Everyone loves beans at a barbecue. These have a nice root beer taste, but you can also use Dr Pepper, Cherry Coke, or the Southern favorite, RC Cola, for a distinctive flavor. Don’t use any diet drinks, as they get bitter when cooked.

This recipe was featured as part of our Make Your Own Soda Pop project.

  • Yields: 4 to 6 servings
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Total: 35 mins 
  • Active: 35 mins 

Ingredients (9)

  • 5 slices bacon, diced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 (36-ounce) can baked beans, preferably Bush’s
  • 1 cup root beer (regular, not diet)
  • 2 tablespoons dark molasses
  • 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon lemon pepper
  • 2 to 3 whole ribs celery

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon with the onions in a medium saucepan over a grill or side burner until the bacon is brown and crisp, and the onions have become transparent and are just starting to brown.
  2. Add all of the remaining ingredients.
  3. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; then reduce the heat and simmer, stirring often, until the mixture is slightly thickened, about 20 minutes. Remove the celery and serve the beans hot.