What Goes With Beans ( 10 Amazing Ideas)

AndrewByAndrew Updated on

Beans are a delicious and nutritious food, but what do you serve as a side dish?

Many people are unsure of what to make, so we’ve compiled a list of recipes that will complement your beans perfectly!

Whether you’re serving black beans, pinto beans, or any other variety, these side dishes will have your guests asking within seconds.

What Goes With Beans

  1. Peach Cobbler
  2. Quesadillas
  3. Sweet Tea
  4. Turnip Greens
  5. Fried Apples
  6. Fried Okra
  7. Mac N’ Cheese
  8. Mashed Potatoes
  9. Fried Chicken
  10. Meatloaf

Peach Cobbler

Peach cobbler is an excellent side dish for beans. The sweetness of the peaches complements the earthiness of the beans, and the two flavors work well together. The cobbler also helps to round out a meal and make it more complete.

In addition, peach cobbler is relatively easy to prepare and can be made in advance. This makes it an ideal side dish for busy weeknights or entertaining.

There are many recipes available for peach cobbler, so you can easily find one that suits your taste. And if you want to try something different, Peach Cobbler can also be used as a topping for ice cream or yogurt.

Quesadillas

Quesadillas make an excellent side dish for beans. They are quick and easy to make and can be customized to suit any taste. Quesadillas are also a good source of protein and fiber, which makes them a healthy choice for any meal.

When pairing quesadillas with beans, it is important to choose a recipe that will complement the flavors of the dish.

For example, a black bean quesadilla would pair well with spicy chili or enchilada. A white bean quesadilla would be more suited to a milder salsa or guacamole.

In terms of flavor, quesadillas are relatively neutral, so they can be used to enhance the flavors of the dish they are paired with. For example, if you are making a bean enchilada, you could add some extra spices to the quesadilla dough to give it a little kick.

Alternatively, you could top the quesadilla with shredded cheese or chopped onions for extra flavor.

Sweet Tea

Sweet tea is a delicious and refreshing drink that can be enjoyed on its own or used as a mixer in cocktails.

But did you know that sweet tea can also be used as a side dish for beans? That’s right – sweet tea makes an excellent side dish for beans, rice, and other side dishes.

Sweet tea helps to balance the flavors of the dish, and it can also help to enhance the flavor of the beans. In addition, it can help to keep the beans moist and prevent them from drying out.

Turnip Greens

There are many benefits to using turnip greens as a side dish for beans. For one, they add a nutritional boost to the meal. Turnip greens are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, as well as calcium and iron.

They also have a high fiber content, which can help to regulate digestion. Furthermore, turnip greens have a mild flavor that pairs well with both traditional and more exotic bean dishes.

There are several ways to incorporate turnip greens into a bean dish. One simple way is to sauté the greens with onions and garlic, then add them to the cooked beans.

Another option is to puree the greens and use them as a flavorful topping for baked beans or black bean soup. For a truly unique twist, try pairing turnip greens with white kidney beans and serving them in a savory pastry crust.

Fried Apples

Many side dishes can be served with beans, but one of the most popular is fried apples. Fried apples are a great way to add sweetness and flavor to a dish, and they can be used in both savory and sweet recipes.

Fried apples are also a good source of fiber and antioxidants, making them a healthy option for any meal. They can be served with any type of beans, but they pair especially well with black beans and kidney beans.

The sweetness of the apples complements the earthiness of the beans, and the two flavors work together to create a delicious and balanced dish.

Another great thing about fried apples is that they can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. This makes them a great option for busy weeknight dinners or last-minute entertaining.

Fried Okra

Fried okra is a classic Southern side dish that is commonly served with beans. The two dishes complement each other perfectly, as the beans provide a hearty and filling base, while the fried okra adds a crispy and flavorful accent.

There are many different ways to prepare fried okra, but the most popular method is to simply coat the okra in cornmeal and fry it in hot oil. This results in a dish that is crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Fried okra can also be seasoned with salt, pepper, and other spices to taste. When choosing a recipe to pair with beans, it is important to consider the overall flavors of the dish.

For example, if the beans are very spicy, then a milder side dish such as fried okra would be a good choice.

On the other hand, if the beans are relatively bland, then a more flavorful side dish such as fried onions or garlic could be used to add some extra zest to the dish.

