In its simplest form, it’s just two slices of bread, some spread (usually margarine, butter, or mayo), and ham.
Many people also add cheese, other sauces, or vegetables like lettuce, onions, tomato, or pickles to their creations!
One great thing about sandwiches is that you can make them as easy or hard as you want.
And the sides really make the meal, no matter how you like your sandwiches. I’ve put together a list of all my favorite things to serve with ham sandwiches, such as:
If you want to serve something with a ham sandwich, potato chips are the first thing that comes to mind.
Simple ridged chips are my favorite, but sour cream and chives, BBQ, and baked are also great options.
If you want to serve your chips a bit fancier, try making this homemade chip dip!
It tastes so much better than store-bought, and you only need three things to make it: cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch dressing mix.
For a change of pace or a healthier option, you can serve this recipe with baby carrots, celery, and other vegetables that are easy to dip.
To really feel like you’re at a deli, you could make your own dill pickles to go with your ham sandwiches!
If you’ve never made your own pickles before, this recipe is a great way to get started.
The brine is easy to make: just water, vinegar, salt, and sugar. The flavor comes from the horseradish, dill, garlic, peppercorns, and bay leaves.
This recipe makes pickles in any shape you want. If I’m putting them in a sandwich, I like coin-shaped slices, which are also called hamburger pickles. If I’m serving them on the side, I like spears.
Make sure to brine them for at least a day. For bigger pickles, I like to go a little longer. The longer you brine them, the softer and more flavorful they turn out!.
That’s right, hummus goes great with ham sandwiches because it can be used as both a spread and an appetizer dip.
Cut up vegetables (I like cucumber, carrot, and bell pepper), pita bread, or chips make it easy to snack on. You can serve it before or after your sandwiches.
This recipe is easy and only takes five minutes to make. To make it extra creamy, you will need a food processor, though.
If you want to treat yourself, try making these truffle fries! They are made by hand from russet potatoes and have a delicate and deliciously rich flavor from the parmesan, sea salt, and truffle oil.
When I make a big sandwich with French bread or fresh ciabatta, seedy mustard, deli cut ham, aioli, and one of the cheeses on this list, I always make fries instead of potato chips.
I believe it makes the meal complete! Of course, you can serve these fries with ham, margarine, and Wonder Bread as well, and it will still be (almost) as great.
You can always serve chips and guacamole as an appetizer. They taste great and are sure to be a hit.
With jalapeños, red onions, garlic, cilantro, tomato, and, of course, avocados, this guacamole recipe is a great take on the original.
Make sure to add the tomatoes last and stir gently to keep their texture and bright color.
If you can’t tell by feeling if an avocado is ready, you can use your thumb to pop off the top stem.
If the color is deep green, you’re good to go. If it’s still white or yellow, wait a few more days.
Finally, if the fruit has gone brown, you might be out of luck. However, it doesn’t hurt to still cut it open and take a look; avocados are notoriously finicky.
When you’re wondering what to eat with a ham sandwich, these spicy sweet potato fries are the perfect sweet, crunchy, and healthy side dish!
I don’t think sweet potato fries should be used instead of regular fries. They are healthier, but they are still a different side dish that tastes just as good.
I think that sweet potato fries go best with heartier sandwiches because their slightly caramelized flavor goes well with a meaty sandwich.
If you want a tasty snack that is also high in protein and vegetables, sweet corn fritters are a great choice.
To make these fritters, you only need corn, flour, eggs, and a little baking powder. For extra flavor, add scallions or green onions and cilantro.
If you really want a kick, you can add some chopped chili or chili powder to the mix.
This recipe is so easy, and you can use canned or frozen corn to make it even faster.
Serve them with a simple dipping sauce as an appetizer (I usually just use ketchup), as a vegetarian sandwich filling, or on top of ham sandwiches.
Another great thing about them is that they can be frozen for up to two months or kept in the fridge for up to three days. Try them with a fried or poached egg on top for an amazing breakfast!.
Even though I love chopped salad, I could never get it to taste as good as when I ate out. That is, until I found this recipe!
It’s a copycat of Portillo’s iconic salad, and it is honestly just as good (if not better).
The key is to use ditalini pasta instead of macaroni because it makes the bites more balanced and the pasta soaks up all the dressing’s flavor.
