Smoked Baked Beans (Homemade & Delicious!)

Have you ever tried smoked baked beans? They are so yummy! I want to share how to make them with you today.

When you smoke beans, they get a deep, rich taste that you can’t get any other way. This is not your normal can of beans!

Once you try these at your next BBQ, your friends will ask for more. They go great with hot dogs, chicken, or ribs. Let me show you how easy they are to make!

Why You’ll Love Smoked Baked Beans?

They have a rich, smoky flavor you’ll crave.
You can make them while cooking other BBQ foods.
The prep time is quick and super easy.
Kids and adults both love this side dish.
They taste better than any canned beans ever could.
Your friends will ask for the recipe every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pinto beans: These creamy beans soak up all the smoky goodness. Canned beans make this recipe quick and easy.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a salty, smoky taste that makes these beans special. The fat adds lots of flavor, too.
Onion: Sweet onions cook down to add depth to the beans. Yellow works best, but any kind will do.
Ketchup: This gives a tangy, sweet base for the sauce. It helps tie all the flavors together perfectly.
Brown sugar: Just enough to make the beans slightly sweet. It balances the smoky and tangy flavors nicely.
Mustard: Yellow mustard adds a bit of zing. It cuts through the sweetness for the perfect balance.
Salt and pepper: These basic spices bring out all the other flavors. Don’t skip them!

Equipment You’ll Need

Smoker or grill: Any type works – pellet, electric, or charcoal. This gives the beans their amazing smoky flavor.

Cast iron skillet or aluminum pan: The pan needs to be safe for your smoker. Cast iron holds heat really well.

Mixing bowl: You’ll need this to mix all ingredients. A medium to large size works best.

Frying pan: For cooking bacon and onions before smoking. Any pan that fits your bacon will work fine.

How to Make Smoked Baked Beans?

These smoked beans are easy to make but taste like you worked all day! The smoker does most of the work for you.

Step 1: Cook the bacon until crisp

Fry it in a pan until it’s nice and crunchy. Take it out and put it on paper towels to drain.

Step 2: Cook the onions in bacon fat

Add the chopped onions to the same pan. Let them get soft and clear in the yummy bacon grease.

Step 3: Mix the sauce ingredients

In a big bowl, mix the beans, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper until well blended.

Step 4: Add bacon and onions

Stir the cooked bacon and onions into your bean mixture. Make sure everything is mixed well.

Step 5: Smoke the beans

Put everything in a pan and place it on your smoker at 225 degrees. Let them smoke for about 1.5-2 hours.

Tips for the Best Smoked Baked Beans

Drain and rinse your beans well to remove the can liquid.
Don’t rush the smoking process. The longer they smoke, the more flavor they’ll have.
Stir once halfway through cooking to make sure flavors mix well.
Taste before serving and add more salt, sugar, or pepper if needed.
Keep the smoker lid closed as much as possible to keep the smoke in.

Variations and Substitutions

Add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick that goes great with the sweet beans.
Try different beans like navy or black beans for a unique twist.
Swap ketchup for BBQ sauce to get an even deeper smoky flavor.
Add a splash of maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness.
Mix in bell peppers with the onions for more color and vegetables.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Make a day ahead and reheat for even better flavor as beans absorb smoke overnight.
Store leftovers in air-tight containers in the fridge for up to five days.
Freeze extra portions in freezer bags for up to three months.
Reheat slowly on the stove with a splash of water to keep beans from drying out.
Double the recipe easily for big gatherings and freeze half for later.

Serving Ideas

Classic BBQ: Serve with smoked hot dogs and corn on the cob for a perfect summer meal.
Cookout spread: Add to a plate with ribs, coleslaw, and potato salad for a complete BBQ feast.
Potluck star: Bring to your next gathering in a slow cooker to keep warm all day.
Family dinner: Pair with grilled chicken and a fresh green salad for a quick weeknight meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Hickory, apple, or pecan woods work great for beans. Hickory gives a strong flavor, while fruit woods like apple provide a milder, sweet smoke that pairs well with the beans.

Yes! Pour canned baked beans into a smoker-safe dish and smoke at 225°F for about an hour. The smoke will still add great flavor to pre-made beans.

When stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator, smoked baked beans stay fresh for up to 5 days. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Absolutely! Skip the bacon and use olive oil to cook the onions. Add a teaspoon of liquid smoke or smoked paprika to get that smoky flavor without meat.

Beans can dry out if smoked too long or at too high a temperature. Add a little water or broth if they seem dry, and cover with foil part of the time.