Keri’s Baked Beans (The World’s Best!)

I can still recall the first time I tasted these baked beans. It was at a summer barbecue, the air thick with the smoky aroma of grilling meats and the joyful sounds of friends and family. I’d been asked to bring a side dish, and, frankly, I was short on inspiration. A friend suggested Keri’s Baked Beans, swearing they were unlike anything I’d ever tasted. One spoonful, and I was hooked – the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and smoky, with a subtle kick that kept me coming back for more. From that day on, they’ve been a staple at every gathering, and I’m thrilled to share the recipe with you.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Servings: 12
• Yield: 1 large pot
• Dietary Type: Not specified, contains meat

Ingredients

• 3-4 slices bacon, diced
• 2 (28 ounce) cans baked beans, mostly drained (Bush’s Baked Beans recommended)
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (sweet & spicy BBQ sauce or Blues Hog)
• 1 lb pork sausage (or leftover smoked pork or beef)
• 1 (21 ounce) can apple pie filling, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1/2 green pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons mustard, prepared
• 1 teaspoon dried chipotle pepper (or cayenne pepper, optional, to taste)
• 1 teaspoon barbecue rub (Blues Hog rub recommended)

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Large baking dish or pot (oven-safe if baking)
• Mixing spoon

Instructions

1. First, brown the pork sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. As it cooks, use a spoon or spatula to break it into smaller bits. Once browned, remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.
2. Next, add the diced bacon to the same skillet and cook until crispy, rendering out its fat. Remove the bacon from the pan, leaving the bacon grease behind. Set the bacon aside.
3. Now, add the chopped onion and green pepper to the skillet with the bacon grease. Sauté them over medium heat until they become softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the onion and green pepper from the pan.
4. In a large baking dish or pot, combine the browned pork sausage, crispy bacon, sautéed onion and green pepper, mostly drained baked beans, barbecue sauce, chopped apple pie filling, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, dried chipotle pepper (or cayenne pepper, if using), and barbecue rub.
5. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly to ensure they are evenly distributed.
6. If baking, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Bake the mixture in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until bubbly and heated through.
7. Alternatively, if simmering on the stovetop, place the pot on the stove over low heat. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until heated through.
8. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If you prefer a sweeter taste, add a bit more brown sugar. For more heat, add a pinch more chipotle pepper or cayenne pepper.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Smoked Sausage Enhancement: Instead of regular pork sausage, try using smoked sausage for an even deeper smoky flavor that complements the bacon and barbecue sauce beautifully.
• Chopping the Apple Pie Filling: Don’t skip the step of chopping the apple pie filling! This ensures the apple pieces are evenly dispersed throughout the beans, adding subtle sweetness without being overwhelming. Large chunks can be texturally jarring.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Be mindful of the spice level, especially when serving to guests with varying preferences. Start with a smaller amount of chipotle or cayenne pepper, and then add more to taste. Remember, you can always add more heat, but it’s difficult to take it away!
• Make-Ahead Magic: These baked beans are fantastic made ahead of time. Prepare them up to 24 hours in advance, store them in the refrigerator, and then bake or simmer them just before serving. The flavors meld together beautifully overnight.
• Bacon Grease Substitute: If you’re trying to cut down on fat, you can drain off some of the bacon grease after cooking the bacon. However, the bacon grease contributes significantly to the overall flavor, so I recommend leaving most of it in.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve Keri’s Baked Beans hot, straight from the oven or stovetop. They are a perfect accompaniment to barbecue ribs, pulled pork, grilled chicken, or hamburgers. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color.

Leftover baked beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave them in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. You can also reheat them in a saucepan on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.

These beans also freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	358 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	104	N/A
Total Fat	11.6 g	17%
Saturated Fat	3.7 g	18%
Cholesterol	28.6 mg	9%
Sodium	885.6 mg	36%
Total Carbohydrate	55.8 g	18%
Dietary Fiber	6.3 g	25%
Sugars	30 g	N/A
Protein	12.6 g	25%

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetarian Option: To make these beans vegetarian, omit the bacon and pork sausage. Instead, add a can of drained and rinsed black beans or kidney beans for added protein and texture. Use vegetable broth or olive oil to sauté the onions and peppers.
• Spicier Beans: For an extra kick, add a diced jalapeño pepper to the onions and peppers while sautéing. You can also use a spicier barbecue sauce.
• Smoked Paprika: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor, especially if you’re omitting the bacon.
• Maple Syrup: Replace some of the brown sugar with maple syrup for a richer, more complex sweetness.
• Different Beans: Feel free to experiment with different types of beans. Great Northern beans or cannellini beans would also work well in this recipe.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use fresh apples instead of apple pie filling?
A: While you could, the apple pie filling adds a unique sweetness and spice that’s difficult to replicate with fresh apples alone. If you do use fresh apples, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to compensate for the missing spices.

Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can! After browning the sausage and bacon and sautéing the vegetables, combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Q: How do I prevent the beans from drying out while baking?
A: Cover the baking dish with foil for the first half of the baking time. Remove the foil for the remaining time to allow the top to brown and caramelize.

Q: Can I use a different type of sausage?
A: Absolutely! Italian sausage, chorizo, or even turkey sausage would all be delicious in this recipe. Adjust the seasonings accordingly to complement the flavor of the sausage.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat frozen baked beans?
A: Thaw the beans in the refrigerator overnight. Then, reheat them in a saucepan on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a little water or broth if they seem dry.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll give Keri’s Baked Beans a try. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and are sure to become a new favorite at your gatherings. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the ingredients and make them your own. Whether you’re serving them alongside barbecue ribs or enjoying them as a hearty side dish, these baked beans are a guaranteed hit. Please, leave me a comment and let me know what you think – and feel free to share any creative variations you come up with! Pair these beans with a classic coleslaw and some grilled corn on the cob for a complete barbecue feast.