Effortless Summer Cookout Staples: Slow Cooker Baked Beans and Customizable Corn on the Cob
The school year is over, and the glorious days of summer are finally here! Children everywhere are cheering, eagerly anticipating long, sunny days filled with play and outdoor adventures. As the temperatures rise and the days stretch longer, there’s no better time to embrace the joy of outdoor dining. Here in regions like Wisconsin, where summer’s embrace is fleeting, every opportunity to gather around the grill and enjoy meals al fresco is cherished.
With the grill fired up and backyard parties on the horizon, it’s time to start planning those delicious summer menus. While sizzling burgers, marinated chicken, and savory skewers often take center stage, no summer BBQ is truly complete without its quintessential side dishes. And when it comes to classic cookout accompaniments, nothing quite hits the spot like a hearty serving of baked beans and perfectly cooked corn on the cob.
Why Classic BBQ Sides Are Essential for Every Summer Gathering
These beloved summer staples are not just popular; they are iconic. Especially in the Midwest, corn on the cob and baked beans are non-negotiable at most backyard barbecues and outdoor picnics. They embody the spirit of summer—simple, satisfying, and designed for sharing. Beyond their universal appeal, these dishes are incredibly kid-friendly, making them perfect for family gatherings. Best of all, they don’t require complicated techniques or a lot of fuss, allowing you to focus on enjoying the company of your guests.
One of the greatest advantages of these classics is their adaptability. Both corn on the cob and baked beans can be prepared with remarkable ease, often utilizing kitchen appliances that free up your precious grill space. Imagine a scenario where your grill is entirely dedicated to those mouth-watering burgers, chicken breasts, or vibrant vegetable skewers, while your side dishes are effortlessly bubbling away in a slow cooker. This hands-off approach to preparing sides is a game-changer for any host, simplifying the cooking process and ensuring everything is ready right on time.
The Magic of Slow Cooker Baked Beans: A Time and Money Saver
Did you know you can create rich, flavorful baked beans from dry legumes without the traditional overnight soaking? This innovative method is a true revelation for anyone looking to save time and money. Dry beans are not only significantly cheaper than their canned counterparts but also offer a superior texture and flavor profile. By skipping the pre-soaking step, you streamline your preparation, making homemade baked beans a genuinely simple addition to your menu that requires minimal effort.
Our slow cooker baked beans recipe is designed for convenience. You can easily assemble all the ingredients in the morning, set your slow cooker, and let it work its magic throughout the day. This hands-off cooking process ensures that by the time your guests arrive and the grill is hot, you’ll have a deeply flavorful, perfectly cooked side dish ready to serve. The slow cooker method also allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a depth that’s hard to achieve with quicker methods. It’s a perfect make-ahead option that keeps warm for hours, ideal for leisurely summer entertaining.
Choosing and Preparing Dry Beans for Your Slow Cooker
For this recipe, we recommend using Great Northern beans, known for their creamy texture and ability to absorb flavors. When purchasing dry beans, look for bags with an expiration date well into the future to ensure freshness. Before adding them to the slow cooker, a quick rinse under cold water is all that’s needed to remove any dust or small debris. There’s no need for the laborious soaking process often associated with dry beans, thanks to the prolonged cooking time in the slow cooker.
Beyond Great Northern, other varieties like navy beans or cannellini beans can also work wonderfully, each lending a slightly different character to your baked beans. Experiment with your favorites to discover your ultimate homemade baked bean recipe.
Unleash Creativity: The Ultimate Corn on the Cob Bar
Corn on the cob is an undeniable child favorite, and it’s a hit with adults too! For your next summer party, elevate this classic side by introducing a fun and interactive corn on the cob bar. This creative concept transforms a simple dish into an exciting culinary activity for guests of all ages. Simply set out a variety of delicious toppings alongside aluminum foil, and let everyone create their own personalized corn on the cob masterpiece.
Kids will absolutely love the freedom to choose their own toppings and get creative with flavor combinations. It’s a fantastic way to encourage them to explore new tastes and have fun with their food. And for the adults, it offers a gourmet twist on a beloved classic. Our absolute favorite topping combination? The “Bacon Cheeseburger” corn: a creamy base of mayo, generously topped with shredded sharp cheddar cheese and crispy, crumbled bacon. It’s an explosion of savory flavor that will have everyone coming back for more!
