Best Side Dishes for Ham and Beans – 25 Delicious Options!
Ham and beans make a hearty and comforting meal, but to truly elevate the experience, you need the perfect side dishes to complement the flavors.
When it comes to comfort food, few combinations are as satisfying as ham and beans. But no meal is complete without the perfect side dish.
From crispy roasted vegetables to pillowy mashed potatoes, the right sides can elevate your ham dinner and make it truly unforgettable.
Whether you’re serving baked ham or leftover ham and bean soup, these 25 side dishes will pair perfectly, adding balance, crunch, and delicious variety to your table.
What to Serve with Ham and Beans
Let’s dive into these comforting and delicious pairings!
1. Cornbread
No ham and bean meal is complete without homemade cornbread. This classic side dish offers a slightly sweet contrast to the savory flavors of ham. Bake it until it’s golden and crispy on top, making it the perfect side to soak up the hearty broth from a ham and bean soup.
2. Scalloped Potatoes
Creamy scalloped potatoes add a rich, cheesy flavor to your ham dinner. Layers of tender potatoes, cheddar cheese, and cream make this comfort food a favorite. The crunchy top layer adds texture, while the savory flavors pair perfectly with leftover ham.
3. Green Bean Casserole
A staple holiday side, green bean casserole is a vegetable side dish that combines tender green beans with a creamy sauce and crispy fried onions. The crunchy topping outshines many other sides, making it a great pairing for roast ham.
4. Collared Greens
For a Southern twist, collard greens bring a slightly bitter, earthy flavor that contrasts with the savory and salty notes of ham. Cooked slowly with ham bones or crispy bacon, this dish adds a rich, smoky flavor.
5. Roasted Brussel Sprouts
Crisp on the outside and tender inside, roasted brussels sprouts are a delicious vegetable side that pairs perfectly with ham. A drizzle of parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon add brightness to this simple yet flavorful side.
6. Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potato casserole is the perfect side dish for a holiday ham. The natural sweetness of sweet potatoes is enhanced with a crunchy pecan topping, providing a savory and sweet balance.
7. Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a creamy, cheesy delight that’s a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Its comfort food appeal, combined with the pillowy texture of the pasta, makes it an ideal side for ham and bean dishes.
8. Roasted Asparagus
For a lighter option, try roasted asparagus as a side! Its fresh, earthy flavor adds a bit of brightness to the meal. For extra flavor, sprinkle with garlic powder and roast until the tips are crispy.
9. Biscuits
Pillowy soft biscuits are the perfect addition to a ham dinner. Serve warm with butter for an easy side dish!
10. Potatoes Au Gratin
Potatoes au gratin are cheesy, indulgent, and perfect for serving with ham. The layers of cheddar cheese and cream meld together for a delicious side dish that’s crispy on top and creamy inside.
11. Green Bean Salad
If you’re looking for something lighter, a green bean salad offers a fresh, crisp alternative. Tossed with vinaigrette and topped with crispy bacon, this side brings a tangy, crunchy bite to your ham meal.
12. Glazed Carrots
Glazed carrots bring a sweet, caramelized flavor that pairs beautifully with the savory notes of ham and beans. Cooked in a brown sugar glaze, they offer a delicious side that balances the richness of the main course.
13. Snap Peas
Light and refreshing, snap peas are a simple yet flavorful side that provides a crunchy contrast to savory ham!
14. Melting Potatoes
For an indulgent twist on a potato side dish, try melting potatoes. Roasted with butter until crispy on the outside and soft inside, they’re the perfect side that pairs with ham. Their creamy texture makes them a hit for holiday ham dinners.
15. Crispy Air Fryer Green Beans
If you’re craving something crispy, try air fryer green beans. These crispy green beans, seasoned with garlic powder and parmesan cheese, they bring a satisfying crunch to your meal.
16. Pasta Salad
A chilled pasta salad with a light dressing and crunchy veggies makes a refreshing contrast to the warm, hearty ham and beans. You can add some diced ham to tie the flavors together.
17. Cheddar Biscuits
Cheddar biscuits are another great option to serve with ham and beans. Their cheesy flavor and fluffy texture make them an ideal bread for any ham dinner.
18. Roasted Red Potatoes
Roasted red potatoes with a crispy exterior and tender inside are a versatile side that pairs well with ham and bean soup or roast ham. Toss them in parmesan cheese and herbs for added flavor.
19. Corn Pudding
This delicious side dish is a blend of sweet and savory flavors, made from creamy corn and a touch of sugar. It’s a classic side for ham and adds a touch of sweetness to your plate.
20. Creamy Coleslaw
The crunchy, tangy taste of coleslaw adds a fresh, crisp element to balance the rich flavors of ham and beans. For an extra twist, toss in a little cayenne for a bit of heat.
21. Cauliflower Gratin
For a low-carb alternative, try cauliflower gratin. Its creamy texture and cheesy topping make it a decadent side dish that still feels indulgent when served with ham.
22. Navy Bean Soup
A bowl of navy bean soup pairs perfectly with ham. This hearty soup is filling and packed with white beans, vegetables, and diced ham, creating a comforting meal that everyone will love.
23. Sautéed Snap Peas
Sautéed snap peas are a quick and easy vegetable side that adds a vibrant green color and crunch to your ham dinner. Just add a sprinkle of sea salt for flavor!
24. Dinner Rolls
Fluffy buttery dinner rolls add a comforting feel to your ham dish. These soft rolls are idea for soaking up the sweet juices from the ham.
25. Mashed Potatoes
For a classic potato side dish, pillowy mashed potatoes are a no-brainer. Creamy, buttery, and delicious, they complement ham and beans beautifully, creating a comforting plate that’s hard to resist.
Notes, Tips, and Possible Substitutions
- Make it gluten free: Opt for gluten-free flour or breadcrumbs for dishes like scalloped potatoes or green bean casserole.
- Mix up the beans: Use white beans, navy beans, or even snap peas in your bean side dishes for a unique twist on the classic pairing.
- Perfect Pairings: If your ham is on the sweeter side (like a glazed ham), opt for more savory sides like potatoes au gratin or brussel sprouts to balance the flavors.
These 25 side dishes will help you create a perfect, well-rounded meal when serving ham and beans. Whether you go with classic cornbread, cheesy scalloped potatoes, or a light and fresh green bean salad, there’s a side for everyone to enjoy.
