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
Some might say that garlic spaghetti is an unlikely side dish for ham and bean soup. But in my opinion, the two go together like salt and pepper.
The garlicky pasta provides a nice contrast to the hearty soup, and the two dishes complement each other perfectly. Plus, who can resist a bowl of hot soup topped with a mound of cheesy garlic spaghetti?
If you’re looking to impress your dinner guests, I suggest serving garlic spaghetti as a side dish for your next ham and bean soup. Trust me, they’ll be impressed. And if you’re not sure how to prepare the pasta, don’t worry – I’ve got you covered.
Simply, cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. Then, add some garlic and olive oil to the pasta and stir until it’s well-coated. Once everything is mixed together, just top with a bit of Parmesan cheese, and you’re good to go.
Roasted Vegetables
Next, with the addition of roasted vegetables, your ham and bean soup can be transformed into a stunningly flavorful meal. The sweetness of the roasted vegetables complements the savory ham and beans, and the earthy notes of the veggies bring out the best in the soup.
Likewise, the colorful roasted vegetables also add a beautiful visual contrast to the soup.
To prepare the dish, simply roast your favorite veggies in a 375-degree oven until they are tender and slightly caramelized. Then add them to your bowl of soup and enjoy!
French Fries
There are many reasons why French fries make an excellent side dish for ham and bean soup. First, they soak up all the delicious flavors of the soup and add a nice crunch.
Secondly, they’re dead easy to whip up. Just toss them in some olive oil and bake them in the oven until they’re nice and crispy. Yum!
Dinner Rolls
Also, I love to serve fresh dinner rolls as a simple side dish for ham and bean soup. Why, you might ask? Well, first of all, they soak up all that delicious broth so you can get every last drop.
But more importantly, they provide a much-needed contrast in texture. Let’s face it, ham and beans can be a little bit… mushy. The dense, chewy rolls help to break things up and give your mouth something to cling to.
As for preparation, it couldn’t be easier. Just set them in the oven while your soup is simmering away on the stove, and they’ll be ready to go by the time everything else is cooked. They really make the meal.
Green Chile Cornbread
As we continue our list, can you think of another side dish that goes well with a big pot of soup?
Cornbread, of course!
But not just any cornbread; my favorite is green chile cornbread. The slight heat from the chiles helps to cut through the richness of the soup, and the cornbread soaks up all the delicious broth.
In addition, it’s very easy to make. Just mix together some cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, eggs, milk, and canned green chiles. Then pour the batter into a hot skillet and bake for about 20 minutes.
Cream Peas
These silky legumes are the perfect side dish to lighten up a hearty ham and bean soup. They also happen to be incredibly versatile since you can simply saute them with some butter and garlic, or add in a few extra ingredients to make a more elaborate dish.
For example, try sauteing the peas with some onions, bacon, and thyme. Then finish it off with a splash of cream and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Trust me, your diners will be impressed.
So next time you’re looking for soup-spiration, think outside the bread box and give cream peas a try.
Garlicky Boiled Okra
If you want a side dish that’s both healthy and delicious, look no further than boiled okra. This humble vegetable is often overlooked, but it really shines when paired with ham and bean soup.
Not only does it add a lovely pop of color to the dish, but it also has a nice crunch that helps to break up the richness of the soup.
And best of all, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. Simply boil the okra in water for a few minutes until it’s tender, then drain and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. So good!
Tomato and Lettuce Salad
And finally, what could be more complementary than a fresh tomato and lettuce salad? The acidity of the tomatoes helps to cut through the density of the soup, and the crispy lettuce adds a nice contrast in texture.
Plus, it’s a healthy option that won’t leave you feeling weighed down.
As for preparation, it’s a breeze. Just dice up some tomatoes and shred some lettuce, then toss them together with your favorite dressing. I like to keep things light by using a vinaigrette or lemon juice, but feel free to experiment with other flavors.
Then just spoon the salad onto a plate and enjoy!
FAQ
What goes good in ham soup?
Typically potatoes, carrots, and celery go in ham soup. You could also add in some onion, garlic, and green beans.j
What is a good side dish for ham and bean soup?
Some examples of good side dishes for ham and bean soup include cornbread, biscuits, green chile cornbread, cream peas, garlicky boiled okra, and tomato and lettuce salad.
What are some tips on how to make a good ham and bean soup?
Here are a few tips for making a delicious pot of ham and bean soup:
- Use a good-quality ham bone or ham hock for the best flavor.
- Soak the beans overnight in water to help them cook faster and more evenly.
- Add some aromatics such as onions, garlic, and carrots to the soup for additional flavor.
- Use fresh herbs such as thyme, parsley, and bay leaves to give the soup a boost of flavor.
- Let the soup simmer for at least an hour so that all the flavors have time to meld together.
Conclusion
There you have it! A delicious list of side dishes that are perfect for ham and bean soup. These sides are flavorful and complimentary, and most importantly, easy to prepare.
Now that you know what to serve with your soup, all that’s left to do is enjoy!
So next time you’re looking for soup-spiration, be sure to give one of these recipes a try. Trust me, your diners will be impressed!