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These homemade vegan baked beans are a welcome addition to your next backyard barbecue. Made with molasses and BBQ sauce, these Midwestern-inspired baked beans are full of delicious flavor and a rich, thick, sweet and savory sauce. Serve them alongside some vegan potato salad and some black bean burgers for the best outdoor potluck!

You’d be surprised at some of the ingredients included in regular baked beans, from bacon to hamburgers.
I’m here to tell you, plant-based baked beans are easy to make and make a meal that’s just as delicious as any other. Let’s find out how to make it.

the main ingredient
You can find the complete printable recipe with ingredient amounts below. But first, here are some ingredient explanations and steps to help you perfect this recipe every time.
Here are the ingredients you will need for this recipe:
- olive oil – Any neutral oil will work, I mostly use olive oil.
- onion – You can use yellow, white or even red onion.
- bell pepper – I like green for pops of color, but you can use red or orange.
- garlic – You will need two cloves of garlic.
- molasses – Be sure to use light molasses, not blackstrap.
- brown sugar – Use light, dark or homemade brown sugar.
- Barbecue sauce — I like to use homemade vegan BBQ sauce, but if you’re using store-bought, check the label and avoid sauces with Worcestershire sauce because it’s not vegan.
- Vinegar – I prefer apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.
- I am Willow – The best sauces have a mix of sweet and salty, which is why adding a bit of soy sauce is great. Substitute tamari or coconut aminos to keep this gluten-free.
- Dijon mustard – You can use dijon mustard, yellow mustard or even dry mustard.
- beans — I prefer plain navy beans for this recipe but you can also use canned vegetarian baked beans. Just don’t forget to drain the sauce.
- Veggie Bacon — This is an optional ingredient but I love the flavor and texture that comes from adding the veggie bacon.
How to Make Vegan Baked Beans
This recipe for vegan baked beans is easy to make. See the recipe card below for ingredient amounts, substitutions and step-by-step instructions.
- Fry the onion in an oiled pan over medium heat until soft.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in remaining sauce ingredients.
- Stir in drained beans and veggie bacon.
- Pour the beans into a baking dish.
- Bake for 1 hour.
- Remove the dish from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
Quick fix tip
You can substitute an equal amount of Bush’s Vegetarian Baked Beans or any other brand of vegetarian baked beans. Simply drain the sauce then proceed with this recipe step.
Baked beans without bacon
Baked beans without bacon may seem like a strange idea, but they can be an incredibly tasty and nutritious meal choice.
These vegan BBQ beans are not only an excellent source of protein and fiber, but these beans are a great way to add more flavor and texture to your meals. This recipe is so good, you won’t even miss the bacon!
Also, you can add veggie bacon for the same bacon flavor or add some liquid smoke for a smoky flavor.
Why this recipe is a winner
- Add green bell pepper These beans add pops of color and flavor to foods
- Jaggery adds a rich flavor which enhances the smoky-sweet sauce
- Veggie bacon is an optional ingredientBut it adds delicious flavor and a meaty mouthfeel throughout this dish
Frequently Asked Questions
Are vegetarian baked beans vegetarian?
Vegetarian baked beans are usually vegetarian. Because vegetarian baked beans are made without pork, an ingredient that vegetarians and vegans alike avoid.
Can you cook baked beans in the oven?
To cook baked beans in the oven, simmer the beans in a pot until thickened, about 30 to 45 minutes.
Are baked beans vegetarian?
Most baked beans, whether from a can or from a restaurant, are not vegetarian (or vegan) because they are cooked with some type of animal fat. Most standard baked beans are made with pork or bacon. However, this is completely unnecessary and you can enjoy delicious vegetarian baked beans!
Storage Tips
Cover with a lid or wrap the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can freeze this recipe in a suitable freezer container or bag for up to 2 or 3 months. To thaw, transfer it to the refrigerator overnight. Then let sit at room temperature and reheat in microwave or saucepan. You may need to add some extra BBQ sauce.

Vegan Grilling Recipes
Ready for your next outdoor party? This easy vegan baked beans recipe is a great side dish to serve with the following:

Prevent your screen from going dark
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Preheat oven to 350°F/175°C.
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Add the olive oil to a large pot over medium heat and cook until the oil shimmers. Stir in chopped onion and cook 3 to 5 minutes, until tendered. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds one minute
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Add the dried beans and stir until combined.
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Stir in molasses, brown sugar, BBQ sauce, vinegar and soy sauce.
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Pour this mixture into a 9×13 casserole dish, top with veggie bacon strips and bake for 1 hour.
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To serve, remove the beans from the oven and set them aside to cool slightly.
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To store, let the beans come to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for up to 5 days. They can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

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To cook these beans on the stove, reduce the heat to a simmer (low boil), cover, and cook for 40 to 45 minutes. Then cook uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes.
Replacement:
- Barbecue sauce – You can substitute ketchup or tomato paste. If you want the same smoky flavor as BBQ sauce, add a teaspoon or two of smoked paprika or up to a tablespoon of liquid smoke.
- I am Willow — Gluten-free, tamari (a gluten-free soy sauce) or coconut aminos are great.
- molasses – You can substitute maple syrup.
Taste:
- reduced sweetness – Reduce molasses and brown sugar to 1/4 cup to reduce sweetness.
- the heat – Turn up the heat by adding a tablespoon of Sriracha or hot sauce to these beans. You can also add chopped jalapenos to the onion.
- sensitivity – You can increase the vinegar up to 3 tablespoons to make a more tangy dish.
Calories: 156kcal | Sugars: 35g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fats: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 357mg | Potassium: 372mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 32g | Vitamin A: 422IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 58mg | Iron: 1mg
The nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator and should not be considered a substitute for advice from a professional nutritionist.