Description
Dr Pepper Baked Beans are a flavorful and hearty side dish featuring a blend of pinto, kidney, and cannellini beans baked in a rich, sweet, and tangy sauce made from Dr Pepper soda, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and a mix of spices. Perfectly cooked in the oven until the sauce thickens, these baked beans bring a unique twist with their soda-infused sweetness and robust seasoning, making them an ideal accompaniment for barbecues, potlucks, or cozy meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Beans
- 2 (15-oz) cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 (15-oz) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 (15-oz) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 Tbsp dried minced onion flakes
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 (12-oz) cans Dr Pepper soda
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
- 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tbsp chili powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 425ºF to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the beans and thickening the sauce.
- Combine ingredients: In a Dutch oven or large oven-safe pot, add the pinto beans, kidney beans, cannellini beans, dried minced onion flakes, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, light brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, and Dr Pepper soda. Stir everything together until well combined. Season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Bring to a boil: Place the pot over medium-high heat on the stovetop and bring the bean mixture to a boil. This step helps to meld the flavors and start reducing the sauce slightly before baking.
- Bake the beans: Once boiling, transfer the Dutch oven or pot (uncovered) into the preheated oven. Bake the beans for 1 hour, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to intensify. The slow baking will create a rich, thick consistency perfect for serving.
Notes
- You can substitute Dr Pepper with root beer or cola for a similar sweet and soda-infused flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add an extra teaspoon of chili powder or some cayenne pepper.
- Use low-sodium canned beans to control the salt content, and adjust seasoning as needed.
- This dish pairs exceptionally well with grilled meats, cornbread, or a simple green salad.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
