Root Beer Baked Beans are a sweet, tangy, smoky twist on classic baked beans. The root beer adds caramel-like depth that pairs beautifully with savory beans and bacon.
🥘 Ingredients (serves 6–8)
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6 slices bacon, chopped
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1 medium onion, diced
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2 cans (15 oz each) pork and beans (or baked beans)
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1 cup root beer (not diet)
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½ cup ketchup
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¼ cup brown sugar
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2 tbsp molasses (or maple syrup)
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1 tbsp yellow mustard (or Dijon)
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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½ tsp smoked paprika
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¼ tsp black pepper
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Pinch of chili flakes (optional, for a little heat)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the Bacon & Onion
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In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, cook bacon until crispy.
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Remove bacon and set aside, leaving a little grease in the pan.
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Sauté onion in bacon fat until soft and golden.
2. Mix the Beans
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Stir in beans, root beer, ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, mustard, Worcestershire, paprika, and pepper.
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Bring to a simmer.
3. Bake
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Stir bacon back in (reserve some for topping if you like).
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Transfer to a 350°F (175°C) oven and bake uncovered for 45–60 minutes, until thick and bubbly.
4. Serve
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Garnish with reserved bacon and serve hot as a BBQ side or over cornbread.