What To Serve With Ham And Bean Soup? 15 BEST Side Dishes

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 soup's richness and add a delightful variety to your table. Here are 15 amazing sides that pair wonderfully with Ham and Beans.

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The best side dishes to serve with ham and bean soup are mashed sweet potatoes, cornbread, jasmine rice, arugula salad, collard greens, farro, zucchini fritters, blt sandwich, grilled cheese sandwich, caesar salad, roasted brussels sprouts, garlic knots, biscuits, apple slaw, and pasta salad.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. Mashed Sweet Potatoes

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. The rich texture and comforting warmth of mashed sweet potatoes make them a perfect complement to the soup's heartiness.

2. Cornbread

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 it's like a comforting hug for your taste buds. It's perfect for dipping into the soup, soaking up all the delicious flavors. The golden crust and soft interior of the cornbread provide a satisfying contrast to the soup's rich and savory broth.

3. Jasmine Rice

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. It's a simple yet elegant addition that adds a comforting starch to your meal. The delicate fragrance of jasmine rice adds an exotic touch, while its light, fluffy grains are perfect for absorbing the flavorful broth of the soup.

4. Arugula Salad

An arugula salad adds a fresh, peppery bite. Toss it with a light vinaigrette, some cherry tomatoes, and maybe a sprinkle of cheese. This salad is a great way to add a fresh, crisp element to your meal, balancing the heartiness of the ham and bean soup. The sharpness of the arugula, combined with the tangy dressing and sweet tomatoes, creates a delightful side that's both light and flavorful.

5. 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. The greens, simmered until soft and flavored with a hint of smokiness, offer a comforting addition that pairs well with the soup's rich flavors and hearty texture.

6. Farro

Farro brings a nutty flavor and chewy texture. It's a hearty grain that holds up well with the soup. Mix it with some herbs or a light dressing, and it becomes a wholesome, satisfying side that adds a nice bite to each spoonful of soup. The robust texture of farro provides a pleasant contrast to the soup, making it a nutritious and fulfilling addition to the meal.

7. Zucchini Fritters

Zucchini fritters are a fun and tasty choice. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, they're a delightful contrast to the soup. Serve them with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for an extra touch of flavor. They're a great way to sneak in some veggies while adding a unique twist to your meal. The fritters' crispy texture and the zucchini's subtle flavor make them an enjoyable side that complements the soup's hearty character.

8. BLT Sandwich

A BLT sandwich is a classic choice that pairs wonderfully with ham and bean soup. The crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and ripe tomatoes in the sandwich provide a delightful contrast in textures and flavors to the rich soup. It's a satisfying, hearty addition that turns your soup into a full meal. The combination of salty bacon, crisp lettuce, and juicy tomatoes in a BLT creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it an ideal companion for the soup.

9. Caesar Salad

A Caesar salad offers a light and crisp contrast to the hearty soup. With its crunchy romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, and shavings of Parmesan cheese, it’s a classic side that's both refreshing and flavorful. The addition of croutons adds a satisfying crunch, and the tangy dressing enlivens the palate, making it an excellent choice to accompany the rich flavors of ham and bean soup.

10. Grilled Cheese Sandwich

A grilled cheese sandwich is a timeless favorite that wonderfully complements ham and beans. The golden, crispy bread encasing melted cheese offers a delightful texture and flavor. This sandwich is not just comforting but also versatile. Add some tomato or a slice of ham to elevate it further. The warm, gooey cheese and the crisp bread make a delicious duo that pairs perfectly with the rich, hearty soup.

11. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts are a delightful addition, bringing a bit of earthy flavor and a satisfying crunch. When roasted, they develop a wonderful caramelization that enhances their natural sweetness. Season them with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper, and you get a side that not only tastes great but also adds a healthy touch to your meal. Their slight bitterness and charred edges are a perfect complement to the soup.

12. Garlic Knots

Garlic knots, with their irresistible aroma and flavor, are a fantastic choice. These small, knotted pieces of dough, baked until golden and then brushed with garlic butter, are a treat. They’re perfect for mopping up the delicious broth of the soup, combining the soup's savory flavors with the rich, garlicky taste of the knots. Soft, aromatic, and flavorful, garlic knots add a delightful touch to the meal.

13. Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries are a delightful side that brings a mix of sweet and savory. When baked or fried, they become crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Their natural sweetness and slight crispiness make a great contrast with the savory soup. Serve them with a sprinkle of salt or a dip to enhance their flavor, adding a fun and tasty element to your meal.

14. Biscuits

Fluffy biscuits are the epitome of comfort food and a wonderful addition to ham and bean soup. Soft, buttery, and warm, they are perfect for sopping up the rich broth. You can serve them plain or add a touch of honey or jam for extra flavor. Their tender texture and mild taste provide a soothing contrast to the soup's hearty and savory elements.

15. Apple Slaw

Apple slaw is a refreshing and tangy side dish that adds a crisp and fruity element. Made with shredded apples, cabbage, and a light dressing, it offers a cool and crunchy contrast to the warm, comforting soup. The sweetness of the apples combined with the tang of the dressing creates a delicious side that's both healthy and flavorful, brightening up the meal.

16. Pasta Salad

Pasta salad is a versatile and filling side that pairs excellently with ham and bean soup. You can make it with a variety of pasta shapes and mix in vegetables, cheese, and a light dressing. The chilled, flavorful pasta salad adds a delightful textural contrast and a burst of fresh flavors, offering a balance to the rich and hearty soup.