What to Eat With Baked Beans — 30+ Delicious Ideas

Wondering what to eat with baked beans to complement that quintessential summer dinner? Here, you'll find plenty of recipe inspiration. These dinner ideas are perfect with a big helping of baked beans, and you'll even find some of the best side dishes as well as bonus appetizers, drinks and desserts to make a complete meal.

The Ultimate Baked Bean Recipe

Oh, boy. I have your perfect baked beans recipe that you’ll want to make over and over again. When it comes to some of the best comfort foods, these baked beans are it.

So what makes this the best baked beans recipe? We cook this recipe in the smoker, which adds a layer of flavor with depth and complexity. That said, not everyone has a smoker, and they still taste delicious with a wonderfully savory flavor when baked in the oven.

Quick tip: If you do opt for baking as opposed to smoking, you can get that smoky flavor by adding a small amount of liquid smoke to taste. Keep in mind, a little goes a long way.

And then there’s the bacon. We don’t skimp here. Rather than tiny bacon bits, big chunks of everyone's favorite pork sits on top of these beans to deliver a serious flavor upgrade.

Let’s also not forget the sauce, which stands far above other baked beans. With many recipes calling for BBQ sauce, a lot of people simply reach for a bottle of that store-bought stuff. Instead, we make a quick and easy BBQ sauce right in the skillet that’s way better than anything you’d pick up at the store. We prepare this BBQ sauce with tomato sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, coffee, maple syrup, molasses, bourbon and a medley of spices for the perfect kick.

Smoked Baked Beans (With Optional Bourbon)

Your summer barbecue party isn’t complete without a side of these smoked baked beans! After cooking low and slow in the most incredible BBQ sauce with loads of bacon, these baked beans balance just the right spicy, sweet and smoky notes. You’ll never go back to canned baked beans after one bite.

Check out this recipe

And now let’s get into these favorite main courses and perfect side dishes to eat with your hearty baked beans.

Main Course Recipes

When you typically think of baked beans, an outdoor summer dinner is top of mind. Grilled and smoked meats are natural pairings for your main dishes. Is it even a brisket dinner without a side of baked beans? Let's not miss out on that classic combination to make one hearty meal.

But you don’t have to stop there. You’ll also love some classic comfort food, a good sandwich or sub, and even a certain summer pizza for something different.

Smoked Pellet Grill Brisket

Smoked Pellet Grill Brisket (Texas Style)

Let’s make your summer cookouts extra delicious with this smoked pellet grill brisket! After cooking low and slow, this Texas-style smoked brisket comes out melt-in-your mouth tender, and smoking a beef brisket is surprisingly simple, even if this is your first brisket. Your summer barbecues will be everyone’s favorite spot when this brisket is on the menu — it’s the ultimate summer dinner.

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Smoked Whole Chicken

Smoked Whole Chicken on a Pellet Grill

Your summer barbecues aren’t complete without this easy smoked whole chicken! Prepared with a simple yet flavorful spice rub, this chicken is smoked to perfection for the most succulent, tender and moist meat. Plus, this smoked chicken takes 10 minutes of hands-on preparation time, and you can smoke one or multiple chickens at a time.

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Jamaican Jerk Chicken

Jerk Chicken

When the islands are calling, this flavorful, spicy Jamaican jerk chicken will make you think you're on a tropical vacation! In about 15 minutes, you can throw together this homemade jerk marinade and take care of most of the hands-on preparation ahead of time for easy entertaining. Grill or oven roast this chicken -- both methods are delicious and guaranteed crowd pleasers. 

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Smoked Pellet Grill Ribs

Smoked Pellet Grill Ribs (3-2-1 Method)

Enjoy the most tender, finger-licking smoked pellet grill ribs using the easy 3-2-1 method! Featuring a perfectly balanced sweet, spicy and smoky dry rub, these fool-proof St. Louis-style pork spare ribs will be the star of your next summer barbecue party, and everyone will rave. These smoked ribs are a guaranteed hit.

