Double Pork Baked Beans Recipe

Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of Double Pork Baked Beans, a perfect blend of bacon and pulled pork that will elevate your next meal. This dish is ideal for family dinners, barbecues, or any occasion that calls for a hearty side.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Thick Cut Bacon
• 1 Small White Onion – chopped
• 2 Cups Pulled Pork
• 2 Cups Organic Ketchup
• 1/4 Cup Water
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground Pepper
• 1/4 Cup Brown Sugar
• 2 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 Tablespoon Yellow Mustard
• 1 Tablespoon Dark Molasses
• 1/2 teaspoon Tabasco Sauce (or more for spicy beans)
• 2 Cans Red Kidney Beans – drained/rinsed, 15 oz each
• 1 Can White Beans – drained/rinsed, 15 oz
• 1 Can Pinto Beans – drained/rinsed, 15 oz

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking the beans.

2. Prepare the Sauce
In a bowl, mix together the organic ketchup, water, garlic powder, ground pepper, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, dark molasses, and Tabasco sauce. Set this mixture aside.

3. Cook the Bacon
In a large pot, fry the thick-cut bacon until it’s firm but not crisp. Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels, leaving the bacon grease in the pot. Roughly chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces.

4. Sauté the Onions
Add the chopped onions to the pot with the bacon grease. Cook over medium heat, stirring for 2-3 minutes, until the onions become translucent.

5. Add Pulled Pork and Beans
Stir in the pulled pork and reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the drained and rinsed red kidney beans, white beans, and pinto beans. Mix in the pre-prepared sauce and half of the cooked bacon. Stir while cooking for 5 minutes.

6. Bake the Beans
Transfer the mixture to a large casserole dish. Top with the remaining bacon and cover with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 20 minutes.

7. Serve and Enjoy
Allow the beans to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this hearty dish as a side or a main course!

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips

• Accompaniments: Double Pork Baked Beans are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of mains. Serve them alongside grilled meats, such as ribs or burgers, or as a hearty side for a BBQ feast. They also complement roasted chicken and brisket wonderfully.
• Garnishing: For a touch of freshness, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of green onions. This adds a bit of color and a hint of freshness to the rich flavors of the beans.
• Temperature: Serve the beans warm for the best flavor. If they cool down, reheat them gently before serving. They can be enjoyed straight from the oven or kept warm in a slow cooker on the “keep warm” setting.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftover Double Pork Baked Beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3-4 days. Allow the beans to cool to room temperature before transferring them to the refrigerator to prevent condensation and maintain texture.
• Freezing: To freeze, let the beans cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. For best results, portion them into smaller containers for easier reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. You can also reheat in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even warmth.
• Avoid Overcooking: When reheating, avoid overcooking as it can dry out the beans and bacon. If the beans appear too thick after reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the consistency.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Double Pork Baked Beans remain delicious and ready to enjoy, whether you’re serving them fresh or saving them for later.

Variations:

1. Spicy Chipotle Double Pork Baked Beans

• Additions: Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky, spicy kick.
• Cheese Option: Top with shredded Monterey Jack cheese before baking.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve with a side of cornbread and a dollop of sour cream to balance the heat.

2. BBQ Double Pork Baked Beans

• Additions: Mix in 1/2 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce into the sauce mixture for a tangy flavor.
• Cheese Option: Add a layer of sharp cheddar cheese on top before baking.
• Serving Suggestion: Pair with pulled pork sandwiches or ribs for a classic BBQ meal.

3. Southwest Double Pork Baked Beans

• Additions: Incorporate 1 cup of black beans and 1 cup of corn. Add 1 teaspoon of cumin and 1 teaspoon of chili powder to the sauce mixture.
• Cheese Option: Use pepper jack cheese for added spice.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve with avocado slices and a side of Mexican rice.

4. Sweet and Spicy Double Pork Baked Beans

• Additions: Increase the amount of brown sugar to 1/2 cup and add 1 tablespoon of sriracha or hot sauce for a sweet and spicy flavor profile.
• Cheese Option: Top with crumbled bacon and a sprinkle of feta cheese before baking.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve with grilled chicken or pork chops.

5. Classic Ham and Bean Double Pork Baked Beans

• Additions: Substitute 2 cups of diced ham for the pulled pork and add 1 cup of diced celery.
• Cheese Option: Use Swiss cheese instead of Muenster.
• Serving Suggestion: Pair with mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad.

6. Vegetarian Double Pork Baked Beans

• Substitution: Replace the bacon and pulled pork with 1 cup of finely chopped mushrooms and 1 cup of textured vegetable protein (TVP) for a hearty vegetarian option.
• Cheese Option: Use a plant-based cheese alternative.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve with a side of quinoa or a hearty vegetable soup.

7. Mediterranean Double Pork Baked Beans

• Additions: Stir in 1 cup of chopped Kalamata olives and 1 cup of sun-dried tomatoes. Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of dried basil.
• Cheese Option: Use crumbled feta cheese.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve with pita bread and a Greek salad.

8. Smoky Bacon and Bourbon Double Pork Baked Beans

• Additions: Mix in 1-2 tablespoons of bourbon with the sauce mixture and add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika.
• Cheese Option: Top with smoked Gouda cheese before baking.
• Serving Suggestion: Pair with a side of coleslaw and a corn muffin.

9. Apple Cider Double Pork Baked Beans

• Additions: Replace the water with 1/4 cup of apple cider and add 1/2 cup of finely chopped apples to the bean mixture.
• Cheese Option: Use a mild cheddar cheese.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve with a pork roast or apple-glazed chicken.

10. Asian-Inspired Double Pork Baked Beans

• Additions: Substitute soy sauce for Worcestershire sauce and add 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce and 1/2 cup of diced bell peppers.
• Cheese Option: Omit cheese; instead, top with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables.

These variations offer exciting twists on the classic Double Pork Baked Beans, allowing you to tailor the recipe to your taste preferences or to match different meal themes. Enjoy experimenting with these flavors!

FAQs:

1. Can I use a different type of meat instead of bacon and pulled pork?
   • Yes, you can substitute with other meats such as sausage, ham, or ground beef. Adjust the cooking time and seasonings accordingly.
2. How can I make this recipe less sweet?
   • To reduce sweetness, cut down on the brown sugar and molasses. You can also add a bit more vinegar or lemon juice to balance the flavors.
3. Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
   • Yes, canned beans are a convenient substitute. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding to the recipe.
4. What if I don’t have all the types of beans listed?
   • You can use any combination of beans you have on hand. The variety of beans contributes to the texture and flavor, but you can adjust based on what’s available.
5. Can I prepare Double Pork Baked Beans in a slow cooker?
   • Yes, you can cook the beans in a slow cooker. Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
6. Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
   • Absolutely. Prepare the beans according to the recipe, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
7. Can I freeze Double Pork Baked Beans?
   • Yes, you can freeze the beans. Allow them to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.