What to Serve with Ham and Bean Soup – 16 Tasty Side Dishes
What side dishes should you choose when you’re planning a meal with ham and bean soup as the star?
Here’s the thing, I once served a side dish that was a complete disaster. I chose boiled green beans as the side for my ham and bean soup, and they were terrible!
The beans were bland and mushy, and they didn’t complement the flavors in the soup at all. In fact, they made the soup taste worse. I was so embarrassed that I vowed never to make that mistake again.
When it comes to side dishes, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, the side dish should be flavorful and complementary to the soup. Second, it should be easy to prepare. And lastly, it should be something that everyone will enjoy.
With that in mind, here is a list of our favorites that will make your meal perfect! Each dish is easy to prepare and will complement the flavors in the soup perfectly.
Side Dishes for Ham and Bean Soup
- Pull-Apart Garlic Bread
- Sweet Potato Fries
- Collard Greens
- Applesauce
- Sweet Potato Casserolejn
- Sweet and Sour Greens
- Scalloped Potatoes
- Garlic Spaghetti
- Roasted Vegetables
- French Fries
- Dinner Rolls
- Green Chile Cornbread
- Cream Peas
- Garlicky Boiled Okra
- Cornbread
- Tomato and Lettuce Salad
Pull-Apart Garlic Bread
Have you ever had one of those days where nothing seems to go right? You know, the kind of day where you can’t find your keys, you spill coffee on your shirt, and your boss is in a foul mood. Well, I have the perfect solution for those days: Pull-Apart Garlic Bread. This dish is so good that it will turn even the gloomiest of days around. Trust me, I’m a chef.
But why does Pull-Apart Garlic Bread go so well with Ham and Bean Soup? Well, first of all, the garlic bread helps to soak up all of the delicious soup. But more importantly, the garlic bread provides a much-needed contrast to the soup.
The soup is hearty and filling, while the garlic bread is light and airy. This contrast creates a perfect balance that will leave you feeling satisfied but not stuffed. And trust me, you’re going to want to save room for dessert.
Sweet Potato Fries
What goes better with a steaming bowl of ham and bean soup than a heaping plate of crispy sweet potato fries?
Sweet potatoes are the perfect complement to this comforting soup, as their natural sweetness helps to balance out the savory flavors of the ham and beans.
Plus, their golden color looks beautiful when paired with the deep red of the soup. To prepare sweet potato fries as a side dish for ham and bean soup, simply slice the potatoes into thin strips, infuse them with salt and olive oil, then bake in a preheated oven until crispy.
Serve immediately alongside a steaming bowl of soup, and enjoy!
Collard Greens
Next up is collard greens and they make an excellent side dish for ham and bean soup. I once had a ham and bean soup so good, the only thing that could have made it better was the big heaping plate of collard greens next to it.
The smokiness of the ham, the creaminess of the beans, and the bitterness of the greens come together in a way that’s just harmonious. And you know what they say, harmony is the key to a good life.
As for preparation, it’s really quite simple. Just simmer some chopped-up greens in chicken stock until they’re tender. Season with salt, pepper, and a little bit of vinegar to taste. Serve alongside your piping hot bowl of soup and eat heartily!
Applesauce
Adding applesauce as a side dish for ham and bean soup may seem like a strange combination, but trust me, it works! The sweetness of the applesauce offsets the saltiness of the ham, and the smooth texture contrasts nicely with the hearty beans.
Plus, applesauce is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time. Simply stir together some applesauce, a bit of lemon juice, and a touch of cinnamon. Then, let it sit in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy your soup.
When it’s time to eat, just ladle a spoonful of applesauce into each bowl. The result is a delicious, well-balanced meal that will leave you feeling satisfied. You might just be surprised at how well it goes!
Sweet Potato Casserole
Next on the list is one of my favorites. Sweet Potato Casserole is such a yummy side dish that goes great with Ham and Bean Soup. From my experience, the sweet potatoes in the casserole help balance out the soup’s savory flavors.
Additionally, the casserole is easy to prepare; simply bake a few sweet potatoes, mash them up, and add some butter, sugar, and spices. Then, top with some delicious marshmallows and bake until golden brown.
Sweet and Sour Greens
Next, I like to pair my ham and beans soup with sweet and sour greens as a side dish. This simple dish is the perfect way to add a little brightness to your bowl of soup.
The vinegar’s sharpness cuts through the ham’s richness, while the greens’ sweetness makes for a balanced and flavor-packed dish.
Furthermore, it’s super easy to prepare! Just cook up some greens (kale, collards, or chard work well), then add a splash of vinegar and a touch of honey. That’s it!
Scalloped Potatoes
As I see it every good meal needs the right sidekick, and that’s where scalloped potatoes come in. They’re gooey, delicious, and loaded with cheesy goodness. Plus, they go perfectly with the smokiness of the ham.
Best of all, they’re super simple to make. Just slice up some potatoes, mix them with some cheese and cream, and bake them in the oven. You are sure to love this classic side dish!
Garlic Spaghetti
