Cracker Barrel Bacon Baked Beans: Southern Comfort in a Bowl

The first time I brought these baked beans to a neighborhood cookout, they disappeared before the burgers even came off the grill. There’s something magical about the combination of smoky bacon, sweet molasses, and three different beans that turns an everyday side into the star of the show. Even better, this recipe starts with canned beans, making it deceptively simple despite its complex flavors.

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What Makes This Recipe for Baked Beans With Bacon So Good? 

The secret to these beans’ restaurant-quality flavor is the layering technique. Starting with canned beans provides convenience, while the addition of bacon and onions sautéed together creates a flavor foundation that infuses throughout the dish. The combination of three different beans creates textural interest, while the molasses and brown sugar balance the savory elements with just the right amount of sweetness. Baking slowly allows all these flavors to meld together perfectly.

Cracker Barrel Bacon Baked Beans Ingredients

To make this recipe for Cracker Barrel baked beans with bacon, you’ll need:

• Bacon – Contributes smoky flavor and meaty texture throughout the dish
• White onion – Adds aromatic sweetness that mellows during cooking
• Pork and Beans, canned – Provides a flavorful tomato-based sauce and traditional baked bean base
• Black beans, canned – Adds contrasting color and hearty texture
• Pinto beans, canned – Contributes creamy texture and earthy flavor
• Yellow mustard – Adds tanginess that balances the sweetness
• Dark brown sugar – Provides deep molasses notes and caramel-like sweetness
• Molasses – Creates authentic Southern flavor with its rich, complex sweetness

Ingredient Notes

Thick-cut, streaky bacon with a mild smokiness is the ideal choice for this recipe, but feel free to use your preferred bacon.

White onion is best for these beans, but you can use yellow onion for a milder flavor.

Choose a brand of pork and beans that isn’t overly sweet. A good choice is Van Camp’s Pork and Beans in Tomato Sauce. 

How to Make Cracker Barrel Bacon Baked Beans

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Empty the cans of black and pinto beans into a colander placed in the sink. Give the beans a good rinse with cold water and let them drain.
3. Slice the bacon into bite-sized pieces and chop the onion into small dice.
4. Heat a skillet on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Add the onions and bacon to the hot skillet and cook until the onions soften and the bacon fully cooks without becoming crisp.

5. While the bacon and onions are cooking, dump the drained black and pinto beans into a large oven-proof pot with a lid. Pour the canned baked beans directly into the pot without draining.

6. Add the yellow mustard, dark brown sugar, and molasses.
7. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked onions and bacon into the pot, leaving as much bacon grease behind as possible. Give the ingredients a good stir.

8. Cover the pot with a lid, and place it in the oven for about an hour.
9. After an hour, check the beans to see if they are as thick as you like them. If not, cook for another 15 minutes and check again. 

Substitutions and Dietary Modifications

• BBQ Flavor: Stir in 1 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce along with the other ingredients.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute vegetarian bacon or smoked tempeh for the bacon. Add 1/2 teaspoon of liquid smoke to compensate for the missing bacon flavor.
• Lower Sugar Version: Reduce the brown sugar by half and use blackstrap molasses, which has a stronger flavor with less sweetness.
• Bean Variations: Great Northern, navy, or kidney beans can be substituted for either the black or pinto beans based on preference or availability.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure your canned beans and mustard are certified gluten-free (most are, but always check labels).
• Spicy Variation: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or 1 tablespoon of finely chopped jalapeño to the onion and bacon mixture.

What Goes With Baked Beans 

Are you someone who feels baked beans are only good with BBQ and grilled food? Think again. Serve these oven baked beans with bacon alongside scrambled or fried eggs, cornbread, sausages, honey ham, or on top of a baked potato.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Refrigerator: Cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Transfer cooled beans to freezer-safe bags, removing as much air as possible. Fill bags only halfway and freeze flat. Store for up to 3 months.

Reheating

1. Oven (Preferred Method): Preheat oven to 350°F. Place thawed beans in an oven-safe dish, add 2-3 tablespoons of water, stir, and cover with foil. Bake for 20 minutes or until heated through, stirring once halfway.
2. Microwave: Transfer beans to a microwave-safe container, add a splash of water, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Stir and continue heating in 30-second intervals until hot.
3. Stovetop: Place beans in a saucepan with a splash of water. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot throughout.

Love Cracker Barrel? Try These Copycat Recipes!

• Country Fried Steak
• Cracker Barrel Green Beans
• Cracker Barrel Hash Browns Casserole
• Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
• Cucumber Tomatoes and Onion Salad
• Kale Brussel Sprout Salad
• Sawmill Gravy
• Southern Fried Chicken

Popular Recipes with Bacon

• Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Jalapenos
• Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Smokies
• Crockpot Cheesy Potato
• Spinach Salad with Bacon
• Suddenly Salad
• Wendy’s Bacon Cheeseburger

Check out my easy side dish recipes and the best Cracker Barrel recipes here on CopyKat!