What to serve with Baked Beans – 23 Delicious Ideas
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No need to wonder what to serve with baked beans ever again. Read on to discover 23 delicious ideas!
From Caesar Salad Pasta Salad to Cast Iron Burgers, our handpicked list of mouthwatering side dishes will elevate your baked beans to the next level. Get inspired and find the ultimate pairings for an American favorite!
WHAT ARE BAKED BEANS
A classic baked beans recipe typically has some tomato sauce or tomato paste, garlic cloves, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, molasses, apple cider vinegar, and some seasonings. You may also see maple syrup used as a sweetener.
They have a unique flavor, a delicious combination of sweet, and savory. If you want a specific variation, search for “smoky baked beans” or “spicy baked beans.”
You’ll find recipes that add cayenne pepper or chili powder, adding a ton of flavor to the beans. There are so many delicious ways to make this delicious side dish!
MAIN DISHES
Baked beans are an easy side dish to pair with so many delicious meals! Here are a few of my favorites.
Hot Dogs – This is simple, but baked beans are so delicious on a hot dog! It’s a different flavor that adds a lot to a basic meal! No need for complicated recipes here.
Hamburgers – Hamburgers and baked beans are a classic combination. They scream summertime.
BBQ Baked Beans with Ground Beef – This recipe is a great way to level up your baked beans. Serve this as a hearty dinner or on a toasted bun as a Sloppy Joe! Having a great BBQ sauce is vital for this recipe!
Air Fryer Thick Boneless Pork Chops – This is another excellent option to go along with a side of baked beans! They are quick, easy, and absolutely delicious!
Air Fryer Loaded Baked Potatoes – Loaded potatoes are fantastic if you want a quick and easy meal! The savory flavors in the baked beans go great with the potatoes. Add some bacon bits, cheddar cheese, and sour cream, and you are good to go! You could also use baked sweet potatoes.
BBQ Ribs – Another BBQ meat that is a classic combo with baked beans.
Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Pork – This quick and easy recipe made in the instant pot provides pulled pork that can be used in many different recipes. We love making BBQ Pulled Pork Flatbread with the leftover pork.
SIDE DISHES THAT PAIR WELL WITH BAKED BEANS
Any of the recipes below will be a perfect match to serve alongside a batch of baked beans!
Simple Pesto Potato Salad – If you need another side to serve alongside your summer BBQ line up, potato salad is the way to go! This pesto potato salad is a delicious recipe that adds a whole new layer of flavor to an already delicious dish.
Caesar Pasta Salad – Salad is a great way to balance out the heavier items often found at a BBQ. I love this Cesar Pasta Salad that gives you some delicious pasta along with fresh veggies.
Classic Wedge Salad– Another great salad option.
Sweet Creamy Coleslaw – This recipe screams summertime! My favorite way to serve pulled pork BBQ sandwiches is with a serving of slaw right on top and a side of barbecue baked beans.
If you need a great pulled pork recipe, I’ve got you covered with my Instant Pot Pulled Pork.
Macaroni Salad – This is another classic comfort food that acts as a great side dish with baked beans.
French Fries – French Fries are a great choice to keep the kids happy. They are one of those classic sides that everyone can appreciate. Onion rings are another terrific option.
Fresh Fruit – You can’t go wrong with a fruit tray. It is a great addition to any side dish line-up. Pick some fruit in season and think about serving it with a creamy dressing.
Crunchy Veggies – Veggies are great to snack on guilt-free.
Mashed Potato – Creamy mashed potatoes and sweet baked beans are a fantastic combination.
Tortilla Chips – Baked beans can be the perfect addition to your next plate of nachos. These are two of the best comfort foods, and they pair superbly together.
Air Fryer Artichoke Hearts – For a healthier option, try this fun side! Fried Artichoke Hearts is one of my newest favorites as an appetizer on game day.
Air Fryer Cheese Sticks – Here’s another great game day side! Delicious mozzarella cheese sticks along with a bowl of baked beans. Is there a better way to enjoy the game?
Loaded Baked Potato Bites – This is an appetizer version of a classic meal. Potato bites with some baked beans drizzled over the top would be perfect.
WANT TO STORE BAKED BEANS FOR LATER? HERE’S HOW…
Fridge: If you have any leftover baked beans, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Be sure to cool them to room temperature before storing.
Freezer: Cool leftover baked beans to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container. They will be good in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave. Heat in 30-second increments until heated through.
FAQs
White navy beans or other white beans are popular for baked bean recipes. Red beans, like kidney beans, are another great option, and I like to use canned beans as they are already cooked.
Baked beans can be stored in the fridge for up to four days.
Yes, all types of beans can be frozen safely.
BREAKFAST IDEAS FOR BAKED BEANS
I’m not opposed to eating leftover baked beans for breakfast. What about you?
Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes are the perfect side dish to go with eggs, waffles, or any of your favorite breakfast foods. With just a few ingredients, they cook up nice and crispy with just 2 tsp of olive oil.
Scrambled Eggs – Eat scrambled eggs or any type of eggs for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
BBQ Frittata – Frittatas are the perfect way to use leftover ingredients hanging out in your fridge. Eggs, cream, bbq beans, spinach, and any other veggies you have in the fridge will create a delicious breakfast.
Breakfast Quesadillas – Use a tortilla, cheese, scrambled eggs, and leftover baked beans to create quesadillas you’ll love eating in the morning.
Breakfast Tacos – Cheese, beans, cilantro, and green onions with or without eggs is delicious.
Air Fryer Breakfast Sausage – This quick and easy sausage creates a hearty breakfast.
