When it comes to pairing side dishes with ham, there’s no denying that the supporting actors play a vital role in elevating the overall dining experience. While ham is undoubtedly the centerpiece of any holiday meal, the right accompaniments can make all the difference.
From satisfying a table full of hungry guests to creating a memorable special occasion, selecting the ideal side dishes is a crucial decision. But fear not, as we’ve compiled a list of top-notch options that will have you and your loved ones singing ‘season’s greetings’ in no time.
Gluten-Free Au Gratin Potatoes
Potatoes au gratin is a timeless favorite that brings together the best aspects of potatoes in one delectable dish. Thinly sliced potatoes are cooked to a perfect tenderness, alternating with rich layers of cream, aromatic spices, and melted cheese. This harmonious union yields a light yet satisfying casserole that beautifully complements the sweetness of ham, creating a delightful culinary experience.
Root Vegetable Casserole
When Christmas Day arrives, having dishes prepared in advance can be a lifesaver. No need to spend hours in the kitchen, stressing over the holiday meal. Instead, make this casserole and let it work wonders for you! Not only is it simple to scale up or down depending on your guest list, but it’s also perfect for making ahead of time. Whip it together a few days prior, pop it in the freezer, and then defrost and reheat it in the oven when needed. This recipe has another bonus: it pairs beautifully with lamb, making it an excellent side dish option.
Roasted Maple Mustard Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts bring a delightful pop of color to the Christmas table. Their subtle bitterness provides a refreshing contrast to the meal’s richness, while their natural warmth makes them a comforting addition. For an added layer of flavor, sprinkle them with crispy bacon, allowing the smoky element to harmonize perfectly with the ham.
Mashed Turnips and Potatoes
Ditch the ordinary mashed potatoes and surprise your guests with a flavorful turnip and potato mash instead! Not only do they share a similar texture and taste profile, but they also pack an extra nutritional punch. What’s more, turnips tend to be easier on the stomach than potatoes, allowing your guests to indulge in seconds without feeling weighed down. With this unique mash, everyone can enjoy a generous helping of ham alongside their meal.
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
A potato au gratin dish that embodies the essence of comfort food, where crispy tops meet tender potatoes and creamy cheese sauce in perfect harmony. This comforting dish is surprisingly easy to prepare, requiring minimal effort but yielding impressive flavor complexity.
To make this a staple for your holiday table, consider preparing the potatoes ahead of time by slicing them thinly with a mandolin or sharp knife. This will ensure even cooking times and a visually appealing presentation.
This cheddar cheese lover’s delight is a simple yet satisfying recipe that showcases the beauty of straightforward ingredients.
Roasted Parmesan Potatoes
These timeless rosemary parmesan potatoes remain a crowd favorite, boasting a delightful crispiness thanks to their thinly sliced form. The best part? They cook incredibly quickly, making them an ideal addition to any gathering.
A key to their success lies in the liberal application of rosemary and parmesan cheese. As guests take their first whiff, they’ll be immediately struck by the herbaceous and earthy aromas that perfectly preview the dish’s savory flavor profile.
Whipped Sweet Potatoes
When preparing a potato mash, I firmly believe that whipping the mixture into a frenzy yields exceptional results. The incorporation of air into the sweet potatoes creates a surprisingly light and airy texture that beautifully complements their natural buttery sweetness. Furthermore, this method is an efficient way to combine the ingredients, making it an ideal choice for busy holiday cooking situations. Additionally, feel free to experiment with various spice profiles to further customize your potato mash to your taste.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Apples and Cranberries
Winter cooking wouldn’t be complete without warm and spicy root vegetables taking center stage. While traditional sweet potato dishes for the holidays often prioritize sugary flavors, these roasted sweet potatoes offer a savory alternative that pairs perfectly with a delicately sweetened Christmas ham. The key to their undeniable flavor lies in the harmonious balance of butter, olive oil, and maple syrup, which adds depth without overpowering the dish.
Creamy Cauliflower Potato Mash
When it comes to rounding out your Christmas menu, I recommend trying a unique twist on traditional mashed potatoes: cauliflower-infused mash. This innovative approach yields a surprisingly light and fluffy result that’s just as easy to prepare as its potato-based counterpart. Cauliflower’s remarkable ability to absorb flavors makes it an excellent addition to this dish, allowing you to make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge until serving. Simply heat it up when needed, saving you additional effort on the big day. Plus, this side dish pairs beautifully with salmon for a well-rounded holiday meal.
Boursin Mashed Potatoes
To elevate a traditional side dish like mashed potatoes, you need to get it just right. These Boursin-infused mashed potatoes are the key to mashing stardom. By combining buttery richness with pungent garlic flavor and earthy comfort, they become truly unforgettable. The addition of creamy Boursin cheese adds a subtle layer of sophistication that takes them to the next level. As you indulge in these velvety spuds, you’ll quickly realize why this recipe has earned its place as a go-to favorite. Its creaminess makes it an excellent accompaniment to any main course, and its unique flavor profile will ensure it’s always a hit.
