Crock Pot Baked Beans With Bacon

Once you try crock pot baked beans with bacon you’ll never eat them straight from the can again. Great for summer BBQs and game-day parties!

Original post: September 2017 | Post updated: April 2023

Why This Recipe Works

Delicious baked beans. I have always enjoyed them, but for most of my life I avoided making them from scratch. It was so easy to open canned beans, heat them on the stove top and serve them!

Those days are gone. With just a tiny bit of extra effort, this easy slow cooker recipe creates the perfect side dish or party food. Here are a few reasons why I love this recipe so much:

• These easy baked beans are a total game changer and such a great recipe.
• Creating slow cooker baked beans is definitely the way to go. You’ll have one less pot on the stove top and you can keep your kitchen cool in the summer.
• The savory sauce has the most perfect flavor, with a touch of sweetness.
• Bacon baked beans are the best!
• It’s an upgrade from the canned stuff, but without much effort on your end. Slow cooker recipes are so easy!

I wish I could adequately explain how delicious they are. They are a great addition to game day party spreads or summer cookouts.

How To Make Crockpot Baked Beans with Bacon

Step 1

Add a few simple ingredients to a slow cooker:

• Cooked bacon (chopped)
• Kidney beans
• 2 cans of pork and beans
• Large sweet onion (white or yellow onion are both great options)
• Light brown sugar or dark brown sugar
• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper

Step 2

Mix well. Cover and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours. Stir these slow cooker beans a few times throughout the cooking process, if possible.

Recipe Notes

• Cook the bacon on the stove top or in the oven! My favorite way to cook a pound of bacon is by placing it in a single layer on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake at 375 degrees F for 12-15 minutes. How much bacon you add is completely up to you!
• Replace crispy bacon with cooked ground beef or sausage, if desired, or omit meat entirely for a meat free recipe.
• Kidney beans can be replaced with pinto beans, cannellini, navy beans or great northern beans.
• A splash of apple cider vinegar will tame the sweetness if you find you’ve added too much sugar.
• Add up to 1/4 cup of your favorite bbq sauce to add an extra zing to the recipe.
• A few drops of liquid smoke add a nice smoky flavor to this dish.
• If you have leftover ham from a ham bone, chop some up and throw it in!
• Chopped green bell peppers add the perfect crunch and flavor.
• For a sweeter flavor, add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
• And for fun, how about throwing in some sliced hot dogs!

What To Eat With Baked Beans

Read on for 21 delicious ideas about what to serve with baked beans for a complete meal. A small selection of the recipes in the roundup include:

• Steak bites
• BBQ ribs
• Sausage cheese dip

How Long Do Baked Beans Last in the Fridge

When stored in an airtight container in the fridge, baked beans will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Can Dogs Eat Baked Beans

Dogs should not consume baked beans, as they often contain ingredients that are toxic for canines such as onions, garlic and preservatives.

Can You Freeze Cooked Baked Beans

Baked beans can definitely be frozen after they have been cooked. Allow them to cool to room temperature first. Transfer to either a heavy-duty freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Place in the freezer and store for up to 4 months for best results.

Pressure Cooker Baked Beans Recipe

Yes, you definitely can! This baked bean recipe is made from scratch using dry beans with NO SOAKING required! The Instant Pot transforms baked beans into a flavorful side dish!

The beans cook perfectly every time. Perfect party food or side for any meal or gathering!

What To Do With Leftover Baked Beans

If you have leftover baked beans on your hands and you’re not sure what to do with them, give some of these delicious options a try:

• Throw them into your next batch of chili!
• Combine with veggies such as onions, bell peppers and tomatoes to create a yummy salad. Drizzle a little olive oil into the mix, along with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
• Spoon some of the mixture over bbq sandwiches with pork.
• They act as the perfect quesadilla, burrito or taco filling.
• Top a baked potato with a spoonful of the mixture.

Are Baked Beans Good for You

Beans provide fiber and protein, but when they’re combined with bacon and sugar they are not considered a “healthy” dish. It leans to the side of indulgent comfort, which is why it is a great party food as opposed to being a weekly staple.

Best Summer Side Dishes

• Throwing together a delicious easy coleslaw should be simple. This classic coleslaw contains shredded cabbage, creamy vinaigrette dressing and it’s not loaded down with mayo!
• Cook the potatoes and eggs together in a single pot! Make potato salad in your pressure cooker! This is the perfect party food or summer side dish!
• Deviled eggs are an American classic! Known best for their appearances at summer potlucks and Easter dinner, they are a delicious addition to any gathering. Deviled eggs are a simple, easy-to-make finger food that should not be underestimated!
• This is the best chopped salad you will ever eat! Make a batch to enjoy for lunch throughout the week or serve at your next gathering. Every time I serve this salad I get rave reviews!
• Make a favorite summer finger food in your Instant Pot: Perfectly cooked corn on the cob every single time. Great for dinner any night of the week and potlucks, too!

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