When planning your Thanksgiving meal, choosing the best side dishes to complement a savory ham can elevate your holiday feast. Consider classics like mashed potatoes and green bean casserole, both comforting and delicious. Mac and cheese adds a rich, creamy touch, while sweet potato casserole offers a sweet and spicy blend. Roasted Brussels sprouts with a caramelized exterior and cranberries bring a festive flair. Heartwarming cornbread stuffing and silky creamed spinach are wonderful additions. Complete the meal with warm dinner rolls, vibrant glazed carrots, and even a light Waldorf salad. To discover all 15 side dishes that will wow your guests, explore further.
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a classic and complementary side dish that pairs exceptionally well with ham. The smooth, creamy texture of mashed potatoes creates a delightful contrast with the savory, tender ham.
When paired with gravy, the rich flavors come together harmoniously, enhancing the overall dining experience. This combination provides a comforting and satisfying element to any holiday meal, making it a favorite choice.
Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is a frequently beloved side dish that adds a savory, creamy element to complement the flavors of ham. This classic dish combines tender green beans with rich mushroom soup, creating a comforting base.
Topped with crunchy french onions, it delivers a delightful contrast in textures. Green bean casserole is easy to prepare, making it a popular choice for Thanksgiving feasts.
Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese, with its rich and creamy texture, serves as a comforting and indulgent side dish that pairs excellently with ham.
By exploring different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan, you can elevate the dish's flavor profile.
Additionally, experimenting with various pasta shapes such as elbow macaroni, shells, or cavatappi can add an extra layer of interest and texture.
Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potato casserole, often featuring a harmonious blend of sweetness and spice, is a classic accompaniment that wonderfully complements the savory flavors of ham. Topped with a gooey marshmallow topping or a crunchy pecan crust, this dish brings a delightful contrast to the table.
Its rich, creamy texture and warm, comforting flavors make it an essential addition to any Thanksgiving feast.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasting Brussels sprouts brings out their natural sweetness and creates a delightful caramelized exterior that pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of ham.
Adding bacon bits introduces a smoky crunch, while a sprinkle of lemon zest brightens the dish with a fresh, tangy note.
This combination makes for an irresistible side dish that complements the richness of your Thanksgiving ham beautifully.
Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce provides a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness that enhances the flavor profile of any ham dish.
A homemade recipe allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring freshness and a personal touch.
Cranberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, offering numerous health benefits.
This vibrant sauce not only complements the ham but also adds a festive touch to your Thanksgiving table.
Cornbread Stuffing
Cornbread stuffing offers a delightful, hearty complement to the savory flavors of ham. With its rich texture and flavor variations, it can be customized with ingredients like sausage, apples, or herbs.
For serving suggestions, consider pairing it with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the meal. This stuffing brings warmth and satisfaction to your Thanksgiving table, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Glazed Carrots
Glazed carrots provide a sweet and vibrant contrast to the savory taste of ham, making them an excellent side dish choice.
Various carrot varieties, such as baby carrots or rainbow carrots, can be used to add color and flavor.
Mastering glazing techniques, like using honey or brown sugar, guarantees the carrots are tender and caramelized, enhancing their natural sweetness beautifully.
Scalloped Potatoes
Complementing the sweetness of glazed carrots, scalloped potatoes offer a creamy and savory addition to any ham dinner.
The dish's rich layers of thinly sliced potatoes, bathed in a velvety sauce, achieve a delightful potato texture.
Various cheese varieties, such as cheddar or Gruyère, enhance the flavor complexity.
The result is a comforting, indulgent side that pairs perfectly with the main course.
Creamed Spinach
Creamed spinach brings a velvety, nutrient-rich side dish to your ham dinner, balancing indulgence with a touch of green.
The nutmeg inclusion adds a warm, aromatic note that enhances the creamy texture.
Topping variations such as crispy breadcrumbs or grated Parmesan provide added texture and flavor, making this dish a delightful complement to the richness of ham, while keeping the meal well-rounded.
Butternut Squash Soup
A bowl of butternut squash soup offers a smooth, savory contrast to the savory richness of ham. This delightful dish brings together fall flavors with its creamy texture, making it a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table.
The natural sweetness of butternut squash, combined with warm spices, creates a comforting starter that complements the main course beautifully. Your guests will surely enjoy it.
Waldorf Salad
Waldorf Salad adds an invigorating, crunchy element to the meal, balancing the savory notes of ham with its blend of crisp apples, celery, and walnuts.
The delightful fruit combinations, complemented by a tangy yogurt dressing, create a revitalizing contrast.
This salad not only enhances the flavors of the main dish but also provides a light and healthy option for your Thanksgiving table.
Dinner Rolls
Dinner rolls provide a warm, fluffy complement to the savory flavors of ham, offering a versatile and satisfying addition to the meal.
Their buttery texture and freshly baked aroma make them an irresistible choice for any Thanksgiving spread.
Perfect for mopping up gravy or simply enjoyed on their own, these rolls add a comforting touch that everyone at the table will appreciate.
Roasted Asparagus
Roasting asparagus enhances its natural flavors, creating a tender yet crisp side dish that pairs beautifully with the savory notes of ham.
For the best results, preheat the oven to 400°F, toss the asparagus with olive oil and seasoning, then roast for 15-20 minutes.
Not only is this dish delicious, but asparagus also offers nutritional benefits like vitamins A, C, and K.
Can the Same Side Dishes for Thanksgiving Ham be Used for Christmas Ham?
Yes, the same side dishes for Thanksgiving ham can be used for Christmas ham. Some of the best side dishes for Christmas ham include roasted Brussels sprouts, garlic mashed potatoes, honey glazed carrots, and cranberry sauce. These classic sides are perfect accompaniments to both holiday meals.
Apple Pie
Apple pie, with its perfectly spiced filling and flaky crust, is an ideal sweet finish to a ham-centered meal.
Selecting the right apple varieties, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, guarantees a balanced flavor.
A well-made pie crust, whether store-bought or homemade, complements the tender apples.
This classic dessert brings warmth and comfort, making it a delightful addition to your Thanksgiving feast.