Slow Cooker Dr. Pepp​er Baked Beans 

I’ve made these Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Baked Beans more times than I can count because they always disappear at every cookout! The sweet Dr. Pepper, smoky bacon, and tangy sauce make them so irresistible that I usually have to double the batch. They’re my go-to for summer parties, potlucks, and anytime I need a side dish.

 

Dr Pepper Baked Beans Recipe

Baked beans are a delicious side dish that’s a must-have at any cookout. This is why you can never have too many ways to make them. This recipe brings together a medley of beans, seasoned to perfection with onion, smoky bacon, and a unique twist. Dr. Pepper adds a sweet, rich flavor to the savory sauce that really sets these beans apart.

The best part is that this recipe is as easy as 1, 2, 3. You simply add the ingredients to your slow cooker, set it, and let the crockpot work its magic. As it simmers away, the sauce thickens and flavors intensify, perfectly coating the beans. With an irresistible blend of sweet and savory flavors, these easy baked beans are sure to be a huge hit at your next gathering.

If you’re a huge Dr pepper fan, you should also try my Dr. Pepper Chicken Drumsticks.

Why We Love This Recipe

• Easy recipe – This dish uses canned beans and a few pantry staples, making the beans a breeze to prepare.
• Bold flavor – The combination of smoky bacon and BBQ sauce and the sweet richness of Dr. Pepper brown sugar creates a unique and delicious contrast.
• Make-ahead dish – You can prepare this dish in advance and reheat it, making it a great side dish to make in advance.

Ingredients for Baked Beans with Dr Pepper

• Cooked and chopped, slices of bacon – Adds a smoky, savory flavor and a satisfying crunch to the beans, elevating the overall taste.
• White or yellow onion, diced – Add extra flavor and a little bit of sweetness, once the cook down.  
• Garlic, minced – Enhances the flavors in the sauce. 
• Canned beans – We used a combination of pinto beans, kidney beans, and white cannellini beans.  
• White vinegar – Adds a tangy acidity that brightens the dish and balances the sweetness.
• BBQ sauce – Delivers a smoky, tangy sweetness that goes well with the other flavors of the sauce.
• Dark or light brown sugar – Adds a rich sweetness with hints of caramel. 
• Mustard – Regular yellow mustard adds a tangy bite, but you can substitute with dry mustard, Dijon mustard, or wholegrain mustard for a different flavor.
• Worcestershire sauce – Adds a unique tangy and savory depth of flavor to the beans. 
• Seasonings – A combination of chili powder, black pepper, and salt perfectly seasons the beans.
• Dr Pepper soda – The secret ingredient that gives these beans amazing flavor. 

How to Make Dr Pepper Crock Pot Baked Beans

1. Add the rinsed cans of beans to your slow cooker.
2. To the bean mixture, add the crispy, cooked bacon, onion, garlic, vinegar, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, black pepper, salt and Dr. Pepper. Stir together.
3. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for about 4-5 hours.

Variations and Add-ins

• Vinegar – Swap the regular vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a slightly different tang.   
• Other beans – Replace the cannellini beans with Great Northern beans, also known as “Navy beans” or “White beans,” for a similar texture.
• Spicy heat – Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce to add some heat and kick to your beans.
• Ground beef – For a heartier main dish and to add some meaty flavor, you can mix in cooked ground beef.
• Green peppers – Stir in diced green peppers for a fresh pop of flavor and a little crunchiness.
• Maple syrup – Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a hint of natural sweetness and a subtle maple flavor.
• Onions – Instead of raw onions, you can add caramelized onions for a sweeter flavor.

FAQs

 Other Side Dish Recipes

• Scalloped Pineapple Casserole
• Funeral Potatoes
• Green Bean Casserole
• Jiffy Corn Casserole
• Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
• Best Oven Baked Beans