Looking to elevate your ham dish? Pair it with classic sides like scalloped potatoes, featuring thinly sliced potatoes and a creamy cheese blend, or the crunchy delight of green bean casserole topped with crispy fried onions. Add a touch of sweetness with honey-glazed carrots, rich in vitamins, or the savory crunch of roasted Brussels sprouts with pancetta. Comforting macaroni and cheese, with its creamy, cheesy goodness, is always a hit. Other fantastic choices include coleslaw, deviled eggs, cornbread, and dinner rolls. Each side complements ham perfectly, making your meal both satisfying and memorable. Discover the full list to make your feast complete.
Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped potatoes are a classic and versatile side dish that perfectly complements the rich flavors of ham. This dish combines thinly sliced potatoes with a delightful cheese blend, creating a creamy, savory experience.
The key to achieving the perfect texture lies in monitoring the cooking time, ensuring the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Enjoy this comforting addition to your meal.
Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is a quintessential side dish that brings a delightful crunch and rich flavor to any ham dinner. Utilizing canned variations of green beans guarantees convenience, while the addition of crispy toppings like fried onions adds texture and depth.
This comforting dish combines ease of preparation with a satisfying taste, making it a staple on many dining tables.
Honey Glazed Carrots
Complementing the savory notes of ham, honey glazed carrots offer a sweet and tangy balance that enhances the overall meal. Using simple glazing techniques, these carrots are coated in a mixture of honey and butter, which caramelizes beautifully.
Carrot benefits include being rich in vitamins and antioxidants, making this dish not only delicious but also nutritious. Perfect for family gatherings and festive occasions.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts, with their crispy exterior and tender interior, provide a delightful contrast to the rich flavors of ham.
Drizzle them with a tangy balsamic glaze for added depth, and sprinkle pancetta bits on top for a savory crunch.
This combination enhances the natural sweetness of the sprouts, creating a side dish that perfectly balances and complements your main course.
Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese, with its creamy texture and rich, cheesy flavor, serves as a comforting and indulgent side dish that pairs exceptionally well with ham.
Using different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or mozzarella can elevate the dish.
Experimenting with various pasta shapes, such as elbow macaroni, cavatappi, or shells, adds both visual appeal and texture, making each bite delightful.
Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potato casserole, with its blend of creamy sweet potatoes and a crunchy pecan topping, offers a delightful contrast of flavors and textures that harmonize beautifully with ham.
This dish provides numerous nutritional benefits, including vitamins A and C.
For preparation tips, bake the sweet potatoes until tender, mash them with butter and spices, and finish with a pecan and brown sugar topping.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Garlic mashed potatoes offer a creamy, savory complement to ham, enhancing the meal with their rich flavor and smooth texture. The flavor profile combines buttery potatoes with the aromatic essence of garlic, creating a delightful side dish.
For preparation tips, consider roasting the garlic first to mellow its sharpness, and use heavy cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce, with its tart and slightly sweet profile, provides a vibrant contrast to the savory richness of ham.
A homemade recipe allows you to explore various tart variations, tailoring the sauce to your taste.
Whether you prefer it more sweet or tangy, cranberry sauce complements ham perfectly, making it an essential side dish for your meal.
Asparagus With Lemon
Asparagus with lemon offers a fresh and zesty complement to the savory flavors of ham. The crisp asparagus spears, lightly steamed or roasted, are elevated by a sprinkle of lemon zest, adding a bright citrus note that enhances the dish.
This simple yet elegant side dish is not only visually appealing but also provides a delightful contrast to the rich taste of ham.
Creamed Spinach
Creamed spinach, with its rich and velvety texture, serves as a luxurious side dish that perfectly balances the savory notes of ham.
The nutmeg seasoning adds a subtle warmth, enhancing the dish's flavor profile.
A parmesan topping provides a delightful contrast, offering a crispy, salty finish.
This combination makes creamed spinach a must-try accompaniment for your ham centerpiece.
Pineapple Casserole
Combining the sweetness of pineapple with a buttery, crumbly topping, pineapple casserole offers a unique and delightful contrast to the savory flavors of ham.
Using canned pineapple and cheddar cheese, this dish brings together flavors that harmonize wonderfully.
The tangy pineapple pairs perfectly with the savory cheese, creating a side dish that is both comforting and invigorating, enhancing any ham centerpiece.
Coleslaw
Following the rich, sweet flavors of pineapple casserole, coleslaw offers a rejuvenating and crunchy counterpart, balancing the meal with its crisp texture and tangy dressing.
Different variations of coleslaw can cater to diverse tastes, from classic creamy to vinegar-based versions. Dressing options range from traditional mayonnaise to lighter, citrus-infused vinaigrettes, ensuring you can find the perfect match for your ham.
Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs often serve as a delightful and savory addition to any ham-centric meal, offering a rich and creamy contrast. With historical origins tracing back to ancient Rome, these eggs have evolved into numerous regional variations.
From classic mustard and mayo mixtures to more adventurous ingredients, deviled eggs remain a beloved side dish, enhancing the overall dining experience with their flavorful versatility.
Cornbread
Complementing the creamy richness of deviled eggs, cornbread introduces a sweet and crumbly texture that pairs perfectly with savory ham dishes.
Cornbread varieties range from classic Southern to jalapeño-infused, catering to diverse taste preferences.
Exploring different cornbread recipes can enhance your meal, whether you prefer a traditional approach or a modern twist, making it a versatile and delightful side dish for any ham feast.
Can the Same Side Dishes That Go with Grilled Cornish Hens Also Go with Ham?
Yes, the best side dishes for grilled Cornish hens, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and a fresh green salad, can also complement ham perfectly. The savory flavors and textures of these sides enhance the main dish without overpowering it, making them versatile choices for pairing with different meats.
Dinner Rolls
Dinner rolls provide a soft and airy accompaniment to ham, enhancing the meal with their delicate texture and buttery flavor.
A homemade recipe guarantees these rolls have a perfect buttery texture that melts in your mouth. Simple to make yet incredibly satisfying, they complete the dining experience, making each bite of ham even more delightful.
Enjoy them fresh from the oven for the best results.