Ham and bean soup is a classic dish that can be enjoyed in any season. The hearty, filling soup is the perfect comfort food for an easy family dinner.
The combination of hearty ham, creamy beans, and warm vegetables makes it the perfect winter meal.
Whether you are hosting a party or arranging a family gathering, chilled winter ham and bean soup are definitely enjoyable on any occasion.
But what to serve with ham and bean soup? Here are some of our favorite side dishes that pair perfectly with a bowl of homemade ham and bean soup.
I have always preferred these sides and enjoyed them a lot, and I am sure you will also enjoy them along with ham and bean soup.
What is ham and bean soup? What does ham and bean soup taste like?
Ham and Bean soup is a classic, hearty dish that is made with smoked ham hocks, dried beans, vegetables like onions, celery and carrots, herbs and spices.
It’s a comforting meal that comes together easily with minimal ingredients. The flavor of the soup will depend on the type of ham used as well as what other seasonings you choose to add.
Generally, it has a smoky, salty taste with some sweetness from the vegetables. It’s a great option to make in large batches since it reheats very well too! Enjoy this traditional soup anytime for an easy and delicious meal.
39 Sides to serve with ham and bean soup
1. Buttery Biscuits
A flaky, buttery biscuit is the perfect companion for a steaming bowl of soup. Soft on the inside and slightly crisp on the outside, these biscuits are sure to be a hit at your dinner table.
Plus, they’re easy to make from scratch—just mix up biscuit dough using your favorite recipe, then pop them in the oven until golden brown!
2. Crusty Bread
No need for fancy bread-making skills here—simply slice up an Italian loaf or Ciabatta bread and pop it into the oven for 10 minutes.
It’ll come out perfectly crisp outside and light and fluffy inside—the perfect vessel for sopping up all that delicious soup! Don’t forget to brush it with olive oil before baking for extra flavor.
3. Cheesy Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Grilled cheese sandwiches are always a crowd-pleaser, but why not take them up a notch by adding some extra cheese?
Start off by sprinkling shredded cheese onto two slices of bread, then add thin slices of provolone or Swiss cheese before topping with another piece of bread.
Then simply grill in butter as usual—you won’t be able to resist this gooey goodness!
4. Vegetable Salad
Serve up a colorful vegetable salad alongside your ham and bean soup. To make it even heartier and more filling, add cooked grains such as quinoa or bulgur wheat to the mix.
Toss together diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion slices, corn kernels and any other vegetables you love into a large bowl.
Dress the salad easily with extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice. A sprinkle of sea salt and fresh ground black pepper will also enhance the flavors of the salad perfectly!
5. Cheese Platter
A cheese plate is always a great addition to any meal!
Put together a cheese platter with an assortment of cheeses such as brie cheese slices, gruyere cheese wedges, blue cheese crumbles or gouda slices on a large plate or cutting board surrounded by fresh grapes or dried fruits such as apricots or figs.
Add crackers such as water biscuits around the plate so everyone can help themselves at their own leisure!
6. Baked Potato Skins
Crispy skins on top of a fluffy potato stuffed with delicious cheesy bacon make these crunchy and creamy potato skins a perfect match for ham and bean soup.
Discover More: Delicious Pairs to Serve Potato Skins
7. Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Creamy spinach and artichokes combined with melted cheese provide a flavorful complement to the hearty flavors in the soup.
8. Broccoli Salad
Packed with nutritious veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and onions, this salad has just enough sweetness from dried cranberries and creamy texture from mayonnaise to make it an ideal side dish to enjoy alongside your bowl of soup.
9. Cornbread Muffins
Sweet and savory cornbread muffins are the perfect way to add some crunch to your meal while still keeping it light enough to fully enjoy the flavor of the soup.
10. Garlic Breadsticks
Cheesy garlic breadsticks are always a fan favorite when served alongside any kind of soup or stew.
11. Fried Onion Rings
Adding a crunchy twist to your meal is easy when you top it off with some crispy fried onion rings!
12. Caesar Salad
Crunchy lettuce tossed in a creamy dressing topped with croutons gives this traditional salad an irresistible flavor that pairs well with soups like ham and bean.
13. Soft Pretzels
Salty, soft pretzels dipped into warm cheese sauce make a delicious side dish that is sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings!
14. Parmesan Crusted Zucchini Fries
Zucchini fries coated in parmesan cheese provide a savory accompaniment that will elevate your bowl of soup without overpowering its features and flavors.
Explore More: What to Serve with Sausage Stuffed Zucchini
15. Cheesy Garlic Bread
Crispy grilled bread smothered in garlic butter or olive oil mixed with melted cheese takes this side dish over the top!