Easter Side Dishes for Ham
As the Easter season approaches, it’s time to focus on what truly matters: delicious food and quality time with loved ones. With Easter dinner being the weekend’s crowning jewel, we’re going all out to create an unforgettable experience. To make that happen, let’s elevate our holiday meals by incorporating these show-stopping side dishes.
Cheesy Potatoes
When it comes to rounding out a meal with ham and green vegetables, these cheesy potatoes are the perfect accompaniment. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity – it’s easy to prepare and adds a satisfying crunch from the hash brown cubes. Whether you’re serving a small gathering or a larger crowd, these potatoes are sure to be a hit, pleasing palates of all ages with their creamy, cheesy goodness.
Roasted Potatoes and Green Beans
There’s nothing quite like a sheet pan recipe that effortlessly yields a delicious meal. Roasted potatoes with green beans is one such winner – it’s perfect for feeding a crowd with minimal effort required. Simply dump the veggies onto the pan and let the oven do its magic.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. If you want to make Easter Sunday even more stress-free, you can prepare the vegetables ahead of time. A quick top-and-tail for the beans, a simple cut for the potatoes, and then it’s just a matter of letting them roast to perfection – all in advance. Imagine walking into your kitchen on Easter morning with a pan of perfectly roasted goodness already prepped and ready to go. It’s a game-changer!
Creamy Green Bean Casserole
Imagine a culinary epiphany – a revelation that will forever change your perception of humble green beans. The unassuming legume is elevated to new heights through a deceptively simple process, yielding a dish so divine it’s hard to put down the fork. The key lies in the harmonious union of tender beans smothered in a rich, creamy sauce and crowned with the satisfying crunch of French fried onions.
Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
Stressing about oven space? Fear not! This creamy hashbrown casserole is a game-changer for busy cooks. By whipping up a batch in your Instant Pot, you’ll enjoy a hassle-free dish that’s perfect for using up leftovers. The best part? It relies on frozen potatoes as the foundation, minimizing waste. Feel free to get creative with toppings – crunchy and salty options pair beautifully with ham.
Candied Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Holiday dinners often evoke memories of warm, golden sweet potatoes, their vibrant color and sweet aroma tantalizing our senses. What’s more, these delightful side dishes are surprisingly effortless to prepare. In fact, you can roast the sweet potatoes in advance and then re-glaze them on the day of your holiday gathering, streamlining the process and freeing up time for other preparations.
Cinnamon Brown Sugar Carrots
Carrots are the epitome of autumn’s bounty, and while Easter traditionally falls under Spring’s umbrella, why not deviate from convention? The allure of cinnamon brown sugar carrots lies in their ability to transform humble ingredients into a delectable side dish that’s sure to delight. This recipe requires minimal effort – simply toss the carrots into the pan and let them simmer for approximately half an hour before serving.
Maple Mustard Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are an exemplary illustration of a budget-friendly ingredient with vast culinary potential. The maple mustard glaze is a masterstroke, elevating the humble Easter table to new heights. This harmonious union of sweet and savory elements – courtesy of maple syrup and mustard – cleverly complements the subtle smokiness imparted by the char on the sprouts, resulting in a truly delectable culinary experience.
BBQ Creamed Corn
Creamed corn is a beloved side dish renowned for its rich, velvety texture. The beauty of this recipe lies in its hands-off approach, allowing you to devote more attention to the main course while it effortlessly prepares itself. When paired with roasted ham, creamed corn proves an unbeatable combination, elevating the overall dining experience.
Roasted Zucchini and Potatoes
When it comes to pairing a side dish with ham, a plate of roasted vegetables is an excellent choice. This recipe showcases zucchini as the star of the show, capitalizing on its natural sweetness when roasted. The combination of green and white striped potatoes, topped with thyme’s bright, herbaceous flavor and finished with a sprinkle of green onions, creates a harmonious balance of flavors. Moreover, this dish is equally well-suited for serving alongside stuffed peppers.
Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Panko Crumb Topping
Why not spice up your Easter celebration with a Southern twist? This indulgent baked macaroni and cheese recipe combines rich flavors and textures, making it a standout comfort food option. The addition of panko crumb topping takes this dish to the next level by providing a satisfying textural contrast to the creamy pasta beneath.
Creamy Broccoli Casserole
Don’t worry if getting your kids to eat broccoli on a holiday that’s all about chocolate is proving to be a challenge. This casserole recipe has got you covered. By incorporating fresh, crunchy broccoli into the dish, it provides a delightful and healthy contrast to the richer elements. The creamy sauce and crunchy topping offer an indulgent counterbalance, making it easy for even the pickiest eaters to enjoy.
