When serving ham at Christmas, the right side dishes elevate your feast. Start with creamy and comforting scalloped potatoes or the classic, savory green bean casserole. For a touch of sweetness, try sweet potato casserole with its dynamic flavors and textures. Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic and Parmesan bring an elegant touch, while honey glazed carrots add vibrant color. Other delightful sides include maple roasted butternut squash, baked macaroni and cheese, and pecan-crusted asparagus. Don't forget the dinner rolls to round out the meal. There are even more wonderful dishes to contemplate for your festive table.
Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped potatoes, often a quintessential accompaniment to ham, offer a creamy and savory side dish that enhances the festive dining experience.
The dish allows for flexibility with cheese variety, from sharp cheddar to creamy Gruyère.
Cooking techniques vary, but typically involve layering thinly sliced potatoes with cheese and a creamy sauce, then baking until golden brown.
This creates a delectable, comforting addition to your holiday table.
Green Bean Casserole
Complementing the richness of scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole brings a balance of fresh vegetables and savory flavors to the holiday feast. The traditional preparation involves tender green beans and a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with crispy fried onions.
For those seeking creativity, topping variations such as toasted almonds or breadcrumbs can add a delightful crunch and unique twist to this beloved classic.
Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potato casserole, with its harmonious blend of sweetness and spice, serves as a quintessential side dish that can elevate any Christmas ham dinner.
The nutty topping adds a delightful crunch, while the marshmallow layer provides a gooey, sugary contrast. This combination creates a dynamic texture and flavor profile, making it a favorite for both kids and adults during the festive season.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts, with their crispy outer leaves and tender inner layers, provide a savory and nutritious balance to a Christmas ham dinner.
The addition of a balsamic reduction enhances their natural sweetness while adding depth of flavor.
A light parmesan topping creates a delightful contrast, making this side dish both elegant and delicious, perfect for complementing the rich, savory ham.
Honey Glazed Carrots
Honey glazed carrots add a touch of natural sweetness and vibrant color to the Christmas table, making them an excellent side dish for ham.
By using simple glazing techniques, you can enhance the flavor and texture of various carrot varieties, from tender baby carrots to hearty Chantenay.
The honey glaze creates a delightful caramelization, adding a luscious finish that complements the savory ham perfectly.
Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce provides a tangy contrast to the rich flavors of ham, making it a quintessential addition to the Christmas feast.
A homemade recipe allows for creative tart variations, enhancing the sauce's natural zest.
While traditional recipes are popular, experimenting with ingredients like orange zest or cinnamon can create unique flavors, adding a delightful twist to this classic holiday side dish.
Cornbread Stuffing
Cornbread stuffing, with its distinct texture and savory flavors, serves as a perfect complement to the holiday ham. This classic dish can be adapted with regional variations, incorporating local ingredients for a unique twist.
For those seeking vegetarian alternatives, cornbread stuffing can easily be made without meat, maintaining its hearty and satisfying taste. It's an inviting side that brings warmth to any holiday table.
Creamed Spinach
As a rich and velvety side dish, creamed spinach pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of a Christmas ham. The creamy texture complements the ham perfectly, offering a delightful contrast.
A hint of nutmeg garnish adds warmth and complexity, making this dish truly special. Easy to prepare and universally loved, creamed spinach is an excellent addition to your holiday feast.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Garlic mashed potatoes, with their creamy consistency and robust flavor, serve as a perfect complement to the savory richness of a Christmas ham. Different garlic varieties can be used to enhance the dish's depth, while varied mashing techniques guarantee the ideal texture.
Smooth and flavorful, this side dish not only satisfies but also enhances the entire meal, making it truly memorable.
Waldorf Salad
Adding an invigorating and crunchy contrast to the meal, Waldorf Salad offers a delightful mix of crisp apples, celery, and walnuts, perfectly balancing the hearty flavors of Christmas ham.
This classic dish showcases wonderful fruit combinations and provides various salad variations to suit different tastes. Its revitalizing ingredients and creamy dressing make it an ideal accompaniment, adding both texture and flavor to the festive spread.
Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs, with their creamy yolk filling and subtle tang, provide a classic and elegant side dish that complements the rich flavors of Christmas ham.
For unique variations, consider adding ingredients like smoked paprika, fresh dill, or even a touch of sriracha.
Preparation tips include boiling the eggs perfectly and using a piping bag for a professional look. This guarantees each bite is delightful.
Maple Roasted Butternut Squash
Following the delightful deviled eggs, maple roasted butternut squash offers a sweet and savory balance to the Christmas ham feast. This dish combines rich flavor combinations with simple cooking techniques, making it a standout side.
The natural sweetness of butternut squash is enhanced by maple syrup, while roasting brings out its deep, caramelized notes, creating a harmonious addition to your holiday meal.
Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Baked macaroni and cheese offers a comforting, creamy complement to the Christmas ham, providing a rich, indulgent side that guests of all ages will enjoy.
By blending different cheese varieties like cheddar, Gouda, and Parmesan, you can guarantee a perfect bite every time.
Opt for pasta types such as elbow macaroni or cavatappi to secure a delicious dish.
Pecan-Crusted Asparagus
For a sophisticated and crunchy contrast to the creamy baked macaroni and cheese, pecan-crusted asparagus offers a delightful combination of nutty flavors and crisp textures.
The asparagus spears, coated in a mixture of finely chopped pecans and breadcrumbs, achieve a perfect balance of tenderness and crunch.
This elegant side dish not only complements ham beautifully but also adds a festive touch to your Christmas table.
Are the Best Side Dishes for Thanksgiving Ham also Suitable for Christmas Ham?
When it comes to the best side dishes for Thanksgiving ham, many options can also work well for Christmas ham. Classic choices like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and roasted vegetables are versatile enough to complement both holiday meals. Consider incorporating these beloved dishes for a festive and delicious Christmas dinner.
Dinner Rolls
No Christmas dinner featuring ham is complete without the soft, buttery goodness of freshly baked dinner rolls.
The irresistible buttery texture pairs perfectly with the savory ham. Whether you choose traditional yeast varieties or experiment with different flavors, these rolls add a comforting touch to your meal.
They are easy to make and bring a warm, homemade feel to your festive table.