16. Grilled Vegetable Skewers
Grill up some colorful vegetables and serve them alongside your soup for a light and flavorful side.
17. Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Crunchy sweet potato fries sprinkled with herbs make a delicious snack or side dish that is sure to please the whole family!
18. Garlic Knots
Soft garlic knots are always a great addition when serving soup; they add just the right amount of decadent flavor without distracting from the main dish.
19. Buffalo Chicken Wings
Spicy chicken wings provide an unexpected punch to your bowl of soup, making it a meal that is sure to please any palate. (Recipe)
20. Cornbread Stuffing
A mix of crumbled cornbread and savory herbs creates the perfect stuffing for your bowl of ham and bean soup.
21. Fried Pickles
Crunchy fried pickles are a unique way to top off your soup while adding a little extra crunch and tanginess!
22. Broccoli Cheese Soup
Rich, creamy broccoli cheese soup provides a satisfying flavor boost to the dish without taking away from its classic flavors.
23. Sweet Potato Waffle Fries
Tender sweet potato waffles fries with just the right amount of crispiness make a tasty side that everyone will love.
24. Macaroni and Cheese
Creamy macaroni and cheese is always a crowd-pleaser when served with soup; the perfect combination of cheesy goodness!
25. Cheddar Biscuits
Flaky cheddar biscuits are great for sopping up all those delicious juices from your bowl of soup, adding some extra texture and flavor to your meal.
26. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasting Brussels sprouts brings out their natural sweetness, making them an ideal addition to any bowl of soup.
27. Coleslaw
Tangy coleslaw adds crunch and flavor to this classic comfort food dish while still keeping it light and refreshing.
28. Fried Green Tomatoes
Fried green tomatoes are a southern specialty that pairs nicely with any kind of soup or stew; serve them up hot for an extra special treat!
29. Potato Salad
A classic potato salad made with creamy mayo, crunchy celery, and spicy mustard is the perfect way to add some flavor to your bowl of soup without overwhelming its delicate flavors.
30. Baked Potato Wedges
Crispy baked potato wedges sprinkled with herbs provide a delicious side that everyone will love when served alongside their favorite soup.
31. Cheese Toasties
Grilled cheese toasties are always a hit, especially when you dip them in your warm bowl of soup!
31. Roasted Root Vegetables
Sweet roasted root vegetables are a great way to add some variety and nutrition to your meal; serve them up alongside your favorite bowl of soup for a wholesome and delicious dish.
32. Spinach Dip
Creamy spinach dip served with crunchy chips or pita bread provides a flavorful snack that can be enjoyed while sipping on your hot soup.
33. Hummus Platter
A platter of fresh hummus, warm pita, and assorted vegetables make for a light and healthy side to serve with soup that everyone can enjoy.
34. Egg Salad
A simple egg salad packed full of flavor is the perfect accompaniment to any bowl of soup; it adds creaminess and depth without overpowering its delicate flavors.
35. Avocado Toast
Creamy smashed avocado on top of crunchy toast makes a nutrient-packed snack or side dish that pairs well with any kind of soup.
36. Tomato Basil Bruschetta
Sweet tomatoes and fragrant basil on top of crispy toast make for a unique appetizer or side that pairs perfectly with any bowl of soup.
37. Herb-Roasted Potatoes
Tender herb-roasted potatoes are a delicious way to add some extra flavor to your dish without overpowering its classic taste.
38. Kale Chips
Crunchy kale chips provide a healthy and tasty alternative to traditional chips; they’re perfect for dipping into your favorite bowl of soup!
39. Baked Brie
Creamy, melted brie is the perfect accompaniment to any bowl of soup; it adds an unexpected hint of decadence that everyone will love.
What sandwich goes with ham and bean soup?
1. Grilled Cheese and Ham Sandwich
This classic sandwich is the perfect pairing for a steaming bowl of ham and bean soup.
The creamy melted cheese combined with the salty flavor of the ham complements the richness of the soup. Plus, it’s an easy meal to make that can be enjoyed any time of year.
2. BLT Sandwich
Another classic sandwich, a BLT, brings together bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise for a tasty combination.
The smokiness and fat from the bacon add a delicious depth to the soup while providing some crunchy texture in contrast to its smoothness.
3. Reuben Sandwich
A hearty meal that is sure to fill you up is a Reuben sandwich. It includes corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and Thousand Island dressing, all sandwiched in between two slices of rye bread – which makes for a great combination with your soup!
The robust flavors of this sandwich will add some extra life to your soup-eating experience.
4. Turkey Club Sandwich
For those who don’t eat red meat or pork, turkey is always an excellent option when it comes to sandwiches–and it pairs perfectly with ham and bean soup too!
