What Goes with Baked Beans : 8 Yummy Ideas to Try

I used to work in a restaurant, and one time, we made the horrific mistake of serving baked beans with garlic mashed potatoes. Needless to say, it was not a hit. The garlic overpowered the flavors of the beans and the potatoes, which was a pretty gross combination.

We definitely learned our lesson after that!

There are so many different side dishes that can be served with baked beans. You can keep it simple with cornbread or biscuits, or you can get a little more sophisticated with options like rice, salad, or even pizza!

In this article, we’ll discuss the different types of side dishes that go well with baked beans and also provide tips on how to serve and prepare them correctly. So whether you’re looking for something classic or something new, we’ve got you covered!

Side Dishes for Baked Beans

Fruit Salad
Baked Potato Bar
Corn on the Cob
Onion Rings
Bacon Bits
Vegetable Tray with Ranch Dipping Sauce
Poutine
Chips and Dip

Fruit Salad

Let’s get this show on the road with a fruit salad! This dish is healthy, refreshing, and can be made ahead of time. It’s an excellent side for baked beans because it provides a contrast in both flavor and texture.

Moreover, the sweetness of the fruits complements the savory flavors of the beans very well.

To make a fruit salad, simply chop up some of your favorite fruits and mix them together in a bowl. I recommend using a variety of colors and textures for the best results.

For example, you could use strawberries, blueberries, pineapples, grapes, and apples. Make sure to add a little bit of lime juice or lemon juice to keep the fruits from browning.

If you want, you could also add a dollop of whipped cream or yogurt. This dish can be served cold or at room temperature.

Baked Potato Bar

Next up is a baked potato bar! This dish is hearty, filling, and can be customized to fit everyone’s taste. Plus, it’s really easy to make.

Simply bake some potatoes ahead of time and set up a toppings bar with things like sour cream, cheese, green onions, bacon bits, and chili.

Ultimately, your guests can then add whatever they like to their potatoes. This dish is perfect for baked beans because it can be served as a main course or a side dish.

If you’re serving it as a side, I recommend cutting the potatoes into small pieces so that they can be easily scooped up with a fork and eaten along with those scrumptious baked beans.

Corn on the Cob

Let’s look at another fitting side for baked beans, corn on the cob! This dish is sweet, crunchy, and a true summertime classic. It’s also really easy to make. Simply boil or grill some ears of corn and slather them with butter. You could also add some salt, pepper, or chili powder for extra flavor.

But, if you’re looking for a more sophisticated option, you could try this grilled corn with cilantro lime butter. It’s absolutely delicious and will definitely impress your guests!

Whichever you choose, the flavors of the corn on the cob are sure to go well with the earthiness of the baked beans.

Onion Rings

Onion rings are another great option for baked beans. They’re crispy, salty, and have that perfect crunch that we all love.

And get this…

You could either make them from scratch or buy them pre-made at the store. Either way, they’ll be a hit!

Nevertheless, to make them from scratch, simply coat some sliced onions in a mixture of flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. Then, fry them in oil until they’re golden brown.

You could also bake them if you’re looking for a healthier option. Simply preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the onion rings for about 20-25 minutes.

Bacon Bits

Next, we have bacon bits! This might seem like an odd choice, but trust me, it works. The smokiness of the bacon pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the baked beans.

Plus, who doesn’t love bacon? It’s always a crowd favorite, and for me, it’s simply a match made in food heaven.

To make bacon bits, simply cook some bacon in the oven or on the stove until it’s nice and crispy. Then, chop it up into small pieces. You could also use store-bought bacon bits, but in all honesty, they’re usually not as good.

Vegetable Tray with Ranch Dipping Sauce

Another great option for baked beans is a vegetable tray with ranch dipping sauce. This dish is healthy, flavorful, and perfect for sharing.

Make no mistake about it, the rich baked beans are exquisitely complemented by the crisp vegetables and the creamy ranch dipping sauce. Plus, it’s a great way to get your guests to eat their veggies!

To make this dish, simply cut up some vegetables like carrots, celery, cucumbers, and peppers into bite-sized pieces. Then, prepare a ranch dipping sauce or use store-bought.

Serve the vegetables and dipping sauce on a platter or in separate bowls, and enjoy!

If you’re feeling extra fancy, you could even add some crumbled bacon or shredded cheese to the top of the dip. Yum!

Poutine

Following that, we have poutine! This dish is a bit more sophisticated, but it’s oh-so-delicious. Poutine is a French-Canadian dish that consists of french fries, cheese curds, and gravy.

The combination might sound strange, but I promise you it works. The salty fries, the creamy cheese curds, and the rich gravy all come together to create a dish that’s truly devine and fitting for the savory beans.

So, if you’re interested in making poutine, I recommend cutting the potatoes into small pieces, cooking them until they’re nice and crispy, and then topping them with cheese curds and gravy. This is simple and straightforward, and it yields amazing results.

Likewise, you could also use store-bought french fries, but they might not be as good as if you made them from scratch. Nevertheless, it’s up to you!