Best Baked Bean Recipes for Perfect Potlucks

These Boston baked beans start off with dry navy beans. Watch the video, to see how Chef John bakes up a batch of perfectly tender beans. If you're making ribs, you'll want these Boston baked beans on the side. Same goes for fried chicken, baked chicken, grilled sausages -- anything you can put in a picnic basket. Ditto pork chops and roasted ham. Watch the video, to see how it's done!

Secret Ingredient: Four types of beans

Four different kinds of canned beans (kidney beans, butter beans, lima beans, and pork and beans) are baked with molasses, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, and mustard. "I have substituted different kinds of beans and enjoyed all of the results" says scubaLQ. "Use whatever kind of beans you like! I have also used Canadian bacon instead of regular bacon."

Secret Ingredient: Cola

Here's a super-simple baked beans recipe. Canned baked beans combine in the slow cooker with bacon, brown sugar, and your favorite cola. "This is a favorite at potlucks and barbeques!" says OHHCANDY. "I've often wondered if I get invited for my company or my Cola Beans! I've tried several different brands of colas, but have found that Coke works best. I like to pre-cook the bacon about half-way so it doesn't make the beans too greasy, but it's not necessary. This recipe can also be baked in a conventional oven at 350 degrees F for about 1 hour."

Secret Ingredient: 4 types of canned beans and chili sauce

Cans of kidney beans, pinto beans, lima beans, and Great Northern beans are baked in a quick mixture of chili sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and molasses, and topped with slices of bacon. "I have been serving this recipe for over 20 years," SHARONHOWARD. "It is always a big hit but I have never told the children that there are lima beans in it! This is especially good with a baked ham or spareribs, and is easily doubled. Enjoy!"

Secret Ingredient: Bourbon...and Dr. Pepper

Cans of baked beans with pork transform into the perfect sweet and savory baked beans. Bacon adds a salty, savory something, while the brown sugar, Dr. Pepper, and ketchup develop sweet and tangy flavors. "I came up with this recipe after having made some bourbon baked beans and seeing a recipe for cola baked beans and I thought: Why not combine the two?" says dwfalls78.

Secret Ingredient: Gigante beans, feta cheese, and fresh dill

For this simple recipe, look for gigante beans, although any dried beans will work. Your beans will bake in a tangy sauce with dill, tomato, honey, and olive oil. Top them off with feta cheese and extra dill. "I used to believe the best baked beans came from Boston or Texas, but ever since I discovered this very hearty giant bean casserole, I have to give it to the Greeks," says Chef John. "'Big Fat' refers not only to size of the beans, but also to the huge flavor of this dish. Use the largest beans you can find: Gigante beans are the best, but Corona and lima beans also work great. Serve alongside grilled meat or simply with extra feta for a great vegetarian main."

Secret Ingredient: Apples and raisins

Another quick-and-easy baked beans recipe, this one features canned pork and beans, lots of bacon, diced apples, barbeque sauce, brown sugar, and plump raisins. "Don't let the title or ingredients scare you away from this recipe," says Nancy S. "These are the greatest baked beans I have ever had."

Secret Ingredient: Ground beef

With bacon, seasoned ground beef, and four types of canned beans (kidney beans, Great Northern beans, and pinto beans, and baked beans), this one's a meal all to itself. "Slow-cooked richness in a fast-paced world, this hearty recipe is sure to add comfort and satisfy the largest of appetites," says Terra. "You'd swear it was almost homemade."

You might also like beefy Rancho Baked Beans.

Secret Ingredient: Smoked sausage and black beans

Dry black beans, smoked sausage, and bacon are the stars of these strictly savory, not sweet baked beans. "These baked beans are so delicious, you may end up eating them as your main dish instead of a side dish!" says Diana71. "They are packed with a savory, meaty flavor and are also great over rice."

Try these Instant Pot® baked beans, too:

Secret Ingredient: Kielbasa or Polish sausage and smoked sausage

Great for potlucks, these baked beans combine two types of sausages, baked beans, kidney beans, tomato sauce, ketchup, red wine, onion, celery, garlic, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. You can easily stretch it into a meal. "Sometimes I even cut up a few hot dogs and add them in," says Kay M. "This recipe has been a favorite for 30 years. Great at picnics as a side dish, where the guys gave it it's nickname (Blame the Dog). Serve this alone as a main dish with coleslaw and crusty rolls, or as a side dish.

Secret Ingredient: Jalapeno and red peppers and beer

Pinto beans are the bean of choice here. "Take the time to make up a batch of these authentic Texas baked beans the next time you have an outdoor cookout," says CookinMike. "These are great if you don't have a smoker, but if you have access to a good hickory or pecan fire, take advantage. For a real Texas experience, enjoy a bottle of Lone Star beer for yourself and one for the beans while you make them."

Secret Ingredient: Dry kidney beans and hot paprika

These saucy vegetarian beans start out with dry kidney beans. Prep the beans and then combine them with tomato paste, brown sugar, vinegar, cornmeal, and exciting spices. "Why buy baked beans when they are so easy to make yourself," says Churgin. "Vegetarian baked beans with a tangy tomato sauce are a British staple. Can be served hot or cold."

And for a smoky, spicy vegetarian option, try Home-Style Vegetarian Baked Beans.