Print

Best Smoked Baked Beans

Best Smoked Baked Beans
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Discover the smoky, savory Best Smoked Baked Beans recipe that transforms any BBQ or family dinner into a memorable feast. Slow-smoked over wood chips, these beans balance sweet, smoky, and savory flavors for a hearty, comforting side loved by all.

Ingredients

Scale

Beans

  • 1 lb Navy Beans (soaked overnight and drained)

Meat and Aromatics

  • 6 oz Bacon or Smoked Sausage, chopped
  • 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced

Sauce and Seasonings

  • 1 cup Tomato Sauce
  • 3 tbsp Molasses (or maple syrup as variation)
  • 2 tbsp Brown Sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1 tsp Mustard Powder
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Smoking

  • Wood Chips (Hickory or Apple) for smoking

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beans: Soak the navy beans overnight in plenty of water to soften and reduce cooking time. Drain and rinse before use.
  2. Cook Aromatics and Meat: In a heavy skillet, cook chopped bacon or smoked sausage until crispy. Remove meat, leaving drippings, and then sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until soft and fragrant.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cooked bacon or sausage, sautéed onions and garlic, soaked beans, tomato sauce, molasses, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, mustard powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  4. Smoke Low and Slow: Transfer the mixture to a cast-iron Dutch oven or foil pan. Place in a smoker preheated to 225°F with hickory or apple wood chips. Smoke for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even thickening.
  5. Finish and Serve: Once the beans are tender and the sauce is thick with a glossy sheen, remove from heat. Let the beans rest briefly to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

  • Soak Beans Overnight: Ensures even cooking and softer beans.
  • Don’t Skip the Smoke: Real wood smoke adds essential depth and flavor.
  • Use a Heavy Pot: Cast iron or enameled pots help maintain even heat.
  • Stir Occasionally: Prevents sticking and helps thicken the sauce.
  • Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Start with less brown sugar; add more after smoking if needed.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://amandafood.com/best-smoked-baked-beans/