Looking for something to eat with baked beans? Look no further! This page has a lot of information about main dishes, sides, vegetables, and how to serve them.
Baked beans are an ideal dish for summer picnics, cook-out, or potluck dinner. This dish tastes great with hamburgers, hot dogs, sausages, or BBQ meats because it has both sweet and savory flavors.
Find infinite possibilities and pairings for what to serve with baked beans all in this complete resource. There are many easy side dishes and main dishes that go well with baked beans.
BBQ baked beans are a quintessential summer side dish. Their sweet smoky savory flavor is iconic at barbecues, picnics, and potlucks. But what should you serve alongside these saucy beans to round out the meal? With so many options, it can be tricky to narrow down the perfect pairings.
Here are 13 delicious sides that complement baked beans flawlessly
1. Cornbread
Cornbread is a classic companion for baked beans. The sweetness of the cornbread plays off the molasses in the beans beautifully. The cakey texture also contrasts the creamy beans nicely. Bake up a pan of cornbread with herbs, corn kernels, or jalapenos to delight your guests.
2. Coleslaw
Cool, creamy coleslaw is a lighter pairing for rich baked beans. The tang of the cabbage and carrots cuts through the bean’s sweetness. Make coleslaw with a mayo-based or vinaigrette dressing. Top it off with crunchy peanuts or sesame seeds for extra texture.
3. Potato Salad
Potato salad is another classic barbecue side Opt for a mayo-based potato salad with hard-boiled eggs and onions to complement the beans The potatoes provide heartiness to balance the beans’ sauce. Add paprika, parsley, mustard, or dill to liven up your potato salad.
4. Macaroni Salad
For a fun twist, whip up some macaroni salad. The creamy pasta salad offers a delicious contrast in texture to the beans. Flavor it with tangy mustard, vinegar, or lemon juice to cut through the bean’s sweetness. Toss in shredded chicken or ham for extra protein.
5. Pasta Salad
Any pasta salad makes an easy, tasty pairing for baked beans. Try bowtie pasta with peppers and Italian dressing or rotini with pesto and tomatoes. The starchy pasta soaks up the bean sauce wonderfully. Add seeds like pepitas or sunflower for crunch.
6. Grilled Corn
Fire up the grill alongside those baked beans and char some corn on the cob. The sweet grilled corn complements the molasses flavor in the beans. Slather the corn with compound butter or a creamy dressing for extra decadence.
7. Leafy Salad
For a healthier option, serve up a fresh leafy salad. Lettuces like spinach, kale, arugula, or romaine with veggies and beans makes a delicious vegetable pairing. Top your salad with avocado, nuts, berries, or a light, tangy dressing.
8. Grilled Vegetables
Grill up a mix of summer veggies like zucchini, eggplant, peppers, and red onions. The smoky grilled veggies match the barbecue essence of the baked beans. Drizzle the veggies in balsamic for a tangy kick. This side adds nutrients and satisfies vegetable lovers.
9. Baked Potato
Baked potatoes are another classic barbecued side. Fill your spuds with butter, sour cream, bacon bits, and cheese for pure comfort. The thick, creamy potatoes complement the baked beans beautifully. Just be sure to load up on those fiber-filled potato skins.
10. Green Salad
For a simple salad option, serve up mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots with ranch, vinaigrette, or another favorite dressing. The fresh crispness balances the beans’ rich flavor. Add avocado, chickpeas, nuts or seeds for extra nutrition.
11. Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser. Potatoes are the perfect blank canvas for herbs, garlic, gravy, cheese, or other mix-ins. The smooth, rich potatoes pair wonderfully with baked beans. Just don’t skimp on those skins when mashing.
12. Mac and Cheese
Is anything more classic than mac and cheese at a barbecue? The creamy, cheesy pasta completes a baked bean meal. Use an easy boxed variety, a homemade recipe, or just dress up some store-bought mac. Sprinkle crispy onion topping or crumbled bacon for extra flavor.
13. Fruit Salad
For a sweet, refreshing accompaniment, serve up a fruit salad. Melons, berries, peaches, pineapple and more make a tangy, fruity pairing. Drizzle the fruit with honey-yogurt dressing for a pop of creaminess. This bright salad balances the heartiness of the beans.
With endless options like these hearty, creamy, fresh, sweet, and savory side dishes, you can create a mouthwatering barbecue spread perfect for your baked beans.Serve up a mix of classics and creative new sides to please every guest.
What else goes with baked beans?
Whether you’re having people over for dinner or just want to serve baked beans with something, here are some of my favorites.
Breads – Garlic bread, dinner rolls, buttermilk biscuits or gluten-free biscuits, cornbread, Quick Cheese Bread, Texas toast
There are a lot of different ways to make Boston baked beans your own. The original recipe calls for molasses and salty pork or bacon. Used canned baked beans, stir in a flavor enhancer or two, or make your own recipe from scratch!.
- Chopped ham
- Brown sugar
- Molasses
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Butter (especially if there are no bacon drippings in recipe)
- Bacon
- Barbecue sauce
- Tomato sauce
- Onions
- Sausage – Italian, or spicy chorizo
- Bell peppers
- Worcestershire sauce
For smaller portions, simply reheat the beans in the microwave. If you are reheating a larger amount place them in an oven-safe baking dish. Cover the dish with foil and bake in a 350ºF oven for 20-30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Yes. Let the beans cool completely then store in an airtight container, such as freezer bag. Freeze up to three months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Using canned beans makes baked bean recipes quick and easy, but dried beans may be substituted. Choose from navy beans, pinto beans, cannellini, great northern, lima, or kidney beans.
sides to serve with baked beans
Not only do many vegetables go with baked beans, but salads, fruit, cornbread, and potato dishes pair well. To keep the entire meal effortless, pair with a couple of these easy side dish suggestions below.
- Fresh salads
- Vegetables (roasted, grilled, or steamed)
- Potatoes
- Fruit salad
- Garlic Toast
- Jello salad
- French fries
- Coleslaw
- Pasta salad
- Corn on the cob
- Deviled Eggs
- Cornbread
- Potato salad
- Macaroni salad
Unlock the Delicious Secret Behind Southern Style BBQ Beans!
FAQ
What goes with beans besides rice?
What to eat with grilled cheese & baked beans?
For a simple lunch, go for an iconic main dish – a grilled cheese. No matter what cheese you use or toppings you add, grilled cheese and baked beans are the perfect combo. Your sandwich will offer some sharp, creamy goodness, plus that perfect grilled bread crunch. You can’t go wrong! 8. Cornbread Cornbread and baked beans are an epic combination.
What is the best way to eat beans?
The best way to eat beans is to first cook them in a large pot of water, about 4 cups of water to every 1 cup of beans. Adding lemon grass or other herbs to the water can improve the flavor. Once beans are cooked the best thing to do is combine them with cooked rice, this is because beans are low in methionine and rice is low in lysine, so combining them makes a more complete protein.
What to eat with canned baked beans?
You’ll never go back to canned baked beans after one bite. And now let’s get into these favorite main courses and perfect side dishes to eat with your hearty baked beans. When you typically think of baked beans, an outdoor summer dinner is top of mind. Grilled and smoked meats are natural pairings for your main dishes.
Are smoked baked beans good for BBQ?
Your summer barbecue party isn’t complete without a side of these smoked baked beans! After cooking low and slow in the most incredible BBQ sauce with loads of bacon, these baked beans balance just the right spicy, sweet and smoky notes. You’ll never go back to canned baked beans after one bite.