Apple Pie Baked Beans with Bacon
Looking to elevate your classic baked beans recipe? Look no further! Introducing Apple Pie Baked Beans – a fusion dish that combines the comforting sweetness of apple pie with the savory goodness of baked beans.
This flavorful one-pot creation of Apple Pie Baked Beans is a delicious side dish packed with hearty ingredients such as applewood bacon, caramelized onions, warm brown sugar and sweet Honeycrisp apples.
Effortlessly prepared, with minimal cleanup, making them a convenient choice for busy schedules and relaxed gatherings.
Serve these delicious baked beans alongside my Cheddar Cheese and Chive Scones or Easy Sourdough Garlic Bread.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Versatile- Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, potluck, or cozy family dinner, these beans make a versatile crowd-pleasing side dish for any occasion.
- Quick and Easy- Ready in just over an hour, these beans are a breeze to make, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your gathering and less time in the kitchen.
- Flavor combination- Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, combining the comforting taste of apple pie and the hearty goodness of baked beans.
- Make in advance- Prepare a batch of these baked beans in advance and simply heat them in the oven when ready to serve.
- Customizable- Personalize the recipe to suit your taste preferences by adjusting the sweetness, spiciness, or smokiness levels to create a dish that perfectly compliments your palate .
What’s In Apple Pie Baked Beans?
This unique side dish puts a flavorful spin on the classic baked beans, combining the sweetness of apple pie with the savory richness of baked beans. The recipe typically starts with canned baked beans and includes aromatics like sautéed onions, garlic, vinegar, and some type of sweetener (honey, maple syrup or brown sugar).
Additionally, diced apples are folded into the mixture to add natural sweetness and texture. Then, the beans are baked until bubbly and caramelized. Other ingredients such as barbecue sauce, Worcestershire, and dijon mustard can be used to enhance the flavors. Crispy bacon or sliced jalapeños can also be used as toppings.
Ingredient Notes
Below are ingredient notes. For the complete list and quantities, please refer to the recipe card located at the bottom of the page.
- Onions and garlic- Adds a depth of flavor and helps balance the overall sweetness in the dish.
- Beans- Store-bought canned baked beans serve as the base of the dish. I’m a fan of Bush’s Baked Beans, but feel free to use your favorite brand.
- Barbecue sauce- Adds a tangy, smoky flavor to the dish, enhancing its overall richness.
- Brown sugar- Just a little bit adds sweetness and caramelization to the dish. You can use dark or light brown sugar.
- Dijon mustard- Adds a hint of tanginess.
- Apple cider vinegar- Provides a tangy acidity that helps balance the sweetness of the dish.
- Bacon- Adds a smoky, savory flavor and a crispy texture.
- Apples- Opt for firm apples that hold their shape after cooking. You can use Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Granny Smith as a less sweeter option.
- Ketchup- Offers a tangy sweetness and thick consistency which contributes to a rich and hearty sauce.
- Smoked paprika- Provides a rich, smoky flavor to the beans and complements the savory and sweet elements of the dish.
Substitutions
- Beans- You can substitute canned navy beans or cannellini beans in place of the baked beans.
- Brown sugar- Substitute with honey, maple syrup or agave syrup, adjusting the quantity to taste.
- Apple cider vinegar- White wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar can be used as substitutes.
- Dijon mustard- Feel free to use yellow mustard if that’s what you have on hand.
- Bacon- Smoked sausage or ham can be used as substitutes for bacon to add a savory and smoky element to the dish.
- Jalapeños- Can be added to give the beans a touch of heat.
Step By Step Instructions
STEP 1: Cook bacon. Fry 6 slices of bacon in a large cast iron skillet until the bacon has partially cooked. Remove the bacon from the pan and drain on paper towels. Set aside.
Next, add remaining chopped bacon and cook for 5-6 minutes. Once the bacon begins to get crispy, add the chopped onions to the skillet and continue cooking until the onions are softened and translucent. Then, stir in the garlic and cook just until fragrant.
STEP 2: Add apples. Stir in the chopped apples and cook for 2-3 minutes until the apples are slightly softened.
