Ham and Bean Soup, with its hearty flavors and comforting warmth, is perfect for chilly days. But what really completes this cozy meal are the side dishes.
The right accompaniments can complement the soups richness and add a delightful variety to your table. Here are 15 amazing sides that pair wonderfully with Ham and Beans.
Arugula salad, collard greens, farro, zucchini fritters, a burger or grilled cheese sandwich, Caesar salad, roasted Brussels sprouts, garlic knots, biscuits, apple slaw, and pasta salad are some of the best side dishes to go with ham and bean soup.
Mashed sweet potatoes are a sweet and smooth addition. Their natural sweetness contrasts nicely with the savory ham and bean soup. Add a bit of butter, cinnamon, or a splash of maple syrup to enhance their flavor. This side is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a wholesome choice. Mashed sweet potatoes go well with hearty soups because they have a rich texture and a comforting warmth.
Cornbread is a classic. Its slightly sweet flavor and crumbly texture make it a great match for the soup. Serve it warm with a dab of butter, and its like a comforting hug for your taste buds. Its perfect for dipping into the soup, soaking up all the delicious flavors. Along with the rich and savory soup broth, the cornbread’s golden crust and soft center make a satisfying contrast.
Jasmine rice is a fragrant, fluffy side that pairs nicely with the soup. Its subtle floral aroma and soft texture make it an ideal base for soaking up the soup’s flavors. Its a simple yet elegant addition that adds a comforting starch to your meal. The soft scent of jasmine rice gives the dish an exotic touch, and the light, fluffy grains are perfect for soaking up the soup’s flavorful broth.
An arugula salad adds a fresh, peppery bite. Toss it with a light vinaigrette, some cherry tomatoes, and maybe a sprinkle of cheese. When you eat ham and bean soup, this salad is a great way to add something fresh and crisp to the meal to balance it out. When the sour arugula, dressing, and sweet tomatoes come together, they make a delicious side dish that is both light and full of flavor.
Ham and bean soup is the ultimate comfort food. This hearty, flavorful soup hits the spot on chilly days when you’re craving something warm and filling. While the soup itself is delicious, the right side dishes can take it to the next level and make it a full, satisfying meal.
So what should you serve alongside a steaming bowl of ham and bean soup? Here are 25 amazing side dish ideas that complement this classic soup wonderfully.
Bread, Biscuits, and Rolls
Bread products like rolls biscuits and slices of French bread are perfect for dunking in the rich, savory broth of ham and bean soup. The soup helps soften and lightly flavor the bread while the bread provides a satisfying crunch and soaks up the delicious liquid. Here are some excellent bread side options
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Fluffy dinner rolls – Easy to tear off a piece and dip it in the soup. Soft and pillowy perfection.
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Herb-flecked biscuits – Buttery, flaky, and full of flavor.
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Toasted slices of crusty French bread – Crisp outside and soft inside, ideal for soup.
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Pull-apart garlic knots – Warm, soft, and bursting with garlic butter flavor.
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Skillet cornbread – The sweet corn flavor complements the soup wonderfully.
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Focaccia bread – Herby flavor and slightly chewy texture. Tear off chunks to dunk.
Salads and Veggies
Fresh, crunchy salads and vegetables add color and texture variety. Their bright, crisp flavors and textures contrast nicely with the thick, hearty soup. Some tasty options:
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Kale salad – Nutrient-packed kale with a light vinaigrette dressing.
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Greek salad – Tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese with tangy dressing.
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Wedge salad – Iceberg lettuce wedge drizzled with blue cheese dressing.
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Roasted cauliflower – Caramelized cauliflower florets are sweet and nutty.
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Sauteed green beans – Crisp-tender green beans sauteed with garlic and olive oil.
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Steamed broccoli – Bright green trees make a healthy accompaniment.
Grains and Legumes
Hearty whole grains and legumes make satisfying sides that complement the soup’s richness. They also add valuable fiber and plant-based protein. Some nutritious options include:
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Brown rice – Nutty flavor and chewy texture.
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Quinoa – Light, fluffy, and protein-packed.
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Farro – Pleasantly chewy with an earthy flavor.
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Bulgur – Cooking bulgur wheat creates a nutritious pilaf.
