Kitchies! Let’s talk about the ultimate BBQ side dish—smoked baked beans. These Traeger Smoked Baked Beans are rich, smoky, slightly sweet, and have just the right kick of heat. Slow-smoked on a Traeger grill, they absorb that incredible wood-fired flavor, making them the perfect complement to ribs, brisket, pulled pork, or even grilled chicken.
What makes these beans truly special? Layers of flavor. We’re talking crispy bacon, caramelized onions, garlic, and a touch of brown sugar and BBQ sauce—all slow-smoked for that irresistible deep, smoky taste. Plus, the hands-off Traeger method makes it easy to get perfectly thick, saucy beans with minimal effort!
Why You’ll Love These Smoked Baked Beans ❤️
✔️ Deep, smoky flavor – Thanks to the Traeger, these beans absorb all that wood-fired goodness.
✔️ Sweet & savory balance – A perfect mix of brown sugar, molasses, and smoky bacon.
✔️ Perfect BBQ side dish – Pairs amazingly with smoked meats!
✔️ Set it and forget it – Let the Traeger do the work while you relax.
✔️ Customizable heat level – Make it mild or add extra spice!
A Family Favorite for BBQ Night! 🍖
My husband and I are die-hard BBQ lovers, and no cookout feels complete without these smoked baked beans. The first time I made them, he took one bite and said, “These taste like a BBQ joint’s secret recipe!” Now, it’s a must-haveanytime we fire up the Traeger.
They’ve become a staple at summer cookouts, family gatherings, and tailgates. The smoky bacon, sweet molasses, and tangy BBQ sauce come together in a way that makes them absolutely irresistible. Plus, they get even better the next day—so we always make a double batch!
Why These Smoked Baked Beans Are Next-Level
Not all baked beans are created equal. Here’s why these are the best:
- Smoked for 2-3 hours – That slow, wood-fired smoke infuses every bite.
- Thick, rich sauce – No runny beans here! The sauce is perfectly thick and sticky.
- Loaded with bacon – Because bacon makes everything better.
- Sweet, smoky, and tangy – The brown sugar, BBQ sauce, and mustard create an amazing flavor balance.
Tips for the Best Smoked Baked Beans 🏆
✔️ Use a cast-iron skillet – It retains heat and gives the beans a rich, caramelized texture.
✔️ Stir occasionally – This helps distribute the smoke flavor evenly.
✔️ Cook longer for thicker beans – If you like thicker beans, let them smoke for an extra 30 minutes.
✔️ Sweeten to taste – Adjust brown sugar and molasses to your preference.
✔️ Spice it up – Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or chipotle powder for extra heat.
Substitutions & Variations 🔄
🔥 Spicy Kick – Add diced jalapeños or swap regular BBQ sauce for a spicy version.
🥓 Extra Meaty – Stir in smoked sausage or pulled pork for a heartier dish.
🍁 Maple Twist – Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a deeper sweetness.
🌱 Vegetarian Option – Skip the bacon and use liquid smoke for flavor.
Make a Healthier Version 🌿
Want to lighten it up? Here’s how:
✔️ Use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon.
✔️ Cut back on sugar and add a little more apple cider vinegar for balance.
✔️ Choose low-sodium baked beans to reduce salt content.
Final Thoughts – The Perfect BBQ Side Dish!
And there you have it—rich, smoky, Traeger Smoked Baked Beans that will steal the show at any BBQ! Whether you’re serving them alongside ribs, brisket, or pulled pork, these beans are guaranteed to be a crowd favorite.
Make them once, and I promise—you’ll never go back to regular baked beans again! 😍🔥
What’s your favorite BBQ dish to serve with these beans? Let me know in the comments! 🍖✨
Recipe Categories:
Side Dish, BBQ, Smoked Recipes, Comfort Food
Tags:
#SmokedBakedBeans #TraegerRecipes #BBQSideDishes #SmokedBeans #SummerBBQ
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Traeger Smoked Baked Beans
Description
These Traeger Smoked Baked Beans are rich, smoky, slightly sweet, and have just the right kick of heat.
Ingredients
For the Smoked Baked Beans:
- 2 cans (28 oz each) baked beans (Bush’s Original or your favorite brand)
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite brand)
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Traeger
1️⃣ Set your Traeger (or pellet grill) to 225°F and use hickory, apple, or cherry wood pellets for the best smoky flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon & Onions
1️⃣ In a cast-iron skillet (or oven-safe pan), cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and drain on a paper towel.
2️⃣ In the same skillet, sauté the onions and garlic in the bacon grease until soft and caramelized (about 3-4 minutes).
Step 3: Mix the Beans
1️⃣ In a large oven-safe dish (or aluminum foil pan for easy cleanup), combine:
- Baked beans
- BBQ sauce
- Brown sugar
- Molasses
- Dijon mustard
- Apple cider vinegar
- Smoked paprika
- Black pepper & red pepper flakes
2️⃣ Stir in the cooked bacon and onions.
Step 4: Smoke the Beans
1️⃣ Place the pan of beans directly on the Traeger grill grates.
2️⃣ Smoke for 2 to 3 hours at 225°F, stirring occasionally.
3️⃣ The beans will thicken as they cook and develop a deep, smoky flavor.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
1️⃣ Remove from the Traeger and let sit for 10 minutes before serving.
2️⃣ Garnish with extra crispy bacon for the ultimate finishing touch!
