If there’s one side dish that disappears faster than anything at our backyard barbecues, it’s this one right here. These Crockpot Bourbon Brown Sugar Baked Beans are hearty, sticky-sweet, smoky, and just a touch boozy—in the best way possible. They’ve got the richness of brown sugar, a hint of bourbon warmth, crispy bacon, and a blend of tender beans that soak up every bit of that sweet and savory goodness.
I’ve made these countless times now, and every single time my husband ends up going back for seconds (and thirds), and even my daughter—who’s usually picky with anything bean-related—will nibble on the bacon bits and sauce with a smile. And let’s not forget my 1 year old baby Cameron—he’s not into bourbon just yet (thankfully!), but he definitely loves the soft texture of the beans when I mash a few onto his plate.
Crowd-Pleasing Cookout Favorite
These slow cooker baked beans are a total win at any cookout, potluck, or backyard BBQ. Every time I make them, my husband goes back for seconds (and thirds), and even my picky 5-year-old daughter scoops up bites with her chips! They’re the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky—with just a little kick from the bourbon. And because they’re made in the crockpot, they’re totally hands-off once everything’s in. Just plug it in and let it work its magic while you prep the rest of the meal or enjoy the company.
What Are Crockpot Bourbon Brown Sugar Baked Beans?
This dish is a slow cooker twist on classic baked beans, but with a flavorful upgrade. Instead of just relying on store-bought baked beans, we’re adding layers of texture and taste with cannellini (or navy) beans, kidney beans, fresh veggies, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and of course—bourbon.
They simmer low and slow in the crockpot, allowing all those rich, sweet, smoky flavors to meld together until the beans are perfectly saucy and infused with bold flavor.
When to Serve These Beans
These baked beans are perfect for:
- Summer BBQs and cookouts
- Family potlucks
- Holiday cookouts like Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day
- Tailgating parties
- Sunday dinners as a hearty side dish
They hold up beautifully on the “keep warm” setting, so you can set them out on a buffet or bring them in a travel-friendly crockpot and let guests serve themselves.
Why You’ll Love These
- Hands-off cooking: The crockpot does all the work—no oven or stovetop monitoring needed.
- Flavor-packed: That combo of BBQ sauce, brown sugar, bacon, bourbon, and spices hits every note: smoky, sweet, tangy, and savory.
- Feeds a crowd: Easily serves 8–10 people—great for gatherings.
- Customizable: You can tweak the sweetness, spice, or bourbon level to suit your taste.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prep it early in the day and let it cook while you handle everything else.
Ingredient Breakdown
Let’s take a closer look at what goes into this bold and comforting dish:
- Homestyle baked beans: A can of classic baked beans forms the saucy base.
- Cannellini or navy beans: These white beans add creaminess and bulk.
- Kidney beans: A heartier bean that holds its shape and adds texture.
- Bacon: Cooked until crispy, then diced and stirred in. The flavor it adds is unmatched.
- Green bell pepper: Adds freshness and a pop of color.
- Sweet onion: Gives depth and a subtle sweetness when cooked down.
- BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite—something smoky, spicy, or tangy will work great.
- Brown sugar: Deep molasses notes add warmth and sweetness.
- Bourbon: Adds complexity and a little Southern flair (don’t worry, the alcohol cooks off).
- Dijon mustard: Adds sharpness and balances the sweetness.
- Smoked paprika: Gives a warm, smoky undertone.
- Garlic powder, salt, black pepper: Simple seasonings to round everything out.
Variations and Substitutions
There are lots of ways to make this recipe your own:
- Make it spicier: Add a chopped jalapeño, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce.
- Go meatless: Skip the bacon or use a plant-based alternative.
- Try different beans: Black beans, pinto beans, or great northern beans work well too.
- Use a different sweetener: Maple syrup or molasses can be used in place of brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
- Swap the BBQ sauce: Use a mustard-based, vinegar-based, or spicy BBQ sauce for a twist.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Too runny? Remove the lid and cook on high for the last 25–30 minutes to help the sauce thicken up.
- Too sweet? Cut the brown sugar back to ¼ cup and add an extra splash of mustard or vinegar to balance it.
- Too thick? Add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
- Burning on the sides? Make sure your crockpot is at least 5 quarts and stir occasionally if possible.
Storage and Serving Tips
Storage:
Let the beans cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for 3–5 days.
Reheating:
Reheat gently in the microwave or in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Serving suggestions:
These beans pair perfectly with:
- Pulled pork sandwiches
- Grilled burgers and hot dogs
- BBQ chicken or ribs
- Cornbread or buttery biscuits
- A big bowl of coleslaw or potato salad on the side
How to Make It Kid-Friendly
If you’ve got little ones at home like I do, you know the struggle of finding side dishes they’ll actually eat. While the bourbon adds amazing depth to these baked beans, it can be easily adjusted for younger eaters.
