One of the best finger foods to serve at any event, big or small, is a ham and cheese sandwich. But what goes with this comforting sandwich? Here are 11 tasty ideas.
Ham and cheese sandwiches hold a dear place in my heart. They are a long-standing favorite of mine, in their savory and cheesy-delicious glory. They’re great as an appetizer, as the main course for a quick weeknight dinner, as a recipe for game day, or as a holiday meal.
Keep reading for lots of tasty suggestions on what to eat with ham and cheese sandwiches to make a full meal!
A piece of meat with a bone-in gives maximum flavor when cooking. The bone helps to cook slower and cook more evenly because the bone conducts heat.
Most hams in the U. S. are cured and fully cooked when sold. But hams that are served with glaze can take up to a few hours to heat up and be ready to eat.
For a bone-in ham, you should plan on about half a pound per person, and for a boneless ham, you should plan on a third of a pound per person. Some will eat more, some less, but because leftovers can be used to make so many tasty meals, it evens out.
Yes, any meat can be cooked from frozen. If you do this, you should allow about 50% more cooking time.
Ham salad sandwiches are a classic lunchtime favorite. Fluffy bread layered with creamy, tangy ham salad makes for a simple yet delicious sandwich. However, the right side dishes can take your ham salad sandwich to the next level.
Complementary sides add extra flavors, textures and nutrition to create a satisfying meal. Here are 15 sensational sides to serve with ham salad sandwiches:
1. Potato Salad
Potato salad is a perfect match for ham salad sandwiches. Cubed potatoes tossed in a creamy mustard dressing offer a starchy, tangy crunch that pairs wonderfully. For variety, use fingerling or sweet potatoes. Adding hard boiled eggs, pickles or scallions jazzes it up. Chill the salad for maximum flavor.
2. Pasta Salad
Chilled pasta salad provides a tasty crunch to contrast the soft bread and ham salad. Fusilli, rotini or bowtie pasta holds up well. Toss with diced bell pepper, shredded carrot, cherry tomatoes, olives, fresh herbs and a zesty vinaigrette. The options are endless for customizable flavor.
3. Leafy Green Salad
For a lighter crunch build a fresh green salad. Spinach kale, arugula and Romaine supply an array of textures and flavors. Top with shredded beets, cucumber, radish, avocado and a light dressing like lemon vinaigrette. It adds brightness to the savory sandwich.
4. Celery Sticks
Simple celery sticks make a refreshing accompaniment to ham salad sandwiches. Their concentrated crunch and subtle flavor cleanse the palate between sandwiches Serve celery with ranch or peanut butter dip for extra flavor It’s a healthy way to add crispy freshness.
5. Coleslaw
Tangy coleslaw perfectly complements the savory ham components. Using shredded green and red cabbage tossed in a creamy dressing supplies vitamin C and potassium. For variety, add sliced apples or raisins. The cooling crunch balances the soft textures beautifully.
6. Cucumber Salad
A cool cucumber salad offers refreshing crunch and hydration. Thinly sliced cucumbers, red onion and dill tossed in a light vinaigrette provide vitamin K. The mild flavor lets the ham salad shine while adding a crispy component. It’s light and revitalizing.
7. Cottage Cheese
For a high protein side, try chilled cottage cheese. The mild curds offer a rich creaminess contrasting the ham’s saltiness. Top cottage cheese with sliced peaches, pineapple or strawberries for a touch of sweetness. The cool, smooth texture pairs nicely with the hearty sandwich.
8. Fruit Salad
Fresh fruit salad makes a sweet counterpart to savory ham salad. Mix diced pineapple, grapes, berries, melon and orange segments for a nutritional vitamin boost. The fruits’ juiciness balances the sandwich’s starchiness. It’s a light dessert or palate cleanser between sandwiches.
9. Dill Pickle Spears
Serving cold, tart dill pickles alongside ham salad sandwiches is delicious tradition. The acidic crunch cuts through the rich flavors beautifully. Spears make them easy to grab. For variety, try bread-and-butter or spicy pickles. Either way, the briny flavors complement ham salad wonderfully.
10. Tomato Slices
Simple sliced tomatoes offer freshness next to ham salad’s creaminess. Choose ripe, juicy beefsteak or heirloom tomatoes. Add a sprinkle of salt to amplify the flavors. The sweetness and gentle crunch make them an ideal ham salad sandwich side.
11. Corn on the Cob
Grilled corn on the cob makes for a fun, hands-on side dish. Brush shucked corn with olive oil or melted butter before grilling to get nice char. Sprinkle with chili powder, cotija cheese or a squeeze of lime. The sweet kernels pair nicely with the ham’s saltiness.
12. Deviled Eggs
Protein-packed deviled eggs make a fast side for ham salad sandwiches. Just halve hard boiled eggs and mix the yolks with mayo, mustard, salt and pepper. Their rich creaminess and touch of tang complements the ham salad perfectly. Garnish with paprika or chives.
13. Gazpacho
Chilled tomato gazpacho soup provides a liquid complement to the sandwich. Blending tomatoes, bell pepper, cucumber, onion and olive oil makes an antioxidant-rich soup. Season with sherry vinegar and garnish with avocado. The bright, tangy flavors contrast the ham pleasantly.
14. Baked Beans
Warm, saucy baked beans offer sweetness alongside ham salad’s saltiness. Kidney or navy beans baked slowly with onion, brown sugar and molasses become tender and flavorful. Add some crispy bacon on top for even more smoky, savory goodness. The textures pair wonderfully.
15. Macaroni Salad
Creamy macaroni salad is a classic pairing with ham salad sandwiches. Tossed with shredded carrot, celery, hard boiled egg, onion and mayo, it offers starchy carbs and crunch. For variety, use fun shaped pasta like rotini, farfalle or cavatappi. It’s hearty and satisfying.
With options from light veggies to starchy sides and creamy dips, these tasty accompaniments round out a ham salad sandwich meal. The variety of flavors, textures and colors elevate a simple sandwich to an unforgettable dining experience.
What To Serve With Ham – 19 perfect side dish options!
Ham is a tasty dinner choice, but what goes well with it? Keep reading for 19 great ideas.
How to Make Hot Ham and Cheese Sandwiches
It’s also called a “tailgate sandwich” because these baked Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders are great for parties on game days. They are full of flavor and gooey cheese, and on top of the rolls is a buttery mixture with poppy seeds and Worcestershire sauce.
You can easily make ham and cheese sliders for your next party by putting these little sandwiches in a casserole dish and baking them in the oven.
Old Fashioned Ham Salad Spread
FAQ
What side dishes go with ham sandwiches?
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 ham & cheese sandwiches?
Also great for lunch with sandwiches or a side salad for dinner! Creamy pasta salad is the perfect side dish for ham and cheese sandwiches, potlucks and tailgate parties. We love the herby, tangy dressing in this recipe!
What Soup Goes well with a ham sandwich?
Out of the different types of soup, creamy tomato soup is arguably the best pair for a ham sandwich. The reason creamy tomato soup serves as a great side for ham sandwiches is that these dishes have distinct flavors. The sour and tangy flavors of the soup supplement the monotonous flavors of a ham sandwich.
What salad goes with a ham sandwich?
We’ve found the best pasta salads, coleslaws, potatoes, vegetables, and salads to pair with that delicious ham sandwich! This easy green Pea Salad is an old fashioned classic recipe served cold and enjoyed all year round. Made with bacon, cheddar cheese, red onions, and a sweet dressing, all in one bowl and in only 15 minutes!