Ham is the easiest centerpiece on the table, but the sides are what make the meal memorable. A good spread balances salty, savory ham with something creamy, something bright, and something a little sweet to cut through the richness.
Whether you’re planning Easter dinner, a Christmas spread, or just a Tuesday night with a spiral-cut ham from the grocery store, the right mix of sides turns a simple protein into a full feast. Scalloped potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, and a crisp broccoli salad cover the three bases every ham dinner needs: creamy starch, sweet vegetable, and something tangy to balance the plate.
Some of these recipes take twenty minutes. Others are worth the extra oven time on a holiday. All of them earn their spot next to a platter of ham.
Quick picks:
- Best for holidays: Scalloped Potatoes, for their rich, make-ahead-friendly layers
- Best weeknight side: Honey-Glazed Carrots, ready in under 30 minutes
- Best for a crowd: Green Bean Casserole, a potluck favorite that reheats well
- Best light option: Spring Pea Salad, fresh and quick with no oven needed
1. Scalloped Potatoes
Thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy, garlicky sauce make the ultimate partner for salty ham. The starch soaks up the sauce as it bakes, turning tender and slightly golden on top.
- 4 lbs russet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère or cheddar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Layer potatoes with cream and cheese in a baking dish. Bake at 375°F for 60-75 minutes until bubbly and golden. Serves 8.
2. Honey-Glazed Carrots
Sweet, buttery carrots bring a pop of color and a touch of sweetness that plays well against smoky ham. This one comes together on the stovetop in under half an hour.
- 2 lbs carrots, sliced diagonally
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Steam carrots until just tender, about 8 minutes. Melt butter and honey in a skillet, toss in carrots, and cook 5 more minutes until glazed. Serves 6.
3. Green Bean Casserole
This classic combines crisp-tender green beans with a creamy mushroom sauce and crunchy fried onions on top. It’s the dish everyone expects at a holiday table, and for good reason.
- 2 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups crispy fried onions
Blanch beans 5 minutes. Mix with soup and milk, top with half the onions, and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes. Add remaining onions and bake 5 more minutes. Serves 8.
4. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes loaded with roasted garlic are a no-fail match for ham’s salty bite. Whipping them with warm cream keeps the texture light instead of gluey.
- 3 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1 head garlic, roasted
- 1/2 cup warm heavy cream
- 6 tbsp butter
- Salt to taste
Boil potatoes until fork-tender, about 20 minutes. Drain, mash with roasted garlic, cream, and butter. For more ideas on stretching extras, check out these leftover mashed potato recipes. Serves 8.
5. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasting brings out a nutty, caramelized edge on Brussels sprouts that balances ham’s saltiness nicely. High heat and a hot pan are the keys to getting them crisp instead of soggy.
- 2 lbs Brussels sprouts, halved
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze (optional)
Toss sprouts with oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. For a sweeter twist, try this balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts recipe. Serves 6.
6. Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Rich, cheesy baked mac and cheese is a comfort-food favorite that stands up well to a salty ham dinner. A blend of sharp cheddar and a touch of mustard powder gives it depth.
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar
- 3 cups milk
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 tsp mustard powder
Make a roux with butter and flour, whisk in milk, then cheese. Combine with cooked pasta and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes. Browse more sides to serve with mac and cheese. Serves 8.
7. Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potato casserole brings a cozy, dessert-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with ham’s saltiness. A crunchy pecan topping adds texture against the smooth, spiced filling underneath.
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/3 cup flour
Mix sweet potatoes, sugar, eggs, and half the butter. Spread in a baking dish, top with pecans mixed with flour and remaining butter. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Serves 8.
8. Soft Dinner Rolls
Warm, pillowy dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up ham drippings or glaze. A simple yeast dough with a touch of honey keeps them soft and slightly sweet.
