Smoked Dr. Pepper Baked Beans has sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors for your barbecue with almost no effort. These beans simmer in a rich sauce of ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, and soda, creating a sticky, savory finish that pairs with everything from brisket to burgers. Whether you include bacon or keep it meatless, this dish turns simple pantry ingredients into a crowd favorite that reheats beautifully and only gets better the next day.
Smoked Dr. Pepper Baked Beans
The sauce base is what sets these beans apart from the rest. Dr. Pepper lends a deep sweetness and a subtle spice note that balances perfectly with vinegar and mustard. The sugar caramelizes as it cooks, creating a glossy, thick coating for the beans. Smoking them slowly at 220°F helps the flavors soak into every bite, and lets the dish develop that slow-cooked taste without much hands-on time.
Great Northern and Navy beans are my favorite combination. They hold their shape well during long cooking and soak up flavors without turning to mush. Bacon is optional, but it does add an extra layer of flavor, and who doesn’t love bacon? Even without it, this easy side dish has plenty of flavor from the rub and onions.
This recipe is perfect for potlucks, cookouts, or any gathering where the grill is already fired up. Make it in a foil pan for easy cleanup or transfer to a cast iron skillet for extra presentation points. Leftovers keep well, making this a practical side that stretches far beyond one meal.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Sweet and Tangy Sauce – Balanced flavor that pairs well with grilled meats.
- Easy to Prep – Just mix, dump, and smoke.
- Flexible Ingredients – Add bacon or keep it vegetarian.
- Feeds a Crowd – Perfect for potlucks or cookouts.
- Smoky Flavor – Adds depth and richness with minimal effort.
Grilled Pork Chops with Guinness Barbecue Sauce
Dr. Pepper Baked Beans Shopping List
Wondering if you have to hit the store? Here’s the list of items you’ll need to make this recipe. For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Sauce
- Ketchup – Acts as the tomato base with a mild sweetness.
- Dark Brown Sugar – Provides depth and caramel notes.
- Dr. Pepper – Adds complexity and a spiced sweetness.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Brightens and balances the sweetness.
- Yellow Mustard – Gives tang and sharpness.
- OWYD Spicy Pork Rub – Adds heat and seasoning to round out the sauce.
Beans & Meat
- Cooked Bacon (optional) – Adds smokiness and richness to the dish.
- Great Northern Beans – Firm texture and neutral flavor, ideal for sauces.
- Navy Beans – Small and tender, helps create a balanced bite.
- Onion – Diced small to melt into the sauce during smoking.
How To Make Smoked Baked Beans with Dr. Pepper
This is just the overview so you can see what you’re actually getting into here. When you are cooking, you’ll want to use the full recipe at the bottom of the page.
- Preheat the Smoker – Set to 220°F and prep a grill-safe pan with cooking spray.
- Make the Sauce – Combine all sauce ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
- Assemble the Dish – Add beans and diced onion to the pan, pour sauce over, and stir gently.
- Add Bacon and Smoke – Lay bacon slices on top, place the pan in the smoker, and close the lid.
- Cook and Finish – Smoke for 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until sauce is thickened and bubbly.
FAQ
How long will leftovers last?
Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavor improves after a day or two.
How should I reheat them?
Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, or microwave in short intervals. Add a splash of water if the sauce gets too thick.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the entire dish the day before and refrigerate. Smoke just before serving.
What substitutions can I make?
Use pinto beans or black beans if preferred. Cola can be swapped for Dr. Pepper, and your favorite BBQ rub can replace the pork rub.
Serve This With…
- Smoked Party Ribs or Pulled Pork
- BBQ Chicken
- Traeger Pork Tenderloin Sliders
- Cornbread
- Creamy Coleslaw
Smoked Dr. Pepper Baked Beans are a rich, satisfying side with big barbecue flavor. The combination of sweet soda, bold rub, and slow smoke transforms canned beans into something special. It’s one of those easy recipes that ends up being the most talked-about dish on the table.
Smoked Dr. Pepper Baked Beans
What I Use
- Made In Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Ingredients
Sauce
- 2 cups ketchup
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 cup Dr. Pepper
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon OWYD Spicy Pork Rub
Beans & Meat
- 3 slices cooked bacon optional
- 2 cans Great Northern Beans drained
- 2 cans Navy beans drained
- 1 small onion diced
Instructions
- Preheat your smoker to 220°F. Prep a grill-safe pan with cooking spray.
- Mix together all of the sauce ingredients, until combined.
- Pour the beans and onion into the pan. Top with the sauce and stir gently. Stick the bacon slices into the mix.
- Put the pan on the grill, shut the lid, and go do something else for an hour.
- Stir gently and go away again.
- Cook for another hour-ish, or until the sauce is thickened to your liking and reduced, and everything is bubbly and melded together.