Introduction

Apple Pie Baked Beans offer a unique twist on a classic comfort food by combining the savory richness of baked beans and bacon with the sweet surprise of apple pie filling. This dish is perfect for gatherings or as a flavorful side that will have everyone asking for seconds.

A cast iron skillet filled with a thick, glossy stew of baked beans mixed with crispy bacon pieces and chunks of cooked apples, showing layers of dark brown sauce coating the ingredients. The beans are medium brown and soft, while the bacon adds reddish-brown crispy bits scattered throughout, and the apple pieces are pale yellow. A wooden spoon is partially submerged on the left side, stirring the stew slightly. The skillet is placed on a round wooden board, set on a white marbled texture surface with some bits of bacon on the side and a red apple visible in the lower right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 slices center-cut bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
½ cup diced yellow onion
56 ounces baked beans (two 28-ounce cans, we used Bush’s Original brand)
21 ounces apple pie filling, larger apple pieces cut into smaller ¾-inch pieces
½ cup bottled barbecue sauce (we used Sweet Baby Ray’s Original brand)
¼ cup light brown sugar
1 tablespoon barbecue seasoning blend

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Step 2: In a large heavy-duty skillet, such as a 12-inch cast iron skillet, cook the bacon pieces over medium heat for 12-14 minutes or until crispy and most of the fat has rendered.
Step 3: Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the skillet, leaving the bacon grease behind. Place the bacon on a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
Step 4: Add the diced yellow onions to the skillet with the bacon grease. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent, but not caramelized.
Step 5: Stir in the baked beans, apple pie filling, barbecue sauce, light brown sugar, barbecue seasoning blend, and the cooked bacon pieces until well combined.
Step 6: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the beans are bubbly and heated through.
Step 7: Reserve two tablespoons of the cooked bacon for garnish, sprinkling them over the finished baked beans just before serving.

Tips & Variations

Make sure to cook the bacon until it’s crispy to maintain a good texture when baked; undercooked bacon can become rubbery in the oven.
Resist the urge to caramelize the onions, as overcooked onions can overpower the apple pie flavor.
For a smokier twist, try using smoked bacon or adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the seasoning blend.

Storage

Store leftover apple pie baked beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through, stirring occasionally to keep the beans creamy and flavorful.

How to Serve

A close-up of a white bowl filled with thick baked beans stew showing about two layers: the top layer has shiny brown beans, soft golden potato chunks, and crispy pieces of bacon all covered in a rich, dark brown sauce. A spoon is scooping some beans, potatoes, and bacon out of the bowl, highlighting the glossy texture and hearty mix, with a white marbled surface and some pieces of bacon blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade baked beans instead of canned?

Yes, homemade baked beans work well in this recipe. Just be sure they are fully cooked and sauced before combining with the other ingredients.

Will the apple pie filling make the beans too sweet?

The sweetness of the apple pie filling balances nicely with the savory bacon and barbecue sauce, creating a harmonious flavor. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the brown sugar slightly or choose a less sweet apple pie filling.