Ham makes a delicious centerpiece for any meal, but choosing the right side dishes can elevate your dinner to the next level.

The perfect sides complement the rich, savory flavor of ham while adding variety and balance to your plate.

From classic comfort foods to fresh vegetable dishes, there are many options to round out your ham dinner.

You’ll find plenty of tasty side dish ideas to serve alongside ham, whether you’re planning a holiday feast or a simple weeknight meal.

Some popular choices include creamy potato dishes, roasted vegetables, fresh salads, and warm bread or biscuits.

With so many delicious options, you can mix and match sides to create a satisfying spread that will please everyone at your table.

1. Scalloped Potatoes

Scalloped potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with ham. These creamy, layered potatoes are a crowd-pleaser at any dinner table.

To make scalloped potatoes, slice potatoes thinly and layer them in a baking dish.

Pour a rich, cheesy cream sauce over the potatoes and bake until golden and bubbly.

You can easily prepare scalloped potatoes in a slow cooker for a hands-off approach. This frees up oven space for your ham and other dishes.

For extra flavor, try adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to your scalloped potatoes. You can also sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top for a delicious twist.

2. Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with ham. You can easily make this creamy, comforting dish at home.

Start by combining cooked green beans with cream of mushroom soup and crispy fried onions.

Pour the mixture into a baking dish and top with more onions.

Bake the casserole until it’s hot and bubbly. The result is a tasty blend of tender beans, savory sauce, and crunchy topping.

This crowd-pleasing recipe has been around for generations. It’s simple to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for holiday meals or family gatherings.

3. Maple Roasted Carrots

Maple roasted carrots are a sweet and savory side dish that pairs perfectly with ham. You’ll love how easy they are to make.

Simply toss sliced carrots with maple syrup, olive oil, and a pinch of salt.

Spread the carrots on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven until they’re tender and caramelized. The natural sugars in the carrots combine with the maple syrup to create a delicious glaze.

These carrots add a pop of color and a touch of sweetness to your ham dinner. They’re a crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will enjoy. Plus, they’re a healthier option compared to many other side dishes.

4. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Garlic mashed potatoes are a perfect side dish for ham. They’re creamy, flavorful, and easy to make.

Start by peeling and chopping potatoes. Boil them until tender, then drain.

Add butter, milk, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to the potatoes. Mash everything together until smooth.

For extra flavor, try roasting the garlic before adding it to the potatoes. This gives a milder, sweeter taste.

You can make these potatoes ahead of time and reheat them when ready to serve. They’re great for busy holiday meals or weeknight dinners.

5. Cheesy Broccoli Casserole

Cheesy broccoli casserole is a tasty side dish that goes great with ham. You’ll love the mix of tender broccoli and gooey cheese.

This dish is easy to make. Cut broccoli into small pieces and cook it until soft. Mix it with a creamy cheese sauce.

Add some extras like diced onions or crushed crackers on top for crunch. Bake the casserole until it’s hot and bubbly.

Your family will enjoy this cheesy veggie side. It’s a good way to get kids to eat more broccoli too.

6. Honey Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Honey glazed Brussels sprouts make a tasty side dish for ham. To make them, trim and halve fresh Brussels sprouts.

Toss the sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast them in a hot oven until they start to caramelize.

Drizzle honey over the roasted sprouts and return to the oven briefly. The honey will create a sweet, sticky glaze.

The result is Brussels sprouts with crispy edges and a caramelized honey coating. Their slight bitterness balances nicely with the sweetness of the ham.

This easy side dish adds color, flavor, and nutrition to your ham dinner. The honey glaze ties it in perfectly with honey-baked ham.

7. Peach Glazed Yams

Peach glazed yams offer a sweet twist on classic sweet potatoes. You’ll love the combination of tender yams and fruity peach flavor.

To make them, start by boiling or baking yams until soft.

Mash the yams and mix with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Spread the mixture in a baking dish.

Top with sliced peaches and a glaze made from peach preserves, brown sugar, and a touch of vanilla.

Bake until golden and bubbly. The result is a delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with ham. It’s sure to become a new favorite at your dinner table.

8. Creamed Spinach

Creamed spinach is a tasty side dish that goes well with ham. You’ll love its rich and creamy texture.

To make it, start by cooking fresh spinach until it wilts. Then mix it with a sauce made from butter, cream, and cheese.

Garlic and nutmeg add extra flavor to this dish. The result is a smooth, velvety spinach that complements the salty ham perfectly.

You can prepare creamed spinach ahead of time and reheat it when needed. This makes it great for busy meals or holiday dinners.

9. Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Baked macaroni and cheese is a perfect side dish for ham. It’s creamy, comforting, and loved by both kids and adults.

To make it, cook elbow macaroni until al dente. Then mix it with a rich cheese sauce made from butter, flour, milk, and shredded cheddar.

Pour the mixture into a baking dish. Top it with more cheese and breadcrumbs for a crunchy crust. Bake until golden and bubbly.

You can add extras like bacon bits or diced ham to make it even more filling. Serve it hot alongside your baked ham for a satisfying meal.

10. Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan

Roasted asparagus with Parmesan is a quick and tasty side dish for your ham dinner. It’s easy to make and takes about 15 minutes from start to finish.

To prepare, wash and trim the asparagus spears. Place them on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.

Sprinkle salt, pepper, and minced garlic over the asparagus.

Roast the asparagus in a hot oven until tender-crisp. Before serving, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the warm asparagus. The cheese will melt slightly, adding a savory flavor to the dish.

This simple side brings color and a fresh taste to your plate. It pairs well with ham and other main courses.

11. Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potato casserole is a beloved side dish that pairs perfectly with ham. You can easily make this tasty treat at home.

Start by baking sweet potatoes until they’re soft and tender.

Scoop out the insides and mash them with butter, milk, and a touch of salt. For extra sweetness, add a sprinkle of brown sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup.

Top your casserole with a layer of gooey marshmallows or a crunchy pecan streusel. Bake until the top is golden brown and crispy. The contrast of textures and flavors will complement your ham beautifully.

12. Cornbread Stuffing

Cornbread stuffing is a tasty side dish that pairs well with ham. You can make it easily at home with a few simple ingredients.

Start by cubing cornbread and toasting it in the oven. Mix it with sautéed onions, celery, and herbs like sage and thyme.

Add beaten eggs and chicken broth to bind the mixture. For extra flavor, stir in some diced ham. Transfer to a baking dish and dot with butter.

Bake until golden brown on top. The result is a savory, slightly sweet stuffing that complements your ham perfectly. It’s sure to be a hit at your next holiday meal or family dinner.

13. Cauliflower Gratin

Cauliflower gratin is a tasty side dish that goes well with ham. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor.

To make it, you’ll need cauliflower florets, cheese sauce, and some ham.

Start by boiling the cauliflower for a few minutes until it’s just soft.

Next, make a creamy bechamel sauce. Pour some over the cauliflower in a baking dish. Add diced ham on top for extra flavor.

Finish with more sauce and a sprinkle of cheese. Bake until it’s bubbly and lightly browned on top.

This dish is lower in carbs than potato sides. It’s a great choice if you want something rich to pair with your ham.

14. Pineapple Glazed Carrots

Pineapple glazed carrots offer a tasty twist on a classic side dish. You’ll love how the sweet pineapple complements the natural flavor of carrots.

To make this dish, start by cooking carrots until tender. Then, create a glaze using pineapple juice, brown sugar, and butter.

Pour the glaze over the cooked carrots and let them simmer. The carrots will absorb the tropical sweetness, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

This side dish pairs wonderfully with ham, adding a bright, fruity note to your meal. It’s quick to prepare and sure to become a family favorite.

15. Herbed Rice Pilaf

Rice pilaf is a tasty side dish that goes well with ham. You can make it easily at home.

Start by sautéing rice in butter to bring out its nutty flavor.

Add herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary for extra taste. Pour in chicken broth and let the rice simmer until tender. This takes about 15-20 minutes.

For more texture, you can mix in some vermicelli or orzo pasta. The result is a fluffy, flavorful rice dish that complements your ham perfectly.

Serve your herbed rice pilaf hot. It’s sure to be a hit at your next dinner.

16. Buttery Peas and Pearl Onions

Buttery peas and pearl onions make a tasty side dish for ham. This easy recipe needs just a few ingredients.

Mix peas and pearl onions in a saucepan. Add butter, salt, and a bit of broth or water. Cook on low heat until warm and tender.

The butter gives the veggies a rich flavor. Pearl onions add a sweet, mild taste. This combo goes well with the salty ham.

You can jazz it up with fresh herbs like dill or mint. For extra flavor, try adding a splash of cream at the end.

17. Roasted Root Vegetables

Roasted root vegetables make a hearty and colorful side dish for ham. You can use a mix of carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, and beets. Cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

Toss the veggies with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer.

Roast at 400°F for about 30-40 minutes, stirring halfway through. The vegetables are done when they’re tender and lightly caramelized. This simple side dish complements ham perfectly with its sweet and savory flavors.

