If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors, irresistibly sweet and savory notes, and the comforting heartiness only beans can bring, you’re in for a real treat with this Pineapple BBQ Crock Pot Baked Beans Recipe. Imagine tender beans embraced by the smoky crispiness of bacon, uplifted by the tangy kick of BBQ sauce, and perfectly sweetened with juicy pineapple chunks. This recipe is a flavor party that effortlessly comes together in your slow cooker, making it an easy yet unforgettable side or even a main for your next get-together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every single ingredient in this Pineapple BBQ Crock Pot Baked Beans Recipe plays a starring role. They come together to create a balance of smoky, sweet, tangy, and hearty, making these beans the ultimate comfort food with a twist.
- Thick-cut smoked bacon (8 slices, diced): Brings smoky, savory depth and a satisfying crisp tenderness to each bite.
- Medium yellow onion (1, finely diced): Adds natural sweetness and a tender bite that complements the beans perfectly.
- Cannellini or navy beans (28-oz can, drained and rinsed): Provides a creamy, smooth texture that holds up well during slow cooking.
- Pinto beans (28-oz can, drained and rinsed): Offers earthiness and slight nuttiness to balance the sweetness of pineapple.
- Red kidney beans (14-oz can, drained and rinsed): Adds a hearty, meaty texture that makes the dish satisfyingly robust.
- Pineapple chunks (20-oz can, drained, reserve juice): Delivers juicy sweetness and tropical brightness to brighten the rich flavors.
- BBQ sauce (1 1/2 cups): The smoky, tangy backbone of the dish—choose your favorite for a personalized flavor.
- Worcestershire sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds a subtle umami kick that enhances the depth of all combined flavors.
- Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): A touch of molasses sweetness that caramelizes beautifully in the slow cooker.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Introduces a gentle tang and complexity to round out the sauce.
How to Make Pineapple BBQ Crock Pot Baked Beans Recipe
Step 1: Cook Bacon and Onion
The first step is where all the magic begins. Cook your diced thick-cut smoked bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until it starts to crisp up and release its smoky aroma. Toss in the finely diced yellow onion and cook together for about 5 to 6 minutes until the onion softens and turns translucent. This combo infuses a deep smoky sweetness that builds the foundation of flavor in your baked beans. As a little chef’s tip, I personally like to keep some of the bacon grease for extra richness — it just makes the dish even better.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crock Pot
Now, add the cooked bacon and onion directly into your 5-6 quart slow cooker. Next, pour in the drained and rinsed cannellini or navy beans, pinto beans, and red kidney beans. Add the pineapple chunks along with 3 to 4 tablespoons of the reserved pineapple juice — that juice is pure gold and gives the dish a subtle tang that cuts through the richness. To finish, stir in the BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Stir everything gently to coat all ingredients evenly, making sure nothing sticks to the bottom of the slow cooker. This step sets the stage for your beans to soak up every bit of flavor.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the crock pot and cook the beans on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours or on LOW for 5 to 6 hours. The slow cooking allows the beans to absorb all those tantalizing flavors while getting soft, tender, and luscious. If you prefer thicker beans, you can leave the cover off for the last 30 minutes to let some of the moisture evaporate. Slow cooking is incredibly forgiving and gives you that classic homemade baked beans texture that’s just out of this world.
How to Serve Pineapple BBQ Crock Pot Baked Beans Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Pineapple BBQ Crock Pot Baked Beans Recipe from fantastic to spectacular, don’t be shy with garnishes. A sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions or fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a mild oniony freshness that balances the sweetness. For a bit more kick, a dash of smoked paprika or crushed red pepper flakes can bring a nice warmth to the dish. And if you want to up the creaminess, a few dollops of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded sharp cheddar on top is always welcome.
Side Dishes
These baked beans are versatile and pair wonderfully with a bunch of different dishes. Serve them alongside grilled chicken or ribs for a classic BBQ feast, or pair with cornbread to soak up that flavorful sauce. They also work great as a hearty side with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. Trust me, no matter what you serve with them, these beans will be stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative with how you present this Pineapple BBQ Crock Pot Baked Beans Recipe! Serve them in mini cast iron skillets or rustic ramekins for a charming touch at your next dinner party. For a fun twist, spoon them over baked potatoes or use them as a tasty topping for loaded nachos. You might even try them stuffed inside a grilled sandwich or wrap, pairing the beans with melted cheese and fresh greens for a delicious handheld meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once you’ve had your fill, store any leftover beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days without losing their flavor or texture. The beans actually develop an even deeper flavor after resting overnight, so leftovers can be even better than the first serving!
Freezing
If you want to save a batch for much later, these beans freeze beautifully. Place them in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, leaving some space for expansion. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the beans gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through. If the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge or freezer, stir in a splash of water, pineapple juice, or even a bit of extra BBQ sauce to loosen it back up. Serve warm and watch everyone’s faces light up all over again.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple chunks can be a lovely substitute. Just be sure to drain them well and add a splash of pineapple juice or a bit of water to maintain the right consistency in your beans.
What kind of BBQ sauce works best?
Choose a BBQ sauce that you love eating straight from the bottle. Hickory, bourbon, or honey BBQ sauces work especially well because of their sweet and smoky profiles, which complement the beans and pineapple perfectly.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Simply omit the bacon and swap the Worcestershire sauce with a vegan alternative or soy sauce. You can also add smoked paprika to recreate some of that smoky flavor you’d miss from the bacon.
How spicy is this recipe?
This Pineapple BBQ Crock Pot Baked Beans Recipe leans toward mild and sweet, with smoky undertones. If you like heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to spice things up.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! These beans scale well. Just be sure your crock pot is large enough or split the mixture into two slow cookers to ensure even cooking.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Pineapple BBQ Crock Pot Baked Beans Recipe enough—it’s one of those dishes that quickly becomes a favorite, thanks to its perfect blend of smoky, sweet, and hearty flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving something comforting and fun, this recipe delivers every time. So grab your slow cooker and give these beans a try; trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Pineapple BBQ Crock Pot Baked Beans Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pineapple BBQ Crock Pot Baked Beans recipe offers a delicious twist on classic baked beans with the addition of sweet pineapple chunks, smoky bacon, and tangy BBQ sauce. Cooked low and slow in a crock pot, these beans develop rich, hearty flavors perfect as a side dish for any barbecue or family meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 8 slices thick-cut smoked bacon, diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
Beans
- 1 (28-oz) can cannellini or navy beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (28-oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (14-oz) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Other Ingredients
- 1 (20-oz) can pineapple chunks, drained (reserve pineapple juice)
- 1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce (Stubb’s Hickory Bourbon recommended)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Cook Bacon and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon and finely diced onion together until the onion softens, approximately 5-6 minutes. Drain excess grease if desired, then transfer the mixture to a 5-6 quart slow cooker.
- Add Beans and Other Ingredients: To the slow cooker, add all the rinsed and drained beans along with the pineapple chunks, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and 3-4 tablespoons of the reserved pineapple juice. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly and prevent sticking to the bottom of the cooker.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or on LOW for 5-6 hours, until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking.
Notes
- For thicker beans, cook longer uncovered on HIGH to reduce excess liquid.
- You can substitute different types of BBQ sauce to adjust sweetness and smokiness.
- Do not discard the reserved pineapple juice as it adds sweetness and moisture to the dish.
- Drain bacon grease if you prefer less fat in the dish, otherwise leaving it adds flavor.
