Enhance your Christmas Eve ham with delicious sides like creamy scalloped potatoes and green bean casserole topped with crispy french onions. Add honey-glazed carrots for a sweet contrast, and cranberry sauce for a tangy counterbalance. Roasted Brussels sprouts, drizzled with balsamic glaze and pancetta bits, bring crisp, earthy flavors. Serve these with buttery dinner rolls and deviled eggs for a classic touch. For a fresh twist, try apple cranberry coleslaw and roasted root vegetables. These sides guarantee a balanced, festive meal that delights every palate. Ready for more tasty ideas? Here's a sneak peek at what's next.
Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped potatoes, with their creamy texture and rich flavor, make an ideal accompaniment for ham on Christmas Eve.
Using various cheese varieties like cheddar or Gruyère can enhance the dish's depth.
Preparation tips include thinly slicing potatoes, layering them with cheese, and baking until golden brown.
This side dish promises a comforting and delicious addition to your festive meal.
Green Bean Casserole
Complementing the richness of scalloped potatoes, a classic green bean casserole offers a lighter, yet equally flavorful, side dish for your Christmas Eve ham.
Topped with crispy french onions, this dish adds a delightful crunch.
There are many casserole variations to explore, from adding mushrooms to incorporating cheese.
Each version brings its unique twist, ensuring a satisfying and balanced holiday meal.
Honey-Glazed Carrots
Honey-glazed carrots provide a sweet and savory contrast to the salty richness of ham, making them an ideal side dish for a festive Christmas Eve dinner.
With carrot variations like rainbow or baby carrots, you can add visual appeal to your table.
Rich in carrot nutrition, these vibrant vegetables offer essential vitamins and minerals, enhancing both the taste and health benefits of your holiday meal.
Cranberry Sauce
A tangy and slightly sweet cranberry sauce serves as a perfect counterbalance to the savory flavors of ham on Christmas Eve.
Homemade variations of cranberry sauce can include orange zest or cinnamon for added depth.
For serving suggestions, try pairing it with freshly baked bread or alongside other festive sides.
This vibrant sauce adds a burst of color and flavor to your holiday table.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts offer a delightful combination of crispiness and earthy flavors, making them a superb side dish for ham on Christmas Eve.
Drizzle them with a rich balsamic glaze to enhance their natural taste, while adding pancetta bits provides a savory crunch.
This side dish complements the ham beautifully, ensuring your holiday meal is both delicious and memorable.
Sweet Potato Casserole
For a touch of sweetness that pairs exquisitely with ham, consider adding a decadent sweet potato casserole to your Christmas Eve menu.
This delightful dish combines creamy sweet potatoes with a nut topping or a marshmallow topping, adding both texture and flavor.
The nut topping provides a crunchy contrast, while the marshmallow topping melts into a gooey layer, creating an irresistible treat.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Garlic mashed potatoes guarantee a savory and creamy complement to the rich flavors of ham, making them an excellent addition to your Christmas Eve dinner.
The garlic benefits not only enhance flavor but also offer health perks, while the mashed consistency guarantees a smooth and delightful texture.
This side dish is both comforting and nutritious, making it a family favorite during the festive season.
Baked Mac and Cheese
Another delectable side dish that pairs perfectly with ham is baked mac and cheese, which offers a comforting, cheesy richness that enhances the festive meal.
Utilizing a blend of cheese types like cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan can enhance the dish. For the best results, bake until the top is golden and crispy.
These baking tips guarantee a luscious and satisfying accompaniment to your Christmas Eve feast.
Cornbread Stuffing
Cornbread stuffing is a quintessential side dish that brings a delightful blend of savory and slightly sweet flavors to your Christmas Eve ham. Its regional variations, from Southern-style with sausage to vegetarian alternatives featuring cranberries and nuts, offer something for everyone.
This versatile dish can be tailored to suit various dietary preferences, ensuring all guests enjoy a comforting and flavorful accompaniment to their meal.
Waldorf Salad
Complementing the rich flavors of cornbread stuffing, Waldorf salad offers an invigorating and crisp contrast with its blend of apples, celery, grapes, and walnuts in a creamy dressing.
This dish features classic ingredients that provide both texture and flavor. Variations available can include additions like dried cranberries or a yogurt-based dressing, allowing for customization to suit your festive table's preferences.
Creamed Spinach
Creamed spinach, with its rich and velvety texture, serves as a delectable side dish that perfectly complements the savory flavors of Christmas ham.
The combination of cream cheese and nutmeg seasoning enhances the spinach, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
This dish offers a creamy and comforting experience, making it a delightful addition to your holiday table, balancing the meal with elegance and taste.
Buttery Dinner Rolls
Buttery dinner rolls, with their golden crust and soft, fluffy interior, serve as an essential accompaniment to Christmas ham, adding a touch of warmth and comfort to the festive meal.
Experimenting with different butter varieties can elevate your roll recipes, making each bite uniquely delicious.
Whether you prefer unsalted, salted, or even herb-infused butter, these rolls are sure to delight your guests.
Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs, with their creamy filling and subtle tang, offer a delightful contrast to the rich flavors of Christmas ham. Recipe variations can include ingredients like paprika, mustard, or even avocado for a unique twist.
For presentation tips, consider garnishing with fresh herbs or placing the eggs on a bed of lettuce. This not only enhances flavor but also adds visual appeal to your holiday table.
Apple Cranberry Coleslaw
Apple cranberry coleslaw brings an invigorating and tangy element to your Christmas Eve dinner, perfectly complementing the savory ham.
This delightful dish, among coleslaw variations, combines crisp apples and tart cranberries, offering both a festive presentation and a burst of flavor.
The vibrant mix of colors and textures adds visual appeal to your table, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Can the Same Side Dishes be Used for Both Christmas Eve Ham and Spiral Ham?
When serving both Christmas Eve ham and spiral ham, you can use the same best side dishes for spiral ham to accompany both meals. Classic options like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and glazed carrots pair well with either type of ham, making it easy to prepare a festive spread.
Roasted Root Vegetables
Roasted root vegetables provide a hearty and flavorful accompaniment to your Christmas Eve ham. Featuring a medley of seasonal produce that enhances the meal with their earthy tones and natural sweetness.
Experiment with seasoning options like rosemary, thyme, or garlic for added depth. Simple cooking techniques, such as roasting at high heat, caramelize the vegetables, bringing out their rich, robust flavors for a perfect festive side.