As Ive gotten older, Ive come to really love a good batch of baked beans. Because they are soft and taste good, they are a great choice for an American barbecue and a traditional comfort food in many other countries.
You can make them on the stove, in the Instant Pot, or in the slow cooker, so it’s easy to have the recipe on hand for a quick dinner!
I will talk about the difference between canned baked beans and homemade baked beans in this blog post. I will also share my all-time favorite healthy baked bean recipe and over 50 other great recipes that go well with baked beans.
Baked beans are a beloved comfort food for many. Their rich, sweet and tangy flavor makes them an ideal side dish for backyard barbecues, potlucks and family dinners However, it can be tricky to figure out what to serve alongside baked beans You want something that will complement their bold taste without overpowering them.
After much experimentation, I’ve discovered 12 fantastic side dishes that pair perfectly with baked beans. These recipes run the gamut from classic sides like potato salad and cornbread to creative options like quinoa salad and grilled vegetables. Read on for my top recommendations on what to serve with baked beans!
Grilled Vegetables
Grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers and corn are a fantastic match for baked beans. The char from grilling adds a smoky depth that echoes the sweet molasses notes in the beans. I especially love colorful bell peppers; their mild sweetness nicely balances the tanginess of the beans. Grilled veggies also provide great texture contrast to the soft beans. For the best results grill the vegetables until lightly charred but still crisp.
Coleslaw
Creamy, cooling coleslaw is another side dish that complements baked beans beautifully. The tangy dressing and crunchy cabbage temper the beans’ richness. I like to make coleslaw with green and red cabbage, shredded carrot and a tasty dressing of mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, mustard, salt, pepper and a bit of sugar. For variety, you can also add shredded kale, diced apple or golden raisins to the mix. The vinegar in the coleslaw dressing brings out the beans’ sweetness.
Cornbread
What better to serve with an American classic like baked beans than cornbread? The slightly sweet corn flavor is perfect with the beans. For best results, use a recipe with a bit of sugar to echo the molasses in the beans. I love to make individual cornbread muffins that can be easily tucked into picnic baskets and lunch sacks. The muffins stay moist and retain their texture better than slices of cornbread. Warm them before serving to accompany piping hot baked beans.
Garlic Bread
Buttery, garlicky bread is amazing alongside any hearty bean dish. The richness plays off the beans flawlessly. For garlic bread, start with a crusty artisan loaf. Slice it horizontally, spread the insides with softened butter mixed with minced garlic, and sprinkle with parmesan. Pop it under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese melts and the tops are golden. The garlic and cheese take baked beans to a whole new level of flavor.
Roasted Potatoes
Crispy roasted potatoes are an easy, delicious side for baked beans. Their salty crunch contrasts the creamy beans beautifully. Small red or yellow potatoes work best, since they’ll cook evenly and develop a nice crust. Toss the potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper and chopped rosemary. Roast at 400°F until easily pierced with a fork, about 30 minutes, turning halfway. The herby potatoes complement molasses-flavored beans wonderfully.
Baked Mac and Cheese
For the ultimate comfort food pairing, serve baked beans with ooey-gooey mac and cheese. The creaminess of the pasta is fantastic next to the chunky beans in sauce. I love to top my mac and cheese with toasted breadcrumbs or panko for an extra crunch factor. For variety, mix in crispy bacon bits, roasted broccoli or sautéed mushrooms. The bold cheese flavor can stand up to the robust beans. Both are sure to please kids and adults alike.
Green Salad
Don’t overlook green salad as a side for baked beans! The fresh lettuce, vegetables and tangy vinaigrette cut through the beans’ richness nicely. I recommend including tomato, cucumber and red onion for color and crunch. Make the dressing with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to echo the beans’ sweet-tart taste. Add avocado and bacon bits for even more flavor and texture. The cool salad balances a steaming hot bowl of baked beans perfectly.
Grilled Corn
In summer, take advantage of prime sweet corn season by grilling ears alongside baked beans. The natural sugars in the corn caramelize from grilling, mirroring the molasses in the beans. I love to slather the corn with a compound butter of fresh herbs before placing them on the grill. Cook over direct heat, turning, until lightly charred on all sides, 7-10 minutes. The smoky grilled corn kernels pop juicily against the creamy baked beans.
