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Home - Sides

Latest Updated: Feb 18, 2026 by Carrie Boyd

What to Serve with Beans and Franks? 10 BEST Options

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Do you want to give your loved ones a dinner that's both fun and inventive?

Then why not try serving beans and s?! This classic dish is simple, delicious, and can be quickly put together.

Whether you're wanting an easy weeknight meal or impressing guests with something new - the combination of beans and s will do! But what side dishes work best with this hearty fare?

Here we have gathered 10 absolute BEST sides for beans and s- each one distinct in flavors while pairing deliciously with this old-school favorite.

From classic potato salad to honey roasted carrots- get ready to take your recipe creativity a notch higher!

Page Contents

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  • 10 Best Sides to Serve with Beans and Franks
    • 1. Corn on the Cob
    • 2. Potato Salad
    • 3. Coleslaw
    • 4. Pasta Salad
    • 5. Green Beans
    • 6. Macaroni and Cheese
    • 7. Baked Beans
    • 8. Three-bean Salad
    • 9. Barbecue Chicken
    • 10. Fruit Salad
  • 10 Ideal Accompaniments for Beans and Franks
  • What to Serve with Beans and Franks? 10 BEST Options
    • Method 
    • Tried this recipe?

10 Best Sides to Serve with Beans and Franks

1. Corn on the Cob

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There's nothing quite like fresh corn on the cob in the summertime.

Sweet, juicy, and crunchy all at once, it's the perfect side dish to any backyard barbecue.

And while it's delicious on its own, there are a few simple ways to improve this classic dish.

For starters, don't be afraid to get creative with your toppings.

A little bit of butter and salt is always a good idea, but why not try something a little different? Spicy mayo, cheese, or even salsa all make great toppings for corn on the cob.

Or, if you're feeling really adventurous, you could even try making a sweet version with chocolate sauce or caramel.

Another way to level up your corn on the cob game is to grill it.

This gives the corn a smoky flavor that goes well with any grilled main course.

Just be sure to husk the corn before grilling so that the husks don't catch fire.

2. Potato Salad

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This is a great dish to serve alongside your beans and s.

Potato salad is always a crowd pleaser, and it's easy to make ahead of time.

I like to add in some chopped hard-boiled eggs and celery for extra flavor and texture.

You can also mix in some diced avocado or crumbled bacon for an extra touch of luxury.

I prefer my potato salad on the tangy side.

I add in plenty of dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, and a little bit of mayonnaise to get that perfect balance of flavors.

For the potatoes themselves, I like to use Yukon Golds or Russets because they hold their shape well and don't turn into mush when cooked.

As far as tips go, I would recommend boiling your potatoes with the skin on.

It sounds counterintuitive, but it actually helps them retain more flavor.

Once they're cooked, drain them and then let them cool completely before chopping them up into bite-sized pieces.

This will help them stay nice and firm in the salad.

Finally, don't forget to season your potato salad generously with salt and pepper before serving.

3. Coleslaw

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Coleslaw is a dish that is often overlooked but can be a real useful when it comes to improving a simple meal of beans and s.

Coleslaw has a refreshingly crunchy texture and a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the savory flavors of beans and hot dogs.

There are a few things to keep in mind when making coleslaw.

First, make sure to use fresh, crisp vegetables.

Second, don't be afraid to experiment with different types of cabbage - red cabbage will give the coleslaw a beautiful purple hue, while napa cabbage will add a bit of sweetness.

Finally, don't skimp on the dressing.

A good coleslaw should be evenly coated in dressing, otherwise it will be dry and bland.

4. Pasta Salad

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Looking for a simple, yet tasty dish to serve at your next gathering? Pasta salad is always a great option.

It's versatile, easy to make and can be tailored to fit any dietary restrictions.

Plus, it's a dish that both kids and adults will enjoy.

There are endless possibilities in terms of taste and texture.

For a more traditional pasta salad, you could go with a classic Italian dressing made with olive oil, vinegar and herbs.

Or, for something more unique, you could try a Asian-inspired dressing made with sesame oil, rice vinegar and soy sauce.

The sky is the limit.

As far as tips on improving your pasta salad game, we suggest adding in some fresh vegetables or fruit for added color and flavor.

Grilled chicken or shrimp would also be a great protein-packed addition.

And last but not least, don't be afraid to get creative with your garnishes.

A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of balsamic glaze would take your dish to the next level.

5. Green Beans

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Green beans are a versatile and delicious vegetable that can be enjoyed cooked or raw.

They have a slightly sweet flavor and a crisp, crunchy texture.

Green beans are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and fiber.

There are many ways to enjoy green beans.

They can be steamed, sautéed, roasted, or even eaten raw.

For a simple side dish, steam or sauté green beans with a bit of olive oil and garlic.

Or, for a more strong flavor, roast green beans in the oven with olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper.

If you're looking for a way to improve your green beans, try adding them to a salad or pairing them with roasted cherry tomatoes.

Green beans also make a good addition to soups and stews.

For a fun twist on traditional green bean casserole, top it with roasted almonds or crumbled bacon.