18. Savory Bread Pudding

Savory bread pudding is a delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with ham. You can make it with homemade or leftover cornbread for extra flavor.

This dish combines cubes of bread, cheese, and diced ham in a creamy egg mixture. You’ll love the crispy top and soft, custardy center.

To make it, start by cutting croissants or bread into bite-sized pieces. Layer half the bread in a baking dish with ham and cheese. Pour the egg mixture over top and bake until golden brown.

For a twist, try adding veggies like zucchini or celery. The result is a comforting, savory side that complements your ham beautifully.

19. Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce is a classic side dish that pairs wonderfully with ham. Its sweet and tart flavors complement the salty, savory taste of ham perfectly.

You can make homemade cranberry sauce easily by simmering fresh cranberries with sugar and water. Add orange zest or cinnamon for extra flavor.

If you’re short on time, canned cranberry sauce works well too. Choose whole berry or jellied sauce based on your preference.

Serve the cranberry sauce cold or at room temperature alongside your ham. It adds a bright pop of color and flavor to your plate.

20. Twice-Baked Potatoes

Twice-baked potatoes are a tasty and filling side dish for ham.

You start by baking potatoes, then scoop out the insides and mix them with cheese, butter, and other yummy ingredients.

After refilling the potato skins, you bake them again until golden and crispy on top. The result is a creamy, cheesy potato treat that pairs perfectly with ham.

You can customize twice-baked potatoes by adding bacon bits, chives, or sour cream. They’re great for holidays or family dinners. Make them ahead of time and reheat for easy serving.

21. Apple Cranberry Coleslaw

Apple cranberry coleslaw is a tasty twist on traditional coleslaw. It mixes shredded cabbage with crisp apple slices and sweet dried cranberries.

The dressing uses mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. This gives it a creamy, tangy flavor that balances the sweet and tart ingredients.

You can make this dish quickly using pre-shredded coleslaw mix. Just add chopped apples, cranberries, and the dressing. It’s an easy side that pairs well with ham.

The crunchy texture and fruity flavors offer a nice contrast to rich, savory ham. This coleslaw brings color and freshness to your holiday table or any meal.

22. Parmesan Garlic Artisan Bread

Parmesan Garlic Artisan Bread is a tasty side dish for ham.

You can make this bread easily at home. Mix flour, yeast, salt, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan cheese in a bowl.

Add warm water and olive oil. Knead the dough until smooth. Let it rise for an hour. Shape the dough into a round loaf.

Bake the bread in a hot oven until golden brown. The crust will be crispy, and the inside soft. Serve warm with your ham dinner.

23. Lemon Thyme Carrots

Lemon thyme carrots are a tasty and easy side dish for ham.

You can make them quickly with just a few ingredients.

Start by peeling and slicing carrots into sticks. Toss them with olive oil, lemon juice, fresh thyme leaves, salt, and pepper.

Spread the carrots on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven until tender. The lemon adds brightness while thyme provides an earthy flavor.

These carrots complement ham well. The citrus notes cut through the rich meat, creating a balanced meal.

24. Ratatouille

Ratatouille is a tasty French vegetable dish that pairs well with ham. It’s made with eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, and bell peppers.

The veggies are cooked slowly in olive oil until they’re soft and flavorful. Herbs like thyme and basil add extra taste.

Ratatouille brings color and nutrition to your plate. Its tangy tomato flavor complements the salty ham nicely.

You can serve ratatouille hot or cold. It’s a great way to add more vegetables to your meal.

25. Wilted Spinach Salad

Wilted spinach salad is a tasty side dish that pairs well with ham. You can make it in just 25 minutes. The warm dressing slightly wilts the spinach leaves, creating a unique texture.

To prepare this salad, start with fresh spinach leaves. Add some crispy bacon bits, sliced mushrooms, and red onion.

For the dressing, mix olive oil, vinegar, sugar, and Dijon mustard. Heat the dressing in a pan. Pour it over the spinach mixture right before serving.

The heat from the dressing will gently wilt the spinach. This salad offers a nice mix of flavors and textures to complement your ham dinner.

26. Pecan Sweet Potato Bake

This dish combines sweet potatoes with a crunchy pecan topping. You’ll love the mix of creamy and crispy textures.

Start by mashing cooked sweet potatoes with butter, cream, and sugar. Spread the mixture in a baking dish.

Top it with a blend of chopped pecans, brown sugar, and butter. Bake until the topping turns golden brown and crispy.

This side dish pairs perfectly with ham. The sweet and nutty flavors complement the savory meat. It’s a tasty twist on traditional sweet potato casserole that your family will enjoy.

