Apple Pie Baked Beans Recipe

Introduction

This Apple Pie Baked Beans recipe brings a surprising twist to a classic comfort dish by combining savory bacon and barbecue flavors with the sweetness of apple pie filling. It’s a perfect side for family dinners or holiday gatherings, offering a delicious balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy notes.

Ingredients

• 8 slices center-cut bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
• ½ cup diced yellow onion
• 56 ounces baked beans (two 28-ounce cans, Bush’s Original brand recommended)
• 21 ounces apple pie filling, with larger apple pieces cut into smaller ¾-inch pieces
• ½ cup bottled barbecue sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s Original brand recommended)
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon barbecue seasoning blend

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Step 2: In a large heavy-duty skillet (a 12-inch cast iron skillet works well), cook the bacon pieces over medium heat for 12-14 minutes until crispy and most of the fat has rendered.
3. Step 3: Using a slotted spoon, remove the crispy bacon from the skillet, leaving the bacon grease behind. Place bacon on a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
4. Step 4: Add the diced yellow onions to the bacon grease and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent, being careful not to caramelize.
5. Step 5: Stir in the baked beans, apple pie filling, barbecue sauce, light brown sugar, barbecue seasoning blend, and the cooked bacon pieces until well combined.
6. Step 6: Transfer the skillet with the bean mixture to the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly and heated through.
7. Step 7: Before serving, reserve two tablespoons of the cooked bacon to garnish the baked beans for added texture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Cook the bacon until very crispy to avoid rubbery texture after baking.
• Do not caramelize the onions; keeping them translucent preserves the balance without overpowering the apple pie flavor.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the mixture before baking.
• You can substitute the apple pie filling with fresh apples mixed with a little sugar and cinnamon if preferred.

Storage

Store leftover Apple Pie Baked Beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or on the stove over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally to maintain even temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without bacon?

Yes, you can omit the bacon for a vegetarian-friendly version. Consider adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the smoky flavor.

Is it okay to use homemade baked beans for this recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade baked beans will work beautifully, just be sure they have enough sauce to blend well with the apple pie filling and seasonings.

Apple Pie Baked Beans Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 134 reviews

A unique twist on traditional baked beans, this Apple Pie Baked Beans recipe combines crispy bacon, tender baked beans, and sweet apple pie filling with savory barbecue flavors. Baked to bubbly perfection in a cast iron skillet, this dish offers a delightful balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy notes, ideal as a comforting side or hearty snack.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 44 minutes
• Total Time: 54 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bacon and Aromatics

• 8 slices center-cut bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
• ½ cup diced yellow onion

Main Ingredients

• 56 ounces baked beans (two 28-ounce cans, such as Bush’s Original brand)
• 21 ounces apple pie filling, cut into smaller ¾-inch pieces
• ½ cup bottled barbecue sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s Original brand recommended)
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon barbecue seasoning blend

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to prepare for baking the dish later.
2. Cook Bacon: In a large, heavy-duty skillet (preferably 12-inch cast iron) over medium heat, add the bacon pieces. Cook for 12-14 minutes until the bacon is crispy and most fat has rendered out.
3. Drain Bacon: Use a slotted spoon to remove the crispy bacon from the skillet, leaving the bacon grease behind. Place the bacon on a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
4. Sauté Onions: Add the diced onions to the skillet with the bacon grease. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent, but not caramelized.
5. Combine Ingredients: Add the baked beans, apple pie filling, barbecue sauce, light brown sugar, barbecue seasoning, and cooked bacon pieces back into the skillet. Stir carefully to mix all ingredients evenly.
6. Bake: Transfer the skillet with the mixture into the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes until the beans are bubbly and heated through.
7. Prepare Garnish: Reserve two tablespoons of cooked bacon before mixing it in. Use these crispy bits as a garnish for serving.
8. Serving Tip: Sprinkle the reserved bacon pieces on top before serving to add texture and visual appeal.
9. Onion Cooking Advice: Avoid caramelizing the onions beyond translucent to prevent overpowering the sweet apple pie flavor in the dish.

Notes

• Using a cast iron skillet enhances even cooking and adds excellent flavor.
• Cook bacon until crispy to avoid rubbery texture after baking.
• Cut larger apple pie filling pieces into smaller ¾-inch pieces for better distribution.
• Reserving some bacon for garnish boosts texture contrasts in the finished dish.
• Do not caramelize onions beyond translucent to keep balance of flavors intact.

Keywords: baked beans, apple pie filling, bacon, barbecue sauce, sweet and savory, side dish, cast iron skillet, baked beans recipe