Root Beer Baked Beans

Name: Root Beer Baked Beans
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: 1 Tablespoon oil; 1 cup diced onion; 2 cloves garlic, (minced); 2 (15 ounce) cans pinto beans, (drained and rinsed); 2 (15 ounce) cans kidney beans, (drained and rinsed); 2 (15 ounce) cans cannellini beans, (drained and rinsed); 2 (12 ounce) bottles root beer ( (like IBC Root Beer)); 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar; 1/2 cup ketchup; 3 Tablespoons brown sugar; 2 Tablespoons dijon mustard; 2 teaspoons chili powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

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Root Beer Baked Beans are always the surprising hit at any barbecue or potluck! Three types of beans in a thick, sweet and tangy sauce!

A PERFECT BBQ SIDE DISH

Baked Beans are pretty much a staple side dish for a lot of our meals in the summer. I thought I'd play around with my usual recipe and add more of a variety of beans and flavors. This dish is super filling and you could even add cooked ground beef to this and make it a meal. These will be a huge hit at your next BBQ!

closeup overhead photo of Root Beer Baked Beans in a white and black speckled bowl.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can you taste the root beer in this?

No. The root beer is just adding depth of flavor. It adds a slight sweetness to the background. It will be the ingredient that no one can quite put their finger on but will definitely taste the difference from just regular ole baked beans!

Do I have to use all the different beans?

Of course not. You can use your favorite style of beans here. I like the combination of flavors it adds but if you just want to go with one type of bean, then go right ahead! Just make sure you're using about the same amount.

Could I use dried beans?

Yes. Just make sure you soak them overnight before continuing with the recipe. With dry beans, you need to sift through them as well just to get out any non-bean bits.

Can I make Root Beer Baked Beans in the crock pot?

Yes! Just put everything into a 6 quart slow cooker and stir well. Cook on low for about 3-4 hours. Keep in mind, they won't get as thick in a crock pot as they would in an oven.

How do I store leftovers?

Allow the beans to cool completely then store in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen. Store in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.

overhead photo of a bowl of root beer baked beans with a spoon inserted into the beans and a bottle of root beer in the background.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED: (FULL RECIPE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE POST)

onion
garlic
pinto beans
kidney beans
cannellini beans
root beer
apple cider vinegar
ketchup
brown sugar
dijon mustard
chili powder
kosher salt and black pepper

onion, garlic, pinto beans, kidney beans, cannellini beans, root beer, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, dijon mustard, chili powder, kosher salt and black pepper.

HOW TO MAKE ROOT BEER BAKED BEANS:

Preheat oven to 400f degrees. In a large dutch oven (or other oven-safe pot), heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook, stirring frequently, until just browned, about 6 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.