If you’re looking for a side dish that’ll steal the spotlight from the main course, these Apple Pie Baked Beans are the answer. This isn’t your average backyard side—these beans are smoky, sweet, a little spicy, and packed with rich, comforting flavor. We’re taking a classic BBQ side and cranking it up with breakfast sausage, warm apple pie filling, and bold barbecue seasoning. One bite and you’ll be hooked.
This recipe is built for flavor and simplicity. It leans on layers—savory sausage, sweet apples, warm brown sugar, and just enough heat to balance it out. With a mix of pantry staples and a low-and-slow cook on the smoker, you’ll get a dish that’s comforting, impressive, and perfect for your next backyard cook.
Apple Pie Baked Beans | Heath Riles BBQ
These beans bring everything together—rich sausage, soft apples, a sticky-sweet glaze of BBQ sauce and brown sugar, and just the right kiss of smoke. The apple pie filling gives them a cinnamon warmth, while the sausage adds depth and a hint of heat. The texture is thick and hearty, not soupy, and the final bite is everything baked beans should be.
The Ingredients
Every ingredient here plays a purpose—from the sweetness of the apple filling to the boldness of the rubs. It’s a sweet and smoky blend that delivers in every bite.
Main Ingredients
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2 (28 oz) cans Bush’s Baked Beans – Drained for a thicker consistency.
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1 (20 oz) can apple pie filling – Roughly chopped for apple flavor in every bite.
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1 lb breakfast sausage – Spicy or mild, whichever you prefer.
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1 white onion – Diced for sweetness and aroma.
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1 bell pepper – Diced for a little crunch and balance.
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1 heaping cup brown sugar – Adds rich molasses sweetness.
Seasoning & Sauce
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1 tablespoon Heath Riles BBQ Apple Rub – Brings out that apple-forward flavor.
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1 tablespoon Heath Riles BBQ Honey Chipotle Rub – Adds a sweet heat to balance the sugar.
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1 cup Heath Riles BBQ Sweet BBQ Sauce – Sweet and smooth. Use more to taste.
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2 tablespoons Bear & Burton’s W Sauce (or your favorite savory Worcestershire-style sauce)
Optional Prep Item
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Crisco (or preferred oil) – For coating the pan to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
The Smoker Setup
Here’s the setup I used to cook these to perfection:
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Fuel: Royal Oak Charcoal Pellets – For clean-burning smoke with that real charcoal flavor.
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Cookware: 14” YETI Cast Iron Skillet – Pre-seasoned and perfect for baked sides.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Apple Pie Baked Beans
1. Drain & Mix
Start by draining your cans of baked beans and adding them to a large mixing bowl. Roughly chop your apple pie filling (you can do this with a paring knife right in the bowl) and mix it in.
2. Cook the Sausage
Brown your breakfast sausage in a skillet and add it to the bowl. This adds a savory backbone and a hint of spice that balances all the sweetness.
3. Add Your Veggies & Sugar
Stir in diced onion, bell pepper, and that heaping cup of brown sugar. You’ll start to see those layers of flavor come together.
4. Season It Right
Add about a tablespoon each of Apple Rub and Honey Chipotle Rub—more if you like a little extra heat. These bring sweet, smoky, and tangy notes to round it all out.
5. Add BBQ Sauce & W Sauce
Pour in 1 cup of Sweet BBQ Sauce and about 2 tablespoons of W Sauce. Stir to combine. Adjust the amount of BBQ sauce to suit your desired sweetness and consistency.
6. Prep Your Cast Iron
Lightly grease your pan with Crisco or oil using a paper towel. A thin film is all you need—it keeps cleanup simple and helps prevent sticking.
7. Assemble and Smoke
Pour the bean mixture into your cast iron pan and place it on the smoker at 300ºF. Let them smoke uncovered for 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring once or twice during the cook. You’re aiming for tender veggies and thick, rich beans with a glossy finish.
8. Let Them Set
Once they’re done, let them cool just a bit before serving. They’ll thicken slightly as they sit, giving you that perfect spoonable consistency.
The Final Result
These Apple Pie Baked Beans come out bubbly, rich, and full of flavor. The sausage gives them a little bite, the rubs bring smoky heat, and the apple pie filling adds warm spice and texture. They're hearty without being heavy, and every spoonful hits with sweet, smoky, and savory flavor.
These are the baked beans that make people ask for the recipe—and go back for seconds.
Perfect Pairings
These Apple Pie Baked Beans are rich, sweet, and smoky, making them the ideal companion to a variety of BBQ favorites. Here are some top-notch recipes to round out your next cookout:
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Championship Pulled Pork on the Traeger Ironwood XL
This pulled pork is tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, thanks to a savory injection and a perfect blend of rubs. It's a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the baked beans. -
Smoked Bacon Mac and Cheese on the Traeger Ironwood XL
Creamy, cheesy, and topped with crispy bacon, this mac and cheese adds a decadent touch to your BBQ spread. The smoky flavors complement the beans perfectly. -
Vinegar Coleslaw: Light, Crisp, and Refreshing
This tangy coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast to the rich baked beans, balancing out the meal with its light and crisp texture. -
Heath’s Potato Salad: Easy, Traditional, Delicious
A classic side dish with a BBQ twist, this potato salad is creamy and flavorful, making it a perfect match for the hearty baked beans.
Mix and match these sides to create a well-rounded, satisfying BBQ feast that will impress your guests and leave everyone coming back for more.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store: Let the beans cool completely before storing. Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm them gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of BBQ sauce if they’ve thickened too much in the fridge.
Freeze: You can freeze these in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Equipment Used
Smokin Brothers Premier Plus Grill, Royal Oak Charcoal Pellets, 14” YETI Cast Iron Skillet, BBQ Heat Gloves, Sharp paring knife
