Dinner

Apple Butter Bourbon Baked Beans Recipe

ByNaomi Fletcher November 3, 2025November 3, 2025

Introduction

Apple Butter Bourbon Baked Beans offer a delightful twist on a classic barbecue side dish. Sweet, smoky, and savory with a touch of heat, this recipe is perfect for fall gatherings, game days, or any time you want a comforting, flavorful bean dish. They pair wonderfully with everything from biscuits to BBQ ribs.

A deep gray bowl holds a thick serving of reddish-brown baked beans mixed with chunks of meat, topped with finely chopped green herbs and two slices of fresh green jalapeño pepper on the right side; resting on the beans on the left side is a round piece of biscuit with a golden crust, one side showing a bite taken out revealing soft, airy inside. Below the bowl on a rough beige fabric napkin is another broken biscuit exposing its tender inside. The bowl is placed on a white marbled texture surface with two old silver forks and a knife visible in the top left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
4-6 slices of bacon, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (or hot pepper of choice)
1½ tablespoons tomato paste
¼ cup bourbon
1 cup apple butter
1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
½ cup ketchup
¼ cup maple syrup
1 tablespoon prepared mustard (yellow mustard recommended)
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon ground cumin
1½ tablespoons organic unsulphured molasses
3 cans (19 oz each) mixed beans, drained and rinsed (pinto and great northern recommended)
½ cup water or broth

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-proof 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until golden and crispy, about 7–10 minutes.
Step 3: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and jalapeño to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent.
Step 4: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
Step 5: Pour in the bourbon to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the browned bits from the bottom.
Step 6: Add apple butter, BBQ sauce, ketchup, maple syrup, mustard, paprika, cumin, and molasses. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Step 7: Stir in the drained beans and water or broth, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 8: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the beans are thickened and bubbling. You may transfer the mixture to an 8×10 inch casserole dish if preferred.
Step 9: Remove the beans from the oven and let them rest for 10–15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

Choose a neutral-flavored BBQ sauce to let the apple butter shine without overpowering the dish.
For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and use vegetarian baked beans.
Adjust the heat by adding more jalapeños or substituting with chili flakes or powder.
Use dried beans soaked overnight for a more economical and flavorful option, cooking them until tender before using.
If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the maple syrup or molasses to taste.

Storage

Allow leftover baked beans to cool before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze the beans in a freezer-safe container for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A white rectangular baking dish with blue handles is filled with three layers; the bottom layer is thick reddish-brown sauce, the middle layer is a mix of shiny brown and beige beans, and the top layer shows some small green herb pieces sprinkled over the beans, giving a fresh look. The dish is placed on a rough beige cloth on a white marbled texture surface. To the left, there is a beige bowl filled with a salad made of green and purple cabbage pieces and a silver spoon resting nearby. On the right side, two broken pieces of golden bread are placed near the dish. In the bottom foreground, a black plate holds three round, golden brown biscuits. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these baked beans without alcohol?

Yes, you can omit the bourbon if you prefer an alcohol-free version. Substitute with an equal amount of water or broth to deglaze the pan.

What types of beans work best for baked beans?

Beans that hold their shape well during slow cooking are ideal, such as navy beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, and great northern beans. Mixing a few varieties adds great texture and flavor.