If you consider yourself a grill or smoker chef, you’re going to love experimenting and using your skills for smoked baked beans. One way to increase the taste of the beans is by using Knotty Wood almond wood pellets in a smoker or smoker box. 

That delicious aroma will truly come to life and change how people view this popular barbecue side dish. Include the beans when serving hamburgers, hot dogs, or sausages as well.

Almond wood pellets are made from compressed almond shells and impart a mild nutty, fruity smoke that pairs perfectly with the natural goodness of baked beans. By adding a handful of pellets to the coals of your grill or including them in your smoker, you can turn baked beans into a memorable taste sensation.

The result is a delicious fusion of classic baked bean flavors heightened by a subtle smokiness. Your guests won’t be able to stop eating your Knotty Wood almond wood pellet baked beans and will want to know the recipe. 

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these smoked baked beans, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients.

• Two 15-ounce cans of navy beans or great northern beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup of Knotty Wood barbecue rub 
• 1/3 cup of molasses
• 1/3 cup of brown sugar
• 1/3 cup of ketchup
• 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)

Instructions

Combine the beans, Knotty barbecue rub, molasses, brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, in a heavy pot. Stir well to coat all the beans evenly.

Cover and bake in a 350 F oven for 3  hours, stirring occasionally, or until the beans are tender and entirely coated in a thick, saucy glaze. Uncover  the pot  and move it to the grill or smoker.

Add More Flavor

For extra flavor, add 1/4 cup diced onions and 3 cloves minced garlic along with the molasses and ketchup. You can also add a splash of your favorite beer or a tablespoon or two of apple cider vinegar.

Adding that Smokey Twist

The almond wood pellets will infuse the beans with a subtle smoky flavor as they simmer over the grill or in the smoker. Use Knotty Wood almond wood chips if you want your beans to smoke to perfection.

Enjoy your baked beans as a side for BBQ ribs or a burger or a complement to cornbread. The smoking time will depend on how intense you want the smoky flavor to be. Start by smoking the beans for 30 minutes, then check the flavor. 

For a subtle smokey undertone, 30 minutes should do it. If you want a more pronounced smoke taste, simmer for 45 to 60 minutes or add more almond wood chips to the smoker and smoke for 45 minutes. Vent the smoker and stir the beans to prevent the beans from becoming acrid.

Remove the beans from the smoker and let them rest 15 minutes before serving them. 

Buy Your Rub and Pellets on the Knotty Wood Barbecue Company Website

With so many possible pairings, smoked baked beans using Knotty Wood almond wood pellets simply can’t be beat as you can enjoy them in both the summer and winter. Experiment with different add-ins and accompaniments to find your favorite baked-bean, side dish, and meat combination. Visit the Knotty Wood Barbecue Company website to buy your almond pellets today.