When planning a meal with spiral sliced ham, several side dishes can make your table delightfully balanced and inviting. Scalloped potatoes, with their creamy layers and cheesy goodness, are a classic choice. Green bean casserole adds a rich, savory touch with crisp onions. For a sweet contrast, sweet potato casserole with a nutty topping and marshmallows is perfect. Roasted Brussels sprouts offer a crispy bite, especially when drizzled with balsamic reduction. Creamed spinach provides a smooth, velvety texture that pairs wonderfully with ham. Other great options include roasted asparagus, dinner rolls, coleslaw, and deviled eggs. To explore more, continue discovering the best sides.
Scalloped Potatoes
A classic accompaniment to spiral sliced ham, scalloped potatoes offer a creamy, flavorful side dish that enhances the overall meal experience.
Utilizing various cheese varieties like cheddar or Gruyère, the preparation techniques involve layering thinly sliced potatoes, cheese, and a rich cream sauce.
Baking until golden brown creates a delightful texture, making it a beloved comfort food that complements the savory ham perfectly.
Green Bean Casserole
Why not elevate your holiday meal with a classic green bean casserole, an enduring favorite that brings both texture and flavor to the table?
This dish combines tender green beans with a rich mushroom sauce, offering a delightful contrast that's further enhanced by a topping of crispy onions.
Together, these elements create a side dish that perfectly complements the savory notes of spiral sliced ham.
Sweet Potato Casserole
Complementing the green bean casserole's savory profile, the sweet potato casserole introduces a delightful balance of sweetness and warmth to your holiday spread.
Topped with a nutty topping, this dish offers a satisfying crunch. Additionally, a marshmallow layer adds a gooey, sweet contrast that enhances the creamy texture of the sweet potatoes.
It's a comforting, flavorful addition that pairs perfectly with spiral sliced ham.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts guarantee a delightful crunch and a slightly bitter note that contrasts beautifully with the richness of spiral sliced ham.
Drizzle them with a balsamic reduction for a touch of sweetness and depth.
A sprinkle of parmesan topping adds a savory element, creating a well-rounded side dish.
This combination guarantees a perfect balance of flavors on your holiday table.
Creamed Spinach
Enhancing the festive meal further, creamed spinach offers a creamy, velvety texture that pairs wonderfully with the savory notes of spiral sliced ham.
The nutmeg seasoning adds a warm, aromatic touch, elevating the dish's flavor profile.
The spinach texture, both tender and rich, complements the ham, making it an ideal side dish choice for a balanced, delightful dining experience.
Honey-Glazed Carrots
Adding a touch of natural sweetness to the meal, honey-glazed carrots bring a vibrant color and delightful flavor contrast to the rich, savory ham.
Carrot preparation is simple: peel and slice the carrots before cooking them until tender.
Glaze variations can include a mix of honey, butter, and herbs like thyme or rosemary, adding depth and complexity to this delicious side dish.
Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce, with its vibrant tartness and striking red hue, offers a perfect balance to the savory richness of spiral sliced ham. Originating from Native American cuisine, cranberries add a historical touch.
Sauce variations range from traditional recipes with sugar and citrus to modern twists with spices or wine. This delightful condiment enhances the ham's flavor profile, making it a must-have side dish.
Cornbread Stuffing
Cornbread stuffing, with its distinct texture and mildly sweet flavor, serves as a quintessential accompaniment to spiral sliced ham. Rich in southern flavors, it harmonizes beautifully with the savory meat.
Stuffing variations can include ingredients like sausage, pecans, or cranberries, adding layers of taste and texture.
This beloved side dish brings warmth and comfort to any meal, making it a family favorite.
Macaroni and Cheese
With its creamy texture and rich, cheesy flavor, macaroni and cheese is a timeless side dish that perfectly complements spiral sliced ham.
Cheese variations like cheddar, gouda, or gruyere can be used to elevate the dish.
Different pasta shapes, such as elbows, shells, or cavatappi, add a delightful twist, ensuring each bite is a comforting and delicious experience.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Garlic mashed potatoes offer a flavorful and creamy side dish that pairs exceptionally well with spiral sliced ham. By experimenting with different garlic varieties, you can achieve unique flavors.
Simple potato techniques like boiling until tender and mashing with butter and cream create a rich texture. This classic dish enhances the savory notes of ham, making it an ideal accompaniment for any meal.
Waldorf Salad
A Waldorf salad provides an invigorating and crisp contrast to the rich flavors of spiral sliced ham. Featuring a mix of apple varieties, such as tart Granny Smiths and sweet Galas, it offers a delightful crunch.
The salad dressing, typically a blend of mayonnaise and yogurt, adds a creamy texture, while walnuts and celery enhance the freshness, making it an ideal side dish.
Roasted Asparagus
Enhancing the meal with roasted asparagus introduces a tender yet slightly crisp vegetable that complements the savory nature of spiral sliced ham.
The light bitterness of asparagus, when paired with a sprinkle of lemon zest and a dusting of parmesan cheese, offers a delightful contrast.
This side dish is not only easy to prepare but also adds a touch of elegance to your holiday table.
Dinner Rolls
Dinner rolls are an essential accompaniment to spiral sliced ham, providing a soft and buttery contrast to the savory main dish.
For the perfect rolls, follow these baking tips: use warm milk for a tender crumb and brush the tops with melted butter for a golden finish.
This buttery recipe will guarantee your dinner rolls are a delightful addition to your meal.
Coleslaw
Complementing the buttery warmth of dinner rolls, coleslaw offers an invigorating crunch and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with spiral sliced ham.
With various coleslaw varieties available, from classic cabbage to broccoli slaw, and a range of coleslaw dressings, including creamy mayonnaise-based or tangy vinegar options, this versatile side dish can be tailored to suit any palate, making it an ideal accompaniment.
Are the Best Side Dishes for Christmas Dinner the Same as for a Regular Meal with Ham?
When it comes to the best side dishes for Christmas ham, they may be similar to ones served with a regular ham meal, but with a festive twist. Think roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon, creamy mashed potatoes, glazed carrots, and cranberry sauce. These will elevate your Christmas dinner to a whole new level.
Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs, with their creamy and savory filling, provide a delightful contrast to the rich flavors of spiral sliced ham. The classic preparation involves blending egg yolks with mayonnaise, mustard, and a dash of vinegar.
For garnishing tips, consider a sprinkle of paprika or fresh chives. These simple yet elegant touches enhance both the visual appeal and taste of this beloved appetizer.