Print

Apple Pie Baked Beans Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/apple-pie-baked-beans-recipe/