STEP 3: Prepare sauce. Stir in ketchup, dijon, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, barbecue sauce, cinnamon, smoked paprika, and baked beans. Season with salt and pepper.
STEP 4: Bake. Preheat oven to 350℉. Arrange bacon slices over the beans and bake for 45 minutes, or until bubbly and slightly caramelized on top. Alternatively, you can pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan and bake as instructed.
STEP 5: Serve. Once done, remove from the oven and let the beans cool for a few minutes before serving.
Expert Tips
Render bacon slowly. Cook the bacon over medium heat to render its fat slowly, resulting in crispy bacon and flavorful drippings to sauté the onions and garlic in.
Experiment with seasonings. Customize the flavor of your baked beans by experimenting with different seasonings such as cumin, chili powder, and herbs like fresh thyme or rosemary.
Make ahead for better flavor. Baked beans often taste even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together. Consider making them a day in advance and reheating before serving.
Customize with add-ins. Get creative with add-ins like kielbasa sausage, diced bell peppers, jalapeños, or your favorite hot sauce.
FAQ
Yes, you can! Let the beans cool to room temperature and then store in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Try to press most of the air out of the bag while sealing, this will prevent freezer burn. They should last for up to 3 months.
Absolutely! You can prepare the baked beans ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to reheat and serve. Just make sure to let them cool completely before storing.
Yes! You can adjust the sweetness level by varying the amount of brown sugar in the recipe. Taste the mixture as you go and add more sweetener if desired.
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by omitting the bacon and adding 1 tbsp of canola/vegetable oil to sauté the onions and garlic.
While it’s technically possible, using canned apple filling is often sweet and already cooked, which may alter the flavor and texture of the baked beans. I would omit the brown sugar or use “no sugar added” apple pie filling.
Storing and Reheating
When storing the Apple Pie Baked Beans, make sure to let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container and refrigerating. They should last about 3-4 days in the fridge.
Reheating
When reheating, you can do so on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Helpful Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish or cast iron skillet- For baking the beans in the oven, choose a baking dish or cast iron skillet that can hold all the ingredients comfortably.
- Measuring cups and spoons- For accurately measuring ingredients like brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, etc.
- Vegetable peeler- For peeling the apples. This is my favorite one to use.
- Chef’s knife- Using a sharp chef’s knife helps to cleanly slice through onions, reducing the likelihood of crushing them and releasing the compounds that produce tears.
More Delicious Side Dishes To Try
What To Serve with These Delicious Baked Beans?
- Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowl
- Arugula Steak Salad with Cornbread Croutons
- BLT Bagels
- Air Fryer Chicken Kabobs
- Pan Seared Chimichurri Shrimp
After trying out this recipe, I’d love to hear your feedback. Please consider leaving a star review on the recipe card below. Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram and follow me on Pinterest for more mouthwatering recipes. Your support is greatly appreciated!
Apple Pie Baked Beans
Ingredients
- 10 slices Applewood bacon, divided, 6 slices arranged on top and the remaining 4 slices roughly chopped
- 1 Small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 Honeycrisp apples, medium-size, peeled and chopped into small cubes
- 1 tbsp Ketchup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp Barbecue sauce
- 1/2 tsp Ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp Smoked paprika
- 2 (28) oz Baked beans, I love Bush's Original Baked Beans
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Fry 6 slices of bacon in a large cast iron skillet until the bacon has partially cooked. Remove the bacon from the pan and drain on paper towels. Set aside.Next, add remaining chopped bacon and cook for 5-6 minutes. Once the bacon begins to get crispy, add the chopped onions to the skillet and continue cooking until the onions are softened and translucent. Then, stir in the garlic and cook just until fragrant.
- Stir in the chopped apples and cook for 2-3 minutes until the apples are slightly softened.
- Stir in ketchup, dijon, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, barbecue sauce, cinnamon, smoked paprika, and baked beans. Season with salt and pepper.
- Preheat oven to 350℉. Arrange bacon slices over the beans and bake for 45 minutes, or until bubbly and slightly caramelized on top. Alternatively, you can pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan and bake as instructed.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let the beans cool for a few minutes before serving.