Pineapple baked beans are a delightful twist on the classic comfort food that combines the sweetness of pineapple with the savory richness of baked beans. This recipe brings a burst of tropical flavor to your plate, making it perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or a cozy family dinner.
The balance between the tangy pineapple and the smoky, spiced beans creates a unique taste that’s both comforting and refreshing.
Whether you’re looking to jazz up your usual baked beans or experiment with a new flavor profile, this pineapple baked beans recipe is sure to become a favorite. It’s easy to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and can be made ahead of time.
Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve as a side dish or a main course. Let’s dive into why this recipe is a must-try and how you can make it at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pineapple baked beans recipe stands out because it perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. The addition of pineapple chunks and juice adds a bright, fruity contrast to the smoky, richly seasoned beans.
It’s a refreshing change from traditional baked beans without being too overpowering.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even as a filling for sandwiches and wraps.
The dish also reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers.
Finally, this recipe is incredibly easy to customize. Whether you want to add some heat with jalapeños or make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth, you can tailor it to your taste preferences with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 oz each) of navy or great northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice (from the canned pineapple or fresh)
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium saucepan or skillet
- Baking dish (8×8 inch or similar)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and chopping board
- Colander for draining beans
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the onion and garlic: Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the sauce ingredients: Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder (if using), pineapple juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combine beans and pineapple: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained beans and pineapple chunks. Pour the warm sauce over the beans and pineapple, stirring gently to coat everything evenly.
- Transfer to baking dish: Pour the bean mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and slightly thickened on top.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Tips & Variations
For extra smoky flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke or use smoked sausage in the recipe.
Use fresh pineapple for a more vibrant flavor and firmer texture. Canned pineapple works well too but be sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture.
If you prefer a spicier dish, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. For a milder version, omit the chili powder entirely.
To make this recipe vegetarian or vegan, ensure the Worcestershire sauce is vegan-friendly or replace it with soy sauce or tamari.
You can also customize the sweetness by adjusting the amount of brown sugar or adding a splash of maple syrup or honey.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 10 g |
| Sugars | 18 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This pineapple baked beans dish pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, burgers, or hot dogs. Serve it alongside cornbread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
You can also use it as a topping for baked potatoes or as a filling in wraps for a quick lunch.
Leftovers can be enjoyed as a hearty snack or reheated as a side for your next barbecue.
Conclusion
This pineapple baked beans recipe is a fantastic way to add a tropical twist to a classic favorite. Its combination of sweet pineapple, smoky spices, and tender beans creates a flavorful dish that’s both comforting and exciting.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a summer cookout, or a casual gathering, this recipe is sure to impress.
Easy to prepare and highly customizable, you can tweak the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs. Plus, it’s a nutritious option packed with fiber and protein.
Give this recipe a try and discover a new favorite that’s perfect any time of year!
For more delicious recipes to complement your meal, check out Classic BBQ Pulled Pork Recipe, Homemade Cornbread Recipe, and Grilled Vegetable Skewers Recipe.
📖 Recipe Card: Pineapple Baked Beans
Description: A sweet and tangy twist on classic baked beans, combining pineapple for extra flavor. Perfect as a side dish for barbecues and family dinners.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT1H
Total Time: PT1H10M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups canned baked beans
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine baked beans, crushed pineapple, brown sugar, ketchup, and molasses.
- Add chopped onion, minced garlic, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly.
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish.
- Bake uncovered for 1 hour, stirring halfway through.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 250 kcal | Protein: 10 g | Fat: 1.5 g | Carbs: 50 g
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