The good news is that the alcohol mostly cooks off during the long slow-cook process, but if you prefer to play it safe, you can simply reduce the amount—or leave it out entirely. Try replacing the bourbon with apple juice, a splash of maple syrup, or even low-sodium chicken broth for a gentler flavor.
I also like to slightly mash a few spoonfuls for Cameron (my baby boy) so the texture is easier for him to handle. He’s 1 now and definitely developing preferences—but he lights up when I spoon some of the soft, sweet beans onto his plate. And my daughter, who’s more sensory-sensitive, surprisingly loves the sauce when it’s warm and not too chunky. Sometimes I even serve hers in a little bowl with some toast fingers for dipping.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips
Make-Ahead:
You can prep everything the night before—chop the veggies, cook the bacon, and mix all ingredients in the crock insert. Just store the insert covered in the fridge, then pop it into the base the next morning and cook as directed.
Freezing:
Let the beans cool, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the slow cooker.
Leftover Ideas – Don’t Let Them Go to Waste!
If you have leftovers (and that’s a big if), these bourbon brown sugar baked beans reheat beautifully—and might even taste better the next day.
Here are a few ways we love to use them:
- Breakfast Bowl: Warm them up and serve alongside scrambled eggs and toast for a sweet-savory breakfast. My husband’s personal favorite.
- Loaded Baked Potatoes: Spoon them into fluffy baked potatoes with cheddar cheese, sour cream, and green onions.
- Hot Dog Topping: Use them as a bold topping for grilled hot dogs or smoked sausages—like a homemade version of chili dogs.
- BBQ Sandwich Add-On: Pile leftover pulled pork or chicken onto a bun, then spoon beans right on top for a sticky-sweet crunch.
- Bean & Cheese Quesadillas: Yep, we’ve done this. It’s weirdly delicious.
I love when a side dish can stretch into multiple meals—it makes all that flavor go even further and cuts down on food waste.
FAQ – Crockpot Bourbon Brown Sugar Baked Beans
Can I use canned beans that aren’t baked beans?
Yes! The recipe already includes kidney and cannellini beans, which are canned but not baked. Just make sure they’re drained and rinsed before adding.
Will the alcohol cook out of the bourbon?
Mostly, yes. Because the beans cook for several hours, the majority of the alcohol evaporates, leaving behind that rich, oaky flavor. If you’re concerned, you can reduce the bourbon slightly or replace it with apple juice or broth.
Can I make this in the oven instead of a crockpot?
Absolutely. Pour everything into a 9×13 baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 1 hour. Uncover and bake another 30 minutes to thicken the sauce.
How spicy are these baked beans?
This version isn’t spicy—just rich and slightly smoky. If you want more heat, add cayenne, chili powder, or diced jalapeño.
Can I leave out the bacon?
Sure! The bacon adds a ton of flavor, but you can skip it or sub in a meatless alternative if preferred.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
It’s totally up to you! A smoky-sweet sauce works beautifully here, but feel free to try spicy or tangy varieties depending on your preference.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but make sure your crockpot is big enough. For a double batch, use at least a 7–8 quart slow cooker and stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Make It for a Crowd
These baked beans are a potluck hero. Whether you’re hosting a neighborhood BBQ or bringing a dish to your cousin’s backyard bash, this recipe easily scales up to feed a crowd.
To double the batch, just use a larger 7- to 8-quart crockpot. You can prep everything ahead of time (even the night before), and keep them warm right in the slow cooker using the “keep warm” setting.
If you’re transporting the beans, transfer them to a foil baking pan and reheat them covered at your destination at 325°F for 20–30 minutes, or until bubbly. I’ve done this a few times for big family get-togethers, and people always rave—even those who “aren’t really into beans” end up asking for the recipe!
You can also make multiple crockpots worth if you’re feeding a large gathering. Just label the lids if you’re making a spicy batch and a mild one!
Final Thoughts
These Crockpot Bourbon Brown Sugar Baked Beans are everything a good comfort food side should be—easy, rich, saucy, and crowd-pleasing. Whether it’s a holiday weekend, a casual cookout with friends, or just dinner at home with my husband and our two little ones, this recipe is always a hit.
I love that I can throw everything together in just 15 minutes and let it slow-simmer into something that tastes like it came from a smokehouse. And when I see my husband piling these onto his plate with a burger or my daughter sneaking spoonfuls of the sauce, I know it’s a keeper.
It’s recipes like this one that make our meals feel extra special—even if it’s just a random Tuesday evening with the kids bouncing around and the smell of something savory filling the kitchen. I hope your family loves this dish just as much as mine does.
More Tasty Side Dish Ideas
Crockpot Bourbon Brown Sugar Baked Beans
Ingredients
- 28 oz can homestyle baked beans
- 1 16 oz cans cannelli or navy beans drained and rinsed
- 1 16 oz cans kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 6-8 slices bacon cooked and finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper finely diced
- 1 medium sweet onion finely diced
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup bourbon or more to taste
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Add all ingredients into the bottom of a 5 quart or larger slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 5-6 hours.
- Serve immediately or keep on warm until ready to serve, enjoy!
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