Sweet and Spicy Smoked Baked Beans

Try our mouthwatering recipe for smoked baked beans with jalapenos, onion, Dijon mustard, molasses, bacon, and brown sugar. Cooked in a cast iron skillet, these flavorful beans are perfect for barbecues and gatherings

Ingredients for Smoked Baked Beans:

– 2 cans (15 ounces each) of navy beans or any other variety of beans you prefer, drained and rinsed
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and diced
– 4 slices of bacon, chopped
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1/4 cup molasses
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste

Supplies Needed :

– Smoker or grill with a smoker box or wood chips for smoking
– Cast iron skillet

– Wooden spoon or spatula

How to Make Sweet and Spicy Smoked Baked Beans

1. Preheat your smoker or grill to around 225-250°F (107-121°C) and prepare it for indirect cooking. You can also cook beans with anything else you may have on the smoker, as long as it’s not above say, 350 degrees

2. Place the cast iron skillet directly on the grill grates or in the smoker to preheat.

3. In a mixing bowl, combine the drained and rinsed beans, diced onion, diced jalapeno peppers, chopped bacon, Dijon mustard, molasses, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly mixed.

4. Carefully remove the preheated cast iron skillet from the smoker or grill and add the bean mixture to the skillet.

5. Place the cast iron skillet back on the smoker or grill, close the lid, and let the beans cook for approximately 2-3 hours. The exact cooking time will depend on the temperature of your smoker or grill, so check the beans periodically to ensure they don’t dry out or burn.

6. If desired, you can add a handful of soaked wood chips or chunks to the smoker or grill to infuse the beans with a smoky flavor. For these beans, any type of wood works great, but we have a nice article for you explaining the types here .

7. Stir the beans occasionally during the cooking process to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the skillet and to ensure even cooking.

8. After 2-3 hours, the beans should be tender and the flavors well developed. Remove the cast iron skillet from the smoker or grill and let the beans cool for a few minutes before serving.

Why this dish is great:

1. Smoky Flavor: Cooking the beans on a smoker or grill imparts a wonderful smoky flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

2. Heat from Jalapenos: The diced jalapenos add a pleasant level of heat to the beans, balancing the sweetness and richness of the other ingredients.

3. Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of onion, Dijon mustard, molasses, bacon, and brown sugar creates a flavorful and savory base for the beans.

4. Versatile Side Dish: Baked beans are a versatile side dish that can complement various main courses such as barbecue, grilled meats, burgers, and more.

5. Crowd-Pleasing: Baked beans are a classic and popular dish that is loved by many, making it a great addition to potlucks, barbecues, or family gatherings.

How Long To Cook Smoked Beans

This recipe generally takes about 2 hours from start to finish, however usually it is served as a side. The great thing is, you can typically just throw it on the smoker alongside whatever else you are cooking. So if you are already cooking ribs, or a pork butt, these will go great with it and cook alongside it in about 2 hours. So timing is all that you need, since the grill or smoker is already fired up

Remember, the cooking time may vary depending on your specific smoker or grill setup, so it’s essential to keep an eye on the beans to ensure they reach the desired tenderness without drying out or burning.

Pit Master Tips For the Smoked Baked Beans

1. Use Canned Beans for Ease: To save time and simplify the recipe, you can use canned beans instead of dried beans. Canned beans are already cooked and can be easily drained and rinsed before adding them to the recipe. This eliminates the need for soaking and reduces the overall cooking time.

2. Use Thick Cut Bacon: Thick cut bacon adds a delicious and meaty flavor to the baked beans. It also holds up better during the cooking process, providing a satisfying texture. Look for thick cut bacon in your local grocery store or butcher shop for best results.

3. Use Bell Peppers Instead to Cut Heat: If you prefer milder baked beans, you can substitute the jalapeno peppers with bell peppers. Bell peppers offer a subtle sweetness and mild flavor that complements the other ingredients in the dish. Simply dice the bell peppers and add them to the recipe as a replacement for the jalapenos.

These tips provide convenient alternatives and adjustments to suit your preferences and make the recipe even more enjoyable.

Here’s a short printable recipe for smoked baked beans at a cookout:

Ingredients:
– 2 cans (15 ounces each) of navy beans or any other variety of beans you prefer, drained and rinsed
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and diced
– 4 slices of thick cut bacon, chopped
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1/4 cup molasses
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
1. Preheat your smoker or grill to 225-250°F (107-121°C) for indirect cooking.

2. In a cast iron skillet, combine the beans, diced onion, diced jalapeno peppers, chopped bacon, Dijon mustard, molasses, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

3. Place the cast iron skillet on the smoker or grill and close the lid.

4. Smoke the beans for approximately 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. Once the beans are tender and flavorful, remove the skillet from the smoker or grill.

6. Allow the beans to cool for a few minutes before serving.

7. Enjoy the smoky and delicious baked beans as a side dish at your cookout!

Note: Cooking time may vary, so keep an eye on the beans to ensure they don’t dry out or burn.

Feel free to print out this recipe and enjoy the flavorful smoked baked beans at your cookout!