When Memorial Day weekend rolls around, it’s more than just the unofficial start of summer — it’s a time to gather, fire up the grill, and honor traditions with good food and great company. At Rock Hill Coca-Cola Bottling Company, we’re all about bringing people together, and no cookout is complete without a standout side dish.

This year, skip the store-bought tub and serve up something unforgettable: Coca-Cola Baked Beans — smoky, sweet, savory, and packed with bold backyard flavor.

And yes, the secret ingredient is the one you already love: classic Coca-Cola.

Why Coca-Cola Works So Well

Coca-Cola® adds a rich molasses-like sweetness with subtle caramel notes that deepen as the beans bake. It balances the smoky bacon and tangy BBQ flavors, creating a thick, glossy sauce that tastes like it’s been simmering all day — even if it hasn’t.

It’s the kind of side dish that quietly steals the spotlight from the main course.

Coca-Cola Baked Beans

Ingredients:

• 2 (28 oz) cans baked beans (do not drain)
• ¾ cup Coca-Cola
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: ½ cup diced onion

Directions:

1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a baking dish or cast iron skillet.

2. Mix the Magic
In a large bowl, combine baked beans, Coca-Cola, brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until well blended.

3. Add the Good Stuff
Fold in crumbled bacon and diced onion (if using).

4. Bake to Perfection
Pour into your prepared dish and bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, until the sauce thickens and the top is slightly caramelized.

5. Serve Warm
Let cool slightly and serve alongside burgers, hot dogs, ribs — or whatever’s coming off the grill.

Cookout Tip from Rock Hill Coca-Cola Bottling Company

Want to take it up a notch? Transfer the beans to a foil pan and place them on the grill during the last 20–30 minutes of cooking. You’ll pick up an extra hint of smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with an ice-cold Coca-Cola.

The Perfect Memorial Day Side

Memorial Day is about honoring, remembering, and gathering with the people who matter most. Whether you’re hosting a big backyard bash or a laid-back family cookout, Coca-Cola Baked Beans bring comfort, flavor, and just the right touch of nostalgia to your table.

So stock up on your favorite Coca-Cola products, fire up the grill, and serve a side dish that’s worthy of the occasion.

Because great food — and great company — is what makes summer memories last.