Small Batch Easy Doctored Up Canned Baked Beans

This easy small batch Doctored Up Bush's canned baked beans recipe takes simple canned baked beans to the next level with simple ingredients, and bakes in under 45 minutes! The perfect side dish for your next cookout!

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Easy Doctored Up Bush's Canned Baked Beans recipe (small batch)

The best baked beans recipe! Turn canned baked beans into tasty "homemade" baked beans quickly and easily with this easy Doctored Up Bush's Canned Baked Beans recipe!

A staple side dish for summer parties, BBQs, and even a family reunion, baked beans are synonymous with summer cookouts.

This easy baked beans recipe uses aromatics, spices, and BACON to take canned baked beans to a whole new level, all in under an hour from prep to finish!

This small batch recipe for Doctored Up Baked Beans is great for serving smaller crowds, but can easily be sized up for larger gatherings. This is one of my favorite bean recipes to serve to guest at BBQs for a satisfying summer meal, since it is so simple, yet so delicious!

Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to make this easy amped-up canned baked beans recipe for all your backyard barbecues!

• One large can of Baked Beans. I prefer Bush’s Original Baked Beans. Any large can of baked beans will work, so use your favorite beans!
• Molasses. I like Grandma's Molasses. You can usually find this in the baking section of your local grocery store.
• Yellow Mustard. Just plain old yellow mustard, save the spicy stuff and fancy mustards for your burgers and dogs!
• Ketchup. Any ketchup will work for this recipe. I used Heinz.
• Brown sugar. You can use light or dark, whatever your preference!
• 4 cooked strips of bacon, cut into small pieces. I used thick-cut bacon for this recipe, but you can use what you like.
• 4 scallions (aka green onions), thinly sliced. You want these nice and thin so they cook through in the oven.
• Worcestershire sauce. I swear by Lea and Perrins. This adds a rich depth of flavor to the beans, so use the good stuff!
• Salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. 
• A bit of Apple Cider vinegar (preferably organic for best flavor). This adds a nice tang to the beans.

How to make this easy Doctored Up Bush's Canned Baked Beans recipe

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees f. 
2. Grease a small baking dish or 9” pie plate with cooking spray or butter. 
3. Cook bacon until desired doneness in a pan until crisp, and drain on paper towels. Chop into small ¼” pieces. 
4. Add remaining ingredients to a large bowl and stir well. 
5. Transfer to greased dish and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the top of the beans are browned and bubbly. (see recipe card below for full instructions and ingredients list).

What to eat with baked beans

This easy baked beans recipe makes a great side dish for BBQs or family gatherings, as well as a great accompaniment to simple weeknight meals. You can serve them with grilled burgers, hot dogs and chicken, or serve them with a meal, too! Here are some great main dishes to serve alongside the baked beans:

• Easy Oven Baked Brats
• Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters
• Old Fashioned Sloppy Joes
• Dry Rubbed Smoked Ribs
• Pimento Cheeseburgers

Substitutions and Additions

These Doctored up canned baked beans can easily be adapted to work with your preferences, and what you have on hand in your refrigerator and pantry. Here are some great substitutions and addition you can make to make this recipe your own or add your own twist:

• Add some browned up sliced hot dogs to make an amazing Franks and Beans and turn this recipe into a main dish for an easy family dinner!
• Use canned rinsed and drained navy beans instead to make your own quick and easy baked beans.
• Use a dutch oven to make a larger batch (just be sure to adjust cooking time accordingly).
• Add some cooked green bell pepper for a little extra bite! Green peppers add a nice fresh bite if you have a little extra time to cook and soften them.
• Try barbecue sauce in place of the molasses.
• Use a small casserole dish instead of a pie plate.
• Swap the sweet brown sugar for honey.
• Use a bag of real bacon bits in place of the cooked bacon to save time, or grab some pre-cooked bacon.
• Add cooked ground beef for a hearty meal. If adding ground beef, be sure to size up your cooking vessel to accommodate the extra volume.  
• Doubling up the recipe? Try a large, deep cast iron pan as your cooking vessel!
• Make these beans in a slow cooker by adding all the ingredients to a slow cooker on low for 2-3 hours.

Storing and Reheating

To store leftover baked beans, cover with plastic wrap, or transfer to an airtight container, and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

These beans can be reheated gently on low heat on the stovetop, or microwaved until warmed through.

You can freeze this recipe as well, however the texture will not be as firm upon thawing.

More great side dish recipes

If you love this easy Doctored Up Bush's canned baked beans recipe, you'll love these easy and delicious side dishes that are perfect for your next BBQ or gathering!

• Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese
• Bacon Cheddar Broccoli Salad
• Warm German Potato Salad

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