Wondering what to serve with navy bean soup to make it a complete and satisfying meal? The right side dishes can enhance the flavors, add texture, and bring a fresh contrast to this cozy, comforting soup.
From crusty bread and crisp salads to roasted veggies and classic cornbread, here's a guide to the best pairings for a well-rounded meal.
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Good side dishes for ham and bean soup
In case you haven't noticed, soups are a staple here on the blog. My Mom has always made terrific soup and she passed that along to me. Navy bean soup has always been one of my favorites. It's just so flavorful!
Anytime that you can take some leftovers (like a ham hock) and transform them into a whole new meal? Well hey... that's a win in my book! It saves money and fills the fridge with a whole new meal.
BUT, do you ever get stumped about what to serve with Navy Bean Soup? Don't worry, I gotcha! Here are 50+ ideas to satisfy your hunger in the best way possible!
Let's dig in!
Bread, rolls and cornbread
Breads, rolls, and cornbread are great companions to navy bean soup because they add texture and help soak up every bit of the rich, savory broth. Whether it's a crusty slice of artisan bread, a soft dinner roll, or a slightly sweet cornbread, each option brings a comforting balance to the hearty, creamy beans!
Bread
- Crusty Artisan Bread - A classic choice with a chewy inside and crisp crust for soaking up every last drop.
- Sourdough Bread - The slight tang of sourdough complements the rich, savory flavors of the soup.
- Instant Pot French Baguette - Light, airy, and perfect for tearing and dipping.
- Slow Cooker Focaccia Bread - Taking a shortcut, plus baking it in your crockpot takes this over the top!
- Ciabatta - A rustic Italian bread with big air pockets that hold onto that broth like a sponge.
- Rye Bread - The earthy, slightly nutty flavor of rye adds a delicious contrast.
- Air Fryer Garlic Bread - Because adding butter and garlic makes everything better!
Rolls
- Dinner Rolls - Soft, fluffy, and great for buttering up alongside your soup.
- Parker House Rolls - Buttery, slightly sweet, and tender.
- Hawaiian Rolls - A touch of sweetness that pairs surprisingly well with savory bean soup.
- Potato Rolls - Extra soft and pillowy with a hint of potato flavor.
- Pretzel Rolls - A little chewiness and saltiness make these a fun twist on classic rolls.
- Brioche Buns - Soft, buttery, great for sopping up soup broth.
Cornbread Options
- Classic Buttermilk Cornbread - A slightly sweet, tender cornbread that pairs perfectly with the beans.
- Skillet Cornbread - Cooked in a cast-iron skillet for a crisp edge and fluffy center.
- Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread - A little spice and cheesy goodness to keep things interesting.
- Cornbread Casserole - A touch of honey gives it extra sweetness, a perfect contrast to the savory soup.
- Cornbread Muffins - Portable and perfectly portioned for dipping.
- Bacon Cornbread - Because crispy bacon bits make everything better, right? 😋
Potato, pasta and green salads
Potato, pasta, and green salads are great choices alongside navy bean soup because they add a fresh, contrasting texture to balance the rich, creamy beans. Whether it's a tangy potato salad, a chilled pasta salad, or a crisp green salad, these sides bring a refreshing bite that keeps the meal from feeling too heavy.
Pasta Salads
- Classic Italian Pasta Salad - A zesty mix of rotini, salami, olives, peppers, and Italian dressing.
- Ranch Bacon Pasta Salad - Creamy ranch dressing, crispy bacon, and tender pasta for a comforting side.
- Green Goddess Salad - A delicious chopped salad stuffed with all things green! Soup and salad is a classic combination.
- Deviled Egg Pasta Salad - Like deviled eggs in pasta form-creamy, tangy, and delicious.
- Dill Pickle Pasta Salad - A little tang and crunch from chopped pickles with a creamy dressing.
- BLT Pasta Salad - Crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and smoky bacon tossed with pasta.
Potato Salads
- Classic Mustard Potato Salad - Creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet with a touch of mustard.
- Loaded Baked Potato Salad - Sour cream, cheddar cheese, and bacon make this a comfort food favorite.
- Dill Potato Salad - Light and herby with fresh dill and a mayo or Greek yogurt dressing.
- Warm German Potato Salad - Tossed with a tangy bacon vinaigrette instead of mayo.
- Garlic Herb Roasted Potato Salad - Roasted potatoes mixed with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs for a warm, non-mayo option.
Green Salads
- Simple Garden Salad - Crisp lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette.
- Spinach & Apple Salad - Baby spinach, sliced apples, pecans, and a light honey vinaigrette.
