These Apple Pie Baked Beans will be the showstopping side dish of your next barbecue. Made in the oven or on the grill in an hour, they're so easy to make and unbelievably delicious.
This simple and satisfying recipe is an extra tasty twist on the traditional baked beans we know and love. Using store-bought ingredients and spices you've got at home, these apple baked beans are the perfect backyard barbecue side to serve at any summer party or outdoor gathering.
The rich, sweetness from the pie filling paired with savory mustard and spices brings the beloved classic canned version to new and exciting flavor heights. Make these baked beans with apple pie filling ahead of time, on the stove or right on the grill, and get ready for them to be the talk of your next backyard bash!
Save The Recipe!
Add your email below and we’ll send it straight to your inbox+ you’ll receive all our newest recipes!
If you like this barbecue staple, be sure to try some of our other favorite side dishes for the summer or any outdoor party. We love these Baked Beans and Ground Beef or creamy Macaroni and Cheese. You also can't miss our famous Cornbread Chicken Salad or this classic, Southern-inspired Easy Squash Casserole.
Table of Contents
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Simple and Easy Side. With just a handful of store-bought ingredients, these beans are a breeze to make. The simple cooking method allows this side dish to come together in no time. It's super delicious and almost anyone can make them!
- Twist on Tradition. Baked beans are a signature dish for a barbecue or summer party. These are a tasty, slightly sweeter take on the classic version. Decadent apple pie filling and savory mustard brings traditional beans to a brand new level of deliciousness.
- Versatile Recipe. These are perfect on their own as a side, but they can be used in so many ways. Top a burger or tacos with them, enjoy them as a dip, serve them on toast, or add them to chili!
- Make-Ahead for a Crowd. This recipe makes a good amount. It's the perfect dish to cook ahead of time and serve at your next barbecue or outdoor party. It's a crowdpleaser every time!
Ingredients
Scroll Down for the Amounts Listed in the Printable Recipe Card Below
- Apple Pie Filling: This will add a decadent sweetness to these beans. You can find a variety of canned or jarred apple pie fillings in the baking section at most grocery stores.
- Canned Baked Beans: The base ingredient and beginning canvas for this delicious side. You'll jazz these up with other ingredients and flavors, so use a plain or original variation here.
- Ketchup: Adds a little sweet tanginess and tomato flavor to the beans.
- Brown Sugar: Brings an additional sweetness and subtle caramel notes to this dish.
- Molasses: Adds a deep, rich, sweet and slightly smokey flavor
- Yellow or Dijon Mustard: Provides a little zing and more flavor to the beans.
- Barbecue Seasoning or Rub: Use your favorite brand or variety, or mix up your own version at home. This adds that signature barbecue flavor baked beans always have.
- Cinnamon, Nutmeg and Cloves: Warm, spiced, woody flavors that you usually find in most apple pies and a lot of baked goods. These add delicious flavor to the beans and enhance the sweet apple pie filling.
- Bacon: Crispy and smokey, this brings nice flavor and texture to the soft beans.
- Apple: Fresh, crunchy, sweet and tart, these pair perfectly with the saucy beans and balance out the rest of the ingredients.
How To Make Apple Pie Baked Beans
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Add apple pie filling to a large bowl. Using scissors, a potato masher, or chopper, cut the apple slices into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
- To the same bowl, add baked beans, ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, mustard, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, barbecue rub, half of the bacon, and half of the fresh diced apple. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread evenly. Top with remaining chopped apple and bacon.
- Bake 45-50 minutes, or until the beans are bubbly and the top is slightly caramelized.
Expert Tips
- Serve in a Slow Cooker. You can make these apple pie baked beans in a slow cooker and serve them this way, too. They're easy to transport and they'll stay warm at any gathering you bring them to. Cook on high for 1 hour or low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Too Sweet? Add Mustard. If your beans are slightly too sweet for your taste, add a tablespoon or two of yellow or Dijon mustard. This tang balances sweetness
- Cut Apples to Size. We recommend chopping your fresh apples to a small dice so they're similar in size to the beans and bacon for even cooking. Be careful not to chop too small, or they'll turn mushy!
