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What to Serve With Ham for Christmas: 15 Best Side Dishes

Enhance your Christmas ham with classic and delicious side dishes. Serve creamy mashed potatoes, a comforting favorite, or a sweet potato casserole, known for its hearty sweetness and crunchy pecan topping. For a healthy touch, try roasted Brussels sprouts or garlic Parmesan asparagus, offering vibrant flavors and textures. A traditional green bean casserole features creamy mushroom sauce and crispy onions for the perfect holiday touch. Don't forget broccoli cheese casserole, fresh garden salad, and cornbread stuffing for a diverse spread. Deviled eggs also make a delightful addition. Discover more tasty and festive options to complete your Christmas meal.

Classic Green Bean Casserole

thanksgiving comfort food favorite

The classic Green Bean Casserole, characterized by its creamy mushroom sauce and crispy fried onions, is a quintessential holiday side dish that perfectly complements a Christmas ham dinner.

This comforting casserole offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors, with the creamy sauce and crispy topping.

Easy to prepare and customizable with ingredients like bacon or cheese, it's a crowd-pleaser among side dishes for ham.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

delicious comfort food side

Creamy mashed potatoes consistently serve as a comforting and classic side dish that pairs exquisitely with Christmas ham. Made with butter and cream, this side dish is a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Easily customized with garlic, herbs, or cheese, these mashed potatoes offer a smooth and rich contrast to savory ham, enhancing the overall meal experience during the holiday season.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

perfectly seasoned and crispy

Roasted Brussels sprouts serve as a delightful and nutritious side dish that complements the savory flavors of Christmas ham.

Tossed in olive oil and seasoned with salt and pepper, these sprouts become caramelized and crispy when roasted.

Rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, they offer a healthy contrast to the ham, enhancing your holiday meal with their natural sweetness and satisfying crunch.

Sweet Potato Casserole

tasty thanksgiving side dish

Following the delightful crunch of roasted Brussels sprouts, another festive favorite worth exploring is the comforting Sweet Potato Casserole. This classic holiday side dish features creamy mashed sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy pecan topping.

Perfect for Christmas dinner, the casserole's sweetness and heartiness beautifully complement savory ham. Customize it with marshmallows, cinnamon, or a splash of bourbon for a festive twist.

Garlic Parmesan Asparagus

delicious roasted vegetable dish

Elevating the holiday table, Garlic Parmesan Asparagus combines the robust flavors of garlic and Parmesan with the tender crispness of freshly roasted asparagus.

This flavorful side dish is easy to prepare and perfectly complements Christmas ham.

The vibrant green asparagus, enhanced by zesty garlic and nutty Parmesan cheese, adds visual appeal and a delectable taste, making it an elegant choice for any festive meal.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

comforting potato side dish

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, a quintessentially comforting side dish, perfectly complements the savory richness of Christmas ham. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes, creamy sauce, and melted cheese create a delightful blend of flavors.

This side dish is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing for customization with added ingredients like bacon or herbs. Baked to perfection, it's a creamy and cheesy treat.

Honey-Glazed Carrots

sweet and savory side

While cheesy scalloped potatoes bring comfort and richness to your holiday table, honey-glazed carrots offer a vibrant and sweet counterpoint that enhances the festive feast.

This delightful side dish combines maple syrup, coriander, and lime, creating a unique flavor profile perfect for Christmas. Easy to prepare, these glazed carrots add a burst of color and a touch of sweetness, making your holiday meal truly special.

Cranberry Walnut Salad

delicious and nutritious salad

Cranberry Walnut Salad is a vibrant and festive side dish that pairs exquisitely with Christmas ham.

This colorful salad combines fresh greens, tart cranberries, and crunchy walnuts, all tossed in a tangy vinaigrette.

Its mix of sweet and savory flavors complements the richness of ham, adding a revitalizing and light element to the holiday meal that is both easy to prepare and delightful to serve.

Buttery Dinner Rolls

fluffy golden bread rolls

Buttery dinner rolls are a classic and indulgent side dish that pairs perfectly with ham for Christmas dinner. These soft and fluffy rolls, brushed with melted butter, offer a rich, satisfying flavor.

They can be made ahead and reheated, making them a convenient addition. Their warm, comforting aroma enhances the festive atmosphere, ensuring they are a crowd-pleasing complement to your savory holiday meal.

Baked Mac and Cheese

delicious comfort food option

In addition to buttery dinner rolls, another timeless and comforting side dish that pairs beautifully with Christmas ham is baked mac and cheese.

This creamy and cheesy delight is a beloved comfort food, perfect for any holiday meal. Easy to prepare in advance, its gooey texture and rich flavors complement the savory taste of ham, making it a crowd-pleasing favorite.

Roasted Root Vegetables

savory seasonal vegetable dish

Roasted root vegetables are a classic and versatile side dish that enhance the flavors of a Christmas ham dinner with their natural sweetness and caramelized exterior.

Common choices like carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, and turnips bring color and flavor.

Roasting these vegetables with seasoning like rosemary, thyme, or garlic adds a hearty element, making them a delightful complement to your holiday meal.

Broccoli Cheese Casserole

comforting casserole with broccoli

Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a quintessential holiday side dish that combines fresh broccoli with a creamy cheese sauce and a crispy topping for a rich and flavorful addition to your Christmas ham dinner.

This comforting, crowd-pleasing dish pairs perfectly with ham, adding a delicious vegetable component to your meal.

Its make-ahead convenience guarantees a stress-free holiday, appealing to both kids and adults alike.

Fresh Garden Salad

garden fresh ingredients in salad

A Fresh Garden Salad offers a light and invigorating contrast to the richness of Christmas ham, making it an ideal addition to your holiday table.

This healthy side dish typically includes a mix of crisp greens and colorful vegetables, all brought together with a tangy dressing.

Customizable with toppings like nuts, seeds, and cheeses, it appeals to diverse tastes and dietary preferences.

Cornbread Stuffing

delicious thanksgiving side dish

Cornbread stuffing, a beloved holiday side dish, combines the savory flavors of cornbread, vegetables, and herbs to enhance your Christmas ham dinner.

This comforting and flavorful dish is easy to customize with ingredients like sausage, nuts, or dried fruits.

Its texture pairs perfectly with tender ham, making it an excellent addition to your festive meal, offering both tradition and a delightful taste experience.

Are the Best Side Dishes for Potato Salad and Ham the Same as the Best Side Dishes for Christmas Ham?

When it comes to the best side dishes for potato salad and ham, the options may differ from those for Christmas ham. While classics like macaroni and cheese and green bean casserole work well for both, Christmas ham may pair better with fancier sides like roasted vegetables or a cranberry sauce.

Deviled Eggs

easter brunch tradition staple

Complementing the cornbread stuffing, deviled eggs bring a classic, creamy, and savory element to your Christmas ham feast.

These popular side dishes at Christmas gatherings are made by mixing hard-boiled egg yolks with mayonnaise, mustard, and seasonings, then filling the egg whites.

Topped with garnishes like paprika or chives, deviled eggs offer a convenient and tasty appetizer that contrasts beautifully with the richness of ham.