So, someone brought navy bean soup to the potluck again, huh? We’re all for it, but let’s make sure it’s not lonely! We know the struggle of figuring out what pairs with this hearty soup.
Navy bean soup is comforting, but why not jazz it up with some sides? We’ve got the ideas rolling. Think crusty bread, perfect for dipping, or a zesty salad to brighten things up.
We’ve tried it all, and trust us, these sides are worth it. No need to overthink. Navy bean soup deserves the spotlight, and the right side can turn it into a star-studded meal.
Ready to check out the best sides for this classic dish?
Top 13 Side Dishes for Navy Bean Soup
Here are thirteen delectable options for your next navy bean soup feast:
Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor | Difficulty | Time |
Rosemary Focaccia | Flour, rosemary, olive oil | Herby, savory | Medium | 2 hours |
Parmesan Garlic Breadsticks | Flour, Parmesan, garlic powder | Savory, cheesy | Easy | 30 mins |
Roasted Beet and Arugula Salad | Beets, arugula, goat cheese, walnuts | Earthy, tangy | Easy | 20 mins |
Caramelized Onion Tart | Puff pastry, onions, thyme, Gruyère | Sweet, savory | Medium | 45 mins |
Grilled Cheese with Pesto | Bread, cheese, basil pesto | Cheesy, herby | Easy | 15 mins |
Honey-Glazed Roasted Root Vegetables | Carrots, parsnips, honey | Sweet, earthy | Medium | 30 mins |
Crunchy Coleslaw with Apple & Cranberries | Cabbage, apple, cranberries, nuts | Fresh, tangy | Easy | 15 mins |
Stuffed Bell Peppers w/ Rice & Herbs | Bell peppers, rice, herbs | Savory, aromatic | Medium | 35 mins |
Sautéed Spinach with Garlic | Spinach, garlic, olive oil | Garlicky, savory | Easy | 10 mins |
Lemon-Thyme Roasted Chicken | Chicken, lemon, thyme | Citrusy, savory | Medium | 1 hour |
Cheesy Polenta | Cornmeal, cheese, butter | Creamy, cheesy | Easy | 25 mins |
Pickled Vegetable Platter | Cucumber, carrots, radishes, vinegar | Tangy, crisp | Easy | 10 mins |
Cornbread with Jalapeño & Cheddar | Cornmeal, jalapeño, cheddar cheese | Spicy, cheesy | Easy | 30 mins |
These unique sides add variety in flavor and texture to Navy Bean Soup, enhancing the overall meal with hearty, earthy, tangy, and spicy flavors.
1 – Rosemary Focaccia
Ever smelled fresh bread and rosemary on a lazy Sunday? That’s rosemary focaccia! We adore its crispy outside and fluffy inside. Flavor bursts with every bite.
Great for soaking up soup. Or just munching. We’re fans of adding extra olive oil. Want a twist? Throw in some olives or sun-dried tomatoes. Keeps things interesting. Rosemary focaccia, the standout in any meal. Ready to bake and enjoy? It’s that simple.
2 – Parmesan Garlic Breadsticks
Who needs a magic wand when you’ve got parmesan garlic breadsticks? Crunchy outside, soft inside. Parmesan adds savory flair. Garlic kicks in just enough. Pair them with any thick soup.
We enjoy them plain or with marinara. Baking is quick and easy. Extra cheese? Why not? Perfect for those wanting a savory crunch. They work with family dinners or casual hangouts.
For more zing, try herbs. Basil or oregano can jazz them up. Breadsticks that deliver every time.
3 – Roasted Beet and Arugula Salad
Roasted beet salad isn’t just a dish; it’s an experience. We’ve roasted beets till they’re sweet and tender. They pop on top of peppery arugula. Add feta for that salty punch. Drizzle a bit of balsamic vinegar for zing.
Walnuts? Yes, because we need that crunch. We say, mix it with goat cheese for extra creamy goodness.
This salad’s vibrant and anywhere goes. Easy to make. Easy to enjoy. It’s got the colors and flavors to keep anyone intrigued.
4 – Caramelized Onion Tart
Ever tried a caramelized onion tart? We’re all about that sweet and savory combo. Onions go from tear-inducing to mouth-watering. Crisp, thin crust adds a great snap. Think of it as savory pie’s cool cousin. A sprinkle of thyme brings it to life.
Feeling fancy? Top with goat cheese. This tart plays well at potlucks or solo dinners alike. It’s easy to pull together. Keep it simple, and you’ve got a side dish that’s both versatile and satisfying.
