When it comes to Southern cuisine, pinto beans stand out as one of the most versatile and beloved dishes. Whether slow-cooked or simmered with spices, southern pinto beans serve as the foundation for a wide variety of meals. The question remains: What to eat with southern pinto beans? Pairing these beans with the right sides, main dishes, and condiments can elevate a simple dish into a satisfying and complete meal. Below, we dive into the best foods to serve with pinto beans, ranging from hearty sides to lighter options, and even a few unique additions you might not have considered.
Classic Southern Sides to Eat with Pinto Beans
Cornbread
Few pairings are as iconic as pinto beans and cornbread. The crumbly, slightly sweet texture of cornbread complements the richness of the beans perfectly. For example, adding jalapeños to cornbread creates a spicy contrast that enhances the mild, earthy flavor of the beans. Alternatively, a sweeter cornbread can balance out the savory beans, making it an excellent option for those who enjoy a more balanced flavor profile. You can lean more about a homemade cornbread recipe.
Collard Greens
Collard greens are another Southern staple that brings a bitter, leafy texture to balance the creaminess of southern pinto beans when eaten with it. When seasoned with garlic, onions, and a hint of vinegar, collard greens add complexity to the meal. Moreover, they help lighten the richness of the beans, ensuring that the dish is hearty yet not overly heavy. For additional flavor tips, check out What Can I Add to Beans for Flavor?.
Mashed Potatoes
Another classic side dish to pair with pinto beans is mashed potatoes. The creamy consistency of well-seasoned mashed potatoes works beautifully with the texture of the beans. Adding garlic and butter to the mashed potatoes gives them depth, while their soft, velvety texture complements the chunkier, broth-based nature of the beans.
Fried Okra
Crunchy, savory fried okra makes an ideal companion to eat with southern pinto beans. The crisp outer layer of the okra contrasts perfectly with the soft beans, creating a delightful texture combination. Fried okra brings a burst of flavor with its seasoning, making it a standout side dish that pairs well with the earthy tones of the beans.
Rice
Rice is a versatile option for pairing with pinto beans. Learn more about seasoning options in What Seasoning to Put in Beans. Whether you choose white rice, brown rice, or even Southern dirty rice, it absorbs the flavorful broth of the beans, making each bite more satisfying. Consequently, rice helps create a well-balanced, nutritious meal when paired with beans.
You can read more on what to pair with pinto beans to get more ideas.
Meats That Pair Well with Pinto Beans
To turn southern pinto beans into a more substantial meal, you can eat them with savory meats. Below are a few meat options that work well with the flavors of pinto beans.
Barbecue Chicken
Barbecue chicken, with its tangy, smoky sauce, offers a flavorful contrast to the mild, earthy taste of pinto beans. The crispy skin of the chicken, paired with the tender meat, enhances the texture of the beans. In the same vein, the bold flavor of the barbecue sauce pairs well with the subtle seasonings found in pinto beans. You can even make a BBQ beans recipe.
Grilled Turkey Sausage
Grilled turkey sausage is another fantastic pairing. The smoky, slightly spicy flavor of the sausage complements the richness of southern pinto beans without overpowering them. Turkey sausage also provides a leaner alternative to other meats, making it a great option for those looking to keep the meal lighter.
Baked Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs, when baked to golden perfection, have a crispy skin that contrasts well with the softness of the beans. Additionally, the juices from the chicken can mix with the beans, creating a savory flavor combination that enhances both dishes. As a result, chicken thighs can be an ideal meat pairing for pinto beans. Consider additional pairings in Southern Pinto Beans Recipe.
Lighter Side Dishes for a Balanced Meal
If you’re looking for lighter sides to eat with southern pinto beans, there are plenty of options that offer a refreshing balance without compromising on flavor. These sides are ideal for those who prefer a more health-conscious or balanced meal.
Cucumber Salad
A crisp cucumber salad adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of pinto beans. Combining thinly sliced cucumbers with red onions and a simple vinegar-based dressing creates a light and tangy side. Consequently, this dish cuts through the heavier flavors of the beans, making for a balanced meal.
Coleslaw
Creamy coleslaw provides a cool, crunchy complement to pinto beans. The creaminess of the dressing pairs well with the broth from the beans, while the crunch of the cabbage adds a nice textural contrast. Moreover, coleslaw is quick to prepare, making it a convenient side dish.
Tomato and Onion Salad
For a fresh and acidic side dish, consider a tomato and onion salad. Combining ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced onions, and a drizzle of olive oil creates a light, flavorful side. As a result, the acidity of the tomatoes balances the richness of the beans, while the onions add a slight sharpness to the dish.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options to Serve with Pinto Beans
Southern pinto beans can easily be adapted to fit vegetarian and vegan meals, especially when paired with plant-based sides. Here are some options that complement the beans without the need for animal products.
Quinoa Salad
Quinoa is a nutrient-dense grain that pairs perfectly with pinto beans. For example, mixing quinoa with fresh herbs, cucumbers, and a light lemon vinaigrette creates a refreshing, high-protein side. In other words, quinoa provides a hearty base that complements the texture and flavor of the beans.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasting vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers enhances their natural sweetness and creates a slightly charred flavor. When paired with pinto beans, roasted vegetables add a smoky note that elevates the entire dish. Furthermore, the combination of textures—soft beans and crispy vegetables—makes for an interesting and satisfying meal.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes bring a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the earthy tones of pinto beans. When roasted, they develop a caramelized crust that adds complexity to the meal. Sweet potatoes not only provide a flavorful contrast but also add a vibrant pop of color to the plate.
Bread and Grain Options to Serve with Pinto Beans
Bread and grains are classic accompaniments for pinto beans. These starches soak up the rich broth of the beans, making every bite more satisfying. Below are some great bread and grain pairings.
