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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.

A cast-iron skillet with baked beans on burlap with fresh thyme to the side.
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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
A cast-iron skillet filled with smoked baked beans on burlap with fresh thyme to the side.

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

Main Course Recipes

A collage showing four different dishes that are great to eat with baked beans.

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.
Check out this recipe
A close-up shot of the pellet grill brisket on a white plate with baked beans in the background.

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.
Check out this recipe
The smoked whole chicken on a cutting board with a spoon of BBQ sauce to the left.

Jamaican Jerk Chicken

Jamaican 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. 
Check out this recipe
A plate of grilled Jamaican jerk chicken with peppers, rice and green onion.

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.
Check out this recipe
A close-up shot of the pellet grill ribs on a plate with brown parchment paper underneath.let

Venison Burgers

Ultra Juicy Venison Burgers
Make your next backyard grill-out extra delicious and put these ultra juicy venison burgers on the dinner menu! These tender venison patties are seasoned with a simple yet flavorful spice mixture and piled on a buttery brioche bun with your favorite toppings. Best of all, you can put these delicious deer burgers on the table in under 30 minutes to make for easy entertaining.
Check out this recipe
Two venison burgers on top of parchment paper and a wooden serving tray with a beer in the background.

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.
Check out this recipe
A pile of braised turkey legs and thighs with fresh thyme on top as a garnish.

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.
Check out this recipe
The beer-brined schnitzel topped with creamy mushroom gravy with a bunch of fresh parsley and a hefeweizen in the background.

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. 
Check out this recipe
The smoked tri tip on a wooden cutting board with fresh cilantro surrounding it and the spice mixture sprinkled around it.

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.
Check out this recipe
A pile of shredded Jamaican jerk pork shoulder on a plate with a beer, cilantro, and habanero peppers on the side.

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. 
Check out this recipe
A cast-iron skillet with the cheddar-apple stuffed chicken thighs with a spoon in the sauce.

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.
Check out this recipe
A plate of shredded slow cooker Guinness corned beef with mustard on the side and two beers in the background.

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.
Check out this recipe
A smoked burger on a wooden surface with fries and a beer in the background.

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.
Check out this recipe
A salmon-avocado burger on a wooden plate with chips.

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.
Check out this recipe
A cheeseburger sub with classic toppings on brown paper with a beer in the background.

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.
Check out this recipe
Looking down on the smoked duck on a bed of green lettuce with pomegranates and the glaze to the side.

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!
Check out this recipe
The pulled pork BBQ pizza on parchment paper with parsley and dollops of BBQ sauce around it.

Smoked Bratwurst

Smoked Brats With Beer and Onion
For an easy and crowd-pleasing dish at your next backyard BBQ party, you can’t go wrong with these very best smoked brats with beer and onion! After simmering in a beer braise, these brats are then smoked until they’re perfectly juicy and flavorful. These brats only require a few minutes of prep time, and then the smoker takes care of the rest.
Check out this recipe
Looking down on a black cast-iron skillet on top of burlap with smoked brats inside and sprigs of fresh thyme around it.

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.
Check out this recipe
A minted lamb burger with a beer and greenery in the background.

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.
Check out this recipe
A Buffalo chicken sub with a beer next to it and blue cheese crumbles around it.

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.
Check out this recipe
Two Maine-style lobster rolls on parchment paper with a beer in the background.

Smoked Spatchcock Chicken

Smoked Spatchcock Chicken With Crispy Skin
For all those summer grill-outs, make sure your dinner menu includes this succulent smoked spatchcock chicken, featuring everyone's favorite perfectly crispy skin! A simple dry rub gives the chicken those classic BBQ flavors with just the right kiss of smoke. You only need about 10 minutes of hands-off preparation time, and it smokes even faster than a traditional trussed chicken.
Check out this recipe
The smoked spatchcock chicken in a black cast-iron skillet on a brown wooden surface with BBQ sauce in the corner.

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.
Check out this recipe
Two halves of Brie grilled cheese with slices of apricots around it.

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.
Check out this recipe
The smoked turkey wings on a white platter and cream-colored placemat with fresh sage to the left.

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.
Check out this recipe
An aerial view of the smoked turkey legs on a wooden plate with fresh herbs around it and a green salad to the side.

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

Side Dish Recipes

A collage showing four different side dishes to serve with baked beans.

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
A wooden spoon scooping out some smoked mac and cheese from the dish with cheese strings on the bottom of the spoon.

Crispy Mango-Habanero Wings

Crispy Mango-Habanero Wings
No party is complete without a big tray of these crispy mango-habanero wings! Chicken wings are baked until they’re perfectly crispy and then tossed with a homemade mango-habanero hot sauce for that sweet and spicy kick everyone loves. Whether you’re hosting game day, a casual backyard barbecue or a holiday party, these spicy wings are always a hit.
Check out this recipe
The mango-habanero wings on a wooden plate with brown parchment paper with cilantro sprinkled around them.

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.
Check out this recipe
A black cast-iron skillet filled with the smoked mashed potatoes with chopped parsley to the left and a napkin in the background.

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.
Check out this recipe
Looking down on a bowl of Hawaiian potato salad in a wooden bowl with parsley to the side.

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.
Check out this recipe
Looking down on a wooden bowl filled with the pesto tortellini salad.

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.
Check out this recipe
A bowl of tropical coconut-lime rice on a placemat with toasted coconut and cilantro around it and two spoons in the background.

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.
Check out this recipe
A bowl of herbed roasted potato salad with a serving spoon.

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.
Check out this recipe
A bowl of herbed bacon macaroni salad with fresh parsley and lemon slices on the side.

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.
Check out this recipe
A pan of the best brown butter mashed potatoes with melted butter and chopped parsley.

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.
Check out this recipe
A baking dish filled with homemade green bean casserole on a Thanksgiving-themed napkin with two glasses of wine, a stack of plates and forks.

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.
Check out this recipe
Looking down on a slice of jalapeno popper cornbread filled with the whipped cream cheese butter with a skillet of cornbread behind the slice and jalapenos on the side.

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.
Check out this recipe
A bowl of truffle egg salad with a spoon coming out of it.

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

A collage with different images of appetizers, desserts and drinks for pairing.

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

Drinks

Desserts

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!

Please let me know how you enjoyed these recipes in the comment section and don't forget to sign up for my newsletter. You can also catch me on TikTok, Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter.

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