Enhance your Christmas feast with a delightful array of side dishes that perfectly complement a honey baked ham. Start with creamy mashed potatoes and a classic green bean casserole for comfort. Add sophistication with roasted Brussels sprouts, drizzled in balsamic glaze. Sweet potato casserole offers a sweet and creamy contrast. A tart cranberry sauce balances the ham's sweetness. Round out the meal with tasty deviled eggs, warm dinner rolls, and a rich broccoli cheese casserole. Roasted butternut squash, with its warm flavors, completes the festive spread. To discover more delicious pairings that elevate your holiday table, continue exploring.
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes serve as a classic and comforting side dish that perfectly complements the sweet and savory flavors of honey baked ham. Their creamy texture provides a delightful contrast, making each bite a satisfying experience.
When paired with rich, savory gravy, mashed potatoes elevate the meal, ensuring every mouthful is flavorful and balanced.
This traditional combination is a must-have at any holiday table.
Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole stands out as a quintessential side dish that pairs exceptionally well with the rich, sweet flavors of honey baked ham. Traditional recipes often feature green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions.
However, cooking variations abound, allowing for creativity with ingredients like fresh mushrooms or a splash of soy sauce. This versatile dish adds both texture and comfort to your festive meal.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts offer a delightful balance of crispy texture and nutty flavor, making them an excellent accompaniment to honey baked ham.
Drizzle them with a balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness and tang.
Finish with a parmesan crust to add a savory, cheesy layer.
This combination creates a side dish that is both sophisticated and crowd-pleasing, perfect for any holiday feast.
Sweet Potato Casserole
To complement the savory notes of roasted Brussels sprouts, a sweet potato casserole provides a harmonious blend of sweetness and creamy texture alongside honey baked ham. This dish offers health benefits, such as vitamins and fiber, making it a nutritious choice.
Recipe variations include toppings like marshmallows or pecans, catering to different tastes and adding delightful contrasts to your Christmas meal.
Cranberry Sauce
A classic accompaniment to honey baked ham, cranberry sauce adds a burst of tartness and vibrant color to the plate.
Cranberry variations, such as those with orange zest or cinnamon, provide delightful twists on the traditional recipe.
These sauce pairings complement the sweetness of the ham, creating a balanced and festive flavor profile that enhances the overall dining experience.
Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese, with its creamy texture and rich flavor, serves as a comforting and indulgent side dish for honey baked ham.
The blend of various cheese varieties like cheddar, gouda, and parmesan adds depth, while different pasta types such as elbow macaroni or shells guarantee a delightful bite.
This combination creates a harmonious pairing that enhances the holiday dining experience.
Scalloped Potatoes
While macaroni and cheese brings a creamy richness to the table, scalloped potatoes provide a complementary layer of cheesy, tender goodness to the honey baked ham feast.
Using various cheese varieties like Gruyère or cheddar enhances the flavor. Different cooking techniques, such as slow-baking, guarantee the potatoes are perfectly tender and infused with cheesy delight.
This dish is a warm, welcoming addition to your holiday spread.
Glazed Carrots
Glazed carrots offer a delightful balance of sweetness and texture, making them an ideal accompaniment to honey baked ham.
Using different carrot varieties, such as baby carrots or rainbow carrots, adds visual appeal.
Simple cooking techniques like simmering in a mixture of butter, brown sugar, and a hint of orange zest enhance their natural flavor.
This side dish brings a festive touch to any Christmas meal.
Cornbread Stuffing
Cornbread stuffing is frequently enjoyed during festive gatherings, providing a hearty and flavorful complement to honey baked ham.
Regional variations bring unique ingredients to this dish. In the South, spicy sausage is often added, while in the Northeast, cranberries are a popular addition.
The crumbly texture and savory-sweet blend of cornbread stuffing harmonize perfectly with the richness of ham, making it a beloved addition to any holiday table.
Garlic Butter Asparagus
Garlic butter asparagus adds a touch of elegance and a burst of fresh, savory flavor to any honey baked ham meal.
This delightful side dish features tender asparagus spears sautéed in rich garlic butter, complemented by a sprinkling of lemon zest for brightness.
A generous parmesan topping provides a deliciously salty, cheesy finish that perfectly balances the dish, making it a festive favorite.
Waldorf Salad
Complementing the robust flavors of garlic butter asparagus, Waldorf salad offers an invigorating and crisp counterpoint with its combination of apples, celery, and walnuts dressed in a light mayonnaise-based dressing.
Different apple varieties, like Granny Smith or Gala, add unique flavors, while dressing options can range from classic mayo to a lighter yogurt blend, making this salad both versatile and rejuvenating for your holiday table.
Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs, with their creamy filling and subtle tang, are a classic and crowd-pleasing side dish that pairs exceptionally well with honey baked ham.
Classic recipes often include mustard, mayonnaise, and paprika, making them both simple and delicious.
For serving tips, arrange them on a platter with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, ensuring they stay cool until ready to serve.
Dinner Rolls
In addition to deviled eggs, dinner rolls are another staple that beautifully complements the flavors of honey baked ham. Their buttery texture pairs perfectly with the savory sweetness of the ham. Opt for homemade recipes to add a personal touch to your holiday meal.
Freshly baked rolls, warm and soft, can elevate your Christmas dinner, making it even more memorable.
Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Often regarded as a comforting classic, broccoli cheese casserole offers a deliciously rich and creamy side dish that pairs excellently with honey baked ham.
By incorporating different cheese varieties like cheddar and mozzarella, this casserole achieves a depth of flavor.
Topped with crunchy casserole toppings like breadcrumbs or crushed crackers, it provides a delightful contrast in texture that elevates the overall dining experience.
Can the Same Side Dishes be Served with Honey Baked Ham and Regular Ham on Christmas?
Yes, the best side dishes for ham can be served with both honey baked ham and regular ham on Christmas. Classic choices include scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole, and glazed carrots. Choose dishes that complement the savory and slightly sweet flavors of the ham.
Roasted Butternut Squash
Roasted butternut squash serves as a nutritious and flavorful side dish that complements the sweetness of honey baked ham.
The rich autumn flavors, enhanced with a touch of nutmeg seasoning, bring warmth to your Christmas meal.
The sweet, earthy taste of the squash pairs beautifully with the ham, creating a harmonious blend that delights the palate and adds a festive touch to your holiday table.