Bush’s Just Launched a New Baked Beans Flavor That Tastes 100x Better than the Original (Perfect for Fall Football!)

Summer is in full swing, and football (and tailgating) season is on the horizon. That means many more weeks of backyard barbecues, cold drinks, grilled meats, and, of course, all of the classic side dishes. Where I hail from, no cookout is complete without a heaping bowl of baked beans. 

I’m a total baked beans fanatic; there’s something undeniably comforting about that sweet, smoky flavor. And, let’s face it, Bush’s has perfected the recipe. Its signature beans have been a permanent fixture in my family’s cabinet as well as a non-negotiable side dish at any neighborhood cookout throughout my childhood. Whether piled high on the best beefy hot dogs or eaten straight from the can (no judgment), they’re such a staple. 

Now, Bush’s has taken its classic recipe to the next level by teaming up with Mike’s Hot Honey in a special collaboration that will revolutionize all of your upcoming grilling sessions. 

The brand has reimagined baked beans with its latest launch, simmering Bush’s classic baked beans with Mike’s Hot Honey, the spiced honey brand that burst onto the scene — and grocery shelves — more than a decade ago. (Since then, the brand has worked with other icons including Utz potato chips and Maille mustard.) The result of this most recent partnership is an irresistibly savory-sweet-spicy side. 

The stout, 21.7-ounce cans hit shelves earlier this August, and are now available at select retailers, including Walmart and Instacart.

As an already-major fan of Bush’s original baked beans, I knew going into this new flavor that it would take a lot to impress. To my delight, I absolutely loved them! The combination of classic comforting baked beans with fiery sweetness from the hot honey was a match made in barbecue heaven. 

The original recipe is already slightly sweet, but the addition of Mike’s Hot Honey makes it next-level. The honey — which is infused with chili peppers — adds a subtle sweetness that balances out the heat, while the chili peppers give the flavor a gradual kick to enhance the heartiness of the navy beans. 

I wasn’t the only one who was all-in on these beans. As soon as I got my hands on this launch, I heated them up for a few of my coworkers to get their insights. Mara, our senior groceries editor (and fellow baked beans lover), appreciated the heat that builds up over time, without ever being too overwhelming. And Ola, our culinary assistant, was particularly impressed. She picked up a complex interplay of flavors beyond the sweet heat, detecting yellow mustard and a tangy undertone of vinegar. 

These beans are so great that after trying them, I texted my friend group — not to ask if anyone wants to barbecue this weekend, but to declare we are barbecuing this weekend so we can enjoy these beans as intended: by the grill. 

Buy: Bush’s Mike’s Hot Honey Grillin’ Beans, $3.73 for 21.7 ounces at Instacart

Have you tried Bush’s new baked beans? Tell us about it in the comments below.