I know what you’re thinking. Root Beer Baked Beans are a must try. Root beer in baked beans? What are some of the best smoky chocolates that are addictive? I always make these for summer barbecues, and they are always the first thing to disappear. Think of your classic baked beans, but elevated with the nostalgic taste of root beer. It’s like a party in your mouth, and honestly, they’re so much more interesting than plain old fashioned. What are barbecue beans? I’ve even converted some serious bean skeptics with this recipe!

What is Root Beer Baked Beans?

Root Beer Baked Beans are essentially a kicked-up version of the classic comfort food. Think of it as taking everything you love about traditional baked beans – the tender beans, the flavorful beans. Why is bacon savory, the sweet molasses – and then giving it a major upgrade with the unmistakable flavor. What is essentially a simmered dish where the beans soak up all that yummy root beer goodness, adding sour cream and spices? Is there a sweetness to baked beans that you can’t get with regular ones? Is root beer overpowering? Is it mellow during baking? What is the flavor profile Is it something you have to taste to believe?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What are some of the best reasons to buy beans? What I love about this recipe is the incredible flavor. The root beer adds a sweetness and spice that is totally unexpected and incredibly delicious. What is a good side dish for barbecue? What is a good barbecue recipe? Is it really just dumping everything into a pot and letting it simmer? I always do this when I’m expecting company and want a delicious side without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, these beans are really cost-effective. Dried beans are super cheap, and you probably already have most of the other ingredients in your pantry.

What are some of the best things about a banana? I’ve served them with burgers, hot dogs, pulled pork, even grilled chicken. They go with everything! Is it possible to add different kinds of beans, spices, or even a splash of water to the recipe? Why not add bourbon to your meal? Is it a fun and flexible recipe that always impresses? Is Root Beer Baked Beans the same as regular beans?

How do I make Root Beer Baked Beans?

Quick Overview

How do you make a pot of beans? How do you soak beans, cook bacon, and simmer everything together in a pot? What is a root beer sauce? What is the beauty of this recipe? What’s the best way to get the most flavorful baked beans? Which is always a win in my book!

Ingredients

For the Beans:
* 1 pound dried navy beans (I prefer navy, but Great Northern or cannellini beans will also work). Is it safe to soak them overnight?
* 8 cups water (for soaking)
* 1 teaspoon salt (for soaking)

What is the recipe for Root Beer Sauce?
* 6 slices bacon, diced (Use a good quality bacon and it really makes difference!
* 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup root beer (Use your favorite brand! Just be sure it’s not diet.)
* 1/2 cup ketchup
* 1/4 cup molasses
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

What are the steps to

Step 1: Soak the Beans

Place the dried navy beans in a large bowl and cover with 8 cups of water. Add 1 teaspoon of salt. Let them soak overnight or for at least 8 hours. What is the best way to soften beans and reduce cooking time? I learned the hard way. I tried to rush it once and ended up with rock-hard beans. Not fun!

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, reserving about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat. What is bacon fat and why is it important for beans?

Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Add the chopped onion to the pot with the reserved bacon fat and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. How do you cook garlic?

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Drain and rinse the soaked beans. Add them to the pot with the cooked onion and garlic. What are the ingredients for the root beer, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard and smoked salmon? What are the differences between black pepper and paprik Stir well to combine.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the pot and bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 3-4 hours, or until the beans are tender. Is it necessary to check the beans regularly and add more water if needed to keep them covered? The baking time can vary depending on your oven and the age of the beans, so just keep an eye on them. I always start checking around the 3-hour mark. I like to check around that point.

Step 6: Add Bacon and Finish Baking

During the last 30 minutes of baking, stir in the cooked bacon. How does bacon flavor meld with beans? Continue baking, uncovered, for 30 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 7: Cool Slightly and Serve

How do you remove baked beans from the oven and let them cool before serving? What is the best way to develop a flavor? I always sneak a taste at this point, just to make sure they’re perfect!

What should I serve it with?

Root Beer Baked Beans are the perfect side dish for any occasion!

What is a classic BBQ?Serve them alongside grilled burgers, hot dogs, or pulled pork sandwiches. What are some of the best grilled meats?