Quinoa Salad
For a nutritious and refreshing take, serve your baked beans with a protein-packed quinoa salad. Quinoa’s fluffy texture and mild flavor complement the beans without overwhelming them. I like to make my quinoa salad with cucumber, bell pepper, tomatoes, red onion and fresh parsley. Whisk up an easy dressing of olive oil, red wine vinegar and Dijon. The bright vegetables and tangy dressing offset the baked beans perfectly.
Potato Salad
Cool, creamy potato salad is a classic pairing for baked beans. The potatoes absorb all the delicious flavors of the bean sauce. I recommend making potato salad with red potatoes, which hold their shape nicely when cooked. Dress the potatoes with a tasty mixture of mayo, mustard, vinegar, scallions, herbs and spices. For fun, stir in diced pickles, hardboiled egg or crumbled bacon. The potatoes’ mild flavor allows the beans to take center stage.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
For more color on your plate, serve baked beans alongside roasted sweet potatoes. Their natural sweetness complements the molasses-flavored beans deliciously. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes, then toss with olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper. Roast at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until fork tender. The spicy seasonings contrast with the tomato-ey beans in the best way. Both kids and adults will love this combo.
Steamed Broccoli
Don’t overlook simple steamed broccoli as an accompaniment for baked beans. Its fresh flavor and crunchy texture offset the beans perfectly. The bright green color also livens up the plate. I like to steam broccoli until just fork-tender, then dress it with a bit of lemon juice and olive oil. You can also top it with parmesan cheese or toasted nuts. The mild broccoli lets the dynamic baked bean flavor shine.
Conclusion
Baked beans’ unique sweet, tangy and savory profile means they pair well with a wide variety of side dishes. From all-American classics like cornbread and potato salad to lighter options like green salad and grilled veggies, you’re sure to find a combination that suits your taste. Whatever you choose, serve it up in heaping portions alongside a steaming bowl of baked beans. The possibilities are endless for fabulous flavor combinations.
What goes well with baked beans
There are so many delicious ways to enjoy baked beans, especially an amazing homemade baked beans recipe!
Next time you have baked beans on hand, you have to try one of the ideas below!
1) BBQ Pulled Pork Tostadas: I developed this recipe as a way to use leftover baked beans after a big family barbecue, but you could also make it for a quick weeknight meal.
2) Sweet Chili Lime Pulled Pork Tacos: the subtle spice combined with the fresh citrus in these tacos is actually an amazing combination with baked beans. And trust me when I say the peach mango salsa is amazing with the beans too!
3) Homemade sloppy joes: the tomato based meat sauce pairs perfectly with the tomato based sauce in baked beans. These Turkey Sloppy Joes are my go-to recipe!
4) To make Loaded BBQ Chicken Nachos, you’ll need tortilla chips, cheese, baked beans, BBQ chicken, and any toppings you like, like cilantro, jalapenos, guacamole, plain Greek yogurt, pico de gallo, or guacamole. Pop them in the oven for a few minutes and enjoy!.
5) BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches: made in the slow cooker and topped with a multigrain bun and tangy slaw. Grab the recipe from Ambitious Kitchen here! (You could also do pulled pork sandwiches instead of chicken!)
6) Grilled chicken: this blog post from Get Inspired Everyday has 10 delicious marinades that all sound amazing! I think the Honey Mustard, Jamaican Jerk, and 5-Spice Orange marinades all sound amazing with baked beans!
7) Hawaiian BBQ Chicken: juicy chicken wrapped in bacon and served over coconut rice with a jalapeno pineapple salsa. Pure heaven. Did I mention this recipe only takes 30 minutes to make?
8) Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole: one of the all-time reader favorite dishes here at Ka Pai Cooking! It might not be the most traditional flavor pairing with baked beans, but I love it. The spiciness from the jalapenos and the creaminess from the cream cheese really balance out the sweet and savory from baked beans. It also makes for a macro friendly meal because the casserole is low carb and the beans are mostly carbs! Grab the recipe here.
