When you’re serving ham as the main dish, you need sides that complement its salty, sweet flavor. A good side dish can elevate your meal from ordinary to memorable, creating a balanced and satisfying dining experience.
From creamy potato dishes to fresh vegetables, the right accompaniments can make your ham shine.
The perfect ham dinner includes a variety of side dishes that provide contrasting flavors and textures to the rich, savory meat.
You might consider classics like scalloped potatoes or mashed potatoes, vegetable options such as roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans, and perhaps something with a bit of acidity like a citrus salad to cut through the richness.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday meal or enjoying a weekend dinner, these sides will help create a well-rounded plate.
1. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Cheesy scalloped potatoes make a perfect partner for your Easter ham or any ham dinner. This creamy, layered dish features thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich sauce.
You can customize your scalloped potatoes by choosing different cheeses. Many recipes call for cheddar, but you can try combinations like Gruyère or Parmesan for more flavor depth.
The golden, bubbly cheese topping creates an irresistible contrast with the tender potato slices underneath. For the best results, bake until the top develops a slightly crispy texture while the potatoes become fork-tender.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts make an excellent side dish for ham. When roasted, they become crispy on the outside while staying tender inside.
For extra flavor, try adding garlic and small bits of ham to your Brussels sprouts before roasting. This combination creates a caramelized, savory dish that even Brussels sprout skeptics might enjoy.
The smashing technique can take your Brussels sprouts to the next level. Steam them first, then gently smash and bake them for maximum crispiness.
The slight bitterness of Brussels sprouts pairs perfectly with the sweetness of ham, creating a balanced flavor profile for your meal.
3. Candied Sweet Potatoes
Candied sweet potatoes make a perfect sweet side dish for ham. They create a delicious contrast to the savory, salty flavor of the meat.
To make this dish, you’ll need sweet potatoes, maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter. Simply cut the potatoes into chunks or slices before baking.
Mix the sweet ingredients together and pour over the potatoes. Bake until the potatoes are tender and the sugary coating becomes sticky and caramelized.
The natural sweetness of the potatoes combined with the maple-cinnamon glaze creates a dish that complements ham beautifully. It’s especially popular during holiday meals.
4. Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole stands as a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with ham. It combines tender green beans with creamy mushroom soup for a comforting texture contrast.
The traditional recipe uses canned green beans and condensed mushroom soup topped with crispy French-fried onions. This creates a delightful combination of creamy and crunchy textures.
Green bean casserole is especially popular during Easter and other holiday meals. You can easily prepare it ahead of time, making it convenient for busy holiday cooking schedules.
For a fresher version, you can substitute fresh green beans for canned ones. This versatile dish complements the savory flavors of ham without competing with it.
5. Honey-Glazed Carrots
Honey-glazed carrots make a perfect side dish for ham. The natural sweetness of carrots gets enhanced when they’re roasted with honey.
These carrots are simple to prepare. Just toss whole carrots with olive oil, roast them until tender, and finish with a honey glaze.
The caramelized edges and sweet flavor complement the savory taste of ham beautifully. You can add a sprinkle of herbs or spices to give them extra dimension.
This colorful side dish not only tastes delicious but also adds visual appeal to your dinner table. They’re a family favorite that may even outshine your main dish.
6. Creamy Macaroni and Cheese
Creamy macaroni and cheese pairs wonderfully with ham, creating a perfect balance of savory flavors. The rich, cheesy pasta complements the saltiness of ham for a satisfying meal combination.
For the best results, choose a mac and cheese with a blend of cheeses like cheddar, gruyere, or gouda. The creamy texture creates a nice contrast to the firm texture of ham.
This classic comfort food is especially popular during holiday meals. You can easily customize your mac and cheese by adding breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch or mixing in herbs for added flavor.
Children and adults alike enjoy this pairing, making it a crowd-pleasing side dish for any ham dinner.
7. Potato Gratin Bundles
Potato gratin bundles are a creative twist on traditional potatoes au gratin. These individual servings make a fancy impression on your Easter table when served with ham.
To make them, thinly slice potatoes and stack them in muffin tins with layers of cheese, cream, and seasonings. The edges get crispy while the centers remain creamy and tender.
You can customize these bundles with herbs like thyme or rosemary. Add a sprinkle of bacon bits or ham cubes between layers for extra flavor.
These potato bundles pair perfectly with ham and green vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
8. Homemade Dinner Rolls
Fresh homemade dinner rolls are perfect companions for ham. Their warm, yeasty aroma and soft texture create an irresistible combination with the savory meat.
You can make basic rolls with flour, yeast, milk, butter, and eggs. For extra flavor, try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough.
Hawaiian rolls, with their slight sweetness, pair especially well with ham. The hint of pineapple juice in these rolls complements the salty ham beautifully.
Brush your rolls with melted butter before serving for a glossy finish. Make extra because these will disappear quickly from your table!
9. Citrusy Mixed Greens Salad
A citrus salad brings bright flavors that perfectly balance the richness of ham. Start with a bed of mixed greens as your base.
