Thanksgiving ham pairs beautifully with a variety of delightful side dishes that will make your feast unforgettable. Mashed potatoes offer a creamy contrast, while green bean casserole brings a classic, crispy note. Sweet potato casserole, with its gooey marshmallow and crunchy nut topping, provides a sweet and savory blend. Cranberry relish adds a zesty twist, and roasted Brussels sprouts bring a caramelized crunch. Explore roasted root vegetables and Waldorf salad for a fresh bite, along with comforting creamed spinach and butternut squash soup. Together, these sides create a harmonious and satisfying Thanksgiving meal. Discover more pairing ideas to elevate your celebration.
Mashed Potatoes
A classic accompaniment to a Thanksgiving ham, mashed potatoes provide a creamy and comforting contrast to the savory flavors of the main dish. Their buttery consistency makes them ideal for a delightful gravy pairing.
When prepared to perfection, mashed potatoes elevate the meal, offering a rich and satisfying texture that complements the ham, making each bite more enjoyable and complete.
Green Bean Casserole
Green Bean Casserole, a beloved classic at Thanksgiving feasts, combines tender green beans with a creamy sauce and crispy fried onions to create a dish that perfectly complements the savory ham.
This staple of holiday traditions offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors, with the crunchy onions adding a satisfying finish.
It's a must-have side dish that brings warmth to your festive table.
Sweet Potato Casserole
Enhancing the Thanksgiving table with its rich and velvety texture, Sweet Potato Casserole offers a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors.
This classic dish features a comforting base of mashed sweet potatoes, topped with a crunchy nut topping and a gooey marshmallow layer.
The combination of these elements creates a harmonious balance that complements the savory notes of Thanksgiving ham beautifully.
Cranberry Relish
Bursting with a vibrant mix of tart and sweet flavors, Cranberry Relish is an indispensable addition to any Thanksgiving feast. Made from fresh cranberries, it offers a zesty flavor that perfectly complements the savory taste of ham.
This simple yet delightful side dish adds an invigorating twist to your holiday table, balancing the richness of other traditional fare with its tangy bite.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
As you savor the zesty Cranberry Relish, consider complementing the flavors with perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts, a side dish that brings a deliciously crisp and caramelized note to your Thanksgiving table.
Not only do they offer a delightful flavor pairing with ham, but they also provide impressive health benefits, being rich in vitamins and fiber.
Their nutty taste and crispy texture are simply irresistible.
Mac and Cheese
Mac and Cheese, with its creamy richness and comforting warmth, serves as an ideal companion to the savory flavors of Thanksgiving ham. Various cheese types like cheddar, Gouda, and Parmesan contribute to its depth, while different pasta shapes, from elbow macaroni to cavatappi, add texture.
This beloved dish balances the meal, creating a delightful harmony that complements the star of the table.
Cornbread Stuffing
Cornbread stuffing, with its unique blend of sweet and savory flavors, is a quintessential side dish that perfectly complements Thanksgiving ham. Its historical origins trace back to Native American cuisine, and today it boasts many recipe variations.
Whether you add sausage, cranberries, or nuts, cornbread stuffing offers a delightful contrast to the savory ham, making it a beloved part of Thanksgiving tradition.
Glazed Carrots
Glazed carrots, with their vibrant color and sweet, tender texture, are an elegant and complementary side dish to Thanksgiving ham. Utilizing various carrot varieties, from baby to rainbow, adds visual appeal.
Glazing techniques often involve a blend of brown sugar, butter, and a hint of citrus, creating a delightful balance of flavors.
This classic dish enriches the festive table with its simplicity and charm.
Garlic Parmesan Rolls
Garlic Parmesan rolls, with their golden crust and savory aroma, are a delicious and crowd-pleasing addition to any Thanksgiving meal. Their buttery texture makes them irresistibly soft and perfect for pairing with ham.
You can explore flavor variations by adding herbs like rosemary or spices for an extra kick. These rolls bring a warm, homemade touch that everyone will appreciate at the table.
Apple Cranberry Salad
Combining crisp apples with tart cranberries, the Apple Cranberry Salad adds an invigorating and lively element to your Thanksgiving feast. Select from various apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a balanced flavor.
Explore dressing options such as a tangy vinaigrette or a creamy poppy seed dressing to enhance the salad's freshness, making it a delightful complement to your ham.
Scalloped Potatoes
As you continue to curate a diverse and flavorful Thanksgiving menu, consider the rich and creamy indulgence of scalloped potatoes as a hearty side dish to accompany your ham.
Experiment with different cheese varieties, such as cheddar or Gruyère, to elevate the flavor.
Master baking techniques, like layering thinly sliced potatoes and ensuring a golden-brown crust, for a dish that is both comforting and sophisticated.
Roasted Root Vegetables
Roasted root vegetables provide a vibrant and nutritious complement to your Thanksgiving ham, adding a burst of color and flavor to the holiday table.
With their caramelized edges and rich herb seasoning, these vegetables create a delightful medley of tastes and textures.
Roasting carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes enhances their natural sweetness, making them an irresistible addition to your festive feast.
Waldorf Salad
A classic Waldorf Salad brings a revitalizing crunch and a touch of elegance to your Thanksgiving ham dinner. This delightful side dish features invigorating fruit combinations like apples, grapes, and walnuts, all tossed in a creamy dressing.
Dressing variations can include yogurt or mayonnaise, adding flexibility to suit different tastes. It's a vibrant, flavorful option that complements the savory notes of ham beautifully.
Creamed Spinach
Infused with rich flavors and a velvety texture, creamed spinach makes a delectable addition to your Thanksgiving ham spread. Originating from Europe, spinach is paired with a creamy sauce, often enhanced with a hint of nutmeg seasoning.
This side dish balances the savory ham with its smooth, comforting character, making it a beloved choice for any festive table.
Can these side dishes also be served with other types of meat besides ham?
Looking for the best side dishes for ham? Absolutely! While these sides are classic pairings with ham, they can also be served with other meats. For instance, scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole, and macaroni and cheese can be delicious accompaniments to pork, turkey, or roast beef.
Butternut Squash Soup
Complementing the creamy richness of creamed spinach, butternut squash soup brings a touch of warmth and a hint of sweetness to your Thanksgiving ham feast. Serve this delightful soup in elegant serving bowls, and elevate it with garnish options like a sprinkle of nutmeg, a swirl of cream, or roasted pumpkin seeds.
This comforting dish adds a cozy, vibrant touch to your holiday table.