Apple Pie Baked Beans

Apple Pie Baked Beans

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

  • 2 (28 oz) cans Bush’s Baked Beans – Drained for a thicker consistency.
  • 1 (20 oz) can apple pie filling – Roughly chopped for apple flavor in every bite.
  • 1 lb breakfast sausage – Spicy or mild, whichever you prefer.
  • 1 white onion – Diced for sweetness and aroma.
  • 1 bell pepper – Diced for a little crunch and balance.
  • 1 heaping cup brown sugar – Adds rich molasses sweetness.

Seasoning & Sauce

Optional Prep Item

  • 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:

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:

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

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