A beautifully prepared ham deserves the perfect array of side dishes to complement its flavors and elevate your Christmas dinner experience. Start with creamy mashed potatoes and a classic green bean casserole for some comforting basics. Scalloped potatoes, with their golden crust, are both elegant and delicious. Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon bits and a balsamic glaze add a delightful crunch. Honey glazed carrots bring a sweet touch, enhancing the menu's variety. Don't forget cornbread and dinner rolls for some hearty goodness, and baked beans for a touch of rustic charm. Each dish brings something unique to your festive feast. Discover these and more as you plan your perfect holiday meal.
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are an essential accompaniment to a ham Christmas dinner, offering a creamy and comforting contrast to the savory meat.
Potato variations, such as Yukon Gold or Russet, can be used to achieve the ideal creamy texture.
These mashed delights pair perfectly with ham, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures that enhance the overall dining experience for everyone.
Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is a classic side dish that complements the flavors of a ham Christmas dinner with its creamy and savory profile.
This dish offers a delightful texture contrast, combining tender green beans with crispy fried onions.
The creamy mushroom sauce adds an umami depth that enhances the meal.
Its comforting and rich flavors make it a perfect addition to any festive table.
Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped potatoes are a quintessential side dish that pairs beautifully with the savory richness of a ham Christmas dinner.
These creamy, layered potatoes can be enhanced with various cheese variations, such as cheddar or Gruyère, to add depth of flavor.
Mastering different cooking techniques, like baking slowly to achieve a golden crust, guarantees a perfect balance of tender potatoes and melted cheese.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts offer a delightful combination of crispy outer leaves and tender insides, making them an excellent accompaniment to a ham Christmas dinner.
Sprinkling them with bacon bits adds a savory crunch, while a drizzle of balsamic glaze enhances their natural sweetness.
This simple yet flavorful side dish brings a perfect balance of textures and tastes, complementing the rich flavors of ham.
Honey Glazed Carrots
Honey glazed carrots provide a sweet and savory side dish that pairs perfectly with a festive ham Christmas dinner. Carrot varieties like baby carrots or heirloom types work well, offering different textures and flavors.
Glazing techniques involve simmering carrots in a mixture of honey, butter, and spices until they are tender and glossy. This simple yet elegant dish adds a delightful touch to your holiday meal.
Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce provides a tangy and vibrant contrast to the richness of ham, making it a quintessential addition to any Christmas dinner.
Crafting a homemade recipe guarantees you have control over the ingredients, maximizing its health benefits.
Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, cranberry sauce not only enhances flavor but also contributes to your well-being, making it a delightful and nutritious accompaniment.
Stuffing
Stuffing is a classic side dish that complements the savory flavors of a ham Christmas dinner perfectly.
There are many stuffing variations to explore, each bringing its own unique twist. Common stuffing ingredients include bread cubes, onions, celery, and a blend of herbs like sage and thyme.
Some recipes add fruits, nuts, or even sausage, creating a delightful medley of textures and tastes.
Sweet Potato Casserole
A sweet potato casserole, with its rich and comforting flavors, is an excellent side dish that pairs beautifully with a ham Christmas dinner.
The nut topping adds a delightful crunch that contrasts perfectly with the smooth, creamy potatoes.
For those who enjoy a bit of sweetness, a marshmallow crust provides a lovely finishing touch, making this dish both festive and irresistible.
Garlic Roasted Asparagus
Complementing the sweetness of the sweet potato casserole, garlic roasted asparagus adds a savory and earthy element to your ham Christmas dinner.
This dish, enhanced with a sprinkle of lemon zest and a generous parmesan topping, brings a delightful burst of flavor.
The crisp asparagus, combined with the aromatic garlic, creates a perfect balance, making it an irresistible addition to your holiday feast.
Mac and Cheese
When seeking a rich and comforting accompaniment to your ham Christmas dinner, mac and cheese stands out as an exceptional choice. With endless cheese varieties, from sharp cheddar to creamy gouda, you can tailor the dish to your taste.
Equally important is selecting the right pasta options; consider classic elbow macaroni or try cavatappi for a twist.
This side dish promises warmth and satisfaction.
Holiday Salad
Balancing the richness of mac and cheese, a lively holiday salad offers a rejuvenating and nutritious contrast to your ham Christmas dinner.
Featuring seasonal greens like arugula and spinach, this salad brings a burst of color and freshness to your plate.
Complement the greens with a festive vinaigrette made from ingredients like cranberry juice and honey, creating a delightful harmony of flavors.
Cornbread
A warm, golden cornbread serves as a delightful accompaniment to ham, adding a touch of Southern comfort to your Christmas dinner.
Cornbread history tells us it originated with Native Americans, evolving over time.
Today, cornbread variations include jalapeño, honey, and cheesy styles, each bringing unique flavors and textures.
This versatile side dish perfectly balances the savory richness of ham.
Baked Beans
Baked beans, with their rich, savory sauce and tender texture, make an excellent side dish to complement the flavors of a ham Christmas dinner.
Add a Tex Mex twist by incorporating ingredients like cumin and chili powder for extra flair.
For those seeking vegetarian options, opt for beans cooked with tomatoes, onions, and spices.
This versatile dish can satisfy a variety of palates.
Gravy
Gravy, with its rich and savory essence, serves as an indispensable accompaniment to enhance the flavors of a ham Christmas dinner.
Crafting homemade gravy can add a personal touch, making the meal even more special.
There are countless gravy recipes, each offering unique twists, but all aim to perfectly complement the succulent ham, ensuring every bite is a delightful experience.
Are the Best Side Dishes for Dinner Different from the Best Side Dishes for Christmas Dinner?
When considering the best side dishes for ham dinner, there may be different options for a regular dinner versus a Christmas dinner. While classic options like mashed potatoes and green beans work well for both, Christmas dinner may call for more festive options like glazed carrots or sweet potato casserole to complement the ham.
Dinner Rolls
Complementing the ham Christmas dinner with freshly baked dinner rolls adds a comforting and classic touch to the meal.
Yeast rolls, warm and fluffy, are perfect for soaking up any leftover sauces. Spread a generous amount of butter spread on each roll for an indulgent experience.
These rolls are a simple yet essential addition, ensuring every bite of your holiday feast is delightful.