How to Smoke Baked Beans on a Pellet Smoker: Simple Steps?

By Avi Green October 01, 2023

Learning how to smoke baked beans on a pellet smoker can elevate your culinary skills to new heights. Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ or preparing a meal for a family gathering, smoked baked beans can stand out as the star of the show. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know to create mouthwatering smoked baked beans, from ingredient selection to cooking techniques.

Pellet smokers have surged in popularity among both amateur and professional chefs due to their convenience and ability to infuse food with rich, smoky flavor. Understanding the method of smoking baked beans will help you please any crowd with this delectable side dish.

Ingredients for Perfect Smoked Baked Beans

Before diving into the cooking process, let's take a moment to explore the essential ingredients needed. Quality ingredients make all the difference.

Beans: Use navy beans, pinto beans, or a mix. Make sure they are soaked overnight for optimal texture.
Bacon: Adds richness and depth of flavor. Choose your favorite thick-cut variety.
Vegan options: If you're looking for a plant-based alternative, smoked tofu can provide the same complexity. Check out how to smoke tofu for ideas.
Onions and Garlic: Essential for aroma and flavor. Saut these to bring out their natural sweetness.
BBQ Sauce: A smoky, tangy sauce elevates the dish. You can opt for a store-bought version or create your own!
Seasonings: Don't forget spices! Paprika, cayenne, and black pepper will add a kick.

Preparation: Prepping the Beans

Once you have your ingredients, it's time to prep for smoking. Heres what you need to do:

Soak the Beans: Begin by soaking your beans overnight in water. This softens them and ensures even cooking.
Cook the Bacon: In a skillet, cook the bacon until just crispy. This renders the fat and adds flavor.
Saut Onions and Garlic: In the bacon fat, saut onions and garlic until they are translucent. This will enhance the aroma of your dish.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the soaked beans, bacon, sauted onions, garlic, BBQ sauce, and your chosen spices.

Settings for Smoking Baked Beans

Before you start smoking, make sure your pellet smoker is ready. Heres how:

Preheat the Smoker: Set your pellet smoker to a temperature of about 225F to 250F. High temperatures help with caramelization.
Select your Pellets: Choose smoking wood pellets that match your desired flavor profile. Hickory and apple wood contribute great smoky notes.
Use a Cast Iron Pan: Cast iron skillets or pans work effectively for smoking baked beans, allowing even heat distribution.

Smoking the Baked Beans

Now comes the fun part smoking your beans!

Transfer to Smoker: Load the mixture into your cast iron pan and place it on the smoker grates.
Monitor the Temperature: Keep an eye on the internal temperature and moisture. You may want to add a splash of water or broth if it gets too dry.
Cooking Time: Allow the beans to smoke for approximately 2-3 hours. Stir occasionally for even cooking.

In the latter part of cooking, you can glaze the beans with additional BBQ sauce to enhance flavor.

Tips for Perfect Smoked Baked Beans

Here are a few extra insights to elevate your cooking game:

Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add different types of sauces, like a spicy habanero or honey chipotle.
Try various beans: Mixing different beans can add textural variety.
Pair it Right: Serve your smoked beans alongside grilled meats or savory sides. Your guests will rave about it!