $0.78
- 3 cloves garlic – $0.12
- 1 serrano pepper – $0.15
- 15-ounce can great Northern or pinto beans – $1.25
- 15-ounce can kidney beans – $1.59
- 15-ounce can black beans – $1.69
- ⅓ cup packed brown sugar – $0.27
- ¼ cup molasses – $0.83
- ¼ cup bbq sauce – $0.30
- ¼ cup ketchup – $0.20
- 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce – $0.12
- 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard – $0.02
- 1 Tablespoon dry mustard – $0.47
- 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar – $0.08
Note that I use a wood pellet grill for most of this process. More specifically, this recipe assumes you have a Traeger smoker/grill. I highly recommend hickory, mesquite, or signature blend wood pellets for smoked beans.
NOTE: The recipe prices are calculated by using grocery store websites. The recipe cost is calculated by the amounts needed for the recipe. The actual cost of the recipe will vary depending on what ingredients you already have. I updated the pricing for this recipe in July 2023.
How To Smoke Baked Beans
***For complete recipe instructions, see the recipe card below.
- In a heavy pot, cook the bacon over medium heat to render the fat. (This takes about 5 minutes.) Remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Add the onion, garlic, and serrano pepper to the pot. Cook it until the vegetables are soft and slightly translucent (again, about 5 minutes).
- Stir in the beans, sugar, molasses, barbecue sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dry mustard, cooked bacon, and vinegar.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Set up your smoker and preheat it to 225F.
- Smoke the beans, uncovered, until they’re thickened. Stir occasionally. This should take about 2 to 2 ½ hours. Add water if the beans seem too dry.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Meat Variations: Instead of bacon, you can use other smoked meats like smoked sausage, smoked turkey, or smoked ham for a different flavor profile.
- Make Vegetarian: For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon or replace it with plant-based bacon alternatives.
- Bean Variations: While the recipe calls for Great Northern, kidney, and black beans, you can use other types of beans, such as navy beans, cannellini beans, or black-eyed peas.
- Sweeteners: If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the amount of brown sugar and molasses. Substitute the brown sugar with honey, maple, or agave syrup for different sweetness levels.
- Heat Level: Adjust the spiciness by using a different type of pepper or altering the quantity of serrano pepper. You can use jalapeños for a milder heat or habaneros for a spicier kick.
- Smoky Flavor: If you don’t have access to a smoker, you can achieve a smoky flavor by adding a small amount of liquid smoke to the bean mixture. Be cautious, as liquid smoke is potent, so start with a few drops and adjust to your liking.
- Additional Vegetables: Add other vegetables like green bell pepper, corn, or diced tomatoes to add more texture and flavor to the beans.
Storage Tips
SERVE: You can serve these beans immediately. You don’t have to wait 10 minutes after they’re done cooking like many other smoker recipes!
STORE: As with normal baked beans, smoked baked beans will last 3-5 days in the fridge. Use an airtight container.
FREEZE: Again, as with normal baked beans, you can keep these in the freezer! They should stay fresh for up to 6 months. As always, use a proper freezer-safe bag or container.
REHEAT: Reheat your baked beans in a skillet over the stove until they’re bubbling. If they were frozen, thaw them in the fridge first.
Recipe FAQs
The prep time is about 15 minutes, and the time to smoke the beans is about two and a half hours.
It should produce enough for 6-8 servings.
Not at all. You can substitute pulled pork or beef brisket with a slightly different flavor profile!
More Smoked Recipes
- Smoked Burgers
- Smoked Beef Ribs
- Smoked Bologna
- Smoked Lobster Tail
- Smoked Chicken Thighs
- Smoked Turkey Burgers
Smoked Baked Beans
Ingredients
- 8 ounces bacon cut into ½ inch chunks
- 1 large yellow onion finely chopped (about 2 cups)
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 serrano pepper diced
- 15 ounce can great Northern or pinto beans drained and rinsed
- 15 ounce can kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 15 ounce can black beans drained and rinsed
- ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup molasses
- ¼ cup your favorite barbecue sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 Tablespoon dry mustard
- 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- *optional – ½ cup water or more as needed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
COOK BACON:
- In a heavy pot, cook the bacon over medium heat to render the fat, about 5 minutes.
- Remove bacon from the pan and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
COOK VEGETABLES:
- Add the onion, garlic, and serrano pepper and cook until the vegetables are soft and slightly translucent about 5 minutes.
MIX BEAN MIXTURE:
- Stir in the beans, sugar, molasses, barbecue sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dry mustard, cooked bacon, and vinegar.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
PREP SMOKER:
- Set up your smoker and preheat to 225 degrees.
SMOKE BEANS:
- Smoke the uncovered beans until thickened, occasionally stirring, about 2 to 2 ½ hours. Add water if the beans seem too dry.
Suja md says
This looks amazing and such a treat! Thank you!
Kushigalu says
These baked beans look fantastic. Thanks for the recipe.
Neha says
These baked beans look so tempting and the recipe sounds so easy to put together. I am so trying this out!!
Kathleen says
This looks marvelous. I really like that you use 3 different kind of beans and the smokey flavors in them. Can’t wait to try this recipe.
Carrie Robinson says
Oh man! This has to be the perfect side dish to serve at a backyard BBQ. Looks so good. 🙂