9) Glazed ham: if youre looking for an amazing meat to serve with your baked beans during the winter season, this glazed ham recipe from Platings and Pairings sounds divine! Its made with brown sugar, honey, dijon, and pineapple.
10) Roasted turkey: a perfect combination with baked beans for Thanksgiving or Christmas. You could make a simple roasted turkey like this one from Downshiftology or try a unique flavor like this rosemary orange turkey from Brooklyn Supper.
11) Huevos rancheros: literally translated to “ranch-style eggs” this traditional Mexican breakfast is made with pinto beans or black beans, eggs, and pico de gallo served on a tostada. But, I highly recommend swapping the black beans for your baked beans in these Huevos Rancheros Enchiladas. Im literally drooling just thinking about it!
12) Salmon: a whole baked salmon like this Cajun Brown Sugar Salmon would pair beautifully with baked beans, but Im also loving the idea of these Thai Sweet Chili Salmon Bites with baked beans. Its a mix of cuisines, I know, but youll just have to try it!
13) Pot roast: tender, juicy meat with stewed potatoes and carrots? If that doesnt sound like a delicious, hearty meal, I dont know what does! Check out this recipe from Platings and Pairings.
14) Chorizo Sausage Breakfast Tacos: the addition of sausage with a bit of spice and a creamy dressing made from jalapenos and ranch to baked beans would transform your taste buds. Grab the recipe here!
15) Savory waffles: ok hear me out. These breakfast waffles are made with mashed potatoes, cheese, and chives instead of flour and sugar. They are a great option for eating baked beans for breakfast, especially with plain greek yogurt, chives, and fresh cracked black pepper on top! I love this recipe from The Crowded Kitchen! You could also try these cornbread waffles from Jessica in the Kitchen.
16) Full English breakfast: its one giant plate filled with bacon, sausages, eggs, tomatoes, mushrooms, toast, and baked beans. If there was ever a “complete meal,” I think this would be it! Its a great excuse to try a new breakfast and make a batch of homemade baked beans, too. This blog post will teach you how to make the best full English breakfast!
17) Eggs: a classic food to serve with baked beans. There are SO many ways to prepare and enjoy eggs, so heres a few ideas:
- The scrambled egg is quick and easy to make (it’s ready in 5 minutes), and it only needs a little seasoning.
- Whether you like your eggs “runny yolk” or “fully cooked,” they make a great “plate” for baked beans.
- To me, poached is more fancy than scrambled or fried, and I’d put it on top of the beans instead of under them.
- Deviled—This wasn’t my idea, but I’d love to try it! Detoxinista has a healthy recipe for deviled eggs that doesn’t use mayo.
- You can make egg muffins ahead of time and then add all the toppings. I love these high protein egg muffins!.
18) Bacon: choose from regular bacon, maple bacon, or turkey bacon. Any of these options are a great addition to baked beans!.
19) Sausage: the fat and protein from sausage compliments the carbs from the beans to create a hearty dish youll want to eat over and over again. You could use turkey sausage links, spicy chorizo sausage, or even make this Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies!
20) Breakfast toast: a classic English breakfast combo. I think either multigrain bread or sourdough bread would both be delicious and healthy options here!.
21) Pizza: not my first choice, but Ive seen a few other bloggers suggest pizza, so I thought I would too. My best recommendation is definitely this 30 Minute BBQ Chicken Pizza!
22) Hot dogs: put the baked beans on top of the hot dog (in a bun, of course) and eat! It’s a bit like a chili dog but sweeter. This is a great choice for your kids as well.
23) Hamburgers: What family barbecue is complete without burgers? Here are some tasty burger recipes you have to try:
24) Chicken nuggets: really, this is for the kids, right? BUT. If you want to make homemade chicken nuggets that the adults will love just as much as the kids AND use up your leftover baked beans, you have to try these Honey Mustard Pretzel Chicken Nuggets! Oh my gosh they would be a great combination with baked beans.
25) Tomato soup: a little different, I know, but both recipes are tomato based, so it works! This roasted tomato basil soup is my favorite.
