There’s nothing better than a home-cooked ham dinner with some of your favorite sides. Here’s our pick for the best way to cook a ham and the best sides to go with it. We also include crowd-pleasing bread and delicious dessert ideas!.
One of our favorite ways to spend time with our family is over a homemade ham dinner. It’s always good to plan a big meal, whether it’s for Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a normal Sunday dinner. But it can be hard to come up with new side dishes when you’re planning such a big meal.
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GOOD NEWS: Ham can be used in a lot of different ways, so your ham dinner will never be dull again! We have a lot of side dish ideas that go well with ham that will help you mix things up a bit. We’re also going to give you great ideas for breads, salads, and even sweet treats. Are you ready?
Ham is a delicious and versatile meat that can be prepared in many ways From spiral cut hams to smoked hams, it’s a staple at many holiday meals and Sunday dinners But what do you serve for dessert when ham is the main course? The good news is that the sweet, salty flavor of ham pairs well with a wide variety of desserts.
In this article, I’ll share 11 of my favorite desserts that complement baked ham perfectly. Whether you’re looking for something fruity, chocolatey, or classic, there’s a ham-friendly dessert here for you.
Sweet Desserts That Contrast with Ham’s Saltiness
Since ham tends to be salty, you’ll often want a sweet dessert to balance out the flavor. Here are some tasty sweet treats that go great with ham:
1. Carrot Cake
Carrot cake is a classic choice that pairs wonderfully with ham. The sweet cream cheese frosting contrasts the saltiness of the ham. Chopped nuts add crunch and warmth while spices like cinnamon nutmeg, and ginger add comforting flavor.
Carrot cake reminds me of Easter dinner with my family. We’d always have a big baked ham, and my mom would make this cake to finish off the meal. I love the sweetness of the cake, and the cream cheese frosting is to die for.
Pro Tip: Add a cup of pineapple juice to the batter for an extra moist cake.
2. Apple Pie
Is there anything more classic than apple pie for dessert? The sweet apples, cinnamon, and flaky pie crust are the perfect ending after a savory ham dinner. Make it into pie pockets for individual mini pies if serving a crowd.
For an extra creative twist, add a crumbly oat or pecan streusel topping to the pie. The crunch adds great texture.
3. Crème Brûlée
This elegant custard dessert has a crackly sugary crust and a smooth, creamy interior. Crème brûlée provides a rich counterpoint to the ham while keeping things on the sweeter side. Garnish with fresh berries for a pop of color and flavor.
Pro Tip: For the prettiest presentation, use shallow ramekins instead of custard cups.
4. Strawberry Shortcake
Strawberry shortcake is a summery dessert that’s easy to make for a crowd. The combination of flaky biscuits, juicy strawberries, and whipped cream is downright delicious with ham. Make the shortcake biscuits earlier in the day so they have time to cool.
Creative Twist: Substitute peaches, nectarines or blackberries for the strawberries depending on what’s in season.
Chocolatey Desserts for Contrast
Rich chocolate is another great match for salty ham. Here are some chocolate desserts that complement ham dinners brilliantly:
5. Chocolate Lava Cake
Warm, molten chocolate cake is decadent, dramatic, and the perfect ending to a ham feast. The “lava” chocolate center provides an indulgent surprise. For best results, slightly underbake the cakes so the center remains deliciously gooey.
Pro Tip: Dust with powdered sugar and serve with vanilla ice cream for extra fancy flair.
6. Chocolate Mousse
Light, airy chocolate mousse provides an elegant finish to a ham dinner. It comes together quickly with just a few ingredients like chocolate, eggs and cream. For a decorative touch, pipe the mousse into pretty glasses.
Creative Twist: Mix in a teaspoon of mint extract and garnish with crushed peppermint candies.
7. Chocolate Pot de Crème
For an upscale twist on chocolate pudding, try this French-style chocolate pot de crème. It’s made with heavy cream and egg yolks, delivering a richness that pairs perfectly with ham. Top with whipped cream just before serving.
Pro Tip: For a decorative effect, dust the tops with cocoa powder or grated chocolate.
