The Ultimate Root Beer Baked Beans Recipe for Flavor Lovers

Summers brim with backyard gatherings where root beer baked beans steal the spotlight at every cookout.

This mouthwatering side dish combines sweet and tangy flavors that dance across your palate.

the unexpected addition of root beer creates a rich, caramelized depth that sets these beans apart from traditional recipes.

Each spoonful brings a delightful surprise of complex, smoky undertones.

Perfectly balanced and incredibly satisfying, these beans complement grilled meats like a culinary dream.

Barbecue enthusiasts and comfort food lovers will instantly fall in love with this unique twist on a classic dish.

Prepare to elevate your next outdoor meal with this irresistible crowd-pleaser.

Root Beer Baked Beans: Flavorful Features

• Root beer transforms classic baked beans into an unexpectedly delicious dish with deep, rich flavors that surprise and delight your taste buds.
• This recipe turns ordinary beans into a gourmet side dish that impresses family and guests without requiring advanced culinary skills.
• Swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to match your preferences, making this versatile recipe adaptable to different dietary needs and flavor profiles.
• Prepare a large pot of beans that stores well in the refrigerator, providing multiple meals and saving precious cooking time throughout the week.

Ingredients List for Root Beer Baked Beans

• Navy Beans: A classic legume that provides a hearty base and creamy texture for the baked beans.
• Root Beer: Adds a unique sweet and complex flavor profile to the traditional baked bean recipe.

• Bacon: Contributes a rich, smoky flavor and crispy texture to the dish.

• Onion, Bell Pepper, Garlic: Provide depth of flavor and a savory foundation for the bean dish.

• Ketchup, Barbecue Sauce, Brown Sugar, Maple Syrup, Molasses: Create a sweet and tangy sauce that complements the beans.
• Dijon Mustard, Worcestershire Sauce, Salt, Pepper, Chili Powder: Enhance the overall flavor complexity and add a subtle kick.

• Broth or Water: Helps cook and soften the beans while providing additional flavor.

Tools for Baking Classic Beans

• Large Pot: Essential for soaking, cooking beans, and baking the entire dish.
• Large Pan: Perfect for cooking bacon and sautéing vegetables.
• Mixing Bowl: Ideal for whisking together the root beer sauce ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring beans and mixing ingredients.
• Whisk: Necessary for blending sauce components smoothly.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for chopping bacon, onions, and bell peppers.
• Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for chopping ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.

How to Prepare Root Beer Baked Beans

Step 1: Prepare Bean Base

Grab your navy beans and give them a thorough rinse.

Soak the beans overnight in cold water, making sure they’re completely submerged.

If you’re short on time, use the quick-soak method by bringing beans to a boil, then letting them sit for an hour.

Drain completely when ready.

Step 2: Create Flavor Foundation

• Bacon
• Onion
• Bell pepper
• Garlic

Cook bacon in a skillet until deliciously crispy.

Remove bacon, keeping the delectable fat.

In the same pan, sauté chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic until they’re soft and golden brown.

Step 3: Craft Magical Sauce

• Root beer
• Ketchup
• Barbecue sauce
• Brown sugar
• Maple syrup
• Molasses
• Dijon mustard
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Chili powder

Blend until smooth and perfectly combined.

Step 4: Build Bean Masterpiece

Combine simmered beans, sautéed vegetables, crumbled bacon, and the root beer sauce in a large oven-safe pot.

Mix everything thoroughly to ensure maximum flavor distribution.

Step 5: Slow Bake To Perfection

Preheat oven to 350F.

Cover the pot and bake for 30 minutes.

Reduce temperature to 300F, uncover, and bake for another hour.

Finally, reduce to 250F and bake for 2 additional hours.

Stir occasionally and add liquid if needed.

Step 6: Serve And Celebrate

Check beans for tenderness.

Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Serve piping hot.

Tips for Rich, Sweet Baked Beans

• Choose overnight soaking for better texture and easier digestion, or use the quick-boil method if time is tight.
• Cook bacon until crispy for maximum flavor, saving the rendered fat to sauté vegetables for an extra layer of richness.
• Select a high-quality root beer to enhance the sweet and complex flavor profile of the baked beans.
• Follow the temperature reduction technique to ensure beans become perfectly tender without drying out.
• Monitor moisture levels during baking, adding extra broth if the mixture looks too dry to prevent burning.

