Southern Baked Beans with Bacon

Southern Baked Beans are the perfect side dish recipe made with simple ingredients including canned beans, bacon, and a sweet and savory sauce. The best southern style recipe to share at family gatherings. 

Try pairing this baked beans recipe with some Oven Baked Barbecue Chicken Thighs and Potato Salad for the perfect summer cookout menu. 

This time of year is perfect for cookouts and family gatherings. The weather is warm and with so many summer holiday weekends it's a great time to grill some of your favorite foods and enjoy a good barbecue. 

​In my family having a barbecue requires certain must-have foods like chicken, potato salad, and coleslaw, all with a side of baked beans. 

Now there are many different ways that barbecue baked beans can be made, but I love keeping it simple by using a couple of cans of beans and adding in some other ingredients. And that definitely includes some aromatics, condiments, and bacon. Deliciously seasoned beans that are savory, filling, and ready in minutes. 

Let's get started! 

Why You'll Love This Recipe 

• No Dry Beans Needed - Using canned beans keeps the recipe simple and the entire recipe comes together in minutes. 
• Hearty and Delicious - A filling and comforting side dish that's packed with a tasty combination of savory and sweet flavors. 
• Perfect for Big Gatherings - Makes enough to share with a crowd which is perfect to take to summer holiday cookouts and family gatherings. 

Ingredients You'll Need 

To make this easy recipe, all you need is a few simple ingredients. But feel free to adjust any ingredient to fit your taste and preference. This recipe is pretty difficult to mess up so don't be afraid to make it more of your own. 

1. Canned Beans - Use any can of beans that you prefer to make these beans. You can use pinto beans, navy beans, white beans, red beans, or even original flavored baked beans or pork and beans. This ingredient forms the base and is pretty much the star of the recipe. 
2. Bacon - Adds a slightly salty and smoky flavor, cook slices of bacon or strips of bacon until brown and crispy. Chop into smaller pieces and drain the bacon grease/bacon fat from the pan. 
3. Onion - Use any chopped yellow onion or white onion. Red onion could also be used as well if that is all that you have on hand. 
4. Green Bell Pepper - Diced green pepper adds a slightly sweet and crisp flavor to the beans that pair well with the onion. 
5. Minced Garlic - Use fresh garlic to add intense aromatic flavor to round out the flavors of the green pepper and onion. 
6. Ketchup - A sweet and tangy tomato flavor to create the barbecue sauce. 
7. Yellow Mustard - Dry mustard could be used instead to add a bit of tangy flavor to balance out the sweetness. 
8. Brown Sugar - You can use light or dark brown sugar depending on your preference. Gives the beans a sweet flavor. 
9. Worcestershire Sauce - A savory and umami flavor. 
10. Molasses - A rich flavor that is commonly found in homemade barbecue sauce, maple syrup is not the same, but sorghum syrup could be used instead. 
11. Salt & Ground Black Pepper - Brings out the flavors in the hearty side dish and prevents the beans from tasting flat. 

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient quantities and instructions.

Step By Step Instructions

Begin the recipe by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F. and grab an oven-safe skillet, cast iron skillet, or braiser pan. This helps to keep it a one pot recipe.

Cook the bacon over medium-high heat until you have crispy bacon. Remove the bacon from the skillet and allow it to drain on paper towels. Once the bacon has cooled, cut it into smaller pieces. Carefully remove most of the bacon drippings from the pan leaving behind about 1 to 2 tablespoons. 

Add the onion, green bell pepper, minced garlic, and cook until it begins to soften and become fragrant. Add the rest of the ingredients and stir to combine.

Place into the oven to bake for about 30 minutes. Carefully remove the baked beans from the oven and allow serve warm. Enjoy!

Best Baked Beans Tips & Tricks

• Give the cooked beans a good stir before serving. 
• If you prefer spicy beans with a little heat, try adding in some chopped fresh jalapeno peppers, crushed red pepper, or cayenne pepper. 
• For more smoky flavor, try adding in some liquid smoke. 
• Try not to overcook the beans to prevent them from drying out. They will thicken as they cook and become slightly crispy on the top when ready to pull from the oven. 
• Instead of using bacon, you could use cooked ground beef.

Storage Tips

Storage. These baked beans make great leftovers and are even better the next day. Allow the beans time to cool to room temperature before storing. Cover the top of the pan tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil or transfer the beans into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. 

Make Ahead. The recipe can be made (assembled) up to 24 hours in advance up to the point before baking in the oven. Store them in the refrigerator and cook according to the recipe instructions. 

Reheating. When you are ready to serve your leftover beans again, heat them in the oven at 300 degrees F. until warmed thoroughly. They can also be reheated on the stovetop in a saucepan over medium heat or the microwave for a quicker option. 

Freezing. Once the beans have cooled to room temperature, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to enjoy them again. 

Want More Baked Side Dish Recipes? Try These: 

• Easy Bacon Mac and Cheese Recipe 
• Baked Potato Wedges 
• Southern Mac and Cheese 
• Green Bean Casserole 
• Sweet Potato Casserole 
• Cornbread Dressing Recipe 
• Easy Candied Yams 
• Homemade Corn Pudding 

Have any comments, questions, or other delicious ways to enjoy this Southern Baked Beans Recipe? Please share them in the comments below!

📖 Recipe