Meet your new go-to summer classic: Peach-Glazed Baked Beans. This dish takes everything you love about traditional baked beans and kicks it up a notch with luscious peach preserves, smoky spices, and, if you’re feeling fancy, juicy fresh peaches and crispy bacon. The sweet and tangy flavors are pure comfort with a sun-kissed twist, making these beans a total crowd-pleaser at BBQs, picnics, or cozy family dinners. Every bite is a blend of creamy beans, caramelized onion, gentle heat, and that unmistakable fruity glaze that’ll leave you reaching for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Peach-Glazed Baked Beans comes from a handful of humble things you likely already have. Each ingredient serves a purpose: creaminess, depth, sweet brightness, or just a hint of smoke. Here’s your flavor line-up:
- Navy beans or pinto beans: These mild, plump beans soak up all the flavors and give the dish its classic heartiness.
- Olive oil: For sautéing the aromatics and adding a subtle richness right from the start.
- Yellow onion: Finely chopped for texture and a mellow, sweet base.
- Garlic clove: Just one, minced, for that irresistible savory backbone.
- Ketchup: The tomatoey tang pulls everything together in a cozy, familiar way.
- Peach preserves or jam: Here’s the star! Brings bright, peachy sweetness that makes these beans unforgettable.
- Dijon mustard: A splash of sharpness balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Apple cider vinegar: For subtle acidity and lift.
- Molasses or brown sugar: Adds depth and that classic barbecue sweetness.
- Smoked paprika: A little bit turns up the smokiness—can’t skip it.
- Ground ginger: Just a pinch for warm, zesty intrigue.
- Salt and pepper: Because every great dish needs good seasoning.
- Fresh peach (optional): Diced bits of real peach give the beans bursts of juicy summer flavor.
- Cooked bacon (optional): Crumbled for extra savoriness and crunch—totally optional, but totally delicious!
How to Make Peach-Glazed Baked Beans
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), then grab a skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, just until it’s soft and translucent—this gentle cooking makes the onion mellow and sweet, forming the tasty foundation for your beans. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more, letting it release all that fabulous aroma without letting it brown.
Step 2: Mix the Glaze
Time for the namesake of these Peach-Glazed Baked Beans: the gooey, sticky glaze! In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the ketchup, peach preserves, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, molasses or brown sugar, smoked paprika, ground ginger, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Whisk until it’s smooth and glossy—this is where the sweet, tart, and smoky magic begins.
Step 3: Combine Beans and Flavorings
To your bowl of glaze, add the sautéed onion and garlic mixture. Tip in the drained and rinsed beans and gently fold everything together, making sure every bean is snugly coated. If you love a bit of extra fruitiness, fold in that diced fresh peach. Crumbled bacon goes in now too, if using—it adds a savory, smoky touch that’s hard to resist!
Step 4: Bake Until Bubble and Thick
Pour your beautiful bean mixture into a greased 8×8-inch baking dish and smooth the top. Slide it, uncovered, into the oven. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until everything is hot, thickened, and bubbling at the edges. The glaze should go from runny to silkily sticky, clinging to every bean—pure perfection.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Let your Peach-Glazed Baked Beans cool for a few minutes before serving. This pause helps the sauce thicken just a bit more, so your beans are extra luscious. If you can, steal a little taste at this point—there’s nothing like the first warm, peachy spoonful!
How to Serve Peach-Glazed Baked Beans
Garnishes
A little fresh green on top makes these beans sing! Try a scattering of chopped chives, parsley, or even a few thinly sliced green onions right before serving. If you held back some bacon, sprinkle it on for a salty, crunchy finish that plays beautifully with the sweet glaze. Want a smoky kick? Add a little extra smoked paprika or cracked black pepper for color and punch.
Side Dishes
Nobody says no to baked beans at a cookout, but Peach-Glazed Baked Beans also pair perfectly with simple grilled meats, BBQ chicken, roasted vegetables, or even veggie burgers. On a picnic table or at a potluck, serve them alongside classic coleslaw, grilled corn, or a simple green salad for that irresistible summer spread. And honestly, these beans tucked into a baked potato make an entire meal on their own!
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon Peach-Glazed Baked Beans into mini ramekins for a fun, individual side at parties. For something even more playful, try serving them from hollowed-out bell pepper halves—edible bowls! You can also dollop them onto slices of toasted baguette for a unique appetizer, or load them up in mason jars as part of a picnic basket feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Pop any extra Peach-Glazed Baked Beans into an airtight container once cooled and stash them in the fridge. They’ll stay delicious for up to four days, which means easy, flavor-packed sides all week long.
Freezing
Want to stretch the bounty? These beans freeze surprisingly well. Simply transfer completely cooled beans to a freezer-safe zip bag or container, squeeze out as much air as possible, and freeze for up to two months. For best results, label and date your container—you’ll thank yourself later!
Reheating
For the tastiest encore, gently reheat your Peach-Glazed Baked Beans on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if they seem too thick. The microwave works in a pinch—just use a covered dish and stir halfway through. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use different beans in this recipe?
Absolutely! While navy or pinto beans are classic, you can swap in cannellini or even black beans for a different twist. Just be sure to drain and rinse them well before using.
How spicy are these Peach-Glazed Baked Beans?
They’re gently spiced from the smoked paprika and ginger, but not hot. If you want more heat, feel free to stir in a chopped jalapeño or your favorite hot sauce before baking.
Are these beans vegetarian or vegan?
They’re vegetarian as long as you skip the bacon! For vegan Peach-Glazed Baked Beans, double check that your preserves and condiments are vegan, and you’re good to go.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Definitely! Peach-Glazed Baked Beans taste even better the next day as the flavors mingle. Make them ahead and reheat before serving for easy entertaining.
What can I use if I don’t have peach preserves?
Apricot or mango preserves are the best substitutes and still give that sweet, fruity glaze. You could even use a bit of honey mixed with diced canned peaches in a pinch—just adjust to taste.
Final Thoughts
If your summer needs a signature side, look no further: these Peach-Glazed Baked Beans are the dish everyone will remember. Between their bold, sweet-and-savory glaze and their versatility, they’re destined to become a favorite at your table. I can’t wait for you to scoop up the first spoonful, taste the peachy magic, and savor those cozy bean vibes—enjoy!
Print
**Peach-Glazed Baked Beans** Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Peach-Glazed Baked Beans are a delightful twist on a classic side dish, combining the sweetness of peach preserves with savory beans and a touch of smokiness. Perfect for summer BBQs or any gathering, these beans are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
For the Baked Beans:
- 2 (15 oz) cans navy beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup peach preserves or jam
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon molasses or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 fresh peach, diced (optional)
- 2 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sauté Onion: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté onion until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Prepare Glaze: In a mixing bowl, whisk together ketchup, peach preserves, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, molasses, smoked paprika, ground ginger, salt, and pepper until smooth. Stir in the sautéed onion mixture and beans. Fold in diced fresh peach and bacon if using.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into a greased 8×8-inch baking dish. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until bubbling and slightly thickened. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- This recipe is perfect as a summer BBQ side dish.
- For a spicier twist, add a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeño.
- You can also cook it in a slow cooker on low for 4 hours.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