Unique Variations for Root Beer Baked Beans

• Vegetarian Bean Delight: Replace bacon with smoked tempeh or plant-based bacon alternatives, using olive oil instead of bacon fat for sautéing vegetables, maintaining the rich root beer flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Bean Feast: Substitute barbecue sauce with gluten-free certified brands, ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free, perfect for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Sugar Bean Option: Use sugar-free root beer, replace brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener, and reduce maple syrup quantity, creating a diabetic-friendly version without compromising taste.
• Spicy Root Beer Bean Kick: Add diced jalapeños during vegetable sautéing, incorporate chipotle powder with chili powder, and include a dash of hot sauce for those craving extra heat.

Serving Baked Beans for BBQs and More

• Party Platter Perfection: Create a vibrant spread with crispy cornbread, tangy coleslaw, and grilled sausages alongside the root beer baked beans for a crowd-pleasing meal.
• Picnic Powerhouse: Pack these beans in a portable container for outdoor gatherings, complemented by sliced ham, fresh green salad, and buttery dinner rolls for a delightful summer feast.
• Comfort Food Combo: Pair the beans with slow-cooked pulled pork, creamy mac and cheese, and buttered corn on the cob for a hearty, soul-satisfying dinner that celebrates classic American comfort food.
• Barbecue Buddy: Serve as a stellar side dish at backyard cookouts, matching perfectly with grilled chicken, smoky ribs, and a cold craft beer for the ultimate outdoor dining experience.

Storing Root Beer Baked Beans for Later

• Transfer cooled beans to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odor absorption.
• Pack beans in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining best flavor and texture.
• Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Reheat beans in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add small amounts of broth or water to restore moisture and prevent scorching, ensuring even heating throughout.

FAQs

• Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?

Yes, you can substitute dried beans with canned beans. Drain and rinse 3-4 cans of navy beans, then skip the soaking and initial cooking steps. Adjust cooking time accordingly, as canned beans are already cooked.

• Is root beer essential for this recipe?

Root beer adds a unique sweetness and depth of flavor. If unavailable, you can substitute with cola or a mixture of cola and molasses to maintain similar sweetness and complexity.

• What if I don't have all the specific sauces?

You can make substitutions. For barbecue sauce, use ketchup with extra brown sugar. Replace Worcestershire sauce with soy sauce or additional molasses. The key is maintaining a balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.

Delicious Root Beer Baked Beans Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Root beer baked beans showcase classic American comfort cuisine with a sweet and tangy twist. Rich molasses and smoky bacon elevate this hearty side dish you’ll want to serve at summer gatherings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups dried navy beans
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth, or water (plus extra if needed)
• 4 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked to a crisp and chopped

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped (around 3/4 cup)
• 1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Flavor Enhancers and Seasonings:

• 1 cup quality root beer
• 1/3 cup ketchup
• 1/3 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Meticulously rinse and sort navy beans, then submerge them in water, ensuring liquid covers beans by 3 inches. Allow beans to soak overnight or use quick-soak method: boil, then rest for 1 hour before draining.
2. Transfer soaked beans to large oven-safe pot with broth, simmer uncovered for 1 hour until partially tender.
3. Crisp bacon in separate skillet over medium heat until golden brown. Remove bacon, reserving rendered fat.
4. Sauté chopped onions, bell peppers, and garlic in bacon drippings until vegetables caramelize and soften, approximately 5 minutes.
5. Whisk root beer, ketchup, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, maple syrup, molasses, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and chili powder into harmonious sauce mixture.
6. Heat oven to 350°F, positioning rack in middle position.
7. Fold simmered beans, sautéed vegetables, crumbled bacon, and prepared sauce together in pot, ensuring thorough incorporation.
8. Cover pot, bake for 30 minutes. Uncover, reduce temperature to 300°F, and continue baking for 1 hour.
9. Further reduce oven to 250°F, re-cover, and slow-cook for additional 2 hours until beans reach desired tenderness. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, adding liquid if mixture appears dry.
10. Serve piping hot, showcasing rich, complex flavor profile.

Notes

• Soak beans thoroughly to ensure even cooking and softer texture, reducing potential digestive discomfort.
• Experiment with different root beer brands to find the most complementary flavor profile for your baked beans.
• For vegetarian adaptation, replace bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke to maintain depth of flavor without meat.
• Control bean moisture by checking liquid levels during slow baking, adding water or broth if mixture becomes too dry.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg