Bourbon Bacon Grilled Baked Beans are smoky, brown sugar–sweetened beans loaded with crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and a splash of your favorite bourbon. This upgraded, semi-homemade barbecue classic comes together quickly and simmers on the grill to a thick, bubbly, flavor-packed finish.
Yes—these Bourbon Bacon Baked Beans are made on the barbecue grill. It’s one of those ideas you wonder why you didn’t try sooner: smoky outdoor heat adds a subtle, delicious depth to classic baked beans.
For me, summer means patio time: a cold beer, the sizzle of the grill, music, flip-flops, and kids playing somewhere in the background. When I can make the whole meal outdoors, it’s even better. Recipes like Sticky Asian Chicken Thighs, Grilled Asparagus, Teriyaki Kabobs, and Grilled Triple Berry Crisp often join the lineup on patio nights.
Baked beans have a long history in North America, with Native American and early colonial roots. Traditionally, beans were parboiled and then slowly stewed with sweeteners like molasses and salty pork. Those deep, sweet-and-savory flavors—thick sauce, balanced sweetness, and smoky bacon—are exactly what make a pot of beans irresistible.
This recipe keeps those classic flavors but shortens the time by using a high-quality canned baked bean as a base. It’s a great semi-homemade solution for weeknight grilling when you don’t have hours to slow-cook from scratch.
How to make Bourbon Bacon Grilled Baked Beans
I typically use a 16.5-ounce can of baked beans for the base (Bush’s is my go-to, but any brand will work). The rest is simple: crisp bacon and soften onion in a cast-iron skillet, then add the beans and a flavorful mix of bourbon, brown sugar, barbecue sauce, mustard, Worcestershire, and pantry spices. Finish by simmering the skillet on the grill over indirect heat until the sauce is thick and bubbly.
In a 9- or 10-inch cast-iron skillet, cook the bacon and diced onion over direct heat until the bacon crisps and the onions caramelize. Remove from direct flame, stir in the canned baked beans and the remaining ingredients, then move the skillet to indirect heat, cover, and let it simmer on the grill. Stir occasionally and cook until bubbly and thickened—about 30 minutes, depending on your grill.
Try a few other favorite grilled recipes:
- Grilled Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs
- Easy Grilled Parmesan Asparagus
- Grilled Asian Chicken Kabobs
- Grilled Street Corn Salad
- Grilled Goat Cheese Bruschetta
- Grilled Sweet Chipotle Pork Tenderloin with Cilantro Lime Chimichurri
If you make these Bourbon Bacon Grilled Baked Beans, please rate the recipe and leave a comment to share how they turned out—I’d love to hear from you.
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Bourbon Bacon Grilled Baked Beans
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound bacon, cut into 1/2″ strips
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 16.5 ounce can baked beans, any brand or flavor
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons prepared mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (chipotle or ancho preferred)
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-low to medium, about 300–350°F.
- In a 9- or 10-inch cast-iron skillet, add the bacon and diced onion.
- Cook over direct heat until the bacon begins to crisp and the onion caramelizes and browns.
- Move the skillet off the flame and add the can of baked beans and the remaining ingredients. Stir to combine.
- Place the skillet on indirect heat and close the grill lid.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes until the beans are bubbly and thickened to your liking.
Notes
Cook time may vary with grill size, temperature, and how often the lid is opened.
You can use a 9×9 or 10×10 metal baking pan or a large saucepan instead of cast iron.
Stovetop/oven option: Crisp bacon and brown the onion on the stovetop, add beans and remaining ingredients, then bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until bubbly and thickened.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 35 g |
Protein: 10 g |
Fat: 17 g