60 Irresistible Side Dishes to Serve with Ham

Something as perfect as a sweet and savory glazed ham is a beacon for holiday gatherings, family celebrations, or a standout Sunday supper. Yet, even the most glorious ham can’t shine on its own. The real magic of a festive meal lies in the harmony of flavorful, inventive, and classic side dishes that round out the menu. Whether you’re looking for creamy potatoes, vibrant vegetables, comforting breads, or crave-worthy casseroles, this guide features 60 show-stopping recipes that will make your ham dinner a feast to remember.

Why Pair Ham with Thoughtful Sides?

Baked or spiral hams tend to be both salty and slightly sweet, making them incredibly versatile as a main course. To complement these flavors, side dishes should offer contrast and balance—think creamy textures, zesty freshness, crispy edges, or comforting bread to soak up those savory juices. This blend of flavors ensures every plate is both balanced and memorable.

Table of Contents

• Perfect Potatoes
• Vibrant Vegetable Sides
• Fresh & Satisfying Salads
• Innovative Casseroles & Bakes
• Homemade Breads & Rolls
• Glazed & Roasted Carrots
• More Can’t-Miss Side Dishes
• FAQs about Ham Side Dishes

Perfect Potatoes

Creamy or crispy, potatoes are the undisputed champion of ham side dishes. Their natural richness helps mellow the ham’s saltiness and lends a sense of indulgence to the plate. Explore these standout potato recipes:

• Scalloped Potatoes: Classic layers of thin-sliced potatoes baked in a luscious cream sauce make for a timeless side. For extra flavor, melt in some sharp cheddar or Gruyère cheese.
• Mashed Potato Casserole: Upgrade basic mashed potatoes with this casserole, blending in sour cream, butter, cream cheese, and a sprinkle of chives.
• French Onion Smashed Potatoes: Smashed and roasted potatoes topped with caramelized onions and melted cheese. The perfect blend of crispy and gooey.
• Roasted Fingerling Potatoes: Tossed in a little olive oil and cornstarch for extra crispiness, then roasted to golden perfection.
• Melting Potatoes: Thick potato rounds roasted in butter and broth, so they’re crisp outside and meltingly creamy inside.
• Garlic Smashed Potatoes: Rustic potatoes smashed, roasted, and topped with garlic and fresh herbs.
• Onion Soup Mix Roasted Potatoes: Simple yet craveable potatoes tossed with a savory onion soup seasoning before roasting.
• Potatoes Au Gratin Bundles: Sliced red potatoes layered with cream and cheese, then wrapped in parchment and baked for a twist on the classic gratin.

Vibrant Vegetable Sides

Crisp, colorful vegetables not only brighten your plate but also
balance the meal’s richness. These recipes range from simple sautés to creative roasts:

• Green Beans Almondine: Blanched green beans sautéed in butter with toasted almonds for a nutty, savory accent.
• Parmesan Roasted Green Beans: Beans tossed in garlic, black pepper, and a dusting of grated cheese—think green beans dressed up as cheesy garlic bread.
• Cacio e Pepe Brussels Sprouts: Brussels sprouts roasted and tossed with cracked black pepper and Pecorino, inspired by the famed Roman pasta.
• Roasted Sugar Snap Peas: Quick-roasted snap peas with a touch of lemon or Parmesan for a fresh spring flavor.
• Crispy Parmesan Ranch Smashed Carrots: Carrots smashed, crisped up in the oven, and sprinkled with Parmesan and ranch seasoning.
• Pimento Cheese-Stuffed Mini Peppers: Sweet peppers halved and filled with a zesty, cheesy filling for a retro-inspired, poppable side.
• French Onion Cabbage Gratin: Shredded cabbage baked with caramelized onions and Gruyère, lending a rich, comforting note to the table.
• Roasted Asparagus: A classic spring vegetable, simply roasted and optionally finished with lemon zest or Parma ham for extra punch.
• Spring Vegetable Medley: A mix of whatever’s in season: asparagus, snap peas, carrots, radishes—roasted or blanched, then lightly tossed in butter or herby vinaigrette.

Fresh & Satisfying Salads

Salads add vivid color and contrasting flavors that help cut the richness of ham. Choose from green, grain, or fruit salads for a refreshing side:

• Spring Cobb Salad: Layers of greens, crispy bacon, hard-boiled eggs, cherry tomatoes, crumbled cheese, and creamy dressing—fresh and filling.
• Layered Salad: Stunning layers of crisp lettuce, peas, cheese, and more, often topped with a creamy dressing and crispy bacon.
• Broccoli Salad: Broccoli florets tossed with bacon, cheese, dried cranberries or raisins, and a slightly tangy-sweet dressing.
• Pasta Primavera Salad: Colorful veggies and al dente pasta in a zesty vinaigrette, perfect for prepping ahead.
• Strawberry Spinach Salad: Baby spinach leaves, juicy strawberries, toasted pecans, and crumbled feta or goat cheese, finished with poppyseed or balsamic vinaigrette.
• Apple Fennel Slaw: Shaved fennel, crisp apples, and a light, zesty dressing for a bright, palate-cleansing salad.