8. Chocolate Tart
Buttery shortbread crust + silky chocolate filling = amazing dessert! Chocolate tarts look impressive but are easy enough for a weeknight. Let the tart chill for at least 3 hours before slicing to allow the filling to set.
Creative Twist: Swirl in raspberry jam or fresh raspberry puree for a delicious flavor combo.
Fruity Desserts to Lighten Things Up
Fresh fruit desserts keep things light and refreshing after a heavy ham dinner. Here are some festive fruit-filled options:
9. Baked Apples
These old-fashioned baked apples are comfort food at its best. Filled with raisins, nuts and spices, they’re soft and tender but still hold their shape. Drizzle with caramel sauce for added decadence.
Pro Tip: For variety, use different types of apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji.
10. Blueberry Cobbler
You really can’t go wrong with warm blueberry cobbler a la mode. The sweet blueberry filling and cakey biscuit topping pair perfectly with vanilla ice cream. For an extra amazing treat, sprinkle the cobbler with cinnamon streusel before baking.
Creative Twist: Swap the blueberries for other fresh berries or sliced stone fruit like peaches.
11. Fruit Crisp
Fruit crisp is hands-down one of my favorite simple desserts. You can customize the fruit filling but I love using a combo of sliced apples, pears, and berries. Topping with oats, nuts, brown sugar and spices makes it sweet and crunchy. Serve with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream.
Pro Tip: Use nuts like walnuts, pecans or almonds depending on your preference.
Putting it All Together
As you can see, there are so many phenomenal desserts that pair wonderfully with ham. Which recipes are you excited to try? Here are some serving tips:
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For parties, set up a dessert bar or buffet so guests can sample multiple options.
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Bake desserts ahead of time so there’s less work on the big day. Store in the fridge or freezer until ready to serve.
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Offer smaller dessert portions since ham dinners are often heavy. Mini cupcakes, fruit tarts and shooters are great options.
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Have whipped cream and ice cream available for adding to desserts. They make tasty toppings!
Ham dinners often feel nostalgic and celebratory. Serving a fantastic dessert completes the experience. With so many delicious choices, you’re sure to find the perfect sweet ending for your next ham meal.
OUR FAVORITE HAM DINNER SIDE DISHES
Instead of having the same old ham dinner every night, try some new sides! If you happen to run out of your favorite side dish, don’t worry—just use something you already have! Here are some of our favorite side dishes that you should try!
THE BEST WAY TO COOK A HAM
It’s really easy to cook a ham; all you have to do is season it and heat it up. Most hams are already cooked.
That said, sometimes things get in the way. You might not want to turn on your oven for that long in the middle of the summer (no one wants to waste money on their electric bill cooling the house AND heating it with the oven at the same time). ).
Or maybe you need the oven space to make all of these tasty side dishes that we’ll talk about in a moment. No matter what the reason is, don’t worry! You might never want to bake a ham again! Why?
3 Weekly Dessert Recipes | Gordon Ramsay
FAQ
What is included in a ham dinner?
What dessert goes well with ham?
But one of the best parts about ham is that it goes well with so many different flavors. From sweet to savory, there’s a dessert out there that will complement your meal perfectly. So if you’re looking for the perfect way to finish off your next ham dinner, look no further! 1. Carrot Cake Carrot cake reminds me of Easter dinner with my family.
Is honey baked ham as good as regular ham?
The addition of honey will affect the calorie content of the food. One tablespoon of honey contributes to approximately 64 calories. In addition, the use of heat when making baked ham will reduce the quality of the honey.
What to serve with ham?
What To Serve With Ham: Garlic Red Skin Mashed Potatoes (+More!) When you’re menu planning and wondering what to serve with ham for a holiday meal or family dinner, all you have to do is read on and pick your favorites! My complete list of great side dishes for ham also includes starters and dessert to help you round out your dinner! Help Us Out!
What are the best Ham side dishes?
This recipe with a crumbly brown sugar and pecan topping is our #1 favorite ham side dish! Mashed potatoes are a hearty, creamy side dish made with butter and sour cream that you can serve with gravy or customize with flavors like these cheddar cheese and chive mashed potatoes. Green bean casserole is another holiday staple in our home.