5 – Grilled Cheese with Pesto
We know your mouth is watering. Who can ignore melty cheese and zesty pesto? It’s all about that crunch from perfectly toasted bread.
Gooey cheese mingles with the fresh bite of basil pesto. No need for anything fancy here. Just pure taste joy.
We like to use sourdough as a fun twist. Subbing in whole grain is a healthy shift. Make your soup side more exciting.
Pesto offers a green kick and cheese pulls it all in.
6 – Honey-Glazed Roasted Root Vegetables
Ever thought vegetables could be so cool? We roast them till crispy on the outside, tender inside. Sweet honey glaze gives them a boost.
We keep it real simple for you. Just chop, toss, roast, and enjoy. Balance with a sprinkle of salt, it’s magic.
They work at any mealtime. Sunday roasts or quick weekday sides. Plus, they’re awesome left over.
Mix different roots, see what happens. Add carrots, parsnips, or even turnips. There’s no limit. Test with a tad of cumin.
7 – Crunchy Coleslaw with Apple and Cranberries
This coleslaw’s got some serious crunch and zing. Apples add sweet flair, cranberries bring a tart pop. It’s a refreshing twist. We dig the mix.
Apple slices and dried cranberries mix up tradition. A pinch of salt ties it together. This side dish is a quick fix, no fuss. Make it ahead; flavors meld nicely.
It’s a chilled side that plays well with warm dishes. Simple ingredients work magic. A good dish to have on the table.
8 – Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice and Herbs
Stuffed bell peppers—gotta say, we dig these vibrant vessels. They’re tasty, easy to make, and a hit at any meal.
Stuff ‘em with rice, herbs, and whatever strikes your fancy. Mix it up with some cheese if you feel adventurous. They’re simple, quick, and versatile.
Make a batch and store for later; they’re perfect next-day eats. Feel free to swap white rice for brown. Extra veggies? Sure, why not. The humble bell pepper never fails to impress with its adaptability.
9 – Sautéed Spinach with Garlic
Spinach gets cozy with chopped garlic. This duo shines bright. Garlic adds a rich zing. Spinach warms quickly in a pan. Toss it around and see it wilt beautifully.
We keep the seasoning light and breezy. A dash of salt and pepper can do wonders. This green side dish is quick on time. Easy cleanup after, too. Feel free to add a squeeze of lemon. It pops the flavors just right.
10 – Lemon-Thyme Roasted Chicken
Ever tried roasting with lemon and thyme? We have, and that flavor pops. Think crisp skin, tender meat, and aromatic herbs. Lemon’s tangy kick makes all the difference. We like adding garlic for extra oomph. Thighs work best.
Rub ingredients under the skin. Adds flavor. Keep it simple with olive oil and seasoning. Cook evenly. Check with a fork. Juicy inside.
Pair with simple salad or maybe fresh bread. No fancy pans needed. Simple, tasty, done.
11 – Cheesy Polenta
Get ready for some cheesy indulgence. Polenta starts as basic cornmeal mush. Add loads of cheese, and it becomes a creamy sidekick. Mix in some butter for extra richness. Parmesan or cheddar works wonders here.
We like ours with a sprinkle of herbs. Basil or parsley adds freshness. Serve hot with anything from roasted veggies to juicy meats.
Effortlessly adjustable thickness—just tweak the liquid. It’s cozy comfort food every time. Quick to whip up; it’s our go-to anytime side.
12 – Pickled Vegetable Platter
Pickled vegetables are our crunchy sidekick. They bring a tangy twist to any plate. We’ve tossed cucumbers, carrots, and radishes into a tangy brine. The secret’s in the spices—mustard seeds, dill, and a hint of garlic.
Jar magic happens overnight. Leftover pickle juice? Splash it in salad dressings. We’ve been known to snack straight from the jar. Easy to batch. Easy to store. Works wonders with sandwiches or grilled meats.
13 – Cornbread with Jalapeño and Cheddar
Cornbread just got its groove back. Bite in, meet spicy jalapeño. A cheesy hug follows. This isn’t your grandma’s cornbread. We amp it up with flavors that linger. Heat meets savory cheese.
Extra flavor kicks come from every bite. Try out with soups or stews. Explore with other sides. Jalapeño, cheese, cornbread—total harmony. Simplicity, yet boldness, is key here.
Ideal as a standalone snack too. Experiment with cheese types for discovering different taste profiles.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.