Wednesday, June 16, 2021

Hog Wild Baked Beans

Between family grill-outs, potlucks with friends and the need for easy recipes in the summertime, my Hog Wild Baked Beans are always a hit and through the years have become a request for get togethers.

Hog Wild Baked Beans

Baked beans are a great staple for any grill out.  You can keep them warm in a crockpot and they can help feed a crowd.  The inspiration for my baked beans in fact came from a BBQ at a friend's house.  After taking a few bites of his baked beans I was intrigued by the combination of flavors and couldn't put my finger on exactly what the mystery ingredient in his beans was.  So of course I asked him and found out he used a can of apple pie filling in his baked beans!  Genius!  The apple pie filling combined nicely with the other flavors and added a subtle sweetness.  From there the wheels started turning and I am very proud of my current recipe!

In fact, this isn't the first time I've shared about my baked beans.  I've changed a few things here and there and now am in love with this final combination of sweet and heat.  The sweetness comes from the apple pie filling, as well as using a honey baked bean.  The heat and smokiness comes from using pureed chipoltes in adobo, along with a little extra spice from cayenne pepper!

A local TV show, Hello Iowa, asked me to join them for their Father's Day episode today and I knew I had to share this almost famous baked bean recipe with everyone.  It is perfect for your Father's Day grill out this weekend or your next summer gathering.

Hog Wild Baked Beans Hello Iowa

Hog Wild Baked Beans

2 - 28oz cans Honey Baked Beans
1 can Apple Pie Filling
1# Bacon, crumbled
1 Onion, chopped
1 Green Pepper, chopped
1# Pork Bratwurst, ground, browned
1 cup Ketchup
1/2 cup Brown Sugar
2-3 Tbsp Chipoltes in Adobo Sauce, pureed
2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 Tbsp Ground Mustand
1 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper powder

Combine all of the ingredients into a crockpot and cook on low for 2-4 hours.  You can also simmer the baked beans on the stove top.

A couple tips to really make this baked bean recipe stand out:

  • Cut up the apple slices in the pie filling into bite sized pieces.  It helps the apples blend in with the baked beans and will keep people guessing on what that flavor is!
  • Saute your chopped onion and green pepper in the bacon grease for added flavor!
  • Puree your Chipoltes in Adobo Sauce in a small food processor. Leftovers from the can, can be put into a ziploc bag and frozen till your next use.
  • Taste your baked beans after they have simmered for a couple of hours.  At that time you can tell if the heat is at the right level.  If you'd like to add more spice, you can add more cayenne pepper, but remember - you can always add but can't take away!  I truly believe that 1 1/2 tsp is the right about of heat for people to notice but not burn their lips!
  • This recipe makes around a 1/2 gallon of baked beans, so if that is too much for your family, this recipe is freezer friendly.


Hog Wild Baked Beans

What's your go-to dish to bring to a grill out?  I hope you give my Hog Wild Baked Beans a try and I can't wait to hear what your family and friends think!

1 comment: