When planning a ham dinner, choosing the right side dishes is essential for a balanced, delicious meal. Scalloped potatoes with their creamy, cheesy layers are a comforting choice. Green bean casserole offers a lighter yet flavorful touch, while honey-glazed carrots add sweetness and vibrant color. Creamed spinach provides a rich, savory blend, and roasted Brussels sprouts contribute a nutty, caramelized taste. Asparagus with hollandaise, Waldorf salad, dinner rolls, and a mixed green salad further enhance the meal. Each side dish complements the ham, creating a well-rounded dining experience. Discover even more exciting pairings to perfect your feast.
Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped potatoes are a quintessential side dish that perfectly complements a ham dinner. With their creamy layers of thinly sliced potatoes and rich, cheesy sauce, they offer a comforting and flavorful addition to any meal. Cheese variations like cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan can be used to add different flavors to this classic dish. The preparation techniques involve layering the potatoes, pouring over the cheese sauce, and baking until golden brown, resulting in a deliciously satisfying dish.
Scalloped potatoes, with their creamy layers of thinly sliced potatoes and rich, cheesy sauce, are a quintessential side dish that perfectly complements a ham dinner. Cheese variations, such as cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan, can be used to add different flavors. Preparation techniques involve layering the potatoes, pouring over the cheese sauce, and baking until golden brown, creating a deliciously comforting dish.
Green Bean Casserole
While scalloped potatoes offer a rich and hearty complement to ham, green bean casserole provides a lighter, yet equally satisfying, option for balancing the meal.
This dish is a beloved holiday tradition, featuring tender green beans in a creamy sauce, topped with crispy onions. Casserole variations include adding mushrooms or cheese, allowing you to customize it to your family's taste, making it both comforting and versatile.
Honey-Glazed Carrots
Honey-glazed carrots bring a touch of sweetness and vibrant color to the table, providing a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of a ham dinner.
Using glazing techniques, baby carrots are cooked until tender and then coated in a mixture of honey and butter.
This simple yet elegant side dish pairs beautifully with ham, enhancing the overall dining experience with its rich and appealing flavors.
Creamed Spinach
Another classic accompaniment to a ham dinner is creamed spinach, providing a creamy and savory complement that balances the meal.
The creamy texture of the spinach melds beautifully with ham, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. A light sprinkle of nutmeg garnish enhances the dish, adding a subtle warmth.
This delightful side guarantees a satisfying and well-rounded dining experience.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts, with their caramelized edges and nutty flavor, serve as a delectable and nutritious side dish for a ham dinner.
These small, cruciferous vegetables boast numerous health benefits, including high fiber and vitamin content.
Cooking variations abound—try adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to enhance their naturally robust taste.
They're a delightful addition to any meal.
Sweet Potato Casserole
A sweet potato casserole, with its creamy texture and sweet-savory balance, is a quintessential accompaniment to a ham dinner.
Topped with a delightful marshmallow topping and a crunchy pecan crust, this dish brings warmth and richness to the table.
The combination of soft sweet potatoes and the contrasting textures of the marshmallow and pecans creates an inviting, flavorful experience that complements the ham perfectly.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
For a robust and savory side that stands alongside the sweet notes of the sweet potato casserole, garlic mashed potatoes offer a creamy, flavorful complement to a ham dinner.
Using Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes guarantees a perfect texture. The butter ratio is essential; too little, and the potatoes are dry, too much, and they become greasy. Balance is key for a delightful dish.
Macaroni and Cheese
Few side dishes evoke as much comfort and satisfaction as a well-crafted macaroni and cheese. The creamy blend of different cheese varieties delivers a rich, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with ham.
Adding a crunchy breadcrumb topping creates a delightful contrast, elevating this classic dish to a new level. Simple yet indulgent, macaroni and cheese is an essential part of a memorable ham dinner.
Cornbread Stuffing
Complementing the creamy richness of macaroni and cheese, cornbread stuffing introduces a hearty texture and savory depth to your ham dinner.
Regional variations offer diverse flavors, from Southern-style with sausage to a New England twist with cranberries.
Preparation techniques vary, but the essence lies in combining cornbread cubes, aromatic herbs, and flavorful broth.
This side dish balances the meal, making it truly satisfying.
Cranberry Sauce
Infusing a tart and sweet contrast, cranberry sauce serves as a vibrant and essential accompaniment to a ham dinner. This classic dish not only enhances flavor pairing but also upholds beloved holiday traditions.
The tangy zest of cranberry sauce cuts through the richness of ham, creating a harmonious balance that delights the palate and adds a festive touch to any meal.
Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs, with their creamy filling and savory seasoning, provide a delightful and elegant addition to a ham dinner.
These bite-sized treats, known for their classic flavor, are a party favorite that never disappoints.
Easy to prepare and visually appealing, deviled eggs offer a perfect balance of taste and texture, making them an excellent choice for any festive meal.
Asparagus With Hollandaise
As a sophisticated companion to ham, asparagus with hollandaise sauce brings a touch of elegance and rich flavor to the dinner table. The tender asparagus, drizzled with velvety hollandaise, is elevated by a hint of lemon zest.
Pairing it with poached eggs adds a delightful, creamy texture that complements the ham beautifully, making this side dish a true crowd-pleaser.
Waldorf Salad
A classic addition to a ham dinner, Waldorf salad combines crisp apples, crunchy celery, and walnuts with a creamy dressing for an invigorating contrast.
For fruit variations, consider adding grapes or pears. Dressing options range from traditional mayonnaise to lighter yogurt-based versions, ensuring a delightful balance.
This invigorating side dish brings a touch of elegance and a burst of flavor to your meal.
Dinner Rolls
Complementing the invigorating Waldorf salad, dinner rolls offer a warm, comforting addition to your ham dinner.
These rolls can be made using various baking techniques, from traditional kneading to more modern no-knead methods.
Offering different butter options, such as herb-infused or honey butter, enhances their appeal.
Soft and fluffy, they create a balanced, delightful meal experience, making your dinner both satisfying and memorable.
Will the Same Side Dishes Pair Well with Ham and Scalloped Potatoes?
When serving ham and scalloped potatoes, choosing the best side dishes for ham can elevate the meal. Consider options like honey glazed carrots, roasted asparagus, or a fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette. These side dishes complement the flavors of the main dishes and create a well-rounded dining experience.
Mixed Green Salad
Featuring a medley of fresh, crisp vegetables, a mixed green salad provides an invigorating counterpoint to the rich flavors of a ham dinner.
Enhance your salad with a variety of vinaigrette options, such as balsamic, lemon, or honey mustard, to suit different tastes.
Add delightful salad toppings like cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and crunchy croutons for an extra layer of texture and flavor.