What to Serve with Ham Balls: 12 Delicious Side Dish Ideas

Ham balls are a fun and savory way to put a spin on classic meatballs. Their mildly sweet, salty flavor makes them an ideal comfort food. While ham balls are tasty on their own, pairing them with complementary sides can take the meal to the next level.

The possibilities for side dishes that pair beautifully with ham balls are nearly endless! Here are 12 of my favorite options for rounding out a ham ball dinner with family or friends

1. Buttery Garlic Bread

Warm crispy garlic bread is a no-brainer pairing for meatballs. The rich, buttery garlic flavor contrasts perfectly with the sweetness of glazed ham. Brush slices of French bread or Italian loaf with melted butter mixed with minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Toast until golden brown.offer a satisfying crunch and soak up any sauce from the ham balls.

2. Skillet Cornbread

For a down-home side, moist cornbread studded with corn kernels is sure to be a hit. The faint sweetness and grainy texture complements ham balls splendidly. Bake cornbread in a cast iron skillet to achieve that irresistible crisp edge. Drizzle with honey butter for extra indulgence!

3. Creamy Mashed Potatoes

What better match for meatballs than creamy, buttery mashed potatoes? Russets or Yukon golds both work well. Boil and mash them with milk, butter, and seasonings for a perfect pillowy texture. For richer flavor, stir in sour cream, cheese, or roasted garlic. Potatoes are ideal for sopping up any sauce.

4. Baked Sweet Potato Fries

For a flavor and texture twist on regular fries, baked sweet potato fries make an ideal side for ham balls. Wedges of sweet potatoes roasted until caramelized and crispy balance the savoriness of the meatballs. Toss fries in olive oil and spices like garlic powder, paprika, cumin or chili powder before baking.

5. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Another tasty potato option – sliced potatoes baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce punctuated with ham. Scalloped potatoes are comfort food at its finest and pair swimmingly with the hammy flavor of meatballs. Use a mixture of half cheddar and half Gruyere or Parmesan for a complex cheese sauce.

6. Green Bean Casserole

This Thanksgiving staple has a natural affinity for ham balls. Fresh green beans and crispy fried onions in a rich mushroom-based cream sauce makes the perfect veggie accent. Make it from scratch or use a quality store-bought version like Campbell’s. Just add your own crunchy onions on top.

7. Glazed Carrots

For color and nutrition, glazed carrots are a smart choice. The subtle sweetness contrasts the ham balls while complementing the glaze. Peel and slice carrots on the diagonal. Simmer in broth with honey or maple syrup, butter, and a pinch of salt until glossy and tender. Sprinkle with toasted nuts or seeds for crunch.

8. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts caramelized in the oven offer the ideal balance of sweet and nutty flavors. Toss halved sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F until browned and tender, about 20 minutes. Toss with lemon juice and Parmesan cheese for a delicious finishing touch.

9. Parmesan Risotto

Creamy Parmesan risotto makes an elegant match for ham balls. Slowly simmer Arborio rice in broth, white wine, shallots, garlic, and herbs. Finish by stirring in softened butter, Parmesan, and seasonings. The richness pairs perfectly with juicy, savory ham balls.

10. Cheesy Polenta

For hearty texture, serve sliced grilled polenta alongside ham balls. Simmer cornmeal in broth and milk until thickened, then stir in ample shredded cheese like Asiago or Fontina. Chill, slice, drizzle with olive oil and broil or grill until crisped. The charred edges add fantastic flavor.

11. Mac and Cheese

You really can’t go wrong pairing ham balls with ooey-gooey mac and cheese. Make yours extra special by using unique pasta shapes like cavatappi or gemelli. Top with crispy panko breadcrumbs for irresistible crunch. The indulgence of mac and cheese makes a delightful match for ham balls.

12. Garlic Dinner Rolls

No need to overthink it – a basket of warm, fluffy garlic dinner rolls completes the meal splendidly. The garlic and herb flavors interplay divinely with juicy ham balls. Brush rolls with butter and sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on top for an extra pop of flavor.

Mix and Match Favorites for a Complete Meal

Part of the fun of cooking ham balls is rounding out the menu with your favorite sides. Pick and choose complementary dishes from this list to design a meal tailored to your tastes. A starch like cheesy polenta or cornbread, veggie like roasted Brussels sprouts, and fresh bread or rolls makes an ideal combo.

Ham balls offer versatility to please all palates. Keep sides simple on busy weeknights or go all-out for a special dinner party. No matter what you serve them with, ham balls are sure satisfy.