27. Roasted Garlic Mushrooms

Roasted garlic mushrooms make a tasty side dish for ham. You’ll love their rich, savory flavor.

To make them, clean and slice mushrooms. Place them on a baking sheet.

Mix minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Pour this mixture over the mushrooms. Toss to coat evenly.

Roast the mushrooms in a 400°F oven for about 20 minutes. They should be golden brown and tender. Stir once halfway through cooking.

The garlic will become soft and mellow as it roasts. This adds depth to the mushrooms’ earthy taste. Serve these mushrooms hot alongside your ham for a delicious meal.

28. Parmesan Roasted Vegetables

Parmesan roasted vegetables are a tasty and simple side dish for ham. You can use a mix of your favorite veggies like broccoli, carrots, and zucchini.

Cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet.

Roast the vegetables in a hot oven until they’re tender and lightly browned. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top during the last few minutes of cooking.

The cheese will melt and create a savory crust on the vegetables. This dish adds color, flavor, and nutrition to your ham dinner.

29. Quinoa Salad with Cranberries

Quinoa salad with cranberries is a tasty and healthy side dish for ham.

Cook quinoa according to package directions, then let it cool. Mix the cooked quinoa with dried cranberries, chopped nuts, and fresh herbs like parsley or mint.

Add some crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor.

Make a simple dressing with olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and Dijon mustard. Pour it over the salad and toss everything together.

This colorful dish offers a nice mix of textures and flavors. The nutty quinoa and tart cranberries complement the salty ham well. You can make it ahead of time and serve it cold or at room temperature.

30. Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

Garlic butter dinner rolls are a tasty side dish for ham.

You can make them easily at home or buy them from the store. These soft, warm rolls have a rich garlic flavor and a buttery taste.

To make them, brush melted garlic butter on store-bought or homemade rolls. Then bake them until they’re golden brown. The garlic butter adds extra flavor and makes the rolls crispy on the outside.

These rolls are perfect for soaking up ham juices or making mini sandwiches. They’re sure to be a hit at your next ham dinner.

Nutritional Benefits of Side Dishes

Side dishes add important nutrients to your meal with ham. They bring balance and variety to your plate.

Balancing Flavors and Textures

Side dishes offer a mix of tastes and textures to go with ham. Veggies give crunch and freshness. Grains add heartiness. Fruits bring sweetness. This variety makes your meal more fun to eat. It also helps you feel full and satisfied.

Colorful veggie sides pack in vitamins and minerals. Green beans have vitamin C and fiber. Carrots give you beta-carotene for eye health. Leafy greens like spinach offer iron and calcium.

Whole grains in side dishes provide fiber and B vitamins. Brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat bread boost the nutrition of your meal. They help with digestion and give you lasting energy.

Integrating Vegetables and Grains

Adding veggie and grain sides to ham creates a well-rounded meal. Aim to fill half your plate with veggies and a quarter with grains.

Roasted veggie medleys are easy and tasty. Try a mix of broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots. Toss with olive oil and herbs before roasting. This cooking method keeps nutrients intact.

Grain-based salads work well with ham. Combine cooked quinoa or barley with chopped veggies and a light dressing. These salads offer protein, fiber, and healthy fats.

Veggie-based casseroles can be nutritious sides. A sweet potato casserole gives you vitamin A and fiber. Green bean casserole adds veggies to your plate in a comforting way.

Pairing Suggestions for Ham

Ham pairs well with many flavors and seasonings. The right combinations can take your ham dish to the next level. Let’s look at some tasty pairings to try.

Ideal Flavor Combinations

Sweet and tangy flavors go great with ham. Try glazing your ham with honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar. For a fruity twist, use pineapple, apple, or cherry. Mustard adds a nice zing that cuts through the richness.

Savory herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage complement ham nicely. Garlic and onion bring out its meaty flavor. For a smoky kick, add some paprika or chipotle.

Don’t forget about drinks! Ham pairs well with white wines like Riesling or Gewürztraminer. For beer lovers, try a wheat beer or fruit-flavored ale.

Complementary Seasonings

Simple salt and pepper can enhance ham’s natural taste.

But why stop there? Try a spice rub with brown sugar, paprika, and garlic powder.

Or make a glaze with Dijon mustard, honey, and black pepper.

Cloves are a classic ham seasoning.

Stick whole cloves into the meat before baking. Ground cloves work too.

Cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and depth.

For a zesty kick, use cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.

Allspice and ginger bring a unique flavor.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match seasonings to find your perfect blend.