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Maple-Braised Turkey

Maple-Braised Turkey Legs and Thighs

Give your Thanksgiving main course a fall twist with these maple-braised turkey legs and thighs! After slow cooking in the oven, these ultra moist turkey pieces turn fall-off-the-bone tender, and the real maple syrup adds a slight sweetness to complement the rich dark meat. For an easier, quicker alternative to roasting an entire bird, you will love this braised turkey recipe, especially if hosting a small crowd for Thanksgiving.

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Beer-Brined Schnitzel

Beer-Brined Schnitzel With Creamy Mushroom Gravy

Whether you're celebrating Oktoberfest or just looking for some serious comfort food, you'll love this beer-brined schnitzel with creamy mushroom gravy! Ultra moist, tender and flavorful, this German schnitzel is coated with panko breadcrumbs to make a perfectly crisp coating while the creamy mushroom gravy adds a decadent finishing touch.

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Smoked Tri Tip

Juicy Smoked Tri Tip

Put this ultra juicy smoked tri tip on the dinner menu when you need a meal that's sure to impress! In just 90 minutes with only a handful of simple ingredients and very little hands-on preparation, you can put the most flavorful, tender tri-tip steak on the table after smoking to absolute perfection. Bring your appetite because you and your guests will savor every succulent bite. 

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Jamaican Jerk Pork Shoulder

Jamaican Jerk Pork Shoulder

When you need to feed a crowd for your summer party, look no further than this Jamaican jerk pork shoulder! This succulent, ultra flavorful pork shoulder marinates in jerk spices overnight and then slowly roasts until it's melt-in-your-mouth tender. No summer gathering is complete without this tropical-inspired pork shoulder.

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Cheddar-Apple Stuffed Chicken Thighs

Cheddar-Apple Stuffed Chicken Thighs

This fall comfort food is as cozy as it gets. Melted cheddar, sweet apples and fresh thyme are stuffed in chicken thighs and then baked to perfection in a creamy garlic sauce. When only the most decadent meal will do, you need these cheddar-apple stuffed chicken thighs. 

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Slow Cooker Guinness Corned Beef

Slow Cooker Guinness Corned Beef

St. Patrick's Day dinner doesn't get easier than this slow cooker Guinness corned beef! After simmering in Guinness and an array of warm spices, this corned beef becomes fork tender and full of flavor. Whether you serve it with a side of cabbage or piled high on a sandwich, everyone always loves this easy-as-can-be corned beef.

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Smoked Burgers

Smoked Burgers

When warmer weather comes calling, you need to whip up a batch of these super easy smoked burgers, piled high with your favorite toppings! This recipe makes for some ultra juicy burgers with the perfect smoky flavor that will be the highlight of your summer barbecue parties. Plus, these delicious smoked burgers only require about 10 minutes of hands-on preparation time, and even a beginner cook can master this recipe.

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Salmon-Avocado Burgers

Salmon-Avocado Burgers With Lime-Sriracha Aioli

Made from freshly ground salmon, tender avocado and a touch of lemon zest, these salmon burgers are a delicious twist to your typical beef patty. We then top these salmon-avocado burgers with a homemade lime-sriracha aioli for a lively kick and devour.

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Cheeseburger Subs

Cheeseburger Sub With Special Sauce

Meet your new favorite party food! Perfectly toasted, soft rolls are filled with tender ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, a homemade special sauce and all your favorite toppings to make this cheeseburger sub recipe. Whether you serve these burger-inspired sub sandwiches at a watch party, tailgate or just a casual gathering, everyone is sure to love them.

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Smoked Duck

Smoked Duck With Spiced Pomegranate-Maple Glaze

Put an extra delicious touch to your holiday dinner with this juicy smoked duck! Finished with a spiced pomegranate-maple glaze for a festive spin, this duck features the most tender, succulent meat to make one memorable meal that's sure to impress. Don't be surprised if this smoked whole duck becomes a new family tradition.

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Pulled Pork BBQ Pizza

Pulled Pork BBQ Pizza With Potatoes and Caramelized Onions

This isn't your average pizza. With its tender pulled pork, spicy BBQ sauce, smoked cheese and sweet caramelized onions, this pizza delivers an explosion of flavors that makes for one crowd-pleasing meal. Don't be surprised if this pulled pork BBQ pizza becomes your new party favorite!

