Barbecue Baked Beans

Barbecue Baked Beans are a classic American side dish, particularly popular in the Southern United States, featuring tender beans slow-cooked in a rich, savory-sweet sauce. The sauce typically combines tomato-based ingredients like ketchup or barbecue sauce with brown sugar, molasses, mustard, and often includes smoky additions like bacon or salt pork. This hearty dish is a staple at cookouts, picnics, and family gatherings, prized for its comforting and robust flavor profile.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is generally high in carbohydrates, primarily from the beans and added sugars, and can also be significant in fat and sodium due to the bacon and sauce. It is a good source of dietary fiber, plant-based protein, and essential minerals like iron and potassium, with a typical serving containing around 250-350 calories.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	240 kcal
Protein	12 g
Carbs	40 g
Fat	4 g
Fiber	9 g
Sugar	15 g
Sodium	800 mg
Potassium	350 mg
Iron	2.5 mg
Magnesium	60 mg
Phosphorus	150 mg
Zinc	1.5 mg
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)	0.2 mg
Folate	80 mcg
Vitamin C	4 mg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Barbecue Baked Beans have a fascinating culinary history, with roots tracing back to Native American bean stews that were adapted by early colonists and later transformed by the addition of barbecue sauce traditions. Nutritionally, the combination of beans and a sweet sauce creates a unique balance of complex carbs and simple sugars, making it a calorie-dense energy source often favored for its satisfying and hearty qualities.