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–+ servings

Root Beer Baked Beans

Ines Kitchen
Rich, sticky, and incredibly savory, these Homemade Root Beer Baked Beans will completely change how you make BBQ sides. Infused with the bold flavor of root beer, molasses, brown sugar, and salty bacon, this recipe creates a thick sauce that clings to every bean. It serves as an amazing side dish for Super Bowl parties, potlucks, or a cozy winter dinner alongside brisket or burgers. You can easily prep this in a Slow Cooker or bake it in the oven until bubbly. A Southern classic that is sweet, smoky, and effortless.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 290 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 slices bacon diced
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 3 15 to 16-ounce cans pork and beans, not drained
  • 1 cup root beer regular, not diet
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons molasses
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon salt optional

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 325°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until browned and most of the fat has rendered, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 2 tablespoons drippings in the skillet and drain the rest.
  • Add onion to the skillet and cook 4 to 5 minutes until softened and lightly golden. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
  • In the baking dish, combine pork and beans (with sauce), bacon, and onion-garlic mixture.
  • Stir in root beer, ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, mustard, Worcestershire, vinegar, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt (if using).
  • Bake uncovered for 60 minutes. Stir well.
  • Bake uncovered another 30 to 45 minutes, stirring once, until thick and glossy.
  • Rest 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

For thicker beans, bake in 10-minute bursts, stirring each time, until the sauce looks right.
If the sauce gets too thick after chilling, stir in a splash of root beer or water while reheating.
Nutrition information is estimated and will vary based on brands used.

Nutrition

Calories: 290kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 9gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 18mgSodium: 780mgPotassium: 520mgFiber: 7gSugar: 19g