What are some ideas for a summer cookout?What are some good side dishes to serve with grilled chicken, corn on the cob, and a fresh watermelon salad? What is the ultimate summer feast?

For a Weeknight Dinner:What are some good side dishes to serve with grilled cheese and meatloaf? Seriously, they elevate even the simplest meal.

Potlucks and Parties: WhatWhenever I have potlucks or parties, I put these in a slow cooker to keep warm, and they always come out nice and crispy.

My family loves them with everything. They’re also great on their own, straight out of the fridge… Is it true that I have never done that, of course? What are the best ways to serve these with Coleslaw?

How do I make a root beer baked bean recipe?

Okay, after making these beans countless times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that I think will really help you nail this recipe.

Don’t Skip the Soaking: I know it’s tempting to skip the soaking step, but trust me, it’s crucial for getting tender beans. If you forget to soak them overnight, you can try a quick-soak method by boiling the beans for 2 minutes, then letting them sit in the hot water for an hour. But really, overnight is best.

Bacon Matters: Use a good quality bacon! The flavor of the bacon really shines through in this recipe, so it’s worth spending a little extra on a good brand. I personally love using thick-cut bacon for extra smoky flavor.

Adjust the Sweetness: If you find the beans too sweet, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or molasses. Alternatively, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to balance out the sweetness with a little heat. I always do this if I want to take the savory level up a notch.

Spice it Up: Speaking of heat, feel free to experiment with different spices! A little chili powder, cumin, or even a dash of hot sauce can add a fun twist to the flavor. I’ve even tried adding a chopped jalapeño for some serious kick!

Use a Dutch Oven: Baking the beans in a Dutch oven really helps to distribute the heat evenly and create a more flavorful result. But if you don’t have a Dutch oven, a regular oven-safe pot will also work just fine.

Let Them Rest: As with most dishes, these beans taste even better the next day! The flavors really meld together as they sit, so if you have time, make them a day ahead of time. You will not regret this I promise!

Root Beer Choice: The type of root beer you use will impact the final taste. I prefer using a root beer with natural ingredients to avoid a too artificial flavor. Barq’s Root Beer is a solid standard.

Storing and Reheating Tips

These Root Beer Baked Beans are great for making ahead, and they store really well. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving these out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, especially if it’s warm. Bacteria loves warm, moist environments!

Refrigerator Storage: Store the cooled beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They actually taste even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld together. This makes them an ideal candidate for meal prepping!

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the beans for up to 2-3 months. Let them cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. I like to portion them out into individual servings for easy thawing.

Glaze Timing Advice: Not needed for these beans, but if you were to glaze something then, with different storage methods, it is best to only add glaze when you are just about to eat the food.

Reheating Tips: To reheat, simply microwave the beans until heated through, or warm them up in a saucepan over medium heat. If they seem a little dry, add a splash of water or root beer. I like to add a pat of butter for extra richness. Also, when reheating, it is better to take it out the fridge or freezer a day before to let the beans soften up and not be shocked by the heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the bacon and use a tablespoon or two of olive oil to sauté the onion and garlic. You can also add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to mimic the smoky flavor of the bacon.

Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?

While I prefer the texture and flavor of dried beans, you can definitely use canned beans in a pinch. Use about 6 cups of cooked canned beans, and reduce the baking time to about 1-1.5 hours, or until the sauce has thickened.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! After sautéing the onion and garlic, combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. I love making these in the slow cooker for potlucks and parties!

What if I don’t have molasses?

You can substitute maple syrup or honey for the molasses, but the flavor will be slightly different. Molasses adds a really unique depth of flavor, so if you can find it, I highly recommend using it.

Can I add other types of beans?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of beans, such as kidney beans, pinto beans, or even black beans. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – my family’s favorite Root Beer Baked Beans recipe! I really hope you give these a try. They’re such a fun and unexpected twist on a classic dish, and they’re always a hit. They’re perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or just a cozy weeknight dinner. And who knows, you might just convert a few bean skeptics along the way! If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my recipe for Dr. Pepper pulled pork, or my cola infused ribs. I think you might see a theme of soda infusions happening.

If you try them out, be sure to let me know in the comments below! I’d love to hear how they turned out and if you made any fun variations. Happy baking, errr… I mean, happy bean-ing!