- Caesar Salad - Classic romaine, parmesan, and croutons tossed in Caesar dressing.
- Crispy Pear Salad - Crisp fresh pears, crispy lettuce, pralines topped with a fresh pear vinaigrette.
- Coleslaw - A crunchy, slightly sweet slaw adds a refreshing bite to the meal.
Favorite vegetables
Roasted, steamed, or fresh vegetables, as well as vegetable casseroles, make excellent sides for navy bean soup because they add color, texture, and a touch of natural sweetness to complement the savory flavors!
Roasted & Sautéed Vegetables
- Roasted Green Beans and Carrots - Simple, delish, and packed with flavor!
- Maple Glazed Carrots - A touch of sweetness pairs beautifully with the carrots.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts - Smoky, crispy, and a great match for bean soup.
- Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower - Crispy, cheesy, and lightly seasoned.
- Grilled Asparagus - A little tang and charred goodness.
- Roasted Broccoli and Zucchini - Light and fresh with a little garlic and olive oil.
Steamed & Fresh Vegetables
- Steamed Broccoli with Lemon Butter - Simple, bright, and pairs well with hearty soup.
- Cucumber & Tomato Salad - A fresh and tangy contrast to the richness of the soup.
- Steamed Carrots with Fresh Herbs - Soft and lightly seasoned for a simple side.
- Cold Marinated Green Beans - A refreshing, slightly tangy way to serve green beans.
Vegetable Casseroles & Bakes
- Corn Casserole - A creamy, slightly sweet side that pairs well with ham.
- Cheesy Broccoli Casserole - Creamy, cheesy, and always a hit.
- Southern-Style Collard Greens - Cooked low and slow until they are tender.
- Squash Casserole - Like scalloped potatoes, but with lighter veggies. This is SO good!!!
What's for dessert
- Old-Fashioned Peach Cobbler - Sweet peaches with a buttery cake topping.
- Apple Dumplings - Warm cinnamon apples wrapped in crescent dough
- Lemon Bars - Sweet and tart, with a buttery crust.
- Berry Parfait - Layers of fresh berries, yogurt, and granola.
- Fresh Fruit Salad - A refreshing, naturally sweet option.
- No Bake Pecan Cream Pie - Cool, creamy, and full of crunchy pecans.
- Pistachio Bundt Cake - Sweet, tender and delicious
What sides don't go with bean soup
Navy bean soup is pretty versatile, but there are definitely some foods that might clash or feel out of place alongside it. Here are a few things that might not be the best match:
Overly Heavy or Starchy Sides
Since navy bean soup is already filling, pairing it with too many carbs can feel like overkill.
❌ Mac and cheese - A rich, cheesy dish might be too heavy with an already hearty soup.
❌ Mashed potatoes - It's just too much soft and creamy in one meal.
❌ Biscuits and gravy - Delicious, but way too rich and redundant with the soup.
Overly Spicy or Strongly Flavored Foods
Navy bean soup has a mild, comforting flavor, so super spicy or bold flavors might overpower it.
❌ Buffalo wings - The heat and vinegar-heavy sauce would clash.
❌ Kimchi - Too fermented and strong for the mellow soup.
❌ Curry dishes - The strong spices might compete rather than complement.
Super Sweet Sides
A little sweetness can be nice, but too much sugar can feel out of place with a savory bean soup.
❌ Candied yams - The sugary glaze is better suited for something like ham or turkey.
❌ Marshmallow fruit salad - Might be a bit too dessert-like as a side.
That said, food is all about personal taste-if someone wants to eat navy bean soup with sushi, I won't judge (but I might raise an eyebrow).
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Bean soup recipes you'll love
This Navy Bean Soup Recipe has all the flavor you're looking for! Packed with tender beans and loaded with ham, it's hearty and delicious!
15 Bean Soup with Ham is that old-fashioned dinner that your grandma used to make. And here's a secret... you can make it too! It will bring back all those nostalgic memories as you enjoy every spoonful!
No time to make a pot of beans? Don't worry! Let this recipe for Bean with Bacon Soup come to the rescue! It's starts with canned beans, but tastes like it's simmered all day long on the stovetop!
No matter how you choose to serve it, navy bean soup is a hearty, comforting dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Whether you go for warm, crusty bread, a fresh and crisp salad, or a flavorful vegetable dish, the right accompaniment can turn a simple bowl of soup into a satisfying meal.
With so many delicious options, you can mix and match to keep every meal feeling fresh and enjoyable! Which one is your go-to? Please let me know in the comments below!
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