Discover the perfect blend of sweet and spicy with these Smoked Pineapple Baked Beans. This award-winning recipe combines the rich flavors of smoked bacon, tangy pineapple, and a hint of jalapeño heat to create a side dish that’s sure to impress at any barbecue or family gathering. The slow-smoking process infuses each bite with a deep, smoky essence, elevating traditional baked beans to a whole new level.
Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or looking to add a unique twist to your dinner table, these Smoked Pineapple Baked Beans are a versatile and crowd-pleasing option. The combination of sweet pineapple and spicy jalapeño, balanced with the savory richness of bacon, makes this dish a standout accompaniment to grilled meats, burgers, or even as a hearty standalone treat. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself returning to time and time again.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 8 slices of bacon, cut into ½ inch squares
- ½ cup white onion, finely diced
- ½ red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, diced (remove seeds for less heat)
- 55 oz can of baked beans
- 8 oz can of pineapple tidbits, drained (reserve juice)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup ketchup
- ½ tablespoon dry mustard powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon pieces until they begin to crisp. Remove and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
- Sauté the diced onion, red bell pepper, and jalapeño in the bacon fat until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- In a disposable aluminum pan, combine the sautéed vegetables, baked beans, pineapple tidbits, brown sugar, ketchup, and dry mustard powder. Mix thoroughly. If the mixture is too thick, add some reserved pineapple juice to reach the desired consistency.
- Place the cooked bacon pieces on top of the bean mixture.
- Smoke the beans in the preheated smoker for 2½ to 3 hours over indirect heat, until bubbling and heated through. Alternatively, bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 1 hour.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 3 hours | Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 346 kcal per serving | Servings: 15 servings
Flavor Profile
The Smoked Pineapple Baked Beans recipe delivers a beautifully balanced flavor profile. The bacon adds a savory richness, while the pineapple brings in a touch of natural sweetness and tanginess. The jalapeño offers a mild heat, which can be adjusted according to your taste by adding more or less of the pepper or even leaving the seeds in for extra spice. The brown sugar and ketchup round out the dish with a deep caramelized sweetness and a tangy finish, while the smoke enhances every bite with a rich, wood-fired essence.
Perfect for Gatherings
This dish is ideal for summer barbecues, family gatherings, and potlucks. The bold flavors pair wonderfully with grilled meats like brisket, ribs, or pulled pork, but it’s also hearty enough to be a standalone vegetarian dish (omit the bacon for a meat-free version). The beans stay warm for a long time, making them a practical option for buffet-style serving.
You can also serve them as part of a Southern-themed meal alongside cornbread, coleslaw, and potato salad.
Tips for the Perfect Beans
- Choose the Right Beans: While the recipe uses canned baked beans for convenience, you can substitute with cooked dried beans if you prefer a more homemade approach. Pinto beans, navy beans, or great northern beans work well.
- Experiment with Smoking Woods: Different types of wood will impart unique flavors to the beans. Hickory or mesquite wood adds a bold, smoky flavor, while fruitwoods like apple or cherry provide a subtler, sweeter smoke.
- Consistency Control: If you prefer thicker baked beans, let the mixture simmer a little longer before placing it in the smoker. For looser beans, add more reserved pineapple juice or even a splash of apple cider vinegar for an extra tang.
Custom Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier version of the dish.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and sauté the vegetables in olive oil or butter. You can also add a plant-based bacon alternative for a smoky flavor.
- Extra Savory: If you want an even deeper flavor, stir in a few teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce or liquid smoke.
Make Ahead and Storage
This recipe is great for making ahead of time. Once prepared, you can refrigerate the beans for up to 3 days. Simply reheat them on the stove over low heat or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through. Leftovers freeze well too—store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Origin of the Recipe
Smoked baked beans are a quintessential Southern barbecue side dish, beloved for their hearty texture, smoky aroma, and sweet-savory flavor profile. This particular variation adds a unique tropical twist with pineapple, bringing a fresh, tangy dimension to the traditional dish. The recipe combines classic Southern flavors with a bit of heat from the jalapeño and a caramelized sweetness from brown sugar, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. The slow-smoking method not only infuses a deep, rich flavor but also creates a thick, luscious sauce as the beans cook.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Balanced Sweetness and Heat: The pineapple chunks and brown sugar create a perfectly sweet base that’s balanced by the smoky bacon and a hint of spice from the jalapeño.
- Customizable to Your Taste: You can adjust the heat level, add more bacon for extra savoriness, or even swap out the pineapple for peaches for a different fruit twist.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or bringing a dish to a potluck, these beans are sure to impress. Plus, the recipe makes a large batch, so it’s ideal for feeding a crowd.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe is perfect for both beginner cooks and experienced pitmasters.
Serving Suggestions
These smoked pineapple baked beans pair beautifully with a variety of grilled or smoked meats. Here are some ideas for serving:
- With Grilled Meats: Serve alongside smoked brisket, ribs, pulled pork, or grilled chicken for a classic barbecue meal.
- With Sandwiches: These beans make a flavorful side dish for pulled pork or smoked turkey sandwiches.
- With Cornbread: A slice of buttery, golden cornbread is the perfect accompaniment to soak up the sweet and smoky sauce.
- Topped with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle a handful of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro over the beans before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
Variations to Try
- Maple Bacon Beans: Substitute the brown sugar with pure maple syrup for a rich, smoky-sweet flavor.
- Spicy Peach Baked Beans: Swap out the pineapple for diced fresh or canned peaches and add a dash of cayenne pepper for a sweet and spicy twist.
- Vegetarian Smoked Beans: Replace the bacon with smoked paprika and a splash of liquid smoke to achieve that signature smoky flavor without the meat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this recipe without a smoker?
A: Absolutely! If you don’t have a smoker, you can bake the beans in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 1 hour. To mimic the smoky flavor, add ½ to 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke to the bean mixture before baking.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Leftover smoked baked beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months—just thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: Can I use fresh beans instead of canned?
A: Yes, you can use fresh cooked beans if you prefer. Pinto beans, navy beans, or great northern beans are excellent options. Simply soak and cook them ahead of time, and then follow the recipe as written.
Pro Tip for Smoking the Beans
For best results, use a smoker with a water pan to keep the beans moist during the cooking process. You can also experiment with different types of wood chips to enhance the flavor. Hickory and mesquite provide a strong smoky flavor, while apple and cherry wood chips add a sweeter, milder smokiness.
Conclusion
Smoked Pineapple Baked Beans are the ultimate side dish for any barbecue, bringing together bold, smoky flavors with a delightful touch of sweetness and spice. The combination of tender beans, crispy bacon, tangy pineapple, and just the right amount of heat creates a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout, attending a potluck, or simply craving a hearty, flavorful side, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
With its rich flavor, customizable ingredients, and ease of preparation, these baked beans will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection. Serve it alongside your favorite grilled meats or as part of a Southern-inspired meal, and watch it disappear from the table in no time!