26) Clam chowder: this cozy New England soup has a hint of smokiness from sauteed bacon and aromatics, just like baked beans. Its a different flavor combo for sure, but the creamy chowder will compliment the savory beans so well. I highly recommend this traditional clam chowder recipe from Cooking with Cocktail Rings!
27) Grilled cheese: an iconic comfort food that just needs all that baked beans have to offer. You could try a regular grilled cheese or a unique flavor like this Chicken Caprese Grilled Cheese.
28) Kabobs: grilled meat with fresh veggies with any flavor combination you could imagine. Its a classic BBQ dish that would taste great with a side of baked beans! Im obsessed with these BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs and I think these Steak and Shrimp Kabobs would be amazing too.
29) Sweet and spicy meatballs: these cocktail meatballs are made in the Instant Pot and BBQ sauce is the base of the homemade sauce. They would be absolutely amazing with baked beans!
30) Cabbage: a light, crunchy, green vegetable that can be enjoyed hot or cold. Try a braised cabbage like this one from Nom Nom Paleo or my 5 minute homemade coleslaw recipe!
31) Cornbread: baked beans are basically a sweeter vegetarian chili, right? Well, even if they arent, cornbread is a great way to enjoy baked beans! Check out this healthy cornbread recipe from Amys Healthy Baking.
32) Mac and cheese: no explanation here. My two favorite mac and cheese recipes are this Oven Baked Mac and Cheese (with herby breadcrumbs oh my goodness) and this Easy Skillet Mac and Cheese.
33) Corn: one of my favorite pairings with smoky baked beans. Whether its on the cob or dressed up like this Street Corn Salad from Abras Kitchen, you wont regret adding corn to your plate.
34) Carrots: Id suggest carrots if youre eating baked beans during the winter months. You should check out these maple glazed carrots from One Lovely Life or these honey roasted balsamic carrots from Eat Well 101.
35) Brussels sprouts: if there was one perfect side dish to go with baked beans, in my opinion, it would be Brussels sprouts. Done well, of course. With the right seasonings and cooking method, this vegetable will take your beans to the next level. My personal favorites? These roasted Cinnamon Maple Brussels Sprouts or this 5 minute Brussels Sprouts Slaw!
36) Potatoes: oh, potatoes. There are SO many ways to serve potatoes and theyre all delicious with baked beans. Here are 8 ways to eat baked beans with potatoes:
- Baked: A baked potato’s skin is crispy, and the inside is buttery. It begs for a big bowl of baked beans.
- Mashed: Instead of gravy, put some baked beans on top of your mashed potatoes.
- You can season them however you like, but make sure they’re nice and crispy! I love this recipe from Ambitious Kitchen!
- To roast them, toss them in olive oil and put them in the oven to get crispy. My personal favorites are red potatoes or fingerling potatoes.
- Hashbrowns are a way to eat potatoes and baked beans for breakfast. If you really want your hash browns to stand out, make them into a waffle!
- French fries – because, well, everybody loves french fries!
- Funeral: If you’ve never heard of funeral potatoes, they’re a dish that a lot of people in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints eat. I don’t think I’ve ever been to a big Sunday church gathering without seeing funeral potatoes. Theyre also known as cheesy potatoes. It’s a cheesy potato casserole, and that’s all you need to know.
- Scalloped potatoes take a little more work, but you’ll thank me after you try my White Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes. Theyre incredible and worth every minute of prep!.
37) Sweet potatoes: similar to all the ways you can eat regular potatoes with baked beans except they have a sweeter inside and theyre orange in color. My two favorites are stuffed sweet potatoes and sweet potato fries!
38) Mashed cauliflower: the low carb version of mashed potatoes. Feel free to add any seasonings you love!
39) Stuffing: if youre including baked beans in your Thanksgiving or Christmas menu, stuffing is a pair to your baked beans. The salty flavors of the breadcrumbs, herbs, and vegetables would balance out the sweet and creamy baked beans. This stuffing from Ambitious Kitchen sounds divine and Im drooling over this Wild Rice Stuffing from Zestful Kitchen!