A turkey club sandwich typically has multiple layers of turkey breast, bacon slices, lettuce and tomato on top of three slices of bread – each one more delicious than the last!
5. Croque Monsieur
If you’re looking for something with a touch more sophistication, look no further than this classic French dish!
It consists of a thick-cut brioche topped with Gruyere cheese and thinly sliced smoked ham – all grilled until golden brown perfection!
This decadent sandwich pairs wonderfully with your bowl of soup as its richness elevates every bite into something extraordinary.
What dessert goes with ham and beans?
1. Apple Crisp
A warm, comforting dessert, apple crisp combines the tartness of apples with a crunchy crumble topping of oats and brown sugar. Serve it topped with ice cream for the perfect accompaniment to the savory ham and beans.
2. Sweet Potato Pie
Sweet potatoes are a natural pairing for ham and beans, so why not top off your meal with sweet potato pie? This Southern classic has a delicate, flaky crust filled with creamy spiced sweet potatoes and topped with fluffy meringue or whipped cream.
3. Peach Cobbler
The combination of juicy peaches and a buttery biscuit topping make peach cobbler an ideal ending for a hearty ham and beans dish. For extra sweetness, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter before baking.
4. Banana Bread Pudding
A delicious way to use up leftover banana bread, this pudding is like a cross between bread pudding and banana cheesecake.
Simply layer slices of banana bread in an oven-safe dish, then pour over an eggy custard mixture and bake until golden brown on top.
5. Rice Pudding
Rice pudding is one of those desserts that can be both simple and luxurious at the same time – depending on how you dress it up!
Creamy white rice is cooked in a mixture of milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon and raisins until thick and richly flavored; serve it warm or cold for an easy but satisfying dessert after eating ham and beans.
10 best toppings for ham and bean soup
Ham and bean soup is a classic comfort food that dates back centuries, making it a timeless favorite. To add flavor and variety to your soup, here are ten of the best toppings for this hearty dish.
1. Bacon Bits
Bacon adds smoky and savory flavors to any soup. Fried bacon bits are an easy way to add some extra flavor.
2. Cheese
Grated cheese sprinkled over the top of the soup gives it a nice cheesy finish. Try using cheddar, Parmesan, or Monterey Jack cheese for added complexity.
3. Croutons
Store-bought croutons can be used as a crunchy topping for your soup. These can also be made at home with stale bread cubes tossed in olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper before baking until golden brown in the oven.
4. Sour Cream
Adding a dollop of sour cream to your bowl of soup adds a creamy texture and slight tanginess that pairs well with ham and beans.
5. Green Onions
For a mild onion flavor, sliced green onions can be added to soups like ham and beans for an extra punch of flavor and color contrast on your plate!
6. Hot Sauce
A few drops of hot sauce can bring heat to your soup without overpowering it with spice from other ingredients like jalapeño peppers or chili powders. This will give it more depth without overpowering the other flavors in the dish.
7. Chopped Tomatoes
Chopped tomatoes will add a fresh element to your ham and bean soup as well as additional nutrients like lycopene and vitamin C!
8. Avocado Slices
Avocados are full of healthy fats that offer great texture additions in soups such as this one!
Simply slice up an avocado into thin wedges before adding them on top just before serving time!
9. Olives
Olives add saltiness to dishes like this one while bringing out deeper notes in other flavors too!
Use either jarred black olives or chopped kalamata olives in order to get the most out of these tasty little bites!
10. Herbs & Spice
Dried herbs such as oregano, thyme, rosemary or sage all work great for adding distinct aromas to any kind of soup, including this one!
Other spices like chili powder or paprika can give it some extra kick too!
What are the best flavors to go with ham and bean soup?
A classic combination that is sure to please your taste buds is ham and bean soup with a hint of smoky paprika or cumin.
For a more exotic twist, try adding some diced chiles or jalapeños for a bit of heat. You can also add in some fresh herbs such as parsley, sage, rosemary, or thyme for additional flavor.
If you prefer a sweeter option, try adding diced sweet potatoes or carrots for extra sweetness.
Finally, don’t forget to top it off with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an added layer of flavor! Enjoy!
How do you jazz up ham and bean soup?
One great way to jazz up ham and bean soup is to add some fresh herbs or spices. For example, adding some freshly chopped rosemary or thyme will give the soup a wonderful herbal flavor.
Other spices, such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili flakes, can also be added for additional flavor.
You can also add a variety of vegetables like diced carrots, celery, potatoes, or squash for some additional texture and nutrition.
Finally, you could top off your soup with a splash of cream or coconut milk for an extra creamy texture.
