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Introduction
Some side dishes quietly steal the show, and these Southern Baked Beans are one of them. Loaded with bacon, pork and beans, black beans, and a rich homemade sauce, they’re sweet, smoky, tangy, and packed with flavor in every bite.
Whether we’re grilling burgers at the campground, smoking a rack of ribs, or bringing a dish to a family potluck, these beans are always one of the first things to disappear.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet, smoky, and savory
- Easy to make ahead
- Perfect for potlucks and cookouts
- Feeds a crowd
- Great alongside grilled meats
- Even better the next day
Equipment We Use
- Large Dutch oven
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Silicone spatula
Southern Baked Beans
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Fry the bacon until crisp. Remove and reserve.
- Sauté the diced onion in a little bacon grease until tender.
- In a large Dutch oven or mixing bowl, combine the pork and beans, kidney beans, and black beans.
- Stir in the bacon, onions, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, mustard, ketchup, garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke.
- Fold in the green chiles if making the Southwestern version.
- Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or disposable aluminum pan.
- Bake uncovered for 1 hour, stirring once halfway through if desired.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Stir the beans once or twice while baking if they begin drying around the edges.
- The sauce thickens as the beans bake and continues to thicken slightly as they cool.
- These beans taste even better the next day.
- Perfect for making ahead before a barbecue or campground gathering.
- Leftovers refrigerate well for up to 4 days and reheat beautifully.
Tips for Success
- Cook the bacon until just crisp before mixing it into the beans.
- Bake uncovered so the sauce thickens nicely.
- Stir once halfway through baking for even cooking.
- If the beans become too thick, stir in a splash of water before serving.
Variations
- Add browned ground beef for a hearty main dish.
- Use kidney beans or pinto beans instead of black beans.
- Add diced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top before serving.
What to Serve with Southern Baked Beans
These baked beans pair perfectly with:
- Classic Meatloaf
- Southern Coleslaw
- Grilled hamburgers
- BBQ ribs
- Pulled pork sandwiches
- Hot dogs
- Cornbread
- Grilled chicken
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce becomes too thick.
These beans also freeze well for up to 3 months.
From Our RV Kitchen
This recipe has become one of our favorite cookout side dishes. It’s easy to make ahead, travels well, and seems to taste even better after sitting for a while. Whether we’re sharing dinner with friends at a campground or enjoying a quiet evening outside the RV, these baked beans always seem to bring everyone back for seconds.
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