6. Macaroni and Cheese

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There's no denying that macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food.

And while it's easy to make, there are definitely ways to improve this dish and make it even more delicious.

One way to do this is by choosing the right type of cheese.

A good quality cheddar will give the dish a sharp flavor, while a Gruyere will make it creamier.

You can also experiment with other types of cheese like Gouda or Parmesan.

Another way to improve your mac and cheese is by adding some additional ingredients.

This could be anything from bacon to roasted vegetables.

Get creative and see what you can come up with.

Finally, don't be afraid to experiment with the pasta itself.

Instead of elbow macaroni, try using shells or rotini.

The different shapes and sizes will change the overall texture of the dish and make it even more interesting to eat.

7. Baked Beans

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Baked beans are a delicious and hearty dish that can be enjoyed on their own or as a side.

These beans are usually slow-cooked with molasses or sugar, giving them a deep and rich flavor.

Baked beans also have a creamy texture that makes them very satisfying to eat.

There are many ways to improve this dish and make it even more delicious.

One way is to add some smoked bacon or pork to the beans before baking them.

This will give the beans an extra depth of flavor that is sure to please.

Another way to make baked beans even better is to top them with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream before serving.

These simple additions will take your baked beans to the next level.

8. Three-bean Salad

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There's something about a three-bean salad that just feels summery.

Maybe it's the colorful mix of beans, or the fact that it can be served chilled.

Whatever the reason, this dish is perfect for a picnic or potluck.

Taste-wise, three-bean salad is usually on the sweet side, thanks to the addition of sugar (or honey) to the dressing.

The texture is also fairly consistent throughout, since all of the beans are softens during cooking.

If you're looking for a little more contrast in your salad, try adding some chopped celery or red onion to the mix.

As far as tips go, don't be afraid to experiment with the dressing.

If you're not a fan of vinegar, you can use lemon juice instead.

And if you want a creamier salad, add some Greek yogurt to the dressing.

No matter what you do, three-bean salad is sure to be a hit.

9. Barbecue Chicken

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Who doesn't love barbecue chicken? The smoky, savory flavor is irresistible, and it's a dish that's easy to make at home.

But if you're looking to take your barbecue chicken to the next level, there are a few things you can do.

First, let's talk about taste.

To really improve the flavor of your barbecue chicken, try using a dry rub.

This will give the chicken a nice crust that helps lock in all the delicious flavors.

And of course, don't forget the sauce.

A good barbecue sauce will add a touch of sweetness and acidity that takes the dish to another level.

You want your chicken to be juicy and tender.

One way to achieve this is by cooking the chicken low and slow.

This allows the fat and juices to stay locked in, resulting in a juicier final product.

Another tip is to not overcook the chicken; no one likes dry, tough meat.

10. Fruit Salad

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Fruit salad is a great option to serve with beans and s.

The sweetness of the fruit will go with the savory flavors of the beans and s.

And, depending on what type of fruit you use, the salad can have a variety of textures that make it an interesting and enjoyable dish.

To improve your fruit salad, try using a mix of fruits that are in season.

This will ensure that the fruits are at their peak flavor.

You can also add a bit of texture to the salad by including some chopped nuts or seeds.

And, if you want to give the salad a bit of a spicy kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing.

10 Ideal Accompaniments for Beans and Franks

So there you have it, the 10 best options of what to serve with beans and s.

I hope this blog post was informative and helped you make a decision on what to serve at your next picnic or barbecue.

If you have any other suggestions of what to serve with beans and s, leave them in the comments below.

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What to Serve with Beans and Franks? 10 BEST Options

5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Servings: 4 Servings
Course: Sides
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1. Corn on the Cob
  • 2. Potato Salad
  • 3. Coleslaw
  • 4. Pasta Salad
  • 5. Green Beans
  • 6. Macaroni and Cheese
  • 7. Baked Beans
  • 8. Three-bean Salad
  • 9. Barbecue Chicken
  • 10. Fruit Salad

Method
 

  1. Select your favorite sides from the list above.
  2. Prepare the side dish according to the recipe instructions.
  3. If you're short on time, some of these can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
  4. Serve and enjoy!

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

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The Complete Side Dish Guide - your complete resource for this topic.

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Frequently Asked Questions
What sides go well with Beans and Franks?

Great sides for Beans and Franks depend on the sauce and cooking method. Generally, lighter dishes pair well with fresh salads, while richer preparations work with hearty starches.

What is a quick side dish option for Beans and Franks on a weeknight?

For a quick weeknight side, roasted vegetables or a simple green salad are ready in under 20 minutes and pair naturally with most preparations.

What is the lightest side option that still feels satisfying?

A simply dressed arugula salad or steamed green beans with olive oil are light but satisfying options that won't overshadow the main.

What drinks pair well with this type of meal?

A crisp white wine or sparkling water with citrus complements most lighter dishes well. For heartier mains, a light red or craft beer works nicely.

Carrie Boyd

Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.

As the Editor in Chief of EpicureDelight, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.

A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!

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