Have you ever been to a BBQ and wondered how they make those mouthwatering smoked baked beans? Well, today you’re in luck because we’ve got the recipe for you! This popular BBQ side dish is packed with flavor and includes ingredients like bacon, onions, jalapenos, and of course, plenty of beans. Cooked in a cast iron skillet on a smoker, these beans are infused with real wood smoke and slow-cooked to perfection. The end result is a slightly sweet and smoky dish with a subtle kick from the jalapenos. So, grab your apron and get ready to elevate your BBQ game with these irresistible smoked baked beans!

Smoked Baked Beans: A Flavorful BBQ Side Dish

BBQ season is here, and no cookout is complete without a delicious side dish. One dish that always steals the show is smoked baked beans. Smoky, savory, and slightly sweet, these beans are the perfect accompaniment to your grilled meats. In this article, we will walk you through the ingredients, equipment, preparation, cooking, and some useful tips and tricks to make the best smoked baked beans.

Ingredients

To make these mouthwatering smoked baked beans, you will need the following ingredients:

Bacon

Bacon adds a smoky and salty flavor to the beans, making them more irresistible.

Onions

Sauteed onions bring a savory and aromatic element to the dish.

Jalapenos

For those who like a little spice, jalapenos add a touch of heat to the beans.

Pork and beans

The base of the dish, pork and beans create a rich and hearty texture.

BBQ sauce

BBQ sauce is the key to achieving that quintessential smoky flavor in the beans.

Brown Sugar

To balance out the smokiness, brown sugar adds a subtle sweetness to the dish.

Vinegar

A splash of vinegar helps to cut through the richness and adds a tangy note to the beans.

Mustard

Mustard brings a slight tang and depth of flavor to the dish.

Molasses

Molasses adds a unique sweetness and depth to the dish, complementing the other ingredients perfectly.

Equipment

To make smoked baked beans, you’ll need the following equipment:

Smoker

A smoker is essential for infusing the beans with that rich, smoky flavor. Preheat your smoker to get it ready for the cooking process.

Cast iron skillet

A cast iron skillet is the perfect vessel for smoking the beans. It distributes heat evenly and can withstand the high temperatures of the smoker.

Preparation

Preparing the ingredients and getting everything ready for cooking is crucial. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth cooking process:

1. Preheat the smoker: Get your smoker fired up and preheated to a steady temperature of 250 degrees F. This temperature will allow the beans to cook slowly and absorb the smoky flavors.
2. Prep the ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients and preparing them for cooking. Chop the onions and jalapenos, and set them aside. Drain and rinse the canned beans, and set them aside as well.
3. Cook the bacon: In a cast iron skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
4. Sautee the onions and jalapenos: In the same skillet, sautee the onions and jalapenos until they become tender and slightly caramelized. This step will enhance the flavors of the dish.
5. Combine all ingredients in the skillet: Once the onions and jalapenos are cooked, add the cooked bacon, pork and beans, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, and molasses to the skillet. Mix everything together until all the ingredients are well combined.

Cooking

Now that all the ingredients are prepped and combined, it’s time to start cooking those smoked baked beans. Follow these steps for a perfectly cooked dish:

1. Set the smoker to 250 degrees F: Make sure your smoker is maintaining a steady temperature of 250 degrees F. This temperature will allow the beans to cook slowly and absorb the smoky flavors.
2. Place the skillet in the smoker: Carefully place the cast iron skillet with the prepared bean mixture in the smoker. Make sure it is placed in an area where it will receive consistent heat and smoke.
3. Smoke the beans for 3 hours: Let the beans smoke for approximately 3 hours. During this time, the flavors will meld together beautifully, and the beans will become tender and infused with that delicious smokiness.

Using Canned Beans

If you’re short on time or prefer the convenience of canned beans, you can still enjoy the deliciousness of smoked baked beans. Here’s how:

1. Drain and rinse the canned beans: Open your preferred brand of canned beans and drain off the excess liquid. Rinse the beans under cold water to remove any residual canning liquid.
2. Adjust the cooking time: Since canned beans are already cooked, they don’t require the long cooking time in the smoker. Reduce the smoking time to around 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together and the beans to absorb some smokiness.

Tips and Tricks

To make your smoked baked beans even more amazing, consider using these tips and tricks:

1. Use thick-cut bacon: Thick-cut bacon will provide more flavor and texture to your dish, enhancing the overall experience.
2. Smoke the beans in a cast iron skillet for easy cleanup: Using a cast iron skillet not only helps distribute heat evenly but also makes cleanup a breeze. The residual smoky flavors will enhance future dishes cooked in the skillet as well.
3. Experiment with different BBQ sauces for flavor variation: BBQ sauces come in various flavors, from sweet and tangy to spicy and bold. Try different sauces to find your favorite flavor combination.

Adapted Recipe

This fantastic recipe for smoked baked beans is adapted from The Pioneer Woman, and it adds a delightful twist to the classic dish.

We’ve taken The Pioneer Woman’s original recipe and added jalapenos and real wood smoke for an extra burst of flavor. The jalapenos bring a touch of heat, while the wood smoke takes the smokiness to a whole new level.

Flavor Profile

The smoked baked beans have a flavor profile that is simply irresistible. They are slightly sweetened with a hint of smokiness, thanks to the BBQ sauce and brown sugar. The addition of jalapenos brings a touch of heat, elevating the dish to another level of deliciousness.

So fire up your smoker, gather your ingredients, and prepare to wow your guests with these mouthwatering smoked baked beans. They are the perfect side dish for any BBQ gathering, and everyone will be begging you for the recipe!