Healthy Side Dishes for Ham
While lavish holiday spreads are undoubtedly delightful, it’s essential to balance out the richness with a nutritious complement. Amidst the indulgence, a healthy side dish serves as a refreshing respite from the decadence. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Thanksgiving, or another festive occasion, incorporating a light and revitalizing option can provide a welcome contrast to the rich flavors and textures of your ham recipe.
Roasted Spaghetti Squash
Combining flavor and nutrition, spaghetti squash is an exceptional ingredient that surprisingly packs natural sweetness. As it roasts, the hidden sugars emerge, imbuing the golden strands with a subtle, sweet depth. This convenience-driven delight requires minimal effort: simply roast it in a pan, then blend melted butter and seasonings through its tender flesh for a winning result.
Roasted Carrot and Goats Cheese Salad
The humble roasted carrot takes on a new dimension when paired with an earthy salad. This recipe delves into the possibilities of combining the two. At its core, the dish is built around roasted baby carrots and mixed greens. From here, the possibilities are endless – crumbled goat cheese adds a tangy touch, while a drizzle of honey vinaigrette brings a hint of sweetness. For added texture, crushed nuts provide a satisfying crunch. This salad’s versatility also makes it an excellent accompaniment to fried fish, offering a delightful contrast in flavors and textures.
Roasted Tenderstem Broccoli and Garlic Cashews
Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors by roasting broccolini with balsamic glaze – a match made in heaven! The tender stems, infused with the rich and tangy notes of the glaze, will leave you craving more. This effortless yet impressive side dish is perfect for impromptu gatherings or accompanying your favorite hot dogs.
Lemon-Garlic Green Beans with Parmesan
When it comes to pairing green beans with ham, a classic choice is to make them both healthy and flavorful. To achieve this, add a squeeze of lemon juice and some minced garlic to the beans, allowing their natural crunchiness to shine through. For added depth and richness, sprinkle a pinch of parmesan cheese over the top, providing a delightful contrast in textures that will harmonize beautifully with the ham.
Cheesy Vegan Cauliflower Casserole
For those seeking a hassle-free accompaniment that can also serve as a main course for vegan guests, look no further! This innovative twist on classic macaroni and cheese replaces traditional pasta with cauliflower, resulting in a dairy-free masterpiece that’s not only healthier but equally satisfying.
Maple Glazed Squash and Apples
This maple-glazed squash recipe is a standout for its simplicity and healthiness. Boasting only eight essential ingredients, it’s a cinch to prepare using items readily available in your pantry – making it the perfect side dish for the holidays. The prep work is minimal, requiring no more than tossing all the ingredients into a pan and letting them roast. As the squash and apples transform with the aromatic sweetness of maple glaze, you’ll be tantalized by the irresistible scent wafting from the oven.
Vegan Southern Squash Casserole
Indulge in the warm comfort of Southern-style squash casserole, a dish that will delight even the most refined palates. This delectable buttery vegetable delight is not only sure to impress your guests but also offers the added bonus of being vegan-friendly and gluten-free, making it an inclusive option for all dinner gatherings. Feel free to stick with pure squash or mix things up by incorporating other vegetables to add a fresh twist. With its versatility and crowd-pleasing appeal, this casserole is sure to become a new favorite.
Sprouted Buckwheat Salad with Basil Pesto
Sprouted foods like buckwheat, boasting an astonishingly higher nutrient density than their un-germinated counterparts, offer a trifecta of benefits: they’re more filling, more fibrous, and better for digestion. The sprouted buckwheat salad showcased here is a masterclass in marrying health and flavor, with its simplicity making it quick to prepare and perfect for pairing alongside your ham.
Honey Roasted Vegetables with Rosemary
One of the most appealing side dishes that embodies the warm, cozy spirit of autumn is a honey-roasted vegetable medley. This hearty combination of beets, carrots, sweet potatoes, and parsnips is elevated by the subtle sweetness of honey and the earthy aroma of rosemary, allowing each vegetable to shine in its own right. The result is a side dish that’s sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates. This recipe is an excellent choice for your holiday feast, as it’s certain to become a crowd-pleaser. And don’t be surprised if you find yourself reaching for seconds – or even serving it alongside burgers for a delightful twist.
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Light Poppy Seed Dressing
What’s truly special about this strawberry accompaniment is how it pairs harmoniously with pork – a classic combination that never goes out of style. This earthy strawberry salad, for instance, is a delightful marriage of flavors and textures that will leave your guests in awe. But what I find most compelling about this dish is its visual appeal. The vibrant green and red hues create a stunning display on the table, making it impossible to ignore. It’s the perfect combination of taste, nutrition, and aesthetics that elevates any meal.