To spark even more inspiration, here are three fantastic ways to flavor your corn on the cob, suitable for any palate:
Beyond Bacon Cheeseburger: More Corn on the Cob Topping Ideas
- Classic Butter & Salt: Sometimes, simplicity is best. Offer artisanal butters (herb butter, garlic butter) and a selection of gourmet salts (sea salt, smoked salt).
- Mexican Street Corn (Elote Style): A vibrant and tangy option! Offer mayonnaise or crema, crumbled cotija cheese, chili powder, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
- Spicy Sriracha Lime: For those who love a kick, sriracha mayo, a sprinkle of chili flakes, and a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice will do the trick.
- Sweet & Savory Honey Butter: A dollop of honey butter, perhaps with a touch of cinnamon or brown sugar, for a delightful contrast.
- Herb Garden Fresh: Finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, dill, or basil mixed with softened butter.
- Parmesan Garlic: Grated Parmesan cheese and minced garlic for an umami-rich experience.
The beauty of flavored corn on the cob is that it requires no strict recipe. Simply lay out your chosen toppings, provide the corn and foil, and let your guests’ imaginations (and appetites!) guide them. This interactive approach guarantees a memorable and delicious experience for everyone at your cookout.
Perfectly Cooked Corn: Slow Cooker vs. Grill
Whether you prefer the convenience of a slow cooker or the smoky char of the grill, cooking corn on the cob to perfection is simple.
- Slow Cooker Method: For a fuss-free approach, wrap individual ears of corn tightly in aluminum foil. Place the wrapped corn directly into your slow cooker. No water is needed! Cook on high for 1.5 to 2 hours if your slow cooker is about three-quarters full (approximately 6 ears of corn). If you have a full slow cooker, increase the cooking time by about an hour. The steam trapped within the foil will perfectly cook the corn, leaving it tender and sweet.
- Grill Method: If you have extra space on your grill and prefer a hint of smoky flavor, use the same foil-wrapping method. Simply place the foil-wrapped corn directly on the grill grates. Cook for approximately 18-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are tender and slightly charred.
Both methods yield delicious results, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your cookout setup and personal preference.
Slow Cooker Baked Beans Recipe
Baked beans and BBQs are a match made in culinary heaven. This Slow Cooker Baked Beans recipe is incredibly easy, requiring only 10 minutes of prep time. It’s the perfect savory and sweet side dish to complement all your favorite summer grilled meals.
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lb. bag dry Great Northern Beans rinsed
- 2 29 oz. cans no-salt-added tomato sauce
- 8 cups water
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 2 Tbsp. dry mustard
- 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp. onion powder
- 1 Tbsp. salt
Instructions
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Add all ingredients to slow cooker and stir until well combined.
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Cook on high for 8-10 hours, or until beans are tender and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
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Taste and adjust salt if needed. Remember that flavors deepen as the beans cook.
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If you prefer a thinner consistency, a little water can be added towards the end of the cooking process, stirring until thoroughly mixed.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Serving Size: 1g
- Calories: 339kcal
- Carbohydrates: 67g
- Protein: 17g
- Fat: 1g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
- Sodium: 609mg
- Fiber: 16g
- Sugar: 20g
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Bringing it All Together: The Perfect Summer Feast
There’s something truly special about the combination of slow cooker baked beans and custom-flavored corn on the cob. These two dishes, while simple in their essence, bring comfort, flavor, and a touch of nostalgia to any summer gathering. They are the unsung heroes of the BBQ, effortlessly complementing the main courses while also standing strong as delicious stars in their own right.
Whether you’re hosting a large family reunion, a casual backyard potluck with friends, or simply enjoying a quiet dinner on the patio, these recipes offer convenience without compromising on taste. The make-ahead nature of the baked beans and the interactive fun of a corn on the cob bar mean less stress for you as the host and more enjoyment for everyone involved. Embrace the warmth of the season, the joy of good food, and the simplicity of these timeless summer cookout staples.
So, fire up that grill, prep your slow cooker, and get ready to create unforgettable summer memories with these easy, delicious, and crowd-pleasing dishes!