A beautiful glazed ham just screams “special occasion”. Our idea of a main event, though, is all the incredibly easy side dishes that will really make the meal one to remember. These sides can round out your dinner menu and make sure that your holiday ham is paired with delicious potatoes, vegetables, homemade breads, and more. Here are 50 great recipes for side dishes that go with ham. They will surely help you make a great Sunday meal.
We love a creamy side dish to help cut the salty, slight sweetness of ham. The creamiest of all is, of course, potatoes! We love traditional mashed or scalloped potatoes, but we’ve also included some creative potato recipes, like our roasted fingerling potatoes (cornstarch is the key to their great crispness), melting potatoes, or garlic smashed potatoes. Really want to impress your dinner guests? Try a new way to serve potatoes, like our mashed potato casserole.
And yes, we have plans for your leftover ham as well. Check out our other favorite side dishes for year-round too.
Great cruciferous slaws are the best way to welcome warm weather. This tangy, crunchy broccoli slaw will make you the hit of your next spring party. It has shredded cabbage and carrots, along with raw broccoli, toasted walnuts, and sweet craisins. The maple and lemon dressing coats everything. It’s as easy as it is zesty, crisp, and delicious. Get the.
Baked ham is a beloved main dish for many special occasions from Easter dinner to Christmas feasts. Its salty smoky flavor pairs perfectly with sweet glazes and savory sauces. However, the key to a spectacular baked ham dinner lies within the side dishes. Choosing complementary sides can take your meal from basic to extraordinary.
After baking a juicy ham, you’ll want sides that highlight the flavors without overpowering them. A mix of classic Southern favorites and fresh, seasonal produce does the trick. I’ve rounded up 13 of the best side dishes to serve with baked ham. Dig in to these delicious recipes at your next celebrations.
Sweet and Savory Classics
Some traditional side dishes have earned their place at the holiday table. Baked ham brings out the sweetness and nostalgia in these comforting classics.
Milk-Simmered Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes are a no-brainer with baked ham. For extra rich and fluffy spuds, cook them in milk and butter before mashing. The milk adds a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the salty ham.
Popovers
These airy bread rolls are delightfully light yet hearty. Popovers are the ideal vessel for soaking up baked ham drippings and glazes. Their subtly sweet, eggy flavor stands up to the ham without overshadowing it.
Scalloped Potatoes
Few dishes scream comfort food more than scalloped potatoes. Thinly sliced spuds baked in a creamy cheese sauce put the “rich” in a rich holiday feast. The salty ham makes the perfect foil for this indulgent classic.
Fresh and Tangy Produce
Baked ham has a very salty, umami flavor, so fresh vegetables and fruit make excellent accompaniments. Bright, tangy produce cuts through the richness.
Minty Radishes and Snap Peas
This simple salad of sliced radishes, sugar snap peas, and fresh mint chases away any saltiness. The crisp, raw veggies also provide great textural contrast to sliced ham.
Butter-Roasted Carrots with Za’atar and Pomegranate Molasses
Roasting concentrates the natural sweetness of carrots. Za’atar’s herby flavor and tart pomegranate molasses balance out the sugar. This vegetable side’s blend of flavors keeps ham tasting nuanced.
Roasted Broccoli with Lemon and Parmesan
Broccoli turns crisp-tender and caramelized under high oven heat. A squeeze of lemon brightens up the vegetable’s subtle bitterness. Savory Parmesan cheese enhances broccoli’s affinity for baked ham.
Balsamic Green Beans with Pearl Onions
Blanched green beans retain their crunchiness. Balsamic glaze lends a tangy sweetness to balance salty ham. Caramelized pearl onions add bites of rich, jammy flavor. This vegetable trio covers all the flavor bases.
Saucy and Indulgent Dishes
Some special occasion foods deserve their decadence, like these rich sides. Hearty ham stands up well against their intense flavors and textures.
Oeufs Mayonnaise
This French composed salad features hard-boiled eggs covered in a creamy, eggy mayonnaise sauce. The cool, thick sauce provides an indulgent contrast to hot baked ham slices.
Pasta with Creamy Cauliflower and Cheese Sauce
Cauliflower gets blended into a smooth, cheesy Alfredo-like pasta sauce. The vegetable’s subtle flavor lets the cheese shine. It’s comfort food at its finest alongside your holiday ham.
French Carrot Salad
Shredded carrots marinate in a dressing of mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. This quick “salad” is rich yet bright, balancing a glazed ham’s sweet and savory notes.
Roasted Potatoes with Gouda and Thyme
Crispy roasted potatoes team up with melty Gouda cheese and aromatic thyme. This recipe layers on the savory flavors, mirroring baked ham’s umami profile.
Elevate Your Baked Ham Dinner
A well-rounded meal starts with delicious main and side dishes. Baked ham shines best when it has the right supporting flavors and textures. Try out some of these stellar sides at your next ham dinner for a meal that’s sure to become a new tradition.
Homemade Mac & Cheese
Our best mac and cheese ever at Delish is great for any event, from holiday spreads to family dinners during the week. We think the best macaroni and cheese recipe should have three things: a golden, crunchy topping, extra creamy macaroni and cheese, and lots of cheese. Get the Homemade Mac & Cheese recipe. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below.
Pimiento Cheese Corn Muffins
The flavor squad is here to provide standard corn muffins with a mega boost. The result is pimiento cheese corn muffins, which take their cues from the classic Southern cheese dip. When you mix shredded cheddar, diced pimiento peppers, garlic powder, and a lot of cayenne, you get a tasty treat.
Get the Pimiento Cheese Corn Muffins recipe.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Easy Ham Recipe – How to Bake a Ham
FAQ
How should you serve ham?
Do you serve baked ham hot or cold?
What side dishes go with baked ham?
When it comes to popular side dishes, there are several options that complement the flavors and textures of baked ham. Here are five alternatives that you can consider: Scalloped Potatoes: Creamy and cheesy, scalloped potatoes provide a comforting and rich side dish that pairs well with the savory ham.
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 eat with a Ham in the oven?
Whip up this creamy, cheesy corn dish easily as you heat your ham in the oven. Take a break from the casseroles by making this simple, savory parmesan roasted green bean recipe to serve on the side. Cheesy, creamy potatoes au gratin or scalloped potatoes are comfort food at its best.
What goes well with a ham?
See what our picks are for delicious side dishes that goes well with your juicy ham. You can also glaze your ham with brown sugar and orange slices or pineapple slices. Just slather on the brown sugar before baking the ham. Don’t forget some regular or mini dinner rolls, cheese and pickles as a side dish.