What Meat Goes with Beans and Cornbread? (9 Kinds of Meat)

If you’ve been wondering what meat goes with beans and cornbread, then you are in the right place.

I’m sharing 9 of the best meats to serve with beans and cornbread.

Whether you are looking for a traditional Southern dish or something a little more unique, there is sure to be a meat on this list that you’ll love.

So go ahead and give one (or all!) of these meats a try the next time you make beans and cornbread!

See Also: What to Serve with Cornbread Casserole? 10 Best Side Dishes

What Meat Goes with Beans and Cornbread?

The best kinds of meat to pair with beans and cornbread are smoked meats like ham, bacon, and sausage. The smokiness of the meat pairs well with the sweetness of the cornbread and the heartiness of the beans. You can also try pairing the beans and cornbread with grilled chicken or beef.

Still looking for ideas?

Simply keep reading!

Here are 9 of the best meats to serve with beans and cornbread:

1. Beef

Beef is fatty and rich, almost melt-in-your-mouth tender, and pairs well with both beans and cornbread.

The savory, earthy flavors of the beef go well with the sweetness of the cornbread, and the two together make a hearty, filling meal.

The beans add a bit of texture and contrast to the softness of the cornbread, and their mild flavor lets the beef shine.

Pro Tip: Season your beef with a simple rub of salt, pepper, and garlic powder before cooking.

This will give it a nice flavor without overwhelming the other dishes.

See Also: 11 Delicious Desserts that Go with Beans and Cornbread

2. Bacon Cubes

Bacon cubes are always an easy addition to any dish, but they are especially delicious when added to beans and cornbread.

The salty, smoky flavor of bacon cubes pairs perfectly with the sweetness of cornbread and the creaminess of beans.

Plus, the fat in bacon helps to round out the flavors and texture of the dish.

Pro Tip: If you’re using bacon cubes in a recipe that calls for uncooked bacon, make sure to cook them until they are crisp before adding them to the dish.

3. Sausage

Sausage comes in many different varieties, but one of the best meats to serve with beans and cornbread is smoked sausage.

It has a rich, smoky flavor that pairs well with the heartiness of the beans and the sweetness of the cornbread.

And since it’s already cooked, all you need to do is heat it up before serving.

Pro Tip: If you’re using fresh sausage, cook it thoroughly before adding it to the beans.

Otherwise, it will add too much fat and not enough flavor to the dish.

4. Chorizo

Chorizo has a salty, smoky, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with both beans and cornbread.

The fat in the chorizo also helps to balance out the dryness of the cornbread.

And, since chorizo is already cooked, it’s a quick and easy meat to add to any dish.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a bit more of a flavor punch, try using smoked chorizo. It will add a nice smokiness to the dish that goes well with the sweetness of the cornbread.

5. Smoked Ham

I bet you’ve tried smoked ham in some capacity before – maybe as an Easter dinner main dish or in some good ole’ Southern cooking.

But did you know that it pairs really well with beans and cornbread?

The sweetness of the ham complements the savory flavors of the beans, and the cornbread provides a nice, fluffy contrast to the other dishes.

So next time you’re looking for a new way to enjoy smoked ham, give this combo a try!

Pro Tip: For an extra-special touch, top your cornbread with a little bit of honey before serving.

6. Prosciutto

Prosciutto is a flavorful, delicately sweet and salty dry-cured ham that is often served as an appetizer.

It pairs well with beans and cornbread, as the sweetness of the cornbread brings out the delicate sweetness of the prosciutto and the saltiness of the prosciutto enhances the flavor of the beans.

The fat in the prosciutto also helps to round out the dish and make it more satisfying.

Pro Tip: If you’re serving this dish to guests, be sure to slice the prosciutto thinly so that it’s easy to eat and doesn’t overwhelm the other flavors in the dish.

7. Pancetta

Pancetta has a distinctly porky taste that is both salty and slightly sweet.

It pairs well with other strong flavors, making it a perfect meat to serve with beans and cornbread.

The fat in pancetta also helps to balance out the dryness of the cornbread, making it a more enjoyable meal.

Pro Tip: If you can’t find pancetta, bacon makes a good substitute.

Just make sure to cook it until it is crisp so that it doesn’t overwhelm the other flavors in the dish.

8. Coppa

Coppa has a sweet and characteristic scent, and a delicate, slightly spicy taste.

It is an excellent alternative to pancetta or bacon in dishes like pasta carbonara or beans and cornbread.

The fat content of coppa makes it ideal for long, slow cooking methods like braising, which help to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.

Pro Tip: When shopping for coppa, look for a cut that has a good amount of fat marbled throughout.

This will ensure that the meat stays moist and flavorful during cooking.

9. Salami

Salami is spicy, sweet, hot and savory all at once, making it a perfect pairing for beans and cornbread.

The spiciness of the salami is offset by the sweetness of the cornbread, while the beans provide a creamy, savory component that ties everything together.