Savory Kansas City Style Baked Beans
Indulge in the rich and smoky flavors of these Kansas City Style Baked Beans, a delightful companion to your favorite barbecue dishes. Inspired by a friend's cherished recipe, this dish melds the sweetness of brown sugar or molasses, tangy barbecue sauce, and a hint of tartness from Granny Smith apples. The addition of golden raisins adds a unique texture and burst of flavor, while the crispy bacon lends a satisfying crunch. Perfect for gatherings or family dinners, these beans will elevate any meal with their irresistible taste.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
pork and beans
32 ounces (canned)
barbecue sauce
3/4 cup (none)
brown sugar or molasses
1/2 cup (none)
Granny Smith apple
1 (peeled, cored, and chopped)
onion
1/2 small (chopped)
golden raisins
2 tablespoons (none)
bacon
3 slices (chopped)
pepper
1/8 teaspoon (optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pork and beans, barbecue sauce, brown sugar or molasses, chopped Granny Smith apple, chopped onion, and golden raisins. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly combined.
3
Transfer the bean mixture to a large 1/2 quart casserole dish.
4
Sprinkle the chopped bacon evenly over the top of the bean mixture.
5
For an added flavor kick, sprinkle with pepper if desired.
6
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
7
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the beans are bubbly and the bacon is crispy.
8
Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy as a side dish with barbecue or your favorite grilled meats.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Kansas City Style Baked Beans?
These are rich and smoky baked beans that combine sweetness from brown sugar, tanginess from barbecue sauce, and a hint of tartness from Granny Smith apples.
What makes this recipe unique?
The inclusion of golden raisins and chopped Granny Smith apples provides a unique texture and a delightful sweet and savory flavor profile.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings, making it perfect for family dinners or small gatherings.
What type of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 32 ounces of canned pork and beans as the base.
Can I substitute brown sugar for something else?
Yes, you can use molasses as an alternative to brown sugar to achieve a deep, rich sweetness.
What kind of apple is best for these beans?
A Granny Smith apple is recommended for its firm texture and tart flavor that balances the sweetness of the sauce.
How should I prepare the onion?
You should use half of a small onion and chop it finely before mixing it with the beans.
Do I need to cook the bacon before adding it?
No, you place the chopped bacon on top of the bean mixture raw; it crisps up perfectly while baking in the oven.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How much barbecue sauce is required?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce.
Are golden raisins necessary?
While they are a signature part of this specific recipe for texture and flavor, they can be omitted if you prefer.
Is there any seasoning added to the beans?
You can sprinkle 1/8 teaspoon of pepper over the top for an added flavor kick if desired.
What size casserole dish should I use?
A large 1.5 quart casserole dish is the ideal size for this recipe.
How long do the beans bake in total?
The total baking time is approximately 50 to 60 minutes.
Why do I need to cover the dish with foil?
Covering the dish with foil for the first 30 minutes helps the flavors meld and prevents the beans from drying out too quickly.
When should I remove the aluminum foil?
Remove the foil after the first 30 minutes of baking to allow the bacon to crisp and the sauce to become bubbly.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The beans should be bubbly and thick, with a satisfying crunch from the crispy bacon on top.
Can these beans be served as a main dish?
While hearty enough for some, they are traditionally served as a side dish with barbecue or grilled meats.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe because it mainly involves mixing ingredients and baking.
How should I prepare the Granny Smith apple?
The apple should be peeled, cored, and chopped into small pieces before being added to the mix.
Are these beans sweet or savory?
They are a perfect blend of both, classified under the 'sweet and savory' tag.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bean mixture in advance and bake it when you are ready to serve.
What are some good pairings for Kansas City Style beans?
They pair excellently with ribs, brisket, pulled pork, or any of your favorite grilled meats.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients total, including the optional pepper.
What category of food does this fall into?
This dish is categorized under 'Beans' and is a classic barbecue side dish.
Does this recipe contain many calories?
The specific nutritional data is not provided, but it is described as a hearty comfort food.
Can I use red onion instead of a regular onion?
Yes, a red onion can be used if you prefer a slightly sharper or more colorful addition.
Should the beans be drained before use?
No, use the canned pork and beans as they are to ensure there is enough liquid for the sauce.
How much bacon is used?
The recipe calls for 3 slices of bacon, chopped.
Should I let the beans cool before serving?
Yes, allowing them to cool slightly helps the sauce thicken further and makes them easier to eat.