Get ready to enjoy these barbecue baked beans, where tender haricot beans meld with a rich, smoky sauce for a truly satisfying dish. The addition of a can of Coke introduces a subtle sweetness, perfectly balanced by the depth of passata and chicken stock. This combination creates a luscious base that elevates the overall flavour profile.
Infused with hot smoked paprika, mustard powder, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce, these beans deliver that authentic barbecue taste that’s hard to resist. Whether served as a side or a hearty main, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering, bringing warmth and comfort to your table. Enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness of this crowd-pleaser!
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Calories in Barbecue Baked Beans
This recipe makes 8 portions and is 137 calories per serving
If you're looking for more recipes within the same calorie range, you'll find an abundance of options in my dedicated collection of 100+ calorie recipes.
If you're following a calorie-controlled diet or a healthy eating plan, it's important to calculate your daily calorie intake using a reliable calorie calculator. Please note that the calorie counts provided are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. Personalizing your calculations is essential to meet your individual needs. By using a calorie calculator, you can make informed choices and stay on track with your dietary goals.
See the recipe card for full nutritional estimation.
Ingredients Notes
To make this recipe you will need the following ingredients:
- Dried Haricot Beans: These small white beans are the star of the dish, offering a creamy texture and nutty flavour when cooked. They’re packed with protein and fibre, making them a nutritious addition.
- Bacon Medallions - this is lean back bacon with minimal fat, any bacon can be used, but other varieties may be higher in caloires
- Onions: Chopped onions provide a sweet and aromatic base, enhancing the overall depth of flavour in the dish. They caramelise beautifully during cooking, adding richness.
- Garlic: Crushed garlic brings a pungent, savoury note that elevates the dish. Its robust flavour complements the sweetness of the beans and the smokiness of the paprika.
- Coke (Cola): The surprising addition of Col adds a subtle sweetness and helps to tenderise the beans, creating a unique balance of flavours that pairs perfectly with the savoury elements.
- Passata: This smooth tomato puree forms the backbone of the sauce, adding acidity and richness. It helps create a thick, luscious consistency that clings to the beans.
- Chicken Stock: Used as a cooking liquid, chicken stock enhances the flavour of the beans, adding depth and a savoury element that rounds out the dish.
- Spices: Hot smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and mustard powder combine to infuse the beans with a warm, smoky flavour, a concentrated garlic and onion taste, and a subtle tanginess that balances sweetness.
- Mixed Herbs: A blend of dried herbs introduces aromatic notes, adding freshness and enhancing the dish’s savoury profile.
- Worcestershire Sauce: This fermented condiment brings a deep umami flavour, enhancing the richness of the sauce and adding a touch of tang.
- Balsamic Vinegar: A splash of balsamic vinegar adds acidity and sweetness, helping to balance the flavours and adding a hint of complexity.
- Salt and White Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the flavours of all the ingredients, ensuring a well-rounded dish.
- Spray Oil: Used for cooking the onions and garlic, spray oil helps to reduce fat while ensuring the ingredients are sautéed to perfection without sticking.
Once you've gathered all the ingredients and prepared them accordingly, you're all set to create this easy and delightful recipe.
See the recipe card for specific quantities and instructions.
Variations and Substitutes
These variations and substitutes allow you to customise the dish to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs while maintaining the essence of the barbecue baked beans.
- Vegetarian: omit the bacon and use vegetable stock and vegan Worcestershire sauce
- Beans: While haricot beans are traditional, you can use other white beans like cannellini or navy beans, or even chickpeas for a different texture and flavour.
- Coke: For a caffeine-free option, use a similar quantity of root beer or a splash of apple juice for sweetness. You can also substitute with vegetable stock for a more savoury taste.
- Passata: If passata isn’t available, crushed tomatoes or tomato puree can be used as a substitute. Adjust the consistency with a bit of water if needed.
- Chicken Stock: Swap chicken stock for vegetable stock to make the dish vegetarian or vegan. Alternatively, low-sodium stock can help control the salt levels.
- Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices based on your preference. For extra heat, add cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. For a smokier flavour, consider adding liquid smoke.
- Mixed Herbs: You can use fresh herbs like thyme or oregano in place of dried herbs. Just remember to adjust the quantity, as fresh herbs are more potent.
- Worcestershire Sauce: For a vegetarian option, use a vegan Worcestershire sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and a splash of vinegar.
- Balsamic Vinegar: If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar can be used for a similar tangy effect.
What to Serve with Barbecue Baked Beans
Barbecue baked beans are a hearty and flavourful dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some great options to complement the beans:
- Grilled Meats: Serve alongside grilled sausages, chicken, or barbecue meats like pulled pork for a classic barbecue spread. The smoky flavours of the meats enhance the rich taste of the beans.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy, tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, savoury beans. The creaminess and acidity balance the dish perfectly.
- Cheesy Toast: For a simple yet satisfying option, serve the beans on toast topped with melted cheese. This adds a comforting, gooey element that pairs wonderfully with the flavours of the beans.
These pairing options elevate the meal and create a well-rounded dining experience that everyone will enjoy.
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All recipes on Slimming Eats have estimated nutritional information for your convenience.
FAQ for Barbecue Baked Beans
Yes, you can freeze barbecue baked beans. Allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. For best results, label the container with the date so you can keep track.
Store leftover baked beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to let them cool to room temperature before sealing the container to prevent moisture buildup.
You can reheat barbecue baked beans in the microwave or on the stovetop. For the microwave, place the beans in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. For stovetop reheating, transfer the beans to a saucepan, add a splash of water or stock, and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.
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Recipe Card
Barbecue Baked Beans
Sweet and smoky barbecue baked beans combine tender haricot beans with rich passata, zesty spices, and a hint of Coke for a delightful, flavour-packed side dish that's perfect for any barbecue.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (340g) of dried haricot beans (or similar white bean)
- 6 lean bacon medallions, chopped small
- 2 small onions, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 1 can of coke (cola)
- 2 cups (480g) of passata
- 2 cups (480ml) of chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon of hot smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of mustard powder
- 1 tablespoon of mixed herbs
- 2 teasppoons of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
- salt and white pepper
- low calorie spray
Instructions
- Place the haricot beans in a large bowl, cover with cold water, and allow to soak overnight.
- Spray a large pot with low calorie spray, add the bacon, chopped onions and garlic, and fry over medium heat until softened.
- Add the Coke, passata, stock, mustard powder, Worcestershire sauce, and balsamic vinegar. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Roughly blend the sauce with a hand blender.
- Thoroughly rinse the soaked beans, then place them in a pot, cover with water, and season with salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for approximately 30 minutes until the beans are cooked and softened. Drain and add the beans to the sauce. Cover with a lid and continue to simmer for about 1 hour on low heat, or bake in the oven at 150°C (300°F, gas mark 2) for a couple of hours. Alternatively, these can be cooked in a slow cooker on high or low settings.
- Check the beans halfway through cooking. If they begin to dry out, add a little more stock or water.
- Once cooked tasted and season as needed with salt and black pepper, then portion the beans into containers, storing some in the fridge and some in the freezer for later.
Notes
Please see below for full nutritional info and additional details about recipe:
- Calories - scroll down to nutritional info box
- WW Points and other Slimming or Weight Loss programs - due to plans regularly changing and updating, we recommend calculating with the official tools you get as a member to those plans to ensure accuracy of values.
- Gluten Free Friendly - use gluten free stock
- Vegetarian: omit bacon and use vegetable stock and vegan Worcestershire sauce
- ❄️ Freezer Friendly - see FAQ
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Nutrition Information
Yield 8 Serving Size 1 SERVINGAmount Per Serving Calories 137Total Fat 4gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 3gCholesterol 10mgSodium 460mgCarbohydrates 20gFiber 2gSugar 9gProtein 8g
Nutritional information and values etc are an estimate and is to be used for informational purposes only. Ingredients can vary greatly from brand to brand and therefore it would be impossible to give accurate information. It is always advised that you calculate by the ingredients you use.
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