Planning your Christmas feast with spiral ham? Here are 15 side dishes that will make your meal unforgettable. Start with creamy scalloped potatoes and classic green bean casserole, both offering rich textures and flavors. Add some honey-glazed carrots for a sweet contrast, and roasted Brussels sprouts for vibrant color and nutrition. Sweet potato casserole brings comfort with its creamy texture and crunchy toppings. Don't forget other essentials like deviled eggs, apple and walnut salad, and warm dinner rolls. Creamed spinach rounds off any plate perfectly. Each of these dishes complements spiral ham beautifully, creating a delightful festive spread your guests will love to discover.
Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped potatoes, with their creamy layers of thinly sliced potatoes and rich cheese sauce, are a classic and sophisticated side dish that pairs exceptionally well with spiral ham.
The choice of cheese is essential for perfect flavor pairing.
Additionally, scalloped potatoes are ideal for leftover recipes, making them a practical and delicious option for any holiday meal, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole, a beloved classic in many households, offers a delightful blend of tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy fried onions, making it a perfect complement to spiral ham.
The dish's French onions add a delightful crunch, while various casserole toppings can be adjusted to suit personal preferences, ensuring both texture and flavor.
This savory side dish enhances any festive feast.
Honey-Glazed Carrots
Honey-glazed carrots, with their delightful sweetness and vibrant color, provide a perfect contrast to the savory flavors of spiral ham. Mastering the glazing technique guarantees the carrots are tender and glossy.
Various carrot varieties, such as baby or rainbow carrots, can be used to add both taste and visual appeal. This side dish is an excellent addition to your festive meal, making it both beautiful and delicious.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts, with their crispy outer leaves and tender centers, offer a savory complement to the sweetness of honey-glazed carrots and the rich flavors of spiral ham.
These green gems not only enhance your holiday plate with vibrant color but also bring health benefits. Their subtle bitterness and delightful crunch create perfect flavor pairings, adding a nutritious and delicious touch to your Christmas feast.
Sweet Potato Casserole
A sweet potato casserole, with its creamy texture and subtle sweetness, serves as a comforting and harmonious accompaniment to spiral ham.
Featuring a delightful nut topping, it adds a pleasant crunch to each bite. Many enjoy this dish with a marshmallow layer, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures that enhance the festive meal.
This casserole is both inviting and satisfying for all.
Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce, with its vibrant color and tart flavor, provides an invigorating contrast to the rich and savory taste of spiral ham. This classic side dish can be made more exciting with cranberry variations, such as adding orange zest or cinnamon.
Homemade recipes allow you to customize the sweetness and texture, making the sauce a delightful and personalized addition to your holiday feast.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Complementing the tangy cranberry sauce, garlic mashed potatoes offer a creamy and savory side that pairs beautifully with the richness of spiral ham. Different garlic varieties can be used to achieve unique flavors, while the potato texture should be smooth and velvety.
This side dish brings together the comforting notes of garlic and the fluffy consistency of well-mashed potatoes, creating an irresistible combination.
Waldorf Salad
Waldorf Salad introduces an invigorating and crunchy element to the meal, balancing the richness of spiral ham with its crisp apples, celery, and walnuts.
Originating from the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in 1896, this classic dish has seen many ingredient variations, including grapes and yogurt.
Its revitalizing flavors and diverse textures make it a delightful addition to any Christmas dinner.
Cornbread Stuffing
Cornbread stuffing provides a savory, comforting companion to spiral ham, enhancing the meal with its rich flavors and hearty texture.
This Southern tradition offers unique variations, blending cornbread with ingredients like celery, onions, and herbs.
The result is a dish that complements the ham perfectly while adding a delightful, rustic touch to your Christmas feast, making it both memorable and satisfying.
Baked Mac and Cheese
Another beloved accompaniment to spiral ham is baked mac and cheese, offering a creamy and indulgent contrast to the savory meat. Experimenting with different cheese varieties, such as sharp cheddar or gouda, can elevate the dish's flavor profile.
Additionally, choosing unique pasta shapes like cavatappi or shells helps capture the cheesy goodness, making each bite delightful. This comforting side dish is a crowd-pleaser.
Roasted Asparagus
Roasted asparagus guarantees a fresh and flavorful contrast to spiral ham, with its tender texture and subtle char enhancing the meal's overall appeal.
Asparagus benefits include being rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
For cooking tips, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast at 400°F for 15 minutes.
This simple preparation guarantees a delightful and nutritious side dish.
Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs provide a classic and creamy complement to spiral ham, adding both flavor and visual appeal to the meal.
Unique variations like incorporating smoked paprika or adding a touch of relish can elevate the dish.
For presentation tips, arrange the eggs on a decorative platter and garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika to enhance their festive look.
Apple and Walnut Salad
An apple and walnut salad offers a guarantee and revitalizing contrast to the richness of spiral ham, creating a balanced and delightful culinary experience.
The apple pairing infuses a sweet and tart flavor, while the walnut benefits add a crunchy texture and heart-healthy nutrients.
This combination guarantees a rejuvenating side dish that complements the savory ham perfectly, making your Christmas dinner even more special.
Dinner Rolls
After the invigorating apple and walnut salad, dinner rolls serve as a classic and comforting side that pairs well with the savory flavors of spiral ham. Their buttery texture makes them irresistible, and homemade variations can add a personal touch.
Imagine warm, fluffy rolls melting in your mouth, complementing every bite of ham. These timeless rolls truly complete your festive meal.
Can the Same Side Dishes be Served with Both Spiral Ham and Ham Dinner?
When planning a meal, it’s important to choose the best side dishes for ham dinner. Classics like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and honey glazed carrots complement both spiral ham and traditional ham dinners. These versatile sides are sure to please your guests and add extra deliciousness to your meal.
Creamed Spinach
Creamed spinach provides a rich and velvety accompaniment that enhances the savory profile of spiral ham.
The creamy texture of the spinach creates a delightful contrast to the meat, making each bite more enjoyable.
A subtle nutmeg garnish adds a touch of warmth and complexity, elevating the dish.
This side is sure to impress guests and complement your festive meal beautifully.