Grandma always made bean soup in the week after Easter with the leftover ham bone and meat.
Very simple ingredients are used to make these old-fashioned ham and beans. Its a Depression-era recipe where you didnt waste anything. In this recipe, a ham bone and leftover ham are used. The beans are tender perfection. To make the dish more hearty, pieces of ham are added. They go well with the Great Northern beans. We served ours with hot, buttered cornbread but hot rolls would be equally as good. Season with your heart when making this recipe. We just added a little salt and pepper at the end when tasting. — The Test Kitchen.
Ham and beans is a beloved, down-home meal that brings comfort and satisfaction. The smoky, salty ham and creamy white beans are a match made in heaven. But the right side dishes can take this classic pair to the next level, adding delightful flavors and textures that complement the hearty beans and meat.
While ham and beans on their own are delicious, creative sides make the meal even better The options are endless, from crispy, hot cornbread to fresh, tangy slaws Read on for 15 amazing sides that perfectly complement hearty ham and bean dishes.
Classic Pairings for Ham and Beans
Some traditional pairings are classics for a reason. These sides bring out the best in ham and beans:
Cornbread
Warm, buttery cornbread is the quintessential accompaniment for ham and beans Its slightly sweet and crumbly texture contrasts the creamy beans beautifully. The cornbread also helps soak up the rich pot likker broth Serve it straight from the oven or skillet with a pat of butter.
Collard Greens
Slow-cooked collard greens are a popular Southern side dish that pairs wonderfully with ham and beans. Their earthy, subtle bitterness offsets the saltiness of the ham. Cook the greens low and slow until meltingly tender then season with vinegar, hot sauce or garlic.
Baked Sweet Potatoes
Baked sweet potatoes offer a sweet, starchy counterpoint to savory ham and beans. Load them up with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon or herbs for extra flavor. Their natural sweetness balances the dish while adding comforting warmth.
Creative Pairings for Ham and Beans
Beyond the classics. try these creative sides that complement ham and beans in delicious ways
Apple Slaw
For a fresh, fruity slaw, combine shredded green and red apples with shredded cabbage, raisins, lemon juice and olive oil. The sweet apples and tart dressing cut the richness of the beans.
Cheesy Grits
Grits made creamy with butter and cheddar cheese are a satisfying side. Their velvety texture and cheesy corn flavor pair wonderfully with the beans. Mix in roasted garlic or green onions for extra flavor.
Baked Beans
For double the bean flavor, serve hearty ham and beans alongside sweet and smoky baked beans. It may sound excessive but the combination of creamy and tomato-y beans is delicious.
Pasta Salad
Chilled pasta salad with vegetables and a zesty dressing adds freshness and crunch. Toss rotini or bowties with bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, olives, herbs and Italian dressing for a bright, flavorful accompaniment.
Fried Green Tomatoes
For Southern flair, fry up green tomato slices until crispy and golden. Their slight tartness and crunchy cornmeal coating is fantastic alongside the rich beans and ham.
Skillet Cornbread
Buttery cornbread baked in a cast iron skillet develops an irresistible golden crust. Break off crispy pieces to dip into the pot likker broth. It takes cornbread to a new level of deliciousness.
Macaroni and Cheese
Comforting, cheesy macaroni and cheese makes a satisfying side. For fun, mix in diced ham and stir in a few spoonfuls of the bean broth for an infusion of flavor. The creamy pasta is a hearty match.
Brussels Sprouts
Oven-roasted Brussels sprouts caramelize beautifully. Their sweet, nutty flavor and crunchy texture offset the silkiness of the beans. Toss them with olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper before roasting.
Fried Pickles
For a fun, down-home side, bread and fry pickle chip slices. Their briny, tangy flavor cuts the richness of the ham and beans. The crisp battered exterior contrasts the creamy beans in a tasty way.
Jalapeno Cornbread
Spicy jalapeno cornbread livens up the meal. The spicy kick pairs wonderfully with the smoky ham and earthy beans. Add pickled jalapenos to the batter or sprinkle on top before baking for heat.
Coleslaw
Cool, creamy coleslaw is a classic complement. Its crunchy texture and sweet, vinegary flavor balance the salty ham and earthy beans. The light salad keeps the meal from feeling too heavy.
Potato Chips
Potato chips offer a tasty crunch. Seasoned chips like barbecue and vinegar add big flavor. Or go for classic salted chips to simply add crispness and scoop up the pot likker broth.
Take Ham and Beans to New Heights
Ham and beans is a humble, hearty dish. But the right sides can elevate it from familiar to fabulous. Play around with contrasting textures, bright flavors and fun twists.
From crispy fried green tomatoes to creamy pasta salad, the possibilities are endless. Using these creative combinations, you can serve up ham and beans like never before. Just add a simple side or two, and enjoy an amazing meal that tastes like you spent hours cooking.
How To Make old-fashioned ham and beans Test Kitchen Tips If you’re using leftover glazed ham, you may want to cut back on the brown sugar. For testing, we used a smoked ham hock and a ham steak because we didn’t have leftover ham.
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1 Soak the beans overnight and drain.
- 2: In a soup kettle, mix the drained and soaked beans, ham, ham bone, brown sugar, onion, garlic salt, and black pepper. Pour about 2 inches of water into the kettle to cover the mix.
- 3. Simmer for two to three hours, stirring every now and then, or until the beans are soft and the flavors are well blended.
- Last Step: Don’t forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network and watch all of your friends drool. And dont forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too! .
Ingredients For old-fashioned ham and beans
- 1 lb Great Northern beans, soaked overnight and drained
- 1/2 lb cooked ham meat, shredded or cubed
- 1 ham bone with some meat left on it
- 1/2 c brown sugar
- 1 sm onion, chopped fine
- 1/2 tsp garlic salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- water to cover all
How to Make Delicious Ham & Bean Soup| Savory Ham & Beans| Leftover Holiday Ham #ComfortFood
FAQ
Are ham and beans good for you?
What to eat with ham & beans?
Sweet and savory cornbread muffins are a classic combination of ham and beans, bringing out the flavors in both dishes. The sweetness of the cornbread helps balance out the savory flavors of the ham and beans. You can butter the muffins or dip them in the sauce from your ham and beans. 2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Is honey baked ham as good as regular ham?
The addition of honey will affect the calorie content of the food. One tablespoon of honey contributes to approximately 64 calories. In addition, the use of heat when making baked ham will reduce the quality of the honey.
What side dishes go well with ham and beans?
In conclusion, there are many side dishes that pair well with ham and beans. From cornbread to roasted vegetables, there’s something for everyone. These quick and amazing dishes are perfect for complementing the flavor of the beans and ham. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing side dish or a comforting one, these dishes are sure to satisfy.
What to serve with ham and bean soup?
The best side dishes to serve with ham and bean soup are Southern cornbread, pumpkin dinner rolls, and sauteed collard greens. You can also serve a side of cheese toast, sweet potato mash, or fried chicken. For more veggie options, try grilled avocado or an arugula side salad. Ready? Let’s jump right in.