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Minted Lamb Burgers

Minted Lamb Burgers

Minted lamb burgers make for a fresh twist on a summer grilling classic! Served with a cooling tzatziki sauce and your favorite toppings, these perfectly seasoned lamb burgers are stuffed with fresh mint and feta that give every bite a burst of flavor, and they come together in under 30 minutes. These Mediterranean-inspired lamb burgers will be your new go-to recipe for all your summer parties.

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Buffalo Chicken Subs

Buffalo Chicken Sub

Meet the perfect party sandwich no one can resist — the Buffalo chicken sub! This spicy chicken sandwich takes less than 30 minutes to prepare and features shredded Buffalo chicken, gooey mozzarella, a drizzle of ranch dressing and tangy blue cheese crumbles, all on a toasted, buttery bun. You won’t find a more crowd-pleasing sandwich that’s perfect for casual gatherings and game day.

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Maine-Style Lobster Rolls

Maine-Style Lobster Rolls

Filled with tender lobster meat and just a touch of fresh herbs, these easy-to-make Maine-style lobster rolls are the perfect meal for a patio evening.

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Brie Grilled Cheese

Parmesan-Crusted Brie Grilled Cheese With Apricot, Avocado and Fresh Herbs

Full of melty, gooey goodness, this Parmesan-crusted Brie grilled cheese with apricot, avocado and fresh herbs is just what you need in your life.

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Smoked Turkey Wings

Crispy Smoked Turkey Wings

Skip the whole bird and make these crispy smoked turkey wings for your next holiday dinner! Thanks to a simple dry brining technique, these wings show off tender, succulent meat with that crispy turkey skin everyone loves. Preparing these wings only requires about 20 minutes of hands-on time, and then they smoke to absolute perfection. You’ll love this new holiday tradition for your delicious Thanksgiving dinner.

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Smoked Turkey Legs

Smoked Turkey Legs (Drumsticks)

Make your own succulent, delicious smoked turkey legs right from the comfort of your backyard! After soaking in a wet brine and coated with a BBQ dry rub, these turkey drumsticks come out perfectly tender with just the right kiss of smoky flavor. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or backyard cookout, these turkey legs are sure to be a crowd favorite.

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Additional main course ideas: hot dogs, pulled pork sandwich and grilled pork chops.

Side Dish Recipes

Of course, a big potluck isn’t complete with just one side dish. Pasta salad, potato salad and other favorite side dishes are a must. 

And even though baked beans typically mean summer barbecues, that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy some hot side dishes as well. Is there any occasion that doesn’t call for an ultra creamy mashed potato recipe? Let’s agree that mashed potatoes are always a perfect side dish, no matter the circumstance or time of year. 

Smoked Mac and Cheese

The Ultimate Smoked Mac and Cheese

Upgrade your comfort food game with the ultimate smoked mac and cheese! Made with cheddar, Gouda and Gruyère and topped with crispy panko crumbs, this cheesy pasta is the perfect side dish for your summer barbecues and holiday celebrations alike. Everyone will happily come back for seconds when this mac and cheese is on the dinner table.

Check out this recipe

Smoked Mashed Potatoes

Smoked Mashed Potatoes With Gouda

Give everyone’s favorite side dish a major flavor upgrade with these creamy smoked mashed potatoes! Prepared with browned butter, sour cream and rich Gouda, these mashed potatoes are infused with hickory notes to make the perfect accompaniment to any meal. Don’t be surprised if smoking becomes your new favorite way to prepare this classic side dish.

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Hawaiian Potato Salad

Hawaiian Potato Salad

No backyard party is complete without this Hawaiian potato salad! Featuring tender chunks of potato and loads of macaroni, this ultra creamy potato salad is a classic island side dish that’s perfect with just about any summer meal. It’s great for serving a large crowd, and it’s as simple as can be.

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Pesto Tortellini Salad

Pesto Tortellini Salad

Make your summer parties extra delicious with a big bowl of this pesto tortellini salad! Made with salami, artichoke hearts, fresh mozzarella balls and sun-dried tomatoes, this easy pasta salad is the perfect side dish for serving a crowd, and everyone will love the fresh flavor the pesto adds to every bite. Plus, this cheesy tortellini pasta salad recipe only requires five ingredients and takes about 20 minutes to prepare — this will be your go-to pasta salad for all summer parties.

