Dr. Pepper Baked Beans are a sweet, savory, slightly smoky baked bean recipe with bacon and a subtle kick of heat. This easy Dr. Pepper baked beans recipe is a crowd-favorite side dish for cookouts, potlucks, and backyard barbecues.
A Potluck Side Dish That Always Gets Attention
Some recipes quietly sit on the table. These beans are not one of them, much like the apple pie baked beans recipe I’ve shared with you, too.
Dr. Pepper baked beans have that irresistible sweet-and-savory balance that people associate with great barbecue sides. The Dr. Pepper adds a subtle caramel sweetness that melts into the sauce as the beans bake, while bacon brings smoky depth and just a touch of richness.
A little brown sugar rounds everything out and a tiny pinch of cayenne gives the beans a gentle warmth at the end.
It's one of those recipes that tastes like you fussed over it all day, even though it comes together quickly and bakes while you focus on the rest of the meal.
They travel well, double easily for a crowd, and fit perfectly alongside burgers, pulled pork, ribs, or grilled chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Pepper adds a subtle caramel-like sweetness and depth of flavor to baked beans. As the beans bake, the soda reduces and blends with the brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce to create a rich, barbecue-style sauce. It's a simple way to give classic baked beans a slightly sweeter and more complex flavor.
Yes. Add all of the ingredients to a slow cooker and stir well. Cook on low for about 3 hours or until the beans are hot and the sauce has thickened slightly. This is a great option when you’re making baked beans for a party or cookout.
Most people use original-style canned baked beans for this recipe because they already have a mild sauce that works well with the added flavors. However, you can also use hickory, brown sugar, or bacon-flavored baked beans if you want a slightly different taste.
Yes, these beans are great for making ahead. Prepare and bake the beans, then let them cool and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, reheat them on the stovetop or in the oven until warmed through.
Yes. Allow the beans to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop.
Ingredients
- Salted butter - melted in the skillet to sauté the onions and start building flavor.
- Sweet onion - diced and cooked until soft and translucent.
- Brown sugar - adds classic baked-bean sweetness and depth.
- Worcestershire sauce - brings savory balance to the sauce.
- Dijon mustard - adds a small tangy note that keeps the sauce from tasting overly sweet.
- Cayenne pepper - provides a subtle warmth at the end.
- Original baked beans - the hearty base of the recipe.
- Dr. Pepper - adds caramel sweetness and helps create the rich sauce.
- Thick-cut bacon - cooked and crumbled for smoky flavor in every bite.
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 325°F.
In a large oven-safe skillet or cast iron skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the diced onion until soft and translucent.
Stir in the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is well combined.
Add the baked beans, Dr. Pepper, and crumbled bacon. Stir everything together. The mixture may look slightly thin at first, but it thickens beautifully as it bakes.
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake uncovered until the beans are hot and bubbling around the edges.
Serve warm.
Tips
• If you like extra smoky flavor, add another slice or two of bacon.
• For deeper flavor, use dark brown sugar instead of light.
• A splash of hot sauce can add a little more heat if you enjoy spicy baked beans.
• These beans double easily for large gatherings or potlucks.
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Recipe
Dr. Pepper Baked Beans
Video
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon salted butter
- ½ sweet onion diced
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon dijon mustard
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 – 28-ounce cans original baked beans
- ¾ cup Dr.Pepper
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon cooked and crumbled
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- Sauté the onions. In a large heavy-bottomed oven-safe skillet or cast-iron skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and saute the onions until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add the beans and seasonings. Add the brown sugar, dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper to the skillet and stir until well combined and all the sugar has dissolved.
- Add the beans and bacon. Stir in the beans, Dr. Pepper, and crumbled, cooked bacon. It will appear watery but it will thicken as it cooks.
- Bake and serve. Bake in the oven uncovered for 45 minutes or until warmed throughout and bubbly on the edges.
- Serve. Serve warm.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
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