However you choose to season it, adding spices and different ingredients to your ham and bean soup will help make it more delicious! Enjoy!
How do you display ham and bean soup on a platter?
To display ham and bean soup on a platter, start by arranging colorful garnishes such as diced red peppers, parsley leaves, or celery slices around the edge of the platter.
In the center of the platter, place a serving bowl filled with the hot soup. Then arrange thinly-sliced pieces of ham and cooked beans in an attractive pattern around the bowl.
If desired, sprinkle freshly grated cheese over the top for extra flavor and additional color.
Finally, to finish off your presentation, add a few sprigs of herbs or edible flowers as a garnish for added visual appeal. Enjoy!
Wrap Up On what to Serve with ham and bean soup.
Ham and bean soup is one of those cozy dishes that just beg for tasty sides. Whether you go for something savory like cheesy grilled cheese sandwiches or something sweet like buttery biscuits, there are plenty of options when it comes to side dishes that pair beautifully with this classic meal.
So, don’t be afraid to get creative—your guests will thank you! With any luck, you’ll have created a meal that everyone will remember fondly long after the last spoonful has been eaten. Bon Appetit!
FAQs
How much ham and bean soup per person?
The general rule is to plan on 1/2 cup of ham and bean soup per person. This amount may vary based on individual preferences or the recipe itself.
Still, it’s a good starting point for figuring out how much soup you need to make.
If your guests tend to be big eaters, you can always make a bit more, just in case!
For larger groups, consider making extra so there are leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day. Enjoy!
What to make with ham and bean soup?
Ham and bean soup is incredibly versatile – it can be enjoyed as a hearty main course or lightened up for a side dish. There are many delicious ways to use this satisfying combination of ingredients.
One popular way to enjoy ham and bean soup is in an easy casserole.
Simply layer cooked beans, diced cooked ham, and shredded cheese with cornbread mix in a greased baking dish. Bake until the top is golden brown for a comforting meal your family will love.
Another great way to make use of ham and bean soup is by adding it as an ingredient in macaroni and cheese. Simmer the soup until thick, then stir in cooked pasta, cubed ham, and your favorite cheese sauce for a twist on the classic dish.
You can also use ham and bean soup to create an easy soup-and-sandwich meal. Serve up a bowl of heated, seasoned ham and bean soup alongside your favorite sandwich for a filling lunch or dinner. Add some crunchy vegetables and dip for extra flavor.
Finally, you can turn this comforting dish into an amazing chili by adding your favorite chili seasonings and diced tomatoes.
Top with cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, jalapeno slices – whatever you like! Enjoy with tortilla chips or warm cornbread for a delicious meal.
What to serve with ham and beans and cornbread?
For a delicious side dish to go with ham and beans, consider serving some classic Southern-style cornbread. To make it even better, add some fresh ingredients, such as jalapenos or cheddar cheese, for extra flavor.
You can also serve green vegetables such as collard greens, turnip greens, or steamed broccoli to round out the meal.
If you’re looking for something a bit heartier, try adding in some cooked bacon or sausage to give your meal an extra kick of protein.
Finally, top it all off with a light salad made from tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions for a complete dinner that will satisfy everyone at the table! Enjoy!
What to serve with white bean soup?
White bean soup is a hearty, flavorful dish that goes well with many accompaniments.
Toppings like shredded cheese, diced onions, and crumbled bacon are all great options for adding extra flavor to the soup.
Other lighter sides can also be served with white bean soup, such as fresh bread or crusty rolls, side salads, and roasted vegetables.
For an even heartier meal, add grilled chicken or shrimp to the soup.
What side dish goes with great northern beans?
Great northern beans pair well with savory side dishes that can add a bit of texture and flavor to the dish.
Some popular side dishes that go great with great northern beans include herbed roasted potatoes, cheesy polenta, cooked greens such as kale or spinach, sautéed mushrooms, warm crusty bread, and creamy coleslaw.
To further enhance the flavors in your meal, try adding fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme to any of these sides for extra depth.
If you are looking for something even heartier, consider serving great northern beans over a bowl of rice or quinoa with steamed vegetables on the side.
What to serve with navy bean soup?
Navy bean soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that pairs well with several different accompaniments.
For a light yet satisfying meal, serve navy bean soup with warm crusty bread or garlic toast. For added protein and texture, top the soup with diced ham or crumbled bacon.
A side salad made with fresh greens, tomatoes and red onion also makes for an excellent addition to your navy bean soup.
If you’re looking for something more indulgent, top the soup off with grated cheese or a dollop of sour cream. Complete the meal with a glass of iced cold lemonade or sweet tea for a refreshing beverage option.