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Coconut-Lime Rice

Tropical Coconut-Lime Rice

No summer meal is complete without a heaping side of this tropical coconut-lime rice! Made with caramelized coconut cream, this tender, fluffy Jasmine rice boasts summer's best flavors and makes the perfect side dish for any grill-out.

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Herbed Roasted Potato Salad

Herbed Roasted Potato Salad

No summer grill-out is complete without a good potato salad. Red potatoes are roasted until perfectly crispy and then slathered in a bright, creamy dressing with loads of fresh herbs. Chopped eggs add a decadent touch, and celery and red onion give a delightful crunch. I have no doubt this herbed roasted potato salad will become your new go-to summer recipe.

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Bacon Macaroni Salad

Herbed Bacon Macaroni Salad

Looking for a twist on your classic macaroni salad? With its fresh herb, citrusy dressing and smoky bacon, this summer salad boasts a flavorful new take on a traditional favorite side dish. Serve this easy-to-make herbed bacon macaroni salad at your next grill-out and your guests are in for one delicious summer meal.

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Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes

The Best Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes

Made with a mixture of heavy cream and sour cream and then processed in a potato ricer, these mashed potatoes boast the most velvety, smoothest texture, and then we make this recipe even more delicious by giving it a flavor kick from the brown butter. Essentially, these brown butter mashed potatoes are perfection in a bowl.

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Green Bean Casserole

Homemade Green Bean Casserole (With Make-Ahead Directions)

No dinner table is complete without a creamy green bean casserole, but for an even more decadent dish, skip the canned green beans and soup and opt for homemade ingredients. One taste of this from-scratch, homemade green bean casserole, and you’ll never go back.

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Jalapeño Popper Cornbread

Jalapeño Popper Cornbread With Whipped Cream Cheese Butter

For a fun twist on classic comfort food, you'll love this jalapeno popper cornbread! Just like jalapeno poppers, this cornbread is loaded with spicy jalapeno, smoky bacon and melted cheddar and filled with a whipped cream cheese butter as a nod to everyone's favorite party snack.

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Truffle Egg Salad

Truffle Egg Salad

Dressed with homemade truffle mayo and seasoned with a touch of fresh herbs and garlic, this gourmet take on egg salad is always a favorite. You can serve this truffle egg salad on soft sandwich bread with crisp lettuce, cheese and a ripe tomato slice, or you can eat it by the spoonful.

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Additional simple side dish ideas: a loaded baked potato, green salad with a creamy dressing, french fries, fresh veggies, mashed sweet potatoes and fresh fruit.

Bonus Recipes: Appetizers, Drinks and Desserts

Of course, we can’t have a complete summer meal without some good snacks, refreshments and sweet treats, right? Right. Whether you need that crowd-pleasing appetizer or a refreshing cocktail, these are tried and true recipes that are always favorites at my summer barbecues.

Appetizers

• Smoked queso dip
• Smoked jalapeño poppers
• Bourbon bacon jam
• Green chile-artichoke dip
• Whipped ricotta dip
• Bacon jam cheese ball

Drinks

• Strawberry-mint lemonade
• Barbados rum punch
• Peach sangria
• Tequila lemonade
• Cadillac margarita

Desserts

• Stout brownies
• Pretzel chocolate chip cookies
• Blueberry-strawberry shortcake
• S’mores ice cream
• Chocolate-covered cherry cheesecake

Expert Tips

As you prepare your baked beans, keep these tips in mind.

• Make the beans a bit before serving and keep them warm in a slow cooker for easy entertaining.
• Navy beans are traditional, but you are more than welcome to experiment with different beans. You could use other white beans, such as cannellini beans, or you could try pinto or black beans.
• The leftovers are just as good. As long as you keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this hearty dish should last three to four days. To reheat, simply warm through on the stove or even microwave.

And there you have it. Between these summer meals, side dishes, appetizers, drinks and desserts, you have the perfect combination of recipes you could ever need to go with a big batch of baked beans. Now enjoy each delicious recipe as you make your way through this list — your barbecues will be everyone’s favorite summer party. 

Cheers!

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