Enhance your Christmas ham with delightful side dishes like creamy scalloped potatoes, which feature a golden-brown crust and rich flavor. Green bean casserole, known for its creamy mushroom sauce and crispy onions, adds harmony to your plate. Honey-glazed carrots bring sweetness and vibrant color, while garlic mashed potatoes offer comforting richness. Roasted Brussels sprouts, glazed with balsamic and tossed with almonds, add a nutritious touch. Other excellent choices include Waldorf salad, deviled eggs, corn pudding, and macaroni and cheese. These sides not only complement the ham but also create a festive and inviting meal. Explore further to discover more ideas.
Scalloped Potatoes
Among the classic side dishes that perfectly complement a Christmas ham, scalloped potatoes stand out for their creamy texture and rich flavor.
The dish can be elevated by using various cheese varieties, such as cheddar or Gruyère, to add depth.
Additionally, a beautiful holiday presentation with golden-brown crust and parsley garnish makes scalloped potatoes both a visual and culinary delight.
Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is a perfect holiday side dish that pairs beautifully with Christmas ham. It offers a harmonious blend of tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy fried onions.
For best taste, consider using fresh beans and homemade sauce. This dish not only enhances your meal's flavor but also provides a good source of fiber and vitamins, making it both delicious and nutritious.
Honey-Glazed Carrots
Honey-glazed carrots bring a delightful sweetness and vibrant color to the Christmas table, perfectly complementing the savory flavors of ham.
Various carrot varieties can be used, from classic orange to purple and yellow, adding visual interest.
Simple glazing techniques involve simmering carrots in a mix of honey and butter until tender and glossy, creating a dish that's both easy to prepare and delicious.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Garlic mashed potatoes are a rich and creamy side dish that pairs exceptionally well with Christmas ham, offering a comforting balance of flavors.
Different potato varieties, such as Russet or Yukon Gold, can be used to achieve the perfect texture.
Seasoning options include adding roasted garlic, butter, and a touch of cream, creating a dish that is both flavorful and satisfying.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts provide a delightful and nutritious complement to Christmas ham, adding both flavor and texture to the festive meal.
When tossed with a balsamic glaze, these sprouts achieve a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess.
Sprinkling toasted almonds on top introduces a satisfying crunch, making this dish not only delicious but also visually appealing for your holiday table.
Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce, with its vibrant color and tart flavor, serves as an essential accompaniment to Christmas ham, enhancing the meal with its festive and invigorating taste.
A homemade recipe allows for creative tart variations, adapting the sauce to personal preferences.
This side dish's balance of sweetness and tanginess complements the savory richness of ham, making it a beloved tradition at holiday dinners.
Sweet Potato Casserole
Adding another layer of comfort and warmth to the Christmas table, sweet potato casserole stands out as a hearty and flavorful complement to the holiday ham. This beloved dish features a creamy sweet potato base, enriched with a crunchy pecan topping, and often includes a gooey marshmallow layer.
Together, these elements create a delightful contrast in textures and flavors, perfect for the festive season.
Cheesy Broccoli Bake
The Cheesy Broccoli Bake, with its rich layers of melted cheese and tender broccoli florets, serves as a delicious and comforting side dish that pairs impeccably with Christmas ham.
Its crispy topping adds delightful texture, while the broccoli offers nutritional benefits, making it a balanced choice.
This dish harmoniously blends indulgence and health, enhancing the festive meal with both flavor and nutrients.
Stuffing
Complementing the Cheesy Broccoli Bake, an expertly crafted stuffing can elevate the Christmas ham to new heights with its savory blend of herbs, spices, and bread. Utilizing diverse bread varieties like sourdough or cornbread and a range of seasoning options, such as sage, thyme, and rosemary, guarantees a rich, flavorful dish.
This harmonious combination creates a comforting and indulgent side that pairs perfectly with ham.
Creamed Spinach
Rich and velvety, creamed spinach brings a delightful contrast in texture and flavor to the Christmas ham.
This dish, enhanced by a touch of nutmeg seasoning, makes the spinach varieties shine with their deep green hues and tender leaves.
The creamy sauce envelops the spinach, creating a luscious side that complements the savory ham, making every bite a festive treat.
Dinner Rolls
Fluffy and golden-brown, dinner rolls provide the perfect vehicle for soaking up the savory juices of the Christmas ham. These delightful bread options come in various roll varieties, from classic Parker House to buttery crescent rolls.
Pair them with rich butter spreads to enhance their flavor. Dinner rolls are not just a side, but a comforting addition that completes the festive feast.
Waldorf Salad
A classic Waldorf Salad combines crisp apples, celery, and walnuts, offering an invigorating contrast to the richness of Christmas ham.
This invigorating dish utilizes delightful fruit combinations and creamy salad dressings, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
The sweetness of the apples and the crunch of the celery and walnuts make it an ideal, festive side dish.
Deviled Eggs
Adding a touch of elegance to your holiday table, deviled eggs offer a savory complement to the Christmas ham.
Classic recipe variations include ingredients like mustard, mayo, and paprika, creating delightful flavors.
For serving suggestions, consider garnishing with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of bacon bits.
These bite-sized treats are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them a perfect festive addition.
Corn Pudding
Corn pudding is a rich and comforting side dish that pairs wonderfully with the flavors of Christmas ham. This versatile dish offers various recipe variations, from adding cheese or jalapeños to incorporating cream for extra decadence.
Serving suggestions include garnishing with fresh herbs or pairing it with a crisp salad to balance the sweetness, making it a delightful addition to your festive feast.
Can the Same Side Dishes for Ham Also be Served with Ham and Cabbage?
When serving ham and cabbage, the best side dishes for ham can also be used. Classic options like mashed potatoes, green beans, and cornbread complement both dishes well. These side dishes offer a balance of flavors and textures that elevate the meal.
Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese, with its creamy texture and rich flavor, serves as a quintessential comfort food that complements the savory notes of Christmas ham perfectly.
Its kid friendly appeal makes it a hit at family gatherings.
Regional variations, from Southern baked styles to New England's lobster-infused versions, add unique twists, ensuring that this dish remains a beloved staple across various holiday tables.