Looking for a unique twist on classic baked beans? These Root Beer Baked Beans are the perfect blend of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. Perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or family dinners, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone. Learn how to make this delicious recipe, along with tips for variations and serving suggestions.
Why You’ll Love Root Beer Baked Beans
- Unique Flavor: The root beer adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness with a hint of spice.
- Versatile Dish: Great as a side dish for grilled meats, burgers, or even hot dogs.
- Simple Ingredients: Most ingredients are pantry staples, making it an easy recipe to whip up.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful dish:
- 4 cups cooked navy beans (or 2 cans, drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup root beer (regular, not diet, for best flavor)
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional but recommended)
Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Sauce
In a medium bowl, mix together the root beer, ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, mustard, and seasonings until well combined.
3. Combine Beans and Sauce
In a large baking dish, mix the cooked navy beans with the sauce. Stir well to ensure the beans are fully coated.
4. Add Bacon
Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the top of the beans for an extra smoky flavor.
5. Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and bubbles around the edges.
6. Serve
Let the beans cool for 5 minutes before serving. Pair them with your favorite barbecue dishes or enjoy them on their own!
Tips and Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the bacon and use vegan substitutes like smoked tofu or liquid smoke for flavor.
- Beans: Swap navy beans for pinto beans, black beans, or even a bean medley for variety.
Serving Suggestions
These Root Beer Baked Beans are the perfect complement to:
- Grilled Meats: Ribs, chicken, or steak.
- Classic Barbecue: Burgers, hot dogs, and cornbread.
- Potluck Favorites: Serve alongside potato salad and coleslaw for a crowd-pleasing combo.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Final Thoughts
These Root Beer Baked Beans are a fun and flavorful twist on a beloved classic. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply want a comforting side dish, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Try it out, and let the sweet, smoky flavors win over your taste buds!
Serving Tips for Root Beer Baked Beans
- Perfect Pairings:
Serve these baked beans alongside barbecue classics like ribs, grilled chicken, or pulled pork. They’re also fantastic with burgers, hot dogs, or a loaf of warm cornbread. - Garnish for Extra Flavor:
Top the beans with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and a subtle freshness. For a smoky kick, sprinkle a little smoked paprika on top just before serving. - Ideal Temperature:
These beans taste best warm. Serve them straight from the oven or keep them in a slow cooker on the “warm” setting if you’re hosting a gathering. - Portable Side Dish:
If bringing this dish to a potluck, bake the beans in a disposable aluminum pan for easy transport and minimal cleanup. - Upgrade Your Meal:
Use the beans as a topping for baked potatoes or as a filling for loaded nachos to create a hearty, flavorful meal.
Storage Tips for Root Beer Baked Beans
- Refrigeration:
- Allow the beans to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing:
- Portion the beans into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags for easy defrosting.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. To prevent freezer burn, ensure all air is removed from the bag or container.
- Reheating Instructions:
- Microwave: Place a serving in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave lid, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring each time.
- Stovetop: Warm the beans over low heat in a saucepan, adding a splash of water or root beer to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Oven: For larger portions, reheat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Thickening the Sauce After Storage:
If the sauce becomes too thin after reheating, simmer the beans uncovered on the stove for a few minutes until they thicken.
By following these serving and storage tips, your Root Beer Baked Beans will remain as delightful as when they were freshly made!
1. Can I use a different type of soda instead of root beer?
Yes! While root beer provides a unique caramel-like sweetness, you can experiment with other sodas like cola, Dr Pepper, or even ginger ale for a different flavor profile. Each soda will add its own twist to the dish.
2. Can I make these baked beans in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to let some liquid evaporate.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, these baked beans are perfect for meal prep. You can make them up to 2 days in advance, store them in the refrigerator, and reheat before serving. The flavors often deepen and become even better after sitting overnight.
4. How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and replace it with a smoky ingredient like liquid smoke or smoked paprika to maintain the depth of flavor. You can also add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for additional texture and heartiness.
Print
Root Beer Baked Beans
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These sweet and savory baked beans are slow-cooked to perfection with the unique flavor of root beer. Combined with smoky bacon and tangy barbecue sauce, this dish is a crowd-pleaser for barbecues, potlucks, or weeknight dinners. Easy to make and loaded with bold flavors!
Ingredients
- 4 slices of thick-cut bacon, diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cans (15 oz each) navy beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup root beer (not diet)
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp molasses
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the Bacon:
- In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the pan.
- Sauté the Onion:
- Add the chopped onion to the pan with the bacon drippings. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add the beans, root beer, barbecue sauce, ketchup, molasses, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
- Add the Bacon:
- Stir in the cooked bacon, reserving a small portion for garnish if desired.
- Bake the Beans:
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven (or pour the mixture into a baking dish if your skillet isn’t oven-safe). Bake uncovered for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the beans are bubbly.
- Serve:
- Garnish with the reserved bacon and serve hot.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and use olive oil to sauté the onions.
- Adjust the sweetness by using less molasses or root beer, depending on your taste.