This recipe is bright, colorful, zesty, and creamy. I enjoy slathering it into my sandwiches, but it’s great on the side too.
If you want to make things a little fancier, coleslaw is the best salad for adding extras to. Dried cranberries, apples, and nuts are all great choices.
This mac and cheese salad is so creamy, fresh, and tasty! It has sweet pickles, red onion, bell peppers, and is a tangy masterpiece that you can’t go wrong with.
This salad tastes even better the next day, when it has had more time to blend together. It’s a great dish to bring to potlucks or make ahead of time to save time when you’re having people over.
If you’ve got extra ham from your sandwiches, dice it up and mix it in if you like!
You might not expect it, but this simple egg salad goes amazingly on the sandwiches themselves!
I like it with the ham, but it’s also good on its own as another sandwich flavor option.
Take hard-boiled eggs and cut them up. Then, mix them slowly with mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, celery, onions, chives, and celery.
Add salt, pepper, and paprika to taste. This salad is one of my favorites; it smells great, is creamy, and tastes great.
You could put it in your ham sandwich if you wanted to, but I like to serve it on the side!
This Southern delicacy is perfect for barbecues, parties, and any meal that you want to taste like home.
You don’t need to peel your potatoes before baking them; the skins come off much easier afterward. You can also leave them on for extra nutrition and texture.
If you want a summer salad that is bright, sweet, and perfect, try using fruit instead of vegetables!
The lunch of fruit salad and ham sandwiches is bright and fun for kids (and adults with good taste, of course).
Make shapes with the fruit if you have time and want to make it look even better. Be careful with the knife or cookie cutters!
Ham barbecue sandwiches are a crowd-pleasing main dish that everyone loves. However, the right side dishes can take this classic sandwich to the next level That’s why I’ve gathered 15 sensational options for what to serve with ham barbecue sandwiches.
From creamy salads and slaws to hearty casseroles and chips, these pairings complement the smoky, sweet ham and add variety to the meal. Read on for savory, satisfying ideas your family and friends will devour!
1. Classic Potato Salad
Potato salad is a staple pairing for any barbecue meal. This classic version combines diced potatoes, hard boiled eggs, celery, sweet pickle relish, and a creamy mayo-based dressing.
The cool, creamy potato salad balances the warmth of the ham barbecue sandwich beautifully. Diced pickle adds welcome crunch and tang It’s a familiar crowd-pleaser everyone expects with ham or any smoked meat
2. Deli-Style Macaroni Salad
For another creamy, comfort food option try macaroni salad. Tender macaroni noodles shredded carrot, diced bell pepper, and sweet pickle relish are coated in a creamy mayo-mustard dressing.
The soft pasta and crunch from the veggies pair nicely with the flavors of ham barbecue. The mustard in the dressing also complements the tangy barbecue sauce glazing the ham. It’s a tasty, hearty side.
3. Sweet & Tangy Coleslaw
Cool, crisp coleslaw is a refreshing counterpart to any grilled meat. Using a mix of shredded green and purple cabbage plus shredded carrots gives visual appeal. The dressing combines a sweet pop from pineapple juice with the tang of cider vinegar and heat from red pepper flakes.
The light crunch and vibrant flavors cut through the richness of the ham sandwich perfectly. The subtle kick of spice is a nice accent as well.
4. Old-Fashioned Baked Beans
What’s a barbecue meal without baked beans? These sweet, smoky beans simmered with onion, mustard, and brown sugar are an essential side for ham sandwiches.
The tender beans and sticky-sweet sauce pair perfectly with savory smoked ham. Bacon pieces add even more smokiness. Baked beans offer comfort food nostalgia alongside the sandwiches.
5. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
For an indulgent potato dish, creamy scalloped potatoes fit the bill. Thinly sliced potatoes are layered with cream sauce and two types of cheese – sharp cheddar and melty American.
The tender slices of potato contrast nicely with the ham barbecue’s texture. Ooey, cheesy decadence pairs beautifully with a smoky, sweet sandwich for a satisfying meal.
6. Southern-Style Collard Greens
Slow-cooked collard greens flavored with smoky ham hocks or bacon are a soul food staple. Their earthy, bitter flavor mellows into something rich and addictive when simmered low and slow.
