19 Ways To Jazz Up Baked Beans For Your Summer Barbecue Slideshow

There's one thing at a summer cookout that your guests will miss if it's absent, even if it's not always the star of the show: baked beans. Some people like them served hot, and others prefer them at room temperature. However you take your beans, we're here to help you jazz them up.

For parties, we fry the bacon cups one at a time so they get perfectly crisp and irresistible; for a less time-consuming preparation at home, I suggest baking them. Save the leftover habanero honey to add a sweet kick to barbecue sauce or to glaze grilled or roasted pineapple as a sweet side to grilled fish or chicken. — Peter Callahan

Coca-Cola has made its way into quite a few recipes, including a Coca-Cola cake and a Coke-glazed baked ham. Here it adds a sweet caramel note to a simple version of baked beans. — Bon Appétit

These aren't sticky-sweet brown sugar baked beans. Think of them like the top crust of a good cassoulet. — Alison Roman

Turn baked beans into an easy main dish by adding chicken sausage and collard greens. Serve with coleslaw and cornbread.

This is such a simple, quick meal. It's a very British way to serve a baked potato! Baked beans in the U.K. are different than those in the United States, so if you could get a British brand, the recipe would be more authentic. British beans are cooked in a tomato sauce with no barbecue flavor.

This recipe came from a bowling partner several years ago. It is by far the easiest and tastiest baked bean recipe I've ever used. It can be doubled or tripled to accommodate large gatherings. I find it handy because I usually have the ingredients on hand to throw it together with. —Laudee

These are the only baked beans that my family eats. They are made with bacon and Velveeta cheese, and are always a huge hit at picnics and get-togethers. — Karin Bee

These baked beans have thick slices of bacon, molasses, brown sugar, and an added punch of spice from Buffalo Tabasco. They're sure to be a barbecue favorite. — Anne Dolce

This dish is a unique baked bean recipe handed down for 200-plus years from the French-Canadian side of my family. Takes a little time, but it's worth it. — Caquilter

I honestly think versions of this recipe have been around for a gazillion years. If I'm not mistaken, my mom made it for us as kids, too; dishes like this were our idea of "Hamburger Helper." It is requisite that it be served with corn muffins and, in keeping with my trip down memory lane, I made some from a box of Jiffy mix. No judging! — Creative Culinary

Tangy and studded with scraps of meat, these homemade beans are simply delicious.

These beans bring smoky flavor and lots of heat to any summer cookout. Not the most kid-friendly, due to the spice factor. Reduce the amount of chipotle for a milder spice level.

The Jack Daniels Baked Beans will be irresistible at any barbecue. Just add a Jack and Coke and a grilled burger and you'll be in heaven.

Add a taste of the Caribbean to your barbecue with this savory recipe. It pairs well with grilled jerk chicken.

This is an oven method that is very popular in Italy, particularly Tuscany. The beans are soaked overnight and then rinsed and placed in a pot or casserole for an easy and delicious dish.

This tasty twist on baked beans stirs together in minutes, then bakes just until bubbly and thick. We love the convenience of canned pork and beans, which are kicked up to the next level with a touch of barbecue sauce, dry mustard, and hot sauce, before getting a sweet kiss of flavor from good ol' root beer. — Southern Living

This recipe makes the perfect side dish for so many meals. With canned navy beans and bacon, it will definitely become a favorite! — Robyn Stone

Shake things up with these spicy and flavorful beans. They'll give your taste buds the right amount of kick for your cookout.

This recipe is bursting with flavors: sweet, savory and, most of all, spicy.