- 4 cups bread flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 egg
- 4 tbsp melted butter
Mix, knead, and let dough rise 1 hour. Shape into rolls, rise 30 more minutes, then bake at 375°F for 15-18 minutes. Makes 12 rolls.
9. Roasted Asparagus with Lemon
Bright, lemony asparagus adds a fresh, slightly grassy contrast to rich ham. Roasting keeps the spears crisp-tender with lightly charred tips.
- 2 lbs asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper
- Shaved Parmesan (optional)
Toss asparagus with oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F for 10-12 minutes. Finish with lemon zest, juice, and Parmesan. Serves 6.
10. Deviled Eggs
Creamy, tangy deviled eggs are a classic cold side that’s easy to prep well ahead of a holiday meal. A little mustard and pickle relish give the filling a nice zip.
- 12 hard-boiled eggs, halved
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
- Paprika for garnish
Mash yolks with mayo, mustard, and relish. Pipe into egg whites and dust with paprika. Makes 24 halves.
11. Pineapple Casserole
Sweet and buttery, this Southern side tastes like a cross between a fruit salad and a side dish, and it’s a surprisingly good match for salty ham. Crushed Ritz crackers on top add crunch.
- 2 cans pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup flour
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1/2 cup melted butter
Mix pineapple, cheese, sugar, and flour in a dish. Top with crackers and butter. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Serves 8.
12. Classic Potato Salad
Cool, creamy potato salad with a tangy mustard dressing is a picnic-table staple that works just as well next to a holiday ham. Chilling it for a few hours lets the flavors settle in.
- 3 lbs red potatoes, boiled and cubed
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 1/2 cup diced celery
Combine all ingredients gently. Chill at least 2 hours before serving. Serves 8.
13. Tangy Coleslaw
Crisp, tangy coleslaw cuts through the richness of ham with crunch and acidity. A vinegar-based dressing keeps it lighter than the mayo-heavy versions.
- 1 bag shredded cabbage mix
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Whisk dressing ingredients, toss with cabbage, and chill 30 minutes before serving. Serves 6.
14. Southern Baked Beans
Smoky, slightly sweet baked beans bring a hearty, stick-to-your-ribs element to a ham dinner. A splash of molasses and some brown sugar deepen the flavor.
- 4 cans navy beans, drained
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 small onion, diced
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
Combine everything in a baking dish. Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes. For more bean ideas, see these bean recipes. Serves 8.
15. Cornbread
Slightly sweet, crumbly cornbread is a Southern go-to alongside ham, especially with a pat of butter melting into a warm slice. A touch of honey in the batter keeps it moist.
- 1 1/2 cups cornmeal
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/3 cup melted butter
Mix dry and wet ingredients separately, then combine. Pour into a greased skillet and bake at 400°F for 20-22 minutes. Serves 8.
16. Broccoli Salad
Crunchy broccoli salad with bacon and a creamy-tangy dressing is a cold side that holds up well on a buffet table. Sunflower seeds and dried cranberries add texture and a hint of sweetness.
- 4 cups chopped broccoli florets
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp sugar
Whisk dressing, toss with remaining ingredients, and chill before serving. Serves 6.
17. Creamed Spinach
Silky creamed spinach adds a rich, savory green to the plate without much fuss. A little nutmeg in the cream sauce gives it a warm, classic steakhouse flavor.
- 2 lbs fresh spinach
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 cup half-and-half
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Salt and pepper
Wilt spinach, drain well, and chop. Make a roux, whisk in half-and-half, then stir in spinach and nutmeg. Serves 6.
18. Apple and Walnut Salad
Crisp apples, toasted walnuts, and tangy blue cheese over greens bring a fresh, slightly sweet contrast to a ham dinner. A simple cider vinaigrette ties it all together.
- 6 cups mixed greens
- 2 apples, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup toasted walnuts
- 1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Whisk vinaigrette, toss with greens, apples, walnuts, and cheese. Serves 6.