The deeply flavored greens balance both the sweet smokiness and richness of the ham sandwich. Tangy hot sauce or vinegar cuts through the rich flavors even more.
7. Cornbread Muffins
Warm, fluffy cornbread muffins straight from the oven make an ideal side for ham barbecue sandwiches. They soak up any delicious juices and sauce drips perfectly.
Cornmeal gives the muffins pleasant grit and sweetness to contrast the sandwiches. For even more flavor, try mixing in chopped green onions, corn kernels or jalapeños. Serve them with honey butter for added decadence!
8. Crispy Oven Fries
Sometimes you just need something hot and crispy alongside your sandwich. These oven-baked fries are sliced thinly so they get ultra-crispy and brown beautifully.
The thin fries offer a great textural contrast and potato flavor alongside smoked ham. Spice them up with cajun seasoning or dip them in spicy mayo or ketchup.
9. Sweet & Spicy Pickles
Quick refrigerator pickles are delicious for ham barbecue sandwiches – or any smoked meat. Thinly sliced cucumbers pickled in a sweet, hot mixture of vinegar, sugar, and spices offer addictive crunch and tang.
The spicy, sour pickles stand up boldly to the rich ham and smoky sauce. As a bonus, they come together in just 20 minutes using raw cucumbers.
10. Tomato, Cucumber & Onion Salad
For a light, fresh pairing, try this simple veggie salad. Diced tomatoes, cucumbers and red onion are tossed in a lemony vinaigrette that allows their flavors to shine.
The cool salad provides nice contrast in color, texture, temperature and flavor against warm, meaty sandwiches. It cleanses the palate between bites of rich ham and sweet barbecue sauce.
11. Corn and Zucchini Sauté
If you want warm veggie vibes, a quick corn and zucchini sauté brings it. The natural sugars in the corn caramelize in the pan, developing insanely delicious flavor. Zucchini adds summery freshness.
The sweet corn is reminiscent of barbecue sauce’s flavor. And the veggies provide something fresh and light to accompany big sandwiches. Bacon, garlic or herbs take it up a notch!
12. Chili Lime Corn on the Cob
Grilled corn on the cob slathered with a zesty chili-lime butter is pure sunshine on a plate. The char from grilling brings out the corn’s inherently sweet flavor. Chili powder, lime juice and cilantro add spice and brightness.
The sweet juiciness of grilled corn complements ham’s salty savoriness. The lime chili butter also mirrors tangy barbecue sauce. This is easy summer eating at its best.
13. Cheesy Garlic Biscuits
Flaky, savory biscuits fresh from the oven make any meal feel like home. These come together easily with self-rising flour, buttermilk, butter, and finely shredded cheese. Minced roasted garlic adds bonus flavor.
The warm, fluffy biscuits pair perfectly with your ham sandwiches to soak up any delicious drips. The cheesy garlic flavor complements the meaty, smoky ham and sauce.
14. Fried Green Tomatoes
For something Southern-inspired, whip up fried green tomatoes. Unripe tomatoes are coated in seasoned cornmeal then fried until gorgeously bronzed and crisp. Topped with ranch dressing, they’re irresistible.
Tart green tomatoes cut through the richness of ham barbecue sandwiches fantastically. The crispy cornmeal coating contrasts with the sandwich’s soft textures with delightful crunch.
15. Bacon & Blue Cheese Potato Chips
Why choose between BBQ potato chips or flavored chips when you can make your own? These irresistible chips get rubbed with smoked paprika, cayenne, brown sugar and sea salt.
Smoky, spicy, and sweet chips make a dangerously addictive accompaniment for your ham sandwiches. The flavors complement the barbecue sauce glazing the ham perfectly.
Fire Up the Grill!
With your ham barbecue sandwiches and ideal sides selected, it’s time to fire up the grill! Complementing this classic sandwich with tasty accoutrements makes for an easy, crowd-pleasing backyard barbecue meal.
From potato salad to corn on the cob and everything in between, these 15 sensational sides pair beautifully with ham sandwiches. With a spread like this, your guests will be begging for the recipe.
So pick your favorites, prep a few tasty accoutrements, and get ready to wow everyone at your next gathering with these amazing dishes alongside ham barbecue sandwiches!
