BEST Baked Beans

I don't know about y'all but when summer arrives and we fire up the grill, it's one of my favorite times of the year. I absolutely LOVE eating outside and taking things a little bit slower while relaxing with family and friends. To make things easy on myself, I prepare my main dish ahead of time and have everything ready to go on the grill.

Now, comes the good part…the sides. I am gonna tell you right now, at any cookout, picnic or gathering in the summertime, I always head for the side dishes first. Anybody? Are ya with me? I love garden veggies made into fresh, crisp salads or roasted over hot coals, grilled peaches and ice cold fruits like watermelon or cantaloupe. Then of course, there's the traditional, never to be forgotten, best ever baked beans. I've made this sweet, slightly spicy recipe for years and it never gets old.

There have been times when I've not made them "on purpose" and boy, have I heard all about it! My people were not happy. So, now, when we have burgers, dogs or maybe my Grilled Flank Steak, I make sure to inquire, "anybody want baked beans for dinner"? The answer is always the same, "yes, why'd you even ask"? So friends, get your dishes ready, head outside and enjoy your friends and family over a slow, relaxed dinner. Just make sure, you don't forget the baked beans! 

Best Baked Beans

4 cans Pork-n-Beans (12 oz) - plain, no additives or flavorings
3/4 cup ketchup
1/2 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
5 slices bacon - chopped (I used my precooked bacon but you can use uncooked just cut into small pieces)

• Heat oven to 325 degrees.
• Drain beans but DO NOT rinse.
• Mix ketchup, BBQ sauce, sugar, honey, mustard, Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder in the bottom of a medium size dutch oven or baking dish. Add beans and mix well.
• Layer bacon on top of beans. Cover with dutch oven lid or tin foil. 
• Place beans and cook for 30. Remove covering and cook for an additional 30 minutes. 

For a great night of grilling and dinning al fresco, here is a one of my all time best menu plans…

Wedge Salad with Peaches & Blue Cheese

Best Baked Beans

Homemade Marinade and Grilled Flank Steak