Ham brings its own smoky, salty punch to the table, and the right side dishes know how to answer back. A good spread balances that richness with something creamy, something bright, and something a little sweet. That’s the trick behind every great ham dinner, from a weeknight skillet ham steak to a glazed holiday centerpiece.
This list pulls together 19 tried-and-true sides, from classic scalloped potatoes to a tangy cucumber salad, so you can build a plate that feels complete every time. Some are quick weeknight fixes, others are holiday showstoppers worth the extra oven space.
Quick picks:
- Best classic comfort pairing: Scalloped Potatoes
- Best for a crowd: Green Bean Casserole
- Best fresh and light option: Cucumber and Tomato Salad
- Best make-ahead holiday side: Sweet Potato Casserole
1. Scalloped Potatoes
Thin potato slices baked in a creamy, garlicky sauce make one of the most comforting partners for ham. The starchy potatoes soak up all that cheesy richness while a golden, bubbly top adds crunch. Layer potatoes with a simple roux of butter, flour, milk, and sharp cheddar, then bake at 375°F for about an hour until tender. The dish holds heat well on a buffet table, which makes it a smart choice for holiday dinners when the oven is already busy with ham.
2. Macaroni and Cheese
Few sides pair with salty ham quite like a pot of creamy mac and cheese. The sharp cheddar and tender noodles balance the ham’s smokiness without competing for attention. A simple stovetop version with a cheese sauce made from butter, flour, milk, and two kinds of cheese comes together in under 30 minutes. For extra texture, top with buttered breadcrumbs and broil for two minutes. Check out our best sides to serve with mac and cheese for more pairing ideas.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasting brings out a nutty sweetness in Brussels sprouts that plays beautifully against ham’s saltiness. Halve the sprouts, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at 425°F for 20 to 25 minutes until the edges turn crisp and caramelized. A drizzle of balsamic glaze at the end adds tang. For a dressier version, try this savory balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts recipe, which turns a simple vegetable into a standout side.
4. Honey-Glazed Carrots
Sweet, buttery carrots bring a pop of color and gentle sweetness to a ham dinner plate. Simmer sliced carrots in water until just tender, then toss in a skillet with butter, honey, and a pinch of salt until the glaze thickens and clings. The whole dish takes about 20 minutes start to finish. A sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley at the end brightens the glaze and keeps the dish from tasting too sugary next to a sweet ham glaze.
5. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes loaded with roasted garlic turn into the ultimate landing pad for ham drippings. Boil peeled potatoes until fork-tender, then mash with warm milk, softened butter, and roasted garlic cloves for a silky texture. Season generously with salt, since potatoes need more than you’d expect. For leftovers, check out our best leftover mashed potato recipes to turn extras into a second meal instead of letting them sit in the fridge.
6. Green Bean Casserole
This holiday classic brings crunch, creaminess, and a little nostalgia to the table. Fresh green beans get blanched, then folded into a creamy mushroom sauce and topped with crispy fried onions before baking at 350°F for 25 minutes. The crunchy topping contrasts nicely with tender ham slices. It’s a dish that scales up easily for a crowd, which makes it a staple on Easter and Christmas tables where ham takes center stage.
7. Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potato casserole brings warm spice and a hint of sweetness that plays well against ham’s saltiness. Mash roasted sweet potatoes with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon, then top with a pecan streusel or mini marshmallows before baking at 350°F for 25 minutes. The topping turns golden and slightly crisp while the inside stays soft and custardy. This one feels especially at home on a Thanksgiving or Christmas table next to a glazed holiday ham.
8. Buttermilk Biscuits
Warm, flaky biscuits are made for sopping up ham juices and melted butter. Cut cold butter into flour, baking powder, and salt, then stir in buttermilk just until combined. Pat the dough gently, cut rounds, and bake at 450°F for 12 to 15 minutes until golden. Overworking the dough leads to tough biscuits, so handle it lightly. A warm biscuit split open with a slice of ham tucked inside makes a fantastic use of holiday leftovers.
9. Deviled Eggs
Creamy, tangy deviled eggs add a cool, rich bite that contrasts nicely with warm ham slices. Hard-boil eggs, halve them, and mash the yolks with mayonnaise, mustard, and a splash of vinegar for brightness. A dusting of paprika on top adds color and a little smoky depth. These travel well for potlucks and Easter brunches, and they disappear fast whenever ham is also on the table.
10. Roasted Asparagus with Lemon
Bright, lemony asparagus cuts through the richness of ham with a clean, fresh snap. Toss trimmed spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes until just tender with lightly charred tips. Finish with fresh lemon juice and zest right before serving. This simple side works especially well at spring dinners, when asparagus is in season and ham is often the centerpiece of Easter dinner.
11. Creamy Coleslaw
Crunchy, tangy coleslaw adds texture and acidity that balances ham’s richness. Shred cabbage and carrots, then toss with a dressing of mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of sugar. Letting it chill for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld and the cabbage soften slightly. This cool, crisp side works well at picnics and barbecues where ham sandwiches or ham steaks are on the menu.
12. Cornbread
Slightly sweet, crumbly cornbread is a Southern classic that pairs naturally with salty ham. Mix cornmeal, flour, buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter, then bake in a hot cast iron skillet at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes. The skillet gives the edges a deep golden crust while the center stays moist. Serve warm with butter and honey drizzled on top for a side that feels like a treat on its own.
13. Broccoli and Cheddar Casserole
This cheesy casserole turns broccoli into a crowd-pleasing side even skeptics enjoy. Steam broccoli florets until just tender, then fold into a cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar and a splash of cream before topping with buttery breadcrumbs. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until bubbly. For more ways to use this vegetable, browse our best broccoli recipes for ideas beyond the holiday table.
14. Apple and Walnut Salad
Crisp apples, toasted walnuts, and tangy greens bring a fresh crunch to a ham dinner. Toss mixed greens with thinly sliced apples, toasted walnuts, and crumbled blue cheese or feta, then dress with a simple vinaigrette of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of honey. The sweet-tart apple plays beautifully against salty ham. For more fresh pairings, check out our best green salad recipes.
15. Pineapple Casserole
Sweet and savory pineapple casserole is a Southern favorite that mirrors the classic ham-and-pineapple pairing. Combine canned pineapple chunks with sugar, flour, and shredded cheddar, then top with a buttery cracker crumb topping before baking at 350°F for 30 minutes. The result tastes like a cross between a side dish and dessert. It’s an unexpected addition that always gets questions about the recipe at holiday gatherings.
16. Southern-Style Collard Greens
Slow-simmered collard greens bring deep, savory flavor that pairs naturally with ham, especially since ham hocks are a traditional seasoning for this dish. Simmer collards with onion, garlic, chicken broth, and a splash of vinegar for an hour or more until tender. The long cooking time mellows the greens’ bitterness into something rich and savory. A splash of hot sauce at the table lets everyone adjust the heat to their liking.
17. Buttered Peas with Mint
Sweet peas tossed in butter and fresh mint make a simple, bright side that takes minutes to prepare. Cook frozen or fresh peas briefly in boiling water, then toss with melted butter, chopped mint, and a pinch of salt. The dish comes together in under 10 minutes, which makes it an easy addition when the oven is already full of ham and potatoes. The mint adds a cool, fresh note that lightens up a heavier meal.
18. Baked Beans
Smoky, slightly sweet baked beans are a natural match for ham, since both share that deep savory backbone. Simmer navy beans with brown sugar, molasses, mustard, and diced onion, then bake at 325°F for about an hour until thick and glossy. Stirring in a bit of leftover diced ham while baking deepens the flavor even further. Browse our best bean recipes for more ways to use this pantry staple.
19. Cucumber and Tomato Salad
Crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes tossed in a light vinaigrette offer a refreshing contrast to rich ham. Slice cucumbers and tomatoes, then toss with red onion, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and a pinch of sugar. Letting the salad sit for 15 minutes draws out the juices and builds flavor. This one works especially well in summer, when ham steaks or grilled ham come off the grill alongside garden-fresh vegetables.
How to Build a Balanced Ham Dinner
A well-rounded ham dinner needs three things on the plate: something creamy, something bright, and something with a little crunch. Ham itself is rich and salty, so the sides should work to balance that, not pile on more richness.
Start with one starchy, comforting side like scalloped potatoes or mac and cheese. Add a vegetable side with some acidity or freshness, such as roasted asparagus or a cucumber salad, to cut through the fat. Round things out with a salad or slaw for crunch and a bread option like cornbread or biscuits to soak up juices.
Here’s how the sides in this list stack up across a few useful categories:
| Side Dish | Prep Time | Best Occasion | Make-Ahead Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scalloped Potatoes | 20 min + 1 hr bake | Holidays | Yes |
| Macaroni and Cheese | 30 min | Weeknight or potluck | Partial |
| Roasted Brussels Sprouts | 30 min | Any occasion | No |
| Honey-Glazed Carrots | 20 min | Holidays | No |
| Garlic Mashed Potatoes | 30 min | Any occasion | Yes |
| Green Bean Casserole | 40 min | Holidays | Yes |
| Sweet Potato Casserole | 50 min | Thanksgiving, Christmas | Yes |
| Buttermilk Biscuits | 25 min | Brunch, holidays | No |
| Deviled Eggs | 25 min | Easter, potlucks | Yes |
| Roasted Asparagus with Lemon | 15 min | Spring, Easter | No |
| Creamy Coleslaw | 15 min + chill | Picnics, barbecues | Yes |
| Cornbread | 30 min | Southern meals | Yes |
| Broccoli and Cheddar Casserole | 35 min | Weeknight, holidays | Yes |
| Apple and Walnut Salad | 15 min | Fall, holidays | Partial |
| Pineapple Casserole | 40 min | Holidays | Yes |
| Southern-Style Collard Greens | 1 hr+ | Sunday supper | Yes |
| Buttered Peas with Mint | 10 min | Any occasion | No |
| Baked Beans | 1 hr | Barbecues, potlucks | Yes |
| Cucumber and Tomato Salad | 20 min | Summer | Partial |
For more pairing inspiration, browse our best side dishes for ham or explore 30 side dishes for ham for even more options.
Make-Ahead and Oven-Space Tips
Planning ahead keeps a ham dinner from turning into an oven traffic jam. Ham often needs low, slow heat for a long stretch, which leaves limited room for sides that also need the oven.
Casseroles like green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, and broccoli and cheddar casserole can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated, then baked right before serving. Deviled eggs, coleslaw, and cucumber salad all taste better after chilling, so making them the morning of (or even the night before) actually improves the flavor.
For stovetop sides like mashed potatoes or buttered peas, keep them warm in a slow cooker set to low while the ham finishes roasting. This frees up stovetop and oven space for last-minute items like biscuits or cornbread, which taste best fresh out of the oven.
If the oven is packed, consider sides that cook on the stovetop or need no cooking at all, like a tossed salad or a tray of deviled eggs. For more ideas on stretching ham into other meals, check out 35 delicious leftover ham recipes to make the most of what’s left on the bone.
