To make your Christmas ham dinner truly festive, consider pairing it with a variety of delicious side dishes. Creamy mashed potatoes are always a comforting choice. A green bean casserole offers a savory contrast with its crispy onion topping. Sweet potato casserole combines marshmallows and cinnamon pecans for delightful warmth. Tangy cranberry sauce adds a vibrant touch, while roasted Brussels sprouts bring an earthy, caramelized flavor. Don't forget fluffy dinner rolls, creamy spinach gratin, fresh apple salad, and tender roasted asparagus. Each dish enhances the sumptuous flavors of your meal, creating a memorable holiday feast. Discover more delightful side options to elevate your Christmas dinner.
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a classic and versatile side dish that complements the rich flavors of a ham dinner.
The creamy texture is enhanced by the addition of garlic seasoning, creating a delightful experience for the taste buds.
Green Bean Casserole
Following the comforting richness of mashed potatoes, a green bean casserole brings a fresh and savory contrast to a ham dinner.
This classic dish combines tender green beans with a creamy base, often made from cream soup, creating a deliciously smooth texture.
Topped with crispy onions, it adds a delightful crunch, making it a well-loved side that complements the flavors of the holiday feast.
Sweet Potato Casserole
A sweet potato casserole introduces a delightful blend of sweetness and warmth to a ham dinner. The creamy base, combined with a marshmallow topping, creates a comforting dish that complements the savory ham.
Adding a sprinkle of cinnamon pecans provides a crunchy texture and additional flavor depth. This side dish not only enhances the holiday meal but also brings a sense of tradition and coziness.
Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce brings a vibrant, tangy contrast to the richness of ham, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the meal.
A homemade recipe is simple and allows for the addition of personal touches.
For serving suggestions, pair it with warm rolls or even incorporate it into a ham sandwich.
The bright color and zesty flavor make it a festive, must-have side dish.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Why not elevate your ham dinner with the earthy, caramelized flavors of roasted Brussels sprouts?
Preheat your oven to the perfect temperature of 400°F.
Toss the sprouts in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast until golden brown.
A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a delightful tang, balancing the rich ham flavors beautifully.
This side dish is sure to impress your guests.
Glazed Carrots
Glazed carrots bring a touch of sweetness and vibrant color to your ham dinner, seamlessly complementing the savory main course.
Choose from various carrot varieties, such as baby or rainbow carrots, to add visual appeal.
The glaze ingredients, typically including brown sugar, butter, and a hint of orange juice, create a delightful coating that enhances the natural flavors of the carrots.
Stuffing
Adding a savory and aromatic contrast, stuffing is an ideal accompaniment to a ham dinner, offering a rich blend of herbs, spices, and hearty bread cubes.
Stuffing ingredients can vary by region, with some featuring sausage, apples, or chestnuts. These regional variations add depth and character, making each serving unique and delicious, perfectly complementing the flavors of a holiday ham.
Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped potatoes are a classic and comforting side dish for a ham dinner. They consist of creamy layers of thinly sliced potatoes and a rich, cheesy sauce. To guarantee perfection, use a cheese blend like cheddar and Gruyère for a robust flavor.
For baking tips, cover the dish with foil during the first half of baking to retain moisture. Then, uncover the dish to allow the top to become golden and bubbly.
Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese, with its rich and creamy texture, serves as an indulgent and satisfying complement to a ham dinner.
Baked variations offer a delightful crust that contrasts beautifully with the smooth interior.
Using different cheese blends, such as cheddar, mozzarella, and Gruyère, can elevate the dish, providing layers of flavor that enhance the overall meal experience, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Corn Pudding
Corn pudding, with its creamy consistency and hint of sweetness, provides a delectable balance to the savory flavors of a ham dinner.
The texture contrast between the smooth pudding and the tender ham creates a delightful eating experience.
This flavor pairing highlights the natural sweetness of the corn while complementing the rich, salty taste of the ham, making it a perfect holiday side dish.
Waldorf Salad
Waldorf salad, with its crisp apples, crunchy celery, and toasted walnuts mixed in a creamy dressing, offers an invigorating contrast to the rich flavors of a ham dinner.
Combining traditional ingredients with modern twists, such as adding dried cranberries or using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, this classic dish becomes a delightful and revitalizing side that complements the main course perfectly.
Dinner Rolls
Dinner rolls, with their soft, fluffy texture and golden-brown crust, are an essential accompaniment to a ham dinner, providing a perfect vehicle for sopping up savory juices and sauces.
These yeast rolls offer a buttery texture that complements the richness of the ham, making each bite more enjoyable.
Their warm, homemade appeal truly enhances the festive atmosphere of any Christmas meal.
Spinach Gratin
Spinach gratin, with its creamy, cheesy layers and slightly crispy top, serves as a sophisticated and flavorful complement to a ham dinner. Packed with health benefits, such as vitamins A and C, this dish is both nutritious and delicious.
For preparation tips, consider using fresh spinach for peak flavor and adding a touch of nutmeg to enhance the dish's richness.
Apple Salad
An energizing apple salad brings a crisp, sweet contrast to the richness of a ham dinner. Choose from apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a balanced mix of tart and sweet flavors.
Compliment these with dressing options such as a tangy vinaigrette or a creamy yogurt-based dressing.
This delightful salad offers a revitalizing bite that harmonizes beautifully with holiday ham.
Can the Same Side Dishes be Served with Pigs in a Blanket for Breakfast and Ham Dinner for Christmas?
Looking for the best side dishes for pigs in a blanket breakfast? While traditional breakfast sides like fruit salad and hash browns work well, you can also try serving them with scrambled eggs and bacon for a heartier meal. These same sides can also complement a ham dinner for Christmas.
Roasted Asparagus
Roasted asparagus, with its tender spears and slightly charred edges, offers a delightful balance of savory and nutty flavors that complement a ham dinner.
Asparagus benefits include being rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
Simple asparagus recipes involve tossing spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting.
This easy side dish not only enhances your meal but also adds nutritional value.