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.
A steaming bowl of savory ham and beans hits the spot every time But why settle for just the soup when you can turn it into a full meal with the perfect side dishes? Choosing complementary flavors and textures can take your ham and beans from simple to spectacular
So what are some tasty side options to serve with this classic combo? Let’s explore 25+ ways to round out your ham and bean feast
Hot Buttery Breads
Warm, crusty bread is a natural pairing for sopping up every last drop of the bean broth. Some excellent choices:
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Flaky biscuits – Try garlic-cheese biscuits or buttery southern-style biscuits. The ham and beans seep into all those layers beautifully.
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Skillet cornbread – A wedge of moist, golden cornbread is ideal for crumbling into the bowl. Add some honey butter to take it over the top.
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Dinner rolls – Light, soft rolls tear apart easily to soak up the soup. Brush with garlic butter or sprinkle with sea salt before serving.
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Focaccia – This Italian flatbread has a crisp outer crust and chewy interior. Olive oil and herbs provide flavor.
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French bread – A baguette, sliced and toasted until golden, provides crunch and buttery notes.
Crispy, Crunchy Sides
For some contrasting textures, add these satisfying crispy, crunchy sides:
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Crostini – Toasted slices of French or Italian bread, rubbed with garlic and olive oil.
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Crackers – Whole grain crackers add nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch.
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Breadsticks – Especially tasty when sprinkled with parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.
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Homemade tortilla chips – Slice corn or flour tortillas, drizzle with oil and toast until crispy.
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Potato chips – Go basic or get creative with flavors like barbecue, salt and vinegar, and ranch.
Vegetables and Salads
Fresh veggies balance the heartiness of the ham and beans. Great options include:
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Kale salad – Toasted nuts, shredded cheese, and a zesty dressing gives kale a flavor punch.
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Roasted vegetables – Root veggies or squash, tossed in oil and roasted until caramelized and tender.
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Coleslaw – Crunchy cabbage and carrots in a creamy dressing.
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Collard greens – Simmered with smoked turkey and seasoned with vinegar.
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Sweet potato fries – Crisp outside and smooth inside, especially good drizzled with spicy mayo.
More Hearty Fare
If you want to go all out, try these satisfying sides:
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Cornbread stuffing – The perfect marriage of cornbread and ham. Toss in some bean broth for extra flavor.
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Cheesy potato casserole – Potato, ham, cheese…a trio that’s hard to beat.
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Mac and cheese – Ooey, gooey comfort food at its finest.
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Quiche or frittata – An egg custard with ham, spinach, and cheese is simple yet elegant.
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Biscuit pot pie – Imagine biscuit dough baked atop the ham and bean mixture. Yum!
Simple Snack Pairings
For lighter pairings, keep it simple with these easy snacks:
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Sliced fruits like apples and grapes
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Cubed cheese – cheddar, swiss, pepper jack
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Yogurt with granola
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Deviled eggs
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Pickles and olives
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Hummus and pita chips
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Nuts or trail mix
Creative Ways to Use Leftovers
Leftover ham and beans are a gift. Get creative with these fun options:
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Mash beans and ham together for tasty bean dip.
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Stuff into a baked potato or sweet potato.
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Use as the protein in a veggie-packed omelet or burrito.
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Toss with pasta and cheese for ham, bean and macaroni casserole.
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Simmer with broth and milk for an easy weeknight soup.
Recommended Drink Pairings
Wash it all down with:
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Iced tea, Arnold Palmer, or lemonade
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Cold milk or chocolate milk
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Hot coffee
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Ice cold beer or hard cider
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Fresh-squeezed vegetable juices
Ham and beans alone is delicious, but creative side dishes can take the meal to new levels of flavor and satisfaction. From crispy, crunchy, fresh, or hearty, the options are endless. Bread and biscuits are natural pairings, while cooked veggies, salads, cheese and fruits also complement beautifully. However you choose to round it out, ham and beans plus tasty sides equals comfort food at its finest.
Zucchini Fritters
Zucchini fritters are a fun and tasty choice. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, theyre a delightful contrast to the soup. Serve them with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for an extra touch of flavor. Theyre a great way to sneak in some veggies while adding a unique twist to your meal. The crunchy texture of the fritters and the mild flavor of the zucchini make them a tasty side dish that goes well with the hearty soup.
A BLT sandwich is a classic choice that pairs wonderfully with ham and bean soup. The crunchy bacon, fresh lettuce, and ripe tomatoes in the sandwich are a great contrast to the rich soup in terms of texture and taste. Its a satisfying, hearty addition that turns your soup into a full meal. The salty bacon, crunchy lettuce, and juicy tomatoes in a BLT make for a great balance of tastes and textures, making it a great food to go with soup.
A Caesar salad offers a light and crisp contrast to the hearty soup. This is a classic side dish that tastes great and is good for you. It has crunchy romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, and shavings of Parmesan cheese. The croutons give it a satisfying crunch, and the tangy dressing wakes up the taste buds, making it a great choice to go with the hearty flavors of ham and bean soup.
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.