Proteins & Hearty Sides
These deviled eggs are the height of decadence. If you want to really impress your guests, serve them with your sandwiches.
They have flavors of both white and black truffles for the best umami smell, and if you really want to impress your guests, you can even put caviar on top!
Aside from being beautiful to look at, they’re also very simple to make—the whole process only takes ten minutes. You may have just discovered your secret weapon!.
It might be my all-time favorite way to cook potatoes. It takes a little longer, but the results are so worth it!
You get soft, creamy, and cheesy layers of sliced potatoes that complement a simple ham sandwich perfectly!
Adding an extra layer of shredded cheese on top will make the outside great and crunchy.
What kind of cheese goes best with ham sandwiches? Cheddar, Swiss, or Provolone are all great choices. Read more about cheese below.
Fried ham and baked beans are the most authentically cowboy-style hearty and tasty food you can eat.
With ground turkey (or beef), onions, peppers, garlic, and a lot of seasonings and sauces, these Southern-style beans are the real deal. They taste smoky and delicious.
They’re great on the side, but I also like to toast a ham and cheese sandwich and dip it in the beans to soak up all the extra juices!
There’s nothing bad about Kraft mac and cheese; I always have a box or two in my pantry for when I’m hungry or feeling lazy. This creamy mac and cheese recipe is simple and brings back memories of my childhood.
You don’t have to bake this mac and cheese or look in a lot of stores to find the right Gruyere. To make the sauce, all you need is milk, flour, butter, Velveeta cheese, salt, and pepper.
This simple recipe is great for kids who are picky eaters, but it tastes great enough for everyone!
I love how this tomato soup tastes like pizza in a bowl! It’s tangy and hearty, and ham sandwiches go great with it!
I love putting some (okay, a lot) of parmesan or mozzarella on top of the soup to make a layer of melty cheese that comes up with every bite of the sandwich!
Bonus points if you put cheese in the sandwich as well.
So, what soup goes with ham sandwiches? This baked potato soup does not mess around!
This soup has a pound of bacon in it and another half a pound on top. If you want a light vegetable soup, this might not be the one for you.
That’s alongside cheddar cheese, green onion, and sour cream to truly mutilate a loaded baked potato!
It’s rich and maybe not the healthiest soup ever, but it’s still a treat, and the ham sandwiches on the side make it even better.
People on the East Coast really love their clam chowder, and this recipe is a mix of family recipes and restaurant-quality tips!
It has soft clams (canned clams will do if you don’t have fresh), smoky bacon, and just the right amount of spices and flavors.
After just one spoonful of this hearty and soulful seafood soup, you’ll feel like you’re back on the beautiful beaches of New England.
Swiss cheese is the best cheese for ham sandwiches (sorry!).
I love putting Swiss cheese on ham sandwiches because it goes so well with the ham. It has a nice sweet and nutty flavor.
While it’s just as delicious cold, swiss cheese also melts well if you are toasting your sandwich. Swiss is my staple for simple, grocery-store bread sandwiches whipped up as an effortless afternoon snack!.
Ham BBQ
What side dishes go with a ham sandwich?
In this article, I list 45 of the most popular side dishes for ham sandwiches. In a rush? Here’s the short answer. The best dishes to serve with ham sandwiches are split pea soup, herb and mustard potato salad, kale chips, and Granny smith apple slaw.
What to eat with a ham sandwich?
Speaking of rich and hearty, here’s another option for you: clam chowder! It’s the perfect ham side dish for colder weather. With its scrumptious ingredients: potatoes, clams, bacon, milk, and butter, this chowder is comfort food at its finest. And if you pair it with a ham sandwich, you’ll get a beautiful harmony of flavors and textures. 4.
What can I serve with a baked ham?
Dauphinoise potatoes, a classic French dish, pair perfectly with baked ham. They are creamy, cheesy, and crowd pleasing. Melted Parmesan takes roasted potatoes to a whole new level. Garlic confit enhances the flavor of buttery mashed potatoes.
What do you put in a ham sandwich?
The most pared-down version involves two slices of bread, some spread ( margarine, butter, or mayo are common ), and of course, ham. Many people also add cheese, other sauces, or vegetables like lettuce, onions, tomato, or pickles to their creations! One of the best things about sandwiches is that you can go as simple or as complex as you like.