Innovative Casseroles & Bakes

Casseroles are comforting, often cheesy, and brilliant for feeding a crowd. These options range from classic to creative, serving as the heart of any gathering:

• Cheesy Potato Casserole: Hash browns or diced potatoes baked with plenty of cheese, cream, and cornflakes or cracker topping for crunch.
• Sweet Pineapple Casserole: An old-school, sweet-and-savory casserole that combines pineapple, buttery cracker crumbs, and cheese—strange but totally addictive with ham.
• French Onion Cabbage Gratin: A clever twist, blending the flavors of French onion soup with tender cabbage and a topping of bubbling cheese.
• Creamed Spinach Bake: Rich, garlicky creamed spinach piped or spooned into a casserole, then topped with breadcrumbs and cheese for a golden finish.
• Brussels Sprouts Gratin: Brussels sprouts baked with gruyère or sharp white cheddar and finished with crispy breadcrumbs.
• Potato Gratin Bundles: Referenced earlier, but also perfect served as an individual casserole for an elegant touch.

Homemade Breads & Rolls

No ham dinner is complete without a pillowy roll or crusty bread. Use these recipes to scoop up sauce and round out your meal:

• Peanut Butter-Honey Cornbread: Moist, slightly sweet cornbread with a peanut butter twist. Excellent for savoring with ham’s sweetness.
• Fluffy Potato Rolls: Soft, airy rolls made even tenderer with mashed potatoes or baked potatoes kneaded into the dough.
• Goat Cheese-Stuffed Rolls: Rolls wrapped around tangy goat cheese and baked for a gooey, flavorful bite.
• Classic Parker House Rolls: Buttery, slightly sweet rolls that are both soft and irresistible for holiday meals.
• Pull-Apart Garlic Bread: Yeast rolls brushed with garlic butter and baked until golden brown and wonderfully fragrant.

Glazed & Roasted Carrots

Carrots are a spring staple with ham. Their gentle sweetness and vibrant color bring balance and beauty to your table.

• Honey-Glazed Carrots: Sliced carrots simmered in a buttery honey glaze and finished with a sprinkling of flaky salt or chopped herbs.
• Brown Sugar Roasted Carrots: Roasted with brown sugar and a touch of orange juice for a caramelized, almost-candied finish.
• Maple Dijon Carrots: Roasted in a maple-mustard vinaigrette for a sweet-tangy complement to your ham.
• Parmesan Ranch Smashed Carrots: Carrots boiled, smashed, and roasted with Parmesan and ranch seasoning for crispy edges and cheesy goodness.

More Can’t-Miss Side Dishes

There are always a few more recipes that transcend easy categorization, becoming household classics in their own right:

• Deviled Eggs: A quintessential addition to any celebratory table, offering a creamy, tangy bite in between ham and heavier sides.
• Roasted Fennel with Delicata Squash & Apples: A medley of sweet and crisp flavors, bringing subtle licorice notes from the fennel.
• Sweet Potato Casserole: Sweet potatoes baked with a buttery pecan crumb or marshmallow topping, giving a dessert-like side to offset savory ham.
• Creamed Corn: Sweet corn kernels simmered with cream and butter until silky and spoonable.
• Cheesy Cauliflower Bake: Cauliflower and cheese are a match made in comfort food heaven—this lighter take delivers richness without the carbs of potatoes.
• Roasted Root Veggies: Par-cooked carrots, parsnips, and beets tossed with oil and herbs, then roasted to caramelized perfection.

Quick Comparison Table: Potato Sides

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the best vegetables to pair with ham?

Green beans, Brussels sprouts, roasted carrots, asparagus, and sugar snap peas all complement ham by adding vivid color, freshness, and crunch to the plate.

What are some make-ahead sides for ham dinners?

Scalloped potatoes, mashed potato casseroles, sweet potato casseroles, and most baked casseroles can be prepared ahead and reheated before serving. Many salads also taste better after marinating in their dressing.

Are there any gluten-free sides for ham?

Many vegetable dishes, mashed or roasted potatoes, and most salads are naturally gluten-free. Check breaded items and casseroles for wheat-based thickeners if gluten is a concern.

How do I keep side dishes warm during a holiday meal?

Use warming drawers, insulated baking dishes, or keep side dishes covered in a warm oven (200°F/95°C) until ready to serve. Avoid reheating delicate salads or dairy-based dishes for too long, as they may wilt or separate.

Pro Tips for Ham Dinners

• Mix textures: Combine creamy, crunchy, and fresh sides to balance your meal.
• Play with color: Use green, orange, and yellow veggies to make your table look vibrant.
• Don’t forget bread: Even the simplest biscuit or roll can make a ham dinner feel complete.
• Repurpose leftovers: Many sides like casseroles or roasted veggies are delicious the next day with leftover ham in sandwiches, soups, or breakfast scrambles.

For more inspiration, consider pairing your ham with family favorites or exploring cuisines from around the world. No matter your style, these 60 side dishes are guaranteed to upstage even the finest glazed ham—and ensure every dinner guest leaves happy and satisfied.

Author

medha deb

 

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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