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Flavorful Teriyaki Baked Beans with Pineapple and Bacon

teriyaki baked beans - featured image

A quick and easy baked beans recipe featuring a savory-sweet teriyaki glaze, fresh pineapple, and crispy bacon for a tropical twist on a classic comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans (15 oz / 425 g each) navy or great northern beans, drained and rinsed
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped (Applewood smoked recommended)
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (canned works, but fresh is best)
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium if preferred)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (for thickening)
  • Optional garnishes: chopped green onions, sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease your baking dish or Dutch oven with butter or cooking spray.
  2. Cook the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy and golden brown, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan.
  3. Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the bacon fat in the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, black pepper, and the garlic-ginger mixture from the skillet until sugar dissolves.
  5. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth and add to the teriyaki sauce, stirring well to combine.
  6. In the baking dish, combine drained beans, cooked bacon, fresh pineapple chunks, and pour over the teriyaki sauce. Mix gently to combine without breaking the beans.
  7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Halfway through, gently stir to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Remove foil in the last 10 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and caramelize slightly.
  8. After baking, check the sauce consistency and seasoning. Add salt or more pepper if needed. If too thick, stir in a splash of water or broth.
  9. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve warm alongside grilled meats, rice, or as a hearty side dish.

Notes

Use fresh garlic and ginger for best flavor. Cook bacon until crisp for texture and smoky flavor. Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry to achieve perfect sauce thickness. Stir gently to avoid breaking beans. Adjust sweetness based on pineapple ripeness. Leftovers taste better the next day. For gluten-free, substitute tamari for soy sauce and ensure brown sugar is gluten-free. Vegetarian option: omit bacon and add smoked paprika or liquid smoke. Slow cooker adaptation: cook on low 4-6 hours, add pineapple last hour.

Nutrition

Keywords: teriyaki baked beans, pineapple baked beans, bacon baked beans, easy baked beans recipe, tropical baked beans, barbecue side dish