Dr. Pepper Baked Beans
Ingredients
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon
diced
- 1 small yellow onion
diced
- 2 cloves garlic
minced
- 2 cans cannellini beans
drained and rinsed, 15 ounce
- 1 cup Dr. Pepper
divided
- 1/3 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 teaspoons ground mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- pinch cayenne pepper
optional
Directions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 2
In a large oven-safe skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp. About 5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate. Leave 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings in the skillet.
- 3
Add the onion to the skillet and cook until softened. About 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant. About 1 minute.
- 4
Add the beans, 3/4 cup of Dr. Pepper, molasses, brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, vinegar, Worcestershire, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using). Stir to combine.
- 5
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the liquid is reduced by about a third. Approximately 6-8 minutes.
- 6
Stir the reserved bacon into the beans. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake uncovered until the sauce is thick and glazy. About 1 hour. Stir halfway through if possible.
- 7
Remove from the oven and stir in the remaining 1/4 cup Dr. Pepper. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Dr. Pepper Baked Beans
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About this Recipe
Looking for a side dish that will steal the show at your next potluck or BBQ? These Dr. Pepper Baked Beans offer a delightfully sweet and savory twist on a classic, guaranteed to be the hit of any gathering.
What makes these baked beans truly special is the unexpected addition of Dr. Pepper, infusing a unique caramel-like sweetness and subtle spice that perfectly balances the rich molasses and savory bacon. It’s a fun, flavorful upgrade to traditional recipes that will have everyone asking for the secret ingredient.
Prepare for a symphony of flavors in every spoonful. You'll experience the comforting sweetness of brown sugar and molasses, cut by the tangy notes of apple cider vinegar and Worcestershire, all underscored by savory bacon and a subtle hint of garlic. The cannellini beans provide a creamy texture, enveloped in a rich, deeply flavored sauce that boasts a hint of warmth from a pinch of cayenne.
With just 20 minutes of prep, you'll be ready to bake these show-stopping beans to perfection in about an hour. The end result is a complex, satisfying side that hits all the right notes.
Customization & Variations
You can easily adjust this recipe to your pantry or preference. For a different texture, consider swapping some of the cannellini beans for great northern or navy beans. If you're out of Dr. Pepper, a dark cola could be a substitute, though it will alter the unique flavor profile slightly. For an extra kick, don't forget that optional pinch of cayenne pepper is your friend. To intensify the smoky flavor, you could add a dash more Worcestershire sauce.
These sweet and savory baked beans are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for summer cookouts, holiday buffets, or any casual family meal. Serve them alongside grilled meats, pulled pork, or classic coleslaw for a complete feast.