Add sliced oranges, grapefruit segments, or mandarin oranges for juicy sweetness. Some berries like strawberries or blackberries add color and extra flavor.
For crunch, sprinkle in some toasted almonds or walnuts. A simple dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, and a touch of honey ties everything together.
This refreshing salad works great for Easter dinner or any springtime meal with ham. You can prepare most components ahead of time and assemble just before serving.
10. Buttery Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes make the perfect companion to a holiday ham. The smooth texture and buttery flavor complement the saltiness of ham beautifully.
For the best results, use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds. They create that fluffy texture everyone loves.
Don’t skimp on the butter! It’s what makes these potatoes truly special. Warm milk or cream helps achieve the perfect consistency.
You can customize your mashed potatoes with additions like roasted garlic, chives, or sour cream. The classic version works wonderfully with ham, creating a comforting combination that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
11. Crispy Hasselback Potatoes
Hasselback potatoes make an impressive side dish that pairs beautifully with ham. These potatoes feature thin slices that don’t cut all the way through, creating a fan-like appearance when cooked.
When roasted, they develop crispy edges while maintaining a tender interior. The spaces between the slices catch herbs, garlic, and butter, infusing the entire potato with rich flavor.
You can customize your Hasselback potatoes with different seasonings like rosemary, thyme, or paprika. For extra indulgence, add grated cheese during the last few minutes of baking.
These eye-catching potatoes will elevate your ham dinner and impress your guests with minimal effort.
12. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus offers a perfect complement to your ham dinner. This side dish combines tender asparagus with savory garlic and cheese flavors.
To prepare, simply toss fresh asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Then sprinkle with minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese before roasting in a hot oven.
The asparagus cooks quickly, becoming crisp on the outside while staying tender inside. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds brightness to the final dish.
This easy vegetable side requires minimal prep time but delivers maximum flavor. The combination of garlic and Parmesan creates a delicious coating that enhances the natural taste of asparagus.
13. Savory Stuffing with Herbs
Herb-infused stuffing makes a perfect companion to ham, creating a balanced meal with contrasting textures. The buttery, toasted bread combined with aromatic herbs complements the savory sweetness of ham wonderfully.
You can prepare this classic side dish with a mix of fresh herbs like sage, thyme, rosemary, and parsley. For the best results, toast your bread cubes before mixing with sautéed onions, celery, and herbs.
Add chicken or vegetable broth until moist but not soggy. This versatile dish works whether you’re serving a holiday ham or making a simple weekend dinner.
For extra flavor, consider incorporating elements like cranberries or apples that will enhance the savory-sweet profile of your meal.
14. Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
Sweet potato casserole with marshmallows is a perfect match for your holiday ham dinner. This delicious side dish combines creamy mashed sweet potatoes seasoned with cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar.
The sweet potatoes are topped with a layer of fluffy marshmallows that get toasted to golden perfection. Many recipes also include a layer of candied pecans for added crunch and flavor.
You can prepare this casserole ahead of time and add the marshmallows just before baking. It requires only a few simple ingredients but delivers big on taste and presentation.
15. Caramelized Onion Tart
A caramelized onion tart brings a touch of elegance to your ham dinner. Sweet onions slowly cooked until golden brown create a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with salty ham.
This savory tart can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for holiday meals. The buttery crust holds the creamy onion filling beautifully.
You can add herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the flavor. Some recipes include a sprinkle of goat cheese or gruyere on top for extra richness.
Serve it warm or at room temperature. The contrast between the tart’s sweetness and ham’s saltiness creates a balanced bite your guests will love.
16. Classic Deviled Eggs
Classic deviled eggs make a perfect companion to your ham dinner. These creamy, tangy appetizers offer a nice contrast to the savory ham.
To make deviled eggs, hard boil eggs, slice them in half, and mix the yolks with mayonnaise, mustard, and a touch of vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
For a ham-friendly version, try adding a small amount of chopped ham directly into your deviled egg filling. This creates a wonderful flavor combination that ties the meal together.
Deviled eggs can be prepared ahead of time, making them convenient for holiday meals or gatherings where ham is the star.
17. Roasted Garlic Mushrooms
Roasted garlic mushrooms offer a savory, umami-rich side dish that pairs perfectly with your holiday ham. These mushrooms absorb all the wonderful flavors of garlic, butter, and herbs while roasting.
To prepare them, simply toss mushrooms with fresh garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a baking dish. Add a bit of butter on top before roasting at high heat until they become tender and golden.
You can enhance the flavor by adding fresh herbs like chives after cooking. This side dish works for various dietary needs too – it’s naturally gluten-free, and can be made vegan by substituting the butter.
The rich, earthy flavors complement the sweetness of ham beautifully.
18. Fresh Cranberry Relish
Fresh cranberry relish adds a bright, zesty flavor that perfectly balances the richness of ham. This uncooked side dish brings a refreshing tartness to your plate.
You can easily make cranberry relish by combining fresh cranberries with oranges, sugar, and sometimes nuts in a food processor. The mixture needs time to sit, allowing the flavors to meld together.
For a twist on traditional recipes, try adding pineapple or apples for extra sweetness. Some family recipes include three types of cranberries for complex flavor.