19. Spring Pea Salad
Sweet peas, crisp bacon, and a creamy dressing make a bright, no-cook salad that’s ready in minutes. It’s especially nice for Easter ham when fresh peas are in season.
- 3 cups fresh or frozen peas, thawed
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
Mix dressing ingredients, fold in peas, bacon, and onion. Chill 20 minutes before serving. Serves 6.
How to Build a Balanced Ham Menu
A great ham dinner balances four things on the plate: a creamy starch, a bright vegetable, something tangy, and a bread to round it out. Skipping any one of these makes the meal feel one-note.
Start with one hearty side like scalloped potatoes or mac and cheese. These soak up ham drippings and give the meal weight.
Add a vegetable that brings color and a little sweetness, such as honey-glazed carrots or roasted asparagus. These lighten the plate without competing with the ham.
Include something tangy or acidic. Coleslaw, broccoli salad, or a vinaigrette-dressed green salad cuts through the richness and keeps every bite interesting. If you want more greens to choose from, this collection of green salad recipes has plenty of options.
Finish with bread. Soft dinner rolls or a skillet of cornbread are perfect for mopping up glaze.
Here’s a quick reference for building a plate:
| Side Dish | Course Role | Prep Time | Serve Temp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scalloped Potatoes | Starch | 20 min + 60 min bake | Hot |
| Honey-Glazed Carrots | Vegetable | 25 min | Hot |
| Green Bean Casserole | Vegetable/Starch | 15 min + 30 min bake | Hot |
| Garlic Mashed Potatoes | Starch | 25 min | Hot |
| Roasted Brussels Sprouts | Vegetable | 25 min | Hot |
| Baked Mac and Cheese | Starch | 20 min + 25 min bake | Hot |
| Sweet Potato Casserole | Starch/Sweet | 20 min + 30 min bake | Hot |
| Soft Dinner Rolls | Bread | 2 hr (mostly rising) | Warm |
| Roasted Asparagus | Vegetable | 15 min | Hot |
| Deviled Eggs | Appetizer | 20 min | Cold |
| Pineapple Casserole | Sweet/Starch | 15 min + 30 min bake | Hot |
| Classic Potato Salad | Starch | 20 min + 2 hr chill | Cold |
| Tangy Coleslaw | Tangy/Crunch | 15 min | Cold |
| Southern Baked Beans | Hearty | 15 min + 45 min bake | Hot |
| Cornbread | Bread | 10 min + 22 min bake | Warm |
| Broccoli Salad | Tangy/Crunch | 15 min | Cold |
| Creamed Spinach | Vegetable | 20 min | Hot |
| Apple and Walnut Salad | Salad | 15 min | Cold |
| Spring Pea Salad | Salad | 10 min + 20 min chill | Cold |
For a holiday spread, pick three or four sides that cover these roles instead of serving six that overlap. If you’re planning a full feast, this list of side dishes for ham offers more combinations to round out the table.
Make-Ahead and Serving Tips
Most of these sides can be prepped a day or two ahead, which takes the pressure off the day of your dinner. Casseroles like sweet potato casserole and green bean casserole can be assembled and refrigerated unbaked, then popped in the oven while the ham rests.
Cold salads, including potato salad, coleslaw, and broccoli salad, actually taste better after resting overnight. The flavors have time to meld, and the texture holds up well in the fridge.
Deviled eggs can be made a day in advance. Store the filling and egg whites separately, then pipe them together a few hours before serving so they stay fresh and tidy.
For breads, bake cornbread the same day for the best texture, but dinner roll dough can be shaped and refrigerated overnight, then baked fresh in the morning.
When it’s time to serve, group your sides by temperature. Keep hot casseroles and vegetables on a warming tray or trivet, and set cold salads out just before guests arrive so they stay crisp.
If you end up with extra ham after the meal, there’s no shortage of ways to use it. These leftover ham recipes turn extras into soups, sandwiches, and casseroles for the week ahead.
