Creating a delightful Easter meal with ham involves pairing it with side dishes that offer diverse flavors and textures. Scalloped potatoes, with their rich, creamy sauce, and honey-glazed carrots, balancing sweetness and savory notes, are excellent choices. Don't forget the classic green bean casserole, a creamy option that brings nostalgia to the table. Deviled eggs provide a tangy contrast, while roasted asparagus complements ham with its earthy flavor. Think about adding some fluffy dinner rolls and a fresh quinoa salad for extra variety. These sides will make your Easter feast unforgettable, and there's even more to discover to perfect your meal.
Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped potatoes, with their layers of tender potatoes and rich, creamy sauce, serve as a classic and comforting side dish for Easter ham.
The dish showcases various cheese varieties, such as cheddar or gruyere, enhancing its flavor profile.
Potatoes, originating from the Andes, provide the perfect base, absorbing the creamy goodness and creating a delightful contrast to the savory ham.
Honey-Glazed Carrots
Honey-glazed carrots, with their sweet and savory balance, make an excellent accompaniment to Easter ham. Carrots, rooted in ancient Persia, offer a vibrant color and tender texture.
Drizzling them with honey, which comes in many varieties like clover and wildflower, enhances their natural sweetness. This delightful combination creates a harmonious contrast to the rich flavors of ham, making it a festive favorite.
Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole, a classic American dish, offers a creamy and comforting side that pairs perfectly with Easter ham.
When preparing, make sure your green beans are fresh or properly thawed if frozen.
Ingredient variations can include adding mushrooms or using different types of cheese for added flavor.
This versatile dish not only complements ham but also brings a nostalgic touch to your Easter table.
Deviled Eggs
Another classic addition to your Easter feast, deviled eggs bring a tangy and savory note that pairs impeccably with the rich flavors of ham.
For serving variations, try garnishing with paprika, chives, or even a dash of hot sauce.
Preparation tips include boiling eggs thoroughly, cooling them in ice water, and mixing the yolks with mayonnaise and mustard for a creamy, delightful filling.
Roasted Asparagus
Roasted asparagus offers a crisp, tender complement to the savory depth of Easter ham, making it an essential side dish for your holiday table.
Using simple cooking techniques, such as lightly tossing in olive oil and seasoning with salt and pepper, brings out its earthy flavor profiles.
Roasting enhances the asparagus's natural sweetness, creating a delightful balance that's both healthy and delicious.
Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potato casserole, with its creamy texture and rich flavor, serves as a perfect companion to the savory notes of Easter ham.
The dish features a delightful marshmallow topping that melts into a golden crust, adding sweetness. For extra crunch, a pecan crust is often added, providing a satisfying contrast.
This classic side dish balances the meal, making it truly unforgettable.
Pineapple Stuffing
Pineapple stuffing is a unique blend of sweet and savory flavors that serves as an exceptional complement to the traditional Easter ham. This delightful dish features recipe variations that can include breadcrumbs, eggs, and pineapple chunks, creating a moist and flavorful side.
For serving suggestions, pair it with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad to balance the richness and enhance your holiday meal.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Garlic mashed potatoes provide a creamy and flavorful side dish that perfectly complements the savory taste of Easter ham. Made with garlic butter, these potatoes have a rich, mashed texture that melts in your mouth.
The hint of garlic adds a delightful twist, making them more than just a basic side. Serve them warm, and watch as they quickly become a favorite at your Easter feast.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts, with their robust flavor and nutritional benefits, serve as an excellent side dish to accompany Easter ham.
Roasted Brussels, caramelized to perfection, offer a delightful crunch and deep flavor.
For a tangy twist, Balsamic Brussels add a sweet and savory element to the meal.
These versatile preparations make Brussels sprouts a festive and healthy addition to your Easter feast.
Waldorf Salad
A classic Waldorf salad, with its crisp apples, crunchy celery, and juicy grapes, provides a revitalizing and sophisticated complement to Easter ham.
This timeless dish, originating from the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in the late 1800s, can be customized with various apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
The combination of fresh fruits and nuts offers a delightful contrast to the savory ham.
Cheesy Broccoli Bake
Frequently hailed as a comfort food favorite, cheesy broccoli bake brings a rich, creamy texture and vibrant flavor to any Easter ham spread. This dish not only offers delicious taste but also provides nutritional benefits, thanks to its broccoli base.
For best results, use fresh, crisp broccoli and a blend of sharp cheeses. Baking tips include covering the dish with foil to prevent over-browning.
Corn Pudding
Complementing the cheesy broccoli bake, corn pudding introduces a delightful blend of sweetness and creaminess to the Easter table.
Originating from Native American cuisine, this dish combines corn's rich history with modern pudding variations that include custardy textures and savory notes.
Its comforting flavor makes it a perfect partner for ham, ensuring a harmonious balance of tastes on your festive table.
Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce guarantees a tangy and vibrant contrast to the savory richness of Easter ham.
A homemade recipe guarantees fresh flavors, allowing you to experiment with unique variations like adding orange zest or a hint of cinnamon.
This delightful side dish not only enhances the meal's overall taste but also brings a splash of color to your Easter table.
Dinner Rolls
A basket of warm, fluffy dinner rolls is a must-have addition to the Easter ham feast, providing a comforting and versatile side. Their buttery texture complements the savory flavors of the ham perfectly.
Opting for a homemade recipe guarantees the freshest rolls, bringing a delightful aroma and taste to the table. These rolls are sure to be a hit with guests of all ages.
Can the Same Side Dishes be Served with Both Ham and Ham Sandwiches?
Yes, the best side dishes for ham sandwiches can also be served with ham. Classic options like potato salad, coleslaw, and chips complement both ham and ham sandwiches perfectly. Their flavors and textures enhance the overall dining experience and make for a satisfying meal.
Quinoa Salad
Quinoa salad offers a nutritious and vibrant side dish that pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of Easter ham. With various quinoa variations, such as red, white, or black, this salad can be easily customized.
Add fresh vegetables, nuts, and fruits for extra texture. Choose from a range of salad dressings—like lemon vinaigrette or balsamic—to enhance its delightful taste.