Apple Pie Baked Beans
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
These one-pot apple pie baked beans are a delicious side dish filled with wholesome ingredients. Bacon, beans, and apples are baked in a sweet and tangy sauce until bubbly. They're easy to make, delicious year-round, and they're ready in just an hour!
For more delicious bean recipes, try our cheesy white bean tomato bake and our black bean corn chili.
It doesn't get better than these apple pie baked beans. Between the bacon, bourbon, apples, and honey (or maple syrup), they're a hearty and filling side dish that's loaded with flavor.
Apples might seem like an unlikely ingredient, but they soften up nicely when they bake and they add a wonderful sweetness that will remind you a little of apple pie.
They're really easy to make, too. So easy that you'll wonder why you've never made homemade baked beans before!
We often double or triple this recipe because these baked beans freeze well for quick and easy dinners. They're also made in one pot so clean-up is an absolute breeze. In other words, these apple pie baked beans are an absolute winner!
What's in apple pie baked beans?
These baked beans with apples are full of wholesome ingredients, and most of them you're likely to have on hand. Here's everything you need to make them:
- Bacon – bacon adds a ton of flavor to these beans. We use streaky bacon (also known as American bacon or side bacon) which is the regular type you'd find at most grocery stores.
- Bourbon – save your fancy stuff because an average bourbon will do!
- Onion + garlic – a classic savory flavor.
- Apples – you can use any variety of apples but firm ones tend to work best.
- Cannellini beans and navy beans – we use both cannellini and navy beans for a mix of textures. You can use just one or the other if you prefer.
- BBQ sauce – your favorite BBQ sauce, or whatever you have in the fridge will do the trick!
- Honey or maple syrup – honey or pure maple syrup both add a lovely sweetness to the beans.
- Balsamic vinegar – the sweet-tart taste of balsamic vinegar adds some tang and makes these beans a bit darker in color.
- Soy sauce – soy sauce is what we use for saltiness and it also helps give these beans a darker color.
- Dijon mustard – for a kick of tangy pungent flavor.
- Chili powder, smoked paprika, and cinnamon – this mix of seasonings gives these beans a bit of heat, smokiness, and sweetness.
How to make apple pie baked beans
These one-pot apple baked beans are delicious and so simple to throw together. You'll wonder why you've never made them at home before! Here's how to make them in just two easy steps:
- Cook the bacon in a large pot on the stove, then add the onion until it softens.
- Pour in the bourbon and scrape off any stuck bits at the bottom. Add the rest of the ingredients, give it a good stir, then pop it in the oven to bake until thickened and bubbly. That's it!
What to eat with apple baked beans
These apple pie baked beans are one of those hearty side dishes you can enjoy with just about anything. They're perfect for dinner parties in the summer with grilled or BBQ foods, and of course corn on the cob. Oh, and don't forget the lemonade!
They're also just really warm and comforting, so they're delicious in the fall and winter months. Enjoy them for breakfast with some chorizo scrambled eggs, or for lunch or dinner with brown rice or garlic bread, and a crunchy kale salad.
Recipe FAQs
What can I substitute for the bacon?
If pork is off the table, you can use turkey bacon or beef sausage. For a vegetarian alternative, use a good quality liquid smoke.
Can I omit the bourbon?
Yes, bourbon is not necessary, but you'll need to replace it with another liquid like apple juice, broth, or even water.
Can I use apple pie filling instead of apples?
We don't recommend it. Apple pie filling often contains sweeteners and preservatives, so we prefer fresh apples.
Can I freeze baked beans?
Absolutely! These baked beans freeze really well. Store them in an airtight container in your freezer for up to three months.
How long do they keep in the fridge?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in our refrigerator for 3 days.
Apple Pie Baked Beans Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 strips bacon (chopped)
- 1 medium yellow onion (minced)
- ½ cup bourbon
- 2 large apples (skin on, one quartered then sliced, one roughly chopped (firm apples such as Ambrosia, Rose, Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best))
- 28 ounce can white cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)
- 28 ounce can white navy beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce
- ¼ – ½ cup honey or maple syrup (depending on the sweetness of your BBQ sauce)
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (gluten-free if needed)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1-2 teaspoons chili powder (be careful as some chili powder can be quite spicy)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Add the bacon to a large pot over medium-high heat. Cook for 2 minutes, or until the bacon begins releasing its fat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes, or until the onion starts to brown, and the bacon is cooked through.4 strips bacon, 1 medium yellow onion
- Add the bourbon to the pot and scrape the bottom to remove any stuck on bits. Add all the remaining ingredients and give the pot a good stir. Cover the pot and bake in the oven for 45 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and is bubbly.½ cup bourbon, 2 large apples, 28 ounce can white cannellini beans, 28 ounce can white navy beans, 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce, ¼ – ½ cup honey or maple syrup, ¼ cup balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 2 cloves garlic, 1-2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Video
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
If you liked these apple pie baked beans, check out the rest of our side dish recipes!
