BBQ Baked Beans

BBQ Baked Beans are a hearty, savory side dish featuring beans slow-cooked in a thick, flavorful sauce. The sauce typically combines a tomato base (like ketchup) with sweeteners (brown sugar, molasses), tangy elements (mustard, vinegar), and often smoky additions like bacon or liquid smoke. This dish is a staple of American barbecue culture, particularly in the South and Midwest.

🍳 View the full BBQ Baked Beans recipe →

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is primarily a source of carbohydrates, with significant dietary fiber from the beans. It also provides a moderate amount of protein and fat, especially if prepared with pork, and is a good source of iron and folate. A typical ½-cup serving can range from 150 to 250 calories, depending on the recipe's sugar and fat content.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	380 kcal
Protein	14 g
Carbs	68 g
Fat	5 g
Fiber	12 g
Sugar	28 g
Sodium	1050 mg
Potassium	550 mg
Iron	4.5 mg
Magnesium	80 mg
Phosphorus	220 mg
Folate	120 mcg
Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)	0.4 mg
Vitamin B6	0.3 mg
Manganese	1.2 mg

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

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, baked beans are a communal food, often served in large pots at potlucks, picnics, and cookouts, symbolizing shared comfort. Nutritionally, the combination of beans' fiber and the sauce's protein creates a more sustained energy release than the high sugar content might initially suggest.