Mac N’ Cheese

Mac N’ Cheese is a versatile side dish that can be used in a variety of recipes. One of the benefits of using Mac N’ Cheese as a side dish is that it can help to add creaminess and depth of flavor to a dish.

Additionally, Mac N’ Cheese can be a good way to add some extra protein and calories to a recipe. For example, Mac N’ Cheese makes an excellent side dish for beans. The cheese and noodles in the Mac N’ Cheese help to round out the flavors of the beans, and the dish can also be a good way to add some extra texture to a recipe.

Moreover, Mac N’ Cheese can be paired with a variety of other dishes, such as roasted vegetables or grilled chicken. When pairing Mac N’ Cheese with other dishes, it is important to keep in mind that the cheese and noodles in the dish can tend to overpower other flavors.

As such, it is typically best to pair Mac N’ Cheese with dishes that have robust flavors that can stand up to the cheese and noodles.

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a versatile side dish that can be used with a variety of main courses. For example, they can be used as a side for roasted chicken, grilled steak, or roasted vegetables.

They can also be used as a base for casseroles or as a filling for pies or quiches. While mashed potatoes are often associated with comfort food, they can also be used in lighter fare such as salads or soup.

Mashed potatoes can be made with a variety of different ingredients including milk, cream, butter, sour cream, and cheese. They can also be seasoned with herbs, spices, and other flavorings to suit your taste.

When choosing a recipe to pair with mashed potatoes, keep in mind that they can be either light or hearty depending on how they are prepared. For a lighter option, try using milk or broth instead of cream.

On the other hand, for a heartier option, try using butter or sour cream. You can also add other ingredients such as cooked bacon, sauteed onions, or shredded cheese to create a more robust flavor.

Fried Chicken

When it comes to side dishes, there are endless possibilities. But if you’re looking for something that is both delicious and easy to prepare, fried chicken is a great option.

In addition to being classic comfort food, fried chicken also pairs well with a variety of other dishes. For example, it makes an excellent side for beans.

The savory flavors of the chicken go well with the earthy taste of the beans, and the crispy texture of the chicken provides a nice contrast to the creamy texture of the beans.

Additionally, fried chicken is a high-protein food, which makes it a good option for those who are looking for a heartier side dish. And because it is so versatile, fried chicken can be used in a wide variety of recipes.

Meatloaf

When it comes to side dishes, there are endless possibilities. One option that is often overlooked is meatloaf.

While it might not seem like a traditional side dish, meatloaf can be a great way to add flavor and protein to a meal.

When paired with beans, meatloaf makes an ideal side dish. The beans provide a variety of nutrients, including fiber and protein, while the meatloaf adds flavor and heartiness to the dish.

This combination is also relatively easy to make, which makes it a great option for busy weeknights.

In addition, meatloaf can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. For example, you can add different herbs or spices to the meatloaf mixture, or top the dish with your favorite sauce or cheese.

Commonly Asked Questions When Choosing What Goes With Beans

What are some other options when choosing what goes with beans?

  1. Ham
  2. Cornbread
  3. Black Beans And Rice With Avocado
  4. Cilantro Lime Rice
  5. Potato And Tomato Gratin
  6. Baked Apples
  7. Creamy Rice Pilaf
  8. Dijon Asparagus
  9. Kale Salad
  10. Vegetable Casserole
  11. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
  12. Jalapeno Cornbread
  13. Greek Salad
  14. Hotdogs
  15. Barbecue Sandwich
  16. Hamburgers
  17. Fresh Salad
  18. Baked Ham
  19. Cornbread
  20. Potato Salad

What are some tips when choosing what goes with beans?

If you are looking for a side dish to go with your beans, make sure to avoid dishes that are too heavy or greasy.

Additionally, be careful not to choose a dish that is too similar in flavor to the beans. For example, if you are making a recipe that is already very savory, choosing a side dish that is also very savory can be overwhelming.

Instead, try to choose a side dish that will complement the flavors of the beans without being too similar.

Finally, be sure to consider the texture of the beans when choosing a side dish. For example, if you are making a recipe that is already very creamy, choosing a side dish that is also very creamy can make the dish too rich.

You may just try to choose a side dish that will provide a contrast in texture, such as a salad or a piece of cornbread.

Conclusion

There you have it! A few easy side dish recipes to pair with your next meal of beans.

With so many delicious options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect dish to suit your taste.

So what are you waiting for? Go and try out some of these awesome side dishes for beans today!

Andrew

Chef