What To Serve With Calico Beans – 36 Delicious Side Dishes

If you’re wondering what to serve with your calico beans, you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, I list 36 of the most popular side dishes for calico beans.

In a rush? Here’s the short answer.

The best side dishes to serve with calico beans are Southern cornbread, brown butter mashed sweet potatoes, and poached eggs. You can also serve a side of smash burgers, brats, and grilled cheese. For lighter options, there’s lemon orzo salad, cilantro lime rice, and corn tortilla chips.

Ready? Let’s jump right in.

Smash burgers

Imagine this: a buttery brioche bun with juicy beef patties and a hearty side of calico beans.

It’s a match made in heaven, and you can be sure no one will leave the table hungry.

Psst… I’d also serve a tangy salad to bring some freshness.

Why we love this recipe: it looks as good as it tastes and the secret sauce is amazing.

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Brown butter mashed sweet potatoes

These mashed sweet potatoes have a rich, nutty flavor courtesy of the brown butter.

And once the smokey sauce of your beans is mixed in, you’ve got a really delicious dinner.

For some more crunch, add chopped pecans.

Why we love this recipe: it’s naturally sweet and filling.

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Garlic mashed potatoes
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Homemade bread rolls

Better than store-bought bread, these homemade bread rolls are so warm and fluffy.

Slice one open, butter it and fill it with your calico beans for a twist on a sloppy joe.

If you don’t want to do that, simply dipping them in your rich sauce is amazing too!

Why we love this recipe: even beginner bakers can make them.

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Roasted broccoli

A warm and filling dish like calico beans is calling out for a simple veggie side to go alongside it.

Roasting broccoli gives it nice charred edges and a spritz of lemon juice brings some brightness to the otherwise earthy flavors. 

Not a fan of roasting? Steaming works well too. 

Why we love this recipe: it’s healthy and tasty.

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Baked potato

Looking for a quick and easy lunch idea?

Try a fluffy baked potato with a spoonful of calico beans on top, the buttery potato will absorb the sauce beautifully.

If you’re in a rush use the microwave. But for top-notch crispy skin, an oven is better. 

Why we love this recipe: it’s a great make-ahead dish.

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Brats

For the British, sausage and beans is one of those unbeatable combinations.

And it works perfectly with calico beans and brats too.

Add a hot dog bun into the mix and a handful of cheese and you’ve got yourself a hearty meal, perfect for summer cookouts.

Psst… a cold beer is optional.

Why we love this recipe: it’s easy to follow and has real depth of flavor.

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Lemon orzo salad

Enjoy bright summer flavors with this lemon orzo salad.

The zesty dressing will cut right through your rich and savory calico beans, and the feta adds a touch of saltiness.

If you don’t have orzo, it works just as well with a small-shaped pasta.

Why we love this recipe: it uses simple, fresh ingredients.

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Poached eggs

Have brunch for dinner with calico beans and some poached eggs.

The minute you cut open your poached egg, the runny golden yolk will mix in with your pork and beans making it SO delicious.

Complete the meal with a side of buttery toast or some wilted spinach. 

Why we love this recipe: it’s a really in-depth guide on how to make the perfect poached egg. 

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Southern cornbread

Go all Southern and serve your warm calico beans with a traditional cornbread.

Made with no added sugar, this cornbread has a crumbly texture that’s yummy on top of a bowl of beans.

And I always like to save a bite of cornbread to wipe my bowl clean at the end.

Why we love this recipe: you can make a big batch and keep it frozen for up to two months.

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Grilled cheese

Grilled cheese is the ultimate comfort food.

It won’t be the healthiest meal paired with your beans, but it’s guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face. Especially on a cold winter’s day!

And to make your grilled cheese even better? Try adding some caramelized onions into the mix.

Why we love this recipe: you can use any cheese you like (but a mixture is best!)

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Cilantro lime rice

Calico beans is a one-pot dish that’s already full of flavor, so your side doesn’t have to be fancy.

Cilantro lime rice is easy to make, and it has an acidic flavor that will balance out the meatiness of the beans. 

Why we love this recipe: the rice is light, fluffy, and fresh. 

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Cilantro lime rice
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Corn tortilla chips

Corn chips are a fun crunchy side you can serve with pretty much any saucy dish (calico beans included).

You can crush them up and sprinkle them over your beans or simply use them as a makeshift spoon.

Psst… don’t forget the guacamole.

Why we love this recipe: you only need one ingredient!

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Homemade tortilla chips
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Oil-free baked corn tortilla chips
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Frito corn salad

The best side dishes to serve with calico beans

• Smash burgers
• Brown butter mashed sweet potatoes
• Homemade bread rolls
• Roasted broccoli
• Baked potato
• Brats
• Lemon orzo salad
• Poached eggs
• Southern cornbread
• Grilled cheese
• Cilantro lime rice
• Corn tortilla chips

What To Serve With Calico Beans

In this short recipe, I show you exactly what to serve with your calico beans.

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 1 person

Calories 115 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 portion calico beans

Instructions

 

• Prepare your calico beans according to your favorite recipe.
• In the meantime, choose one of the following sides to serve alongside them.
• Side dishes include: smash burgers, brown butter mashed sweet potatoes, homemade bread rolls, roasted broccoli, baked potato, brats, lemon orzo salad, poached eggs, southern cornbread, grilled cheese, cilantro lime rice, and corn tortilla chips.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Keyword calico beans side dishes, what to serve with calico beans