fbpx

What to Serve With Slow Cooked Ham: 15 Best Side Dishes

Pairing your slow-cooked ham with the right sides can make your meal extraordinary. Creamy mashed potatoes and scalloped potatoes bring comforting flavors, while green bean casserole adds a crunchy texture. Roasted Brussels sprouts offer a nutty, caramelized taste, and honey glazed carrots provide both sweetness and color. Apple walnut salad and pineapple coleslaw bring invigorating, fruity notes, and roasted butternut squash is hearty and flavorful. For a classic touch, include deviled eggs. Each of these sides enhances the richness of ham, creating a delightful dining experience. Discover more ways to complement your slow-cooked ham and make your meal memorable.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

perfect holiday side dish

Creamy mashed potatoes are the quintessential accompaniment to slow-cooked ham, providing a smooth and rich contrast to the savory meat.

Various potato varieties, such as Russet or Yukon Gold, can be used for different textures.

Gravy options, from classic brown to herb-infused, enhance the dish's flavor, making it a versatile and comforting addition to any meal.

Green Bean Casserole

thanksgiving classic side dish

Complementing the creamy mashed potatoes, a classic green bean casserole brings both texture and earthy flavors to the table, harmonizing beautifully with the savory notes of slow-cooked ham.

For cooking tips, consider using fresh green beans for added crunch. Flavor variations can include adding mushrooms or crispy onions for extra depth.

This dish is a comforting and delightful addition to any meal.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

delicious holiday side dish

Roasted Brussels sprouts, with their caramelized edges and tender centers, offer a rich and slightly nutty flavor that pairs excellently with slow-cooked ham.

Packed with health benefits, these sprouts are high in vitamins and fiber.

For perfect results, toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting at 400°F until golden brown.

This simple cooking tip guarantees a delightful, healthy side dish.

Honey Glazed Carrots

sweet and savory side

Honey glazed carrots offer a sweet and savory balance that enhances the flavors of slow-cooked ham. Incorporating different carrot varieties guarantees a colorful presentation.

Simple glazing techniques with honey create a caramelized coating, adding depth and richness to the dish.

This side dish not only presents visually but also enriches the overall dining experience with its delightful taste and texture.

Scalloped Potatoes

delicious scalloped potato recipe

Scalloped potatoes, with their creamy layers and rich flavors, provide an indulgent accompaniment to slow-cooked ham. The dish's success often hinges on cheese choices, such as cheddar or Gruyère, which melt beautifully.

Various cooking techniques, like baking or slow-cooking, enhance the potatoes' texture and depth. This classic side dish balances the savory notes of ham, making it a perfect pairing.

Garlic Butter Asparagus

delicious roasted vegetable side

Garlic butter asparagus offers a vibrant and flavorful side dish that complements the savory richness of slow-cooked ham. Fresh asparagus spears, sautéed in garlic-infused butter, provide a deliciously crisp texture.

A touch of lemon zest adds brightness, while a light parmesan sprinkle enhances the overall taste. This elegant yet simple dish balances the meal perfectly, making it a delightful addition to your table.

Sweet Potato Casserole

delicious holiday side dish

A sweet potato casserole, with its creamy texture and subtle sweetness, serves as an excellent accompaniment to the savory flavors of slow-cooked ham.

This dish not only enhances the meal's flavor profile but also offers health benefits, being rich in vitamins and fiber.

The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes balances the savory ham, creating a harmonious and delicious dining experience.

Cornbread Dressing

southern thanksgiving staple dish

Cornbread dressing, with its rich, savory flavors and satisfying texture, guarantees the perfect complement to the tender and juicy slow-cooked ham.

Regional variations bring unique twists, from adding sausage to incorporating seafood. Ingredient substitutions, like using gluten-free cornbread or vegetable broth, make it versatile for different dietary needs.

This delicious side dish promises a hearty, wholesome addition to your meal.

Cheesy Broccoli Casserole

delicious comfort food favorite

Bursting with creamy, melty cheese and tender broccoli, Cheesy Broccoli Casserole offers a delectable and nutritious side dish that pairs perfectly with slow-cooked ham.

This versatile dish can be tailored with various recipe variations to suit your taste.

Loaded with vitamins and minerals, its nutrition facts make it a healthy option that adds both flavor and nourishment to your meal.

Cranberry Sauce

thanksgiving dinner essential item

Complementing the rich flavors of Cheesy Broccoli Casserole, Cranberry Sauce brings a tangy and sweet contrast that enhances the overall meal experience with slow-cooked ham.

This dish, rooted in holiday traditions, offers tart variations that balance the savory elements on your plate. Its vibrant color and bright flavor make it a delightful addition, turning any meal into a festive occasion.

Baked Mac and Cheese

comfort food at home

Baked Mac and Cheese, with its creamy texture and rich flavors, serves as a comforting and indulgent side dish that pairs perfectly with slow-cooked ham.

The pasta variations allow for creative twists, while the crispy topping adds a delightful crunch.

This classic dish not only complements the savory ham but also brings a sense of warmth and satisfaction to the meal.

Apple Walnut Salad

healthy autumn inspired salad recipe

An Apple Walnut Salad, often celebrated for its crisp texture and invigorating flavors, serves as a vibrant and nutritious complement to slow-cooked ham.

This delightful side dish blends the sweetness of apples with the crunch of walnuts, creating a perfect flavor combination.

Its nutritional benefits, including vitamins and healthy fats, make it a wholesome choice that enhances your dining experience.

Roasted Butternut Squash

delicious fall side dish

Roasted butternut squash, with its naturally sweet and nutty flavor, pairs exquisitely with slow-cooked ham, adding a hearty and nutritious element to the meal.

The nutrition benefits include vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants.

Being a seasonal vegetable, it is often available in the fall and winter, making it a perfect side dish for a comforting, home-cooked meal.

Deviled Eggs

egg cellent picnic party dish

Deviled eggs, with their creamy texture and tangy flavor, offer a delightful contrast to the savory richness of slow-cooked ham. This classic recipe is simple yet satisfying, making it a crowd-pleaser.

For serving suggestions, consider garnishing with paprika or chives for added flair.

These delicious bites can be prepared ahead of time, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable dining experience.

Can the same side dishes be served with slow cooked ham as with regular ham?

When it comes to serving side dishes for ham, the options are versatile. For both slow-cooked ham and regular ham, some of the best side dishes for ham include mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted vegetables, and a fresh salad. These sides perfectly complement the rich and savory flavors of the ham.

Pineapple Coleslaw

sweet and tangy slaw

Complementing the tangy notes of deviled eggs, pineapple coleslaw brings an invigorating, sweet crunch that pairs perfectly with the savory richness of slow-cooked ham.

This side dish offers a revitalizing crunch, enhanced by a tropical twist from the juicy pineapple.

It's a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making it an exceptional choice to elevate your ham dinner to a whole new level.