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Baked beans – Sweet and smoky baked beans.
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Lentils – Protein-rich and able to hold their shape.
Sandwiches and Melts
What’s better than dipping bread in soup? Putting tasty fillings between two slices! Sandwiches and melts make perfect companions for ham and bean soup, adding another element of flavor and satisfaction. Some winning combos:
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Grilled cheese sandwich – Melty, gooey cheese between crispy bread.
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BLT – Crisp bacon, lettuce, and juicy tomatoes.
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Pulled pork sandwich – Smoky and tender pulled pork.
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Ham and cheese sandwich – Stacked with ham, cheddar, mustard, and pickles.
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Reuben sandwich – Corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing.
Snacks and Appetizers
If you want something quick and easy alongside the soup, snacks and appetizers are the way to go. They add tasty variety without much effort. Some simple ideas:
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Crackers – Whole wheat crackers or oyster crackers for scooping.
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Breadsticks – Skinny breadsticks are perfect for dipping.
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Cheese and charcuterie- Cubes and slices of cheese, cured meats, and olives.
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Hummus and pita – Creamy chickpea hummus with warm pita wedges.
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Chips and dip – Potato chips, tortilla chips, or pita chips with salsa, guacamole, or French onion dip.
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Pretzels – Salty, savory twists to munch on.
##Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes
Potatoes and sweet potatoes are hearty, comforting sides that pair beautifully with ham and bean soup. They add pleasant starchiness and soak up the delicious broth. Ways to enjoy them:
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Mashed potatoes – Smooth and creamy potatoes.
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Baked potato – Russet potato baked until fluffy inside.
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Roasted sweet potato wedges – Caramelized and full of natural sweetness.
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Cheesy scalloped potatoes – Sliced potatoes baked in a creamy cheese sauce.
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Sweet potato fries – Crisp outside and soft inside.
Add Ons and Toppings
You can also spice up your soup by adding mix-ins directly to the bowl for more texture, flavor and fun. Some tasty ideas:
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Croutons – Toasty bread cubes add crunch.
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Bacon – Crispy cooked bacon crumbles.
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Shredded cheese – Melty cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan.
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Scallions – Sliced green onions add fresh onion flavor.
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Sour cream – Cool and tangy.
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Chili crisps – A little spicy kick.
Make it a Meal
Ham and bean soup plus two or three of these incredible sides creates a satisfying, hearty meal the whole family will love. The options are endless, so get creative with mixing and matching complementary flavors and textures. With so many delicious possibilities, you’ll never get bored with this cozy classic soup. Just add your favorite sides and enjoy a warm, comforting feast perfect for any chilly night.
Collard Greens
Collard greens are a hearty, nutritious side. Cook them slowly with some garlic and onion, and they turn wonderfully tender. Their earthy flavor complements the soup, adding depth and a touch of Southern charm to your meal. After being cooked until soft and slightly smoked, the greens add a comforting element that goes well with the soup’s hearty texture and rich flavors.
Farro brings a nutty flavor and chewy texture. Its a hearty grain that holds up well with the soup. When you add herbs or a light dressing to it, it turns into a healthy side dish that goes well with any color of soup. The hearty texture of the farro goes well with the soup, making it a healthy and filling addition to the meal.
1 Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are a delightful side that brings a mix of sweet and savory. When baked or fried, they become crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Their natural sweetness and slight crispiness make a great contrast with the savory soup. Add some salt or a dip to them to make them taste better. They will make your meal more fun and tasty.
Fluffy biscuits are the epitome of comfort food and a wonderful addition to ham and bean soup. Soft, buttery, and warm, they are perfect for sopping up the rich broth. You can serve them plain or add a touch of honey or jam for extra flavor. Their tender texture and mild taste provide a soothing contrast to the soups hearty and savory elements.
Apple slaw is a refreshing and tangy side dish that adds a crisp and fruity element. It is made with cabbage, shredded apples, and a light dressing. It goes well with the warm, comforting soup because it is cool and crunchy. When you mix the sweet apples with the sour dressing, you get a tasty side dish that is both healthy and full of flavor. It makes the meal more enjoyable.
Navy Bean Soup Recipe | Ham and Bean Soup
FAQ
What can I use to thicken ham and bean soup?