The vibrant red color also makes this side dish visually appealing on your holiday table. Its sweet-tart profile cuts through the saltiness of ham beautifully.
19. Herb-Infused Wild Rice Pilaf
Wild rice pilaf makes a perfect companion to your Easter ham dinner. The nutty flavor of wild rice blend creates a wonderful contrast to the savory ham.
Adding fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and rosemary infuses the dish with aromatic flavors. For extra dimension, include lemon zest and dried fruits like cherries.
Toasted pecans or almonds provide a pleasant crunch that elevates this side dish. The best part is that rice pilaf is relatively hands-off to prepare, giving you time to focus on other dishes.
This side dish reheats well, making it practical for busy holiday meals. You can prepare it ahead of time without sacrificing flavor or texture.
20. Sweet Cornbread Muffins
Sweet cornbread muffins offer the perfect balance to salty ham. Their subtle sweetness and crumbly texture complement the savory meat wonderfully.
You can make these muffins quickly with basic ingredients like cornmeal, flour, sugar, and butter. Add some honey or maple syrup to enhance their sweetness.
Serve them warm with a pat of butter melting on top. For a special touch, try making honey butter to spread on these golden treats.
These muffins are versatile enough to enjoy with your holiday ham dinner and then again the next morning with leftover ham slices.
21. Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Spinach and artichoke dip makes a surprisingly delicious side dish for ham. This creamy, cheese-filled dip can easily transition from appetizer to side dish on your dinner table.
The rich combination of spinach, artichoke hearts, and three types of cheese creates a perfect contrast to the saltiness of ham. You can customize it by adding bacon, chicken, mushrooms, or black olives to enhance the flavor.
For a family gathering, serve this warm dip in a bread bowl. You can also present it in a casserole dish for a more formal dinner setting. The creamy texture and savory taste complement the ham perfectly without overpowering it.
Pairing Flavors with Ham
The perfect ham dinner balances complementary flavors and makes use of what’s available during the season.
Creating harmony on the plate ensures your ham shines while side dishes provide contrasting yet complementary tastes.
Balancing Sweet and Savory
Ham naturally has a sweet-salty profile that works well with both sweet and savory sides. You can enhance its flavor with acidic or bitter elements for balance.
Sweet companions include glazed carrots, sweet potato casserole, and apple-based sides. These complement ham’s saltiness without overwhelming it.
Savory counterpoints like scalloped potatoes, brussels sprouts with bacon, or garlic green beans provide depth. The richness of these dishes stands up to ham’s bold flavor.
Acidic elements cut through ham’s richness. Consider sides with:
- Citrus components (orange or lemon)
- Vinegar-based dressings
- Pickled vegetables
Incorporating Seasonal Ingredients
Your ham dinner can showcase the best produce of the season for maximum flavor and freshness.
Spring ham dinners pair beautifully with:
- Fresh asparagus
- Spring peas
- New potatoes
- Strawberry spinach salad
Fall and winter celebrations call for heartier options like:
- Roasted root vegetables
- Brussels sprouts
- Cranberry-based sides
- Butternut squash
Year-round staples that always work include potatoes (mashed, scalloped, or roasted), mac and cheese, and dinner rolls. These classics provide comfort regardless of season.
Nutritional Considerations
When planning side dishes for ham, it’s important to think about the overall nutritional balance of your meal.
Ham is already protein-rich and can be high in sodium, so your side dish choices offer opportunities to round out your meal’s nutrition profile.
Balancing Calories and Macronutrients
Ham typically provides plenty of protein but also contains fat and sodium. Pair it with side dishes that supply complex carbohydrates and additional nutrients.
Roasted sweet potatoes offer vitamin A and fiber while providing healthier carbohydrates than traditional scalloped potatoes.
Green vegetables like Brussels sprouts or asparagus add minimal calories (about 40-65 per cup) while delivering vitamins, minerals, and fiber. These help balance the richness of ham.
For a complete meal, aim for:
- Protein: Ham (main dish)
- Complex carbs: Whole grains or starchy vegetables
- Fiber: Leafy greens or cruciferous vegetables
- Healthy fats: Use olive oil in vegetable preparations
Consider lighter options like fresh salads when serving ham at warmer gatherings to keep the overall meal from feeling too heavy.
Allergy-Friendly Options
Many traditional ham sides contain common allergens, but numerous alternatives can accommodate dietary restrictions while remaining delicious.
Dairy allergies:
- Replace creamy scalloped potatoes with olive oil-roasted red potatoes seasoned with herbs.
- For mac and cheese alternatives, try dairy-free versions using nutritional yeast or plant-based cheese substitutes.
Gluten sensitivities:
- Substitute traditional rolls with gluten-free varieties or serve polenta as a starchy side.
- Rice pilaf offers a naturally gluten-free alternative to bread stuffing.
Nut allergies:
- Instead of green beans with almonds, try green beans with toasted sunflower seeds or simply roasted with garlic and lemon.
Many vegetable-based sides can be easily modified to accommodate allergies without sacrificing flavor. Always check ingredient labels carefully when using prepared components in your dishes.