Salads: Any kind of salad will do, whether it’s a cold salad, a fruit salad, a green salad, or something else. You can’t go wrong with a bowl of fresh salad. Here are some of my favorite salads:
- It’s a Tex-Mex take on the traditional American salad Cobb. It has turkey bacon, avocado, corn, black beans, cilantro, ranch dressing, and a hard-boiled egg. Its one of my favorite summer BBQ salads for sure!.
- Grilled BBQ chickpeas that are crunchy and tossed with broccoli salad, bleu cheese, red onions, and mixed greens. Youll love this tasty vegetarian salad!.
- Macaroni Salad – a summer barbecue classic. I love this mayo-free version from Eat with Clarity!.
- Potato Salad – another classic cold salad. Whenever I bring my potato salad, I get raving reviews!.
- Cucumber salad – so refreshing and easy to make. You should try Gimme Some Oven’s Thai Cucumber Salad or their Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad.
41) Risotto: basically a really soft rice dish. Its not soupy or mushy, but its not regular rice, either. Id love to try this Mushroom Risotto or this Pumpkin Risotto from Platings and Pairings.
42) Tortilla chips: a salty, crunchy, edible spoon aka perfection. You could even make homemade chips with this recipe from Platings and Pairings!
43) 7 layer dip: more beans, I know, but if youre loading your plate with all the good stuff at your family barbecue, it works! Grab the recipe here.
44) Grilled vegetables: like, literally any grilled vegetables. Zucchini, corn, peppers, potatoes, or green beans! The list goes on. Just top with parmesan cheese, a vinaigrette, or salt and pepper.
45) Fresh vegetables: all you need is a veggie tray with ranch or your favorite fresh vegetable mix.
46) Grilled fruit: yes, its a thing. Especially if its grilled pineapple or grilled peaches!
Canned baked beans vs homemade baked beans
You can make canned baked beans faster and they last longer, but they have a lot of extra sugar, preservatives, and ingredients that aren’t needed.
Even though they take longer to make (with not much work!), baked beans made from scratch are usually healthier.
Some of the common ingredients in canned baked beans are:
- White beans, navy beans, or pinto beans
- Barbecue sauce
- Brown sugar or honey
- Full fat bacon
- Ketchup
- Lots of sodium
If you want a healthier option, choose to make baked beans from scratch! Here are some of the key ingredients for the BEST homemade baked beans:
- Pinto beans
- Sugar free BBQ sauce
- Stevia
- Turkey bacon
- Tomato sauce
- Salt to taste
This recipe has that classic smoky flavor without any added or refined sugar. Its also made entirely in one pot with less than 15 minutes of prep work! For the full recipe, click here.
Upgrade Your Baked Beans to ULTIMATE COWBOY BEANS with Bacon & Beef!
FAQ
How can I jazz up baked beans?
What do Americans eat with baked beans?
What can I add to beans to make them nicer?
What goes 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.
What is the best substitute of cocoa beans?
A popular substitute for cocoa beans are carob chips, which are less bitter and have a slightly sweet nutty flavor while also being caffeine-free. Carob beans or carob pods can be dried and ground into carob powder, then made into carob chips. Ground coffee beans work well in a pinch for baked items like chocolate cakes and other desserts, and are less expensive than carob. In general, substituting an equal amount of carob powder for cocoa powder is practical. More recently, Brazilian researchers used jackfruit seeds to make flour then they dried and roasted the flour to enhance the flavor and aroma, which is similar to the chocolaty flavor of cocoa beans. If this catches on it could reduce waste from otherwise unused jackfruit seeds and reduce the strain of the cocoa industry.
What goes well with sausage & baked beans?
And, of course – as you’re no doubt aware by now – you can add sausages to anything else that you’re adding beans to! Sausage, beans, and toast is a really popular combination, and for good reason! Baked potatoes go really well with sausage and baked beans too. And practically everything seems to go well with cheese and/or bacon, of course!
Do baked beans go well with pizza?
Presumably borne out of the (frankly, extremely well founded) idea that baked beans will pair with literally anything, a baked bean pizza is a surprisingly tasty meal! It’s not exactly classy food – nobody could reasonably claim that! However, it’s real comfort food.