Cornbread
As mentioned earlier, cornbread is a Southern classic that pairs perfectly when you eat it with pinto beans. Whether sweet or savory, its crumbly texture complements the softness of the beans. Cornbread also helps soak up the flavorful broth, making the meal more filling.
Tortillas
For a Southwestern twist, consider serving pinto beans with flour or corn tortillas. The soft, slightly chewy texture of tortillas makes them perfect for scooping up beans. Additionally, tortillas bring a subtle flavor that enhances the overall meal.
Rice
Rice, whether white or brown, is another great pairing for pinto beans. It acts as a neutral base, allowing the flavors of the beans to shine. In addition, rice absorbs the bean broth, making the meal more flavorful and satisfying.
Biscuits
Southern-style biscuits are fluffy, buttery, and ideal for soaking up the juices from the beans. Their soft texture and slightly sweet flavor make them a delightful companion to the savory beans.
To enhance your meal check out Do You Have to Soak Pinto Beans Before Cooking?.
Southern Sauces and Condiments to Enhance Pinto Beans
Sauces and condiments can transform a simple bowl of southern pinto beans into something more dynamic and flavorful. Below are some classic Southern sauces that work well with pinto beans.
Hot Sauce
Hot sauce adds a spicy, tangy kick to pinto beans. Just a few dashes can transform the flavor profile of the beans, making the dish more complex and exciting. Moreover, hot sauce adds an extra layer of heat that complements the earthy flavors of the beans.
Pickled Jalapeños
Pickled jalapeños provide a burst of acidity and heat that cuts through the richness of the beans. Their tangy flavor enhances the overall meal, making it more dynamic. Additionally, the mild spice level of pickled jalapeños is just enough to add interest without overwhelming the beans.
Chow-Chow Relish
Chow-chow is a Southern relish made from pickled vegetables like cabbage, onions, and peppers. This tangy, slightly sweet condiment adds a depth of flavor to pinto beans. When mixed in, chow-chow brings a brightness that lifts the dish, making it a standout choice for enhancing the flavor of beans.
Desserts That Complete a Southern Pinto Bean Meal
No Southern meal is complete without a classic dessert. Below are a few dessert options that pair well with southern pinto beans and offer a sweet end to the meal.
Peach Cobbler
Peach cobbler is a Southern favorite known for its warm, sweet fruit filling and crispy crust. The sweetness of the cobbler contrasts beautifully with the savory pinto beans, creating a well-rounded meal.
Sweet Potato Pie
Sweet potato pie is another traditional Southern dessert that offers a creamy, sweet finish to a meal of pinto beans. The earthy sweetness of the sweet potatoes pairs well with the rich, hearty beans, making this dessert an ideal choice.
Pecan Pie
Pecan pie, with its caramelized filling and crunchy pecans, adds a delightful texture contrast to the soft beans. The sweetness of the pie provides a perfect end to the meal, leaving you satisfied.
Beverages to Pair with Southern Pinto Beans
Choosing the right beverage can significantly enhance the overall experience of a meal featuring southern pinto beans. The perfect drink complements the flavors and balances the richness of the dish. Below are a few classic Southern beverages to consider that will add the finishing touch to your meal, whether you prefer something sweet, tart, or robust.
Sweet Tea
Sweet tea is the quintessential Southern beverage. Its refreshing sweetness complements the savory flavors of the beans, making it the perfect drink to pair with a hearty meal.
Lemonade
Lemonade offers a tart, refreshing contrast to the richness of pinto beans. Its acidity helps cleanse the palate, making it a great choice for balancing out the heavier flavors of the beans.
Iced Coffee
For those who prefer something a little more robust, iced coffee is a good option. Served cold and sweet, Southern-style iced coffee pairs well with the rich flavors of pinto beans.
FAQs
What is the best bread to serve with pinto beans?
Cornbread is the most traditional option, but tortillas and biscuits also pair nicely with southern pinto beans.
Can pinto beans be a complete meal?
Yes, pinto beans can serve as a complete meal when paired with grains or vegetables to ensure a balanced dish.
What are some good vegetarian sides to serve with pinto beans?
Quinoa salad, roasted vegetables, and roasted sweet potatoes are all excellent vegetarian sides that pair well with southern pinto beans.
What are the best condiments to enhance the flavor of pinto beans?
Hot sauce, pickled jalapeños, and chow-chow relish are some great condiments that add spice, acidity, and complexity to pinto beans.
Conclusion
To sum up, southern pinto beans are an incredibly versatile dish that allows you to get creative with pairings, making every meal both unique and satisfying. From classic Southern sides like buttery cornbread and flavorful collard greens to lighter, refreshing options like cucumber salad, there are truly endless ways to elevate these hearty beans. Moreover, when paired with meats such as grilled turkey sausage or baked chicken thighs, pinto beans transform from a simple side dish into a hearty, protein-rich meal.
In addition, sauces and condiments like hot sauce and chow-chow relish bring extra depth and layers of flavor to the beans, while adding an element of customization that suits individual taste preferences. Similarly, by incorporating vegetarian and vegan sides such as quinoa salad or roasted vegetables, you can easily tailor this dish to accommodate various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. Likewise, pairing beans with comforting breads like biscuits or tortillas makes the meal even more filling and enjoyable.
Above all, southern pinto beans serve as a foundation that you can build on, whether you’re preparing for a large gathering or a cozy family dinner. Their adaptability ensures that they can be paired with various accompaniments, transforming a humble dish into something truly special. Consequently, whether you stick to traditional pairings or explore new combinations, pinto beans remain a crowd-pleaser that offers a flavorful, well-rounded meal each time.