Smoked Beans Recipe: How to Make Smoked Beans in the Oven

Smoked beans (or barbecue beans or BBQ beans) are similar in taste to baked beans but typically cook in a smoker instead of an oven. Smoked beans usually have a more pronounced smokiness to their flavor as a result of cooking over mesquite or hickory wood chips. If you prepare smoked beans using a stovetop, a gas grill, or an oven, you can still achieve a smoky flavor by adding liquid smoke or a smoked pork product.

Whether a smoked baked beans recipe calls for dried beans or canned beans, using one or more of these three types of beans will yield flavorful results:

1. 1. Black beans: With a creamy consistency but sturdy texture, black beans have a relatively mild taste and will take on the other ingredient flavors well, such as those of brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and vinegar.
2. 2. Navy beans: The most traditional beans to use for baked beans, navy beans are slightly nutty and have a soft texture. They break down somewhat in a baked beans recipe, resulting in some falling apart and some holding their shape, creating a chunky consistency.
3. 3. Pinto beans: Common in refried beans and other Mexican dishes, pinto beans are earthy and nutty with a creamy interior. Their flavor holds up well even in a barbecue sauce, making them a good choice for those who enjoy the taste of beans.

Add one or more of these ingredients to boost the flavor of a baked beans recipe:

1. 1. Bacon: With a smoky flavor of its own, bacon adds saltiness and a meaty texture. Add chopped, crispy bacon pieces to the beans before smoking or baking them. Save the bacon grease and use it to make other dishes, like fried cornbread or a BBQ sauce.
2. 2. Ground beef: To bulk up a smoked baked beans recipe, add ground beef. Serve a meaty baked beans mixture as a side dish or a main dish, similar to a chili.
3. 3. Ham hock: Cook your baked beans with a ham hock to impart the flavor of pork. At the end of the cooking process, shred the meat off of the bone and stir it back into the pot of beans. Ham hocks are salty, so taste the beans throughout the cooking process to determine whether additional salt is even necessary.
4. 4. Hot dogs: The salty and smoky taste of diced hot dogs can enhance the flavor of smoked beans and add a welcome texture. Experiment with various types of hot dogs, such as classic frankfurters and ones with cheese inside.
5. 5. Peppers: Smokiness and spiciness frequently complement each other. Add jalapeños for heat or diced bell peppers if you prefer to add sweetness instead.