Apple Smoked Baked Beans

Get ready to elevate your barbecue sides with these rich and smoky Apple Smoked Baked Beans! This hearty recipe combines tender navy beans with the bold flavors of applewood smoked bacon, sweet molasses, and a touch of tangy apple cider vinegar. Infused with an irresistible depth thanks to smoked paprika and optional applewood chips, these baked beans are slow-cooked to perfection for a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a sweet, smoky finish. Whether baked in the oven or finished in a smoker for an extra punch of flavor, this dish pairs beautifully with grilled meats, cornbread, or a crisp coleslaw. Ideal for backyard cookouts, potlucks, or cozy family meals, these baked beans are a comforting crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.

Nutriscore Rating: 79/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:240 mins

Total Time:260 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound Dried navy beans
• 6 slices Applewood smoked bacon
• 1 medium (diced) Yellow onion
• 3 cloves (minced) Garlic
• 1 cup Ketchup
• 0.33 cup Brown sugar
• 0.25 cup Molasses
• 2 tablespoons Apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 1.5 cups Apple juice
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 handful (for smoking) Applewood smoking chips (optional but recommended)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse and soak the navy beans in cold water overnight. Drain and rinse before cooking.

Step 2

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).

Step 3

In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, cook the applewood smoked bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.

Step 4

Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté in the bacon fat until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute.

Step 5

Chop the cooked bacon into small pieces and set aside for later.

Step 6

Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika. Cook for 2 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Step 7

Add the soaked and drained beans to the pot, followed by the apple juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 8

Bring the mixture to a simmer on the stovetop, then cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven.

Step 9

Bake for 3.5 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are soft and tender. If needed, add a splash more apple juice or water during cooking to keep the beans saucy.

Step 10

For added smoky flavor, prepare an outdoor smoker with applewood chips and smoke the beans (in an oven-safe dish) for 30 minutes before serving. Alternatively, add liquid smoke (2-3 drops) to the pot during cooking.

Step 11

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve warm and garnish with the chopped bacon.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1572.9 grams (1572.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2608

Total Fat 64.30g	82%
Saturated Fat 19.50g	98%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 89mg	30%
Sodium 5699mg	248%
Total Carbohydrate 389.60g	142%
Dietary Fiber 72.60g	259%
Total Sugars 99.00g
Protein 139.30g	279%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 718mg	55%
Iron 24mg	136%
Potassium 7263mg	155%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 21.5%

Protein: 20.7%

Carbs: 57.8%