What To Serve with Baked Beans
These sweet and savory baked beans are a delicious side dish on their own, but if you want to turn them into a heartier meal, serve them alongside any of these barbecue favorites:
- Crock Pot Sloppy Joes
- Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken Legs
- Pulled Pork Sliders
- Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs
- Ranch Country Style Ribs
- Perfect Brisket
Variations for Baked Beans with Apple Pie Filling
- Add Veggies: You can bulk up these beans with any of your favorite veggies. Try chopped bell peppers (any color will do), onions, or jalapenos for an extra kick.
- Add Spices: You can change the flavor profile by adding in chili powder or cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (for spice!). Even liquid smoke adds a rich, smoky flavor.
- Make it Meaty: If you'd like your beans a bit heartier, try adding in extra meat. Ground beef, leftover brisket or ham, sweet or spicy Italian sausage, andouille, or even hot dogs would be delicious. Get creative!
- Substitute a Different Pie Filling: Apple pie filling is a classic variation. You could always try peach or cherry pie filling for a slightly different, but just as delicious, flavor profile.
Storing Leftovers
For the Fridge: Let beans come to room temperature, then store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days.
For the Freezer: You can also freeze any leftover baked beans for an easy side dish on a busy week. Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months, then thaw in the fridge overnight.
To Reheat the beans: Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave for a few minutes when you're ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cook your baked beans low and slow - don't rush the process! Let them cook for the full 45-50 minutes, which will allow them to marinate and soften in the delicious sweet-savory sauce.
Absolutely! You can make these in advance, let them cool, then store in the fridge or freezer until you're ready to serve. Simply reheat on the stove, in a slow cooker, or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Everyone loves the classic canned baked beans - they're a tried and true recipe full of sweet, savory, and classic barbecue side dish flavors. Amping up the traditional canned version with apple pie filling and spices can only make them more delicious!
Adding in extra veggies, like bell peppers, different types of meat, like bacon or ham, and additional spices like paprika, barbecue seasoning or even liquid smoke can bring classic baked beans to a brand new flavorful level.
More Easy Side Dish Recipes
Apple Pie Baked Beans
Ingredients
- 21 ounce can apple pie filling cut into dice-sized pieces
- 30 ounces canned baked beans
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup molasses
- 1 tablespoon dijon or yellow mustard
- 1-2 teaspoons barbecue seasoning or rub
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¾ cup cooked and crumbled bacon about 6-8 slices
- ¾ cup peeled and diced diced apple
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Add apple pie filling to a large bowl. Using scissors, a potato masher, or chopper, cut the apple slices into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
- To the same bowl, add baked beans, ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, mustard, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, barbecue rub, half of the bacon, and half of the fresh diced apple. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread evenly. Top with remaining chopped apple and bacon.
- Bake 45-50 minutes, or until the beans are bubbly and the top is slightly caramelized.
Video
Notes
Expert Tips
- Serve in a Slow Cooker. You can make these apple pie baked beans in a slow cooker and serve them this way, too. They're easy to transport and they'll stay warm at any gathering you bring them to.
- Too Sweet? Add Mustard. If your beans are slightly too sweet for your taste, add a tablespoon or two of yellow or Dijon mustard. This tang balances sweetness
- Cut Apples to Size. We recommend chopping your fresh apples to a small dice so they're similar in size to the beans and bacon for even cooking. Be careful not to chop too small, or they'll turn mushy!
Kathleen
Thanks for making me famous! LOL! Took these to a party the other day for the 4th and everyone raved about them, they all wanted the recipe, which I was happy to share! Thanks so much! Such great flavors!
Laura Ashley
Well HOT DOG!! That just flat out makes my heart so happy to hear! THANK YOU!! I love that you were the rockstar!!
Lynn
These were the perfect addition to our BBQ! I loved how unique they are.
Laura Ashley
I love that they were such a hit! THANK YOU!!!