Smoked baked beans have become one of my favorite side dishes to make on the grill. The smoke adds a depth that regular baked beans just don’t have, with a balance of sweetness and a bit of heat. They pair well with most grilled meats at cookouts, potlucks, or family gatherings, but honestly, I’ve eaten them on their own as a meal more than once. Most of what you need is probably already in your pantry, and they come together quickly before going on the smoker.
No time to read the recipe? Pin it to read later ⤵️
Table of contents
Pit Boss Smoked Beans
I used to think baked beans were just a basic side dish until I started smoking them. The wood smoke transforms them into something completely different, giving you layers of flavor that work whether you’re serving them alongside ribs at a barbecue, bringing them to a tailgate, or making them for a weekend dinner. The prep is straightforward, and while they need some time on the grill, the hands-on work is minimal. It’s one of those recipes that feels more impressive than the effort required.
What You Need for Smoked Baked Beans
- Pork and Beans
- Bacon
- Brown Sugar
- Molasses
- Red or Yellow Onion, Chopped
- Can Chili Beans
- Jalapeno Pepper, Chopped
- Yellow Mustard
How to Make Pit Boss Smoked Beans
Step 1: Preheat and Cook the Bacon
Preheat the smoker to 250°F. While it heats, cook the bacon in a cast-iron skillet, rendering the fat but not crisping it. If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, a disposable aluminum foil tray works just as well. Once done, remove and place on paper towel to drain and cool.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
In the same pan using the bacon drippings, cook the chopped onion and jalapeno for 3-5 minutes until softened and the onions become translucent.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Add the beans, brown sugar, mustard, and molasses. Stir the bean mixture to thoroughly combine.
Step 4: Add the Bacon
Position the cooked bacon strips over the top of the mix.
Step 5: Smoke
Place in the smoker, beside or under whatever meat you are smoking.
What Temperature to Smoked Baked Beans At?
You should smoke your beans at 225°F. This will ensure you get the best flavor in your smoked baked beans. You should smoke your baked beans for about 2 hours at 225°F. If you require the beans quicker than that, go for 250°F for an hour and a half. The higher temperature gives a faster cook time, and will still have smoky flavors.
The longer they are left, the more intense the smoky flavor will be. Smoke until all the bacon fat has rendered and the sauce has thickened.
What Flavor Wood Should You Use With Baked Beans?
A mild fruit like applewood or cherry wood, or a nut wood like pecan, works well with baked beans. The subtle flavor will give the desired smokiness, without overpowering the beans. If a more intense, distinctive smoke flavor is what you’re after, something like a mesquite or hickory blend will deliver it.
Should You Cover Your Beans While Smoking?
As the beans are only smoking for a short amount of time, it’s not necessary to cover them. Uncovering will allow the extra liquid to evaporate, thickening up the sauce, and allowing the glorious smoke flavors time to infuse through the dish.
Usually, when smoking side dishes, there is already some meat smoking on the pellet grill. Placing the pan under the meat can catch some of the lovely drippings and add to the flavor.
Some Variations For Your Baked Beans
You can get creative here and add anything you like to the bean mix.
Different Beans
Experiment with different flavored cans of beans and types of bean mixes, like kidney beans, chickpeas, or a 3 bean mix.
Sauces and Seasonings
Add dashes of barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, a squeeze of hot sauce for a bit of a kick, or even a cheese sauce for a bacon-and-cheese flavor.
Extra Vegetables and Spices
Try adding red or green peppers, fresh cloves of garlic chopped in, diced tomatoes, or diced chilies for a spicy flavor.
Toppings For Baked and Smoked Beans
If you fancy something a little different and more filling, you could try a few options.
Loaded Beans on Chips: Heap the beans on a mound of chips with some sour cream and guacamole.
Layered Bean Bowl: Try layering with some smoked turkey or shredded barbecue chicken, fresh crunchy slaw, potato salad, and fresh sweet kernels of corn.
Meaty Beans: Mix through a bit of minced or chopped beef for extra heartiness to turn this side dish into a main meal.
📌 Did you try this recipe?
Have you made this delicious recipe and loved it?
I would love it if you took a minute to leave a star rating and review. It is also helpful if you made any substitutions or changes to the recipe to share that; thank you!
📌 Please also pin the image below, then you can find the recipe for the next time you want to cook.
What To Serve Smoked Baked Beans With
Pit Boss Smoked Baked Beans
Equipment
- Pitboss Grill
Ingredients
- 1 can pork and beans
- ½ pound slices of bacon
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ⅛ cup molasses
- 1 red or yellow onion, chopped
- 1 can chili beans
- 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped
- ¼ cup yellow mustard
Instructions
- Preheat the smoker to 250°F.
- Cook up the bacon in a cast-iron skillet pan, long enough to render the bacon fat but not enough to crisp it. If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, a disposable aluminum foil tray will work just as well.
- Once done, remove and place on a piece of paper towel to drain and cool.
- In the same pan, and using the bacon drippings, cook the chopped onion and jalapeno for 3-5 minutes to soften and the onions become translucent.
- Tip in the beans, brown sugar, mustard, and molasses.
- Stir the bean mixture to thoroughly combine.
- Position the cooked bacon strips over the top of the mix.
- Place in the smoker, beside or under whatever meat you are smoking.
Smoke On!
Charlie
Hi, I’m Charlie, I have been meat-smoking and grilling for the past 15 years. I have an array of different smokers, thermometers, and have a love for finding the right wood and charcoal combo My favourite recipes are my EXTRA CRISPY smoked pork belly, juicy pulled pork, smoked brisket, duck poppers, and ANY SEAFOOD I grill).
I loves sharing his tips with beginners, helping them navigate the world of smoking. I find it’s not just about cooking; it’s a quest for that perfect smoky flavor.
You will usually find me playing with the kids, perfecting my brisket bark, or sipping beers with boys around the fire. Can’t wait to share all my delicious smoking and grilling recipes with you!
You can read more about me on our About Us page.
Hungry For More?
