31 Side Dishes That Make Ham Meals Special

Side dishes for ham complete any meal with exciting and flavorful options. From light salads to hearty casseroles, the variety ensures something for every occasion.

These recipes bring balance to the savory richness of ham, creating a harmonious plate. Perfect for holidays or casual meals, they add color and flavor to your table.

Each dish is simple to prepare and packed with fresh ingredients. Enjoy this collection of 31 side dishes for ham:

Mashed Cauliflower

Mashed cauliflower serves as a fantastic alternative to traditional mashed potatoes, delivering a creamy texture while keeping calories in check.

This versatile vegetable easily absorbs the flavors you introduce, allowing for endless seasoning possibilities that cater to your taste preferences.

Whether it's part of your Easter feast alongside ham or featured at any gathering, it stands out as an appealing low-carb choice.

You’ll find this dish resonates well with family and friends alike, making it an easy go-to side for various occasions.

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic comfort dish that pairs beautifully with ham, creating an irresistible combination. Made simply with just potatoes and butter, this side offers creamy richness that complements the savory flavors of your main course.

For those who enjoy a little heat, sprinkling in some pepper adds an exciting kick to each forkful. If you’re looking to elevate the taste further, incorporating garlic will enhance its depth and aroma.

This versatile recipe guarantees satisfaction at any meal where ham takes center stage.

Retro Jello Salad

Retro jello salad is a nostalgic dish that brings the charm of classic gatherings to your table. This colorful creation features layers of gelatin, fresh fruit, creamy whipped topping, and crunchy nuts that evoke fond memories.

With just a few simple ingredients at hand, preparing this treat can be done in no time. Serving it alongside friends or family adds an element of fun while sparking lively conversations about cherished moments from the past.

The blend of textures and flavors makes retro jello salad an enjoyable addition to any occasion where everyone will reminisce together.

Scalloped Potatoes

Scalloped potatoes are a creamy and comforting side dish that elevates any meal with layers of thinly sliced potatoes enveloped in rich cheese and cream. Unlike traditional mashed potatoes, this version brings a delightful texture contrast while maintaining an indulgent flavor profile.

Baked to perfection, the result is tender slices crowned with golden-brown cheese that creates a mouthwatering crust. The ideal cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, ensuring every bite offers warmth and satisfaction.

This dish serves as an inviting addition to your dining table, perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners at home.

Crockpot Baked Beans

Crockpot baked beans are a comforting and satisfying side that seamlessly melds flavors while requiring minimal effort. With just navy beans, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, bacon, and onion in the mix, you’re set for an easy yet hearty dish.

You can prepare this meal ahead of time; simply toss everything into the crockpot and let it simmer to perfection as you attend to your main course. This method not only enhances taste but also frees up your schedule during busy cooking times.

Ideal for gatherings or weeknight dinners where simplicity meets flavor without compromise.

Cornbread

Cornbread is a cherished staple that pairs beautifully with savory dishes, especially ham. Known for its slightly sweet and hearty texture, this dish combines simple ingredients like cornmeal, flour, sugar, eggs, milk, and butter to create something truly special.

Baking it in a cast iron skillet enhances the flavor while giving it an appealing golden crust. This versatile side not only complements your meal but also adds warmth to any dining experience you share with loved ones.

Its simplicity makes cornbread a favorite choice for gatherings or cozy family dinners.

Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potato casserole stands out as a delicious alternative to traditional sides, bringing warmth and sweetness that perfectly complements ham dinners. This creation features roasted sweet potatoes enriched with brown sugar, butter, and aromatic spices commonly associated with festive occasions.

The baking process ensures the flavors meld beautifully while achieving a golden crust on top. Ideal for family gatherings or holiday feasts, this dish transforms ordinary meals into something memorable by adding its unique flair and comforting texture to your table.

With each serving, you’ll discover how well it pairs with savory entrees like ham.

Oven Roasted Vegetables

Oven roasted vegetables transform everyday produce into a savory side that bursts with flavor. Utilizing an array of seasonal veggies such as carrots, potatoes, and green beans enhances both taste and nutrition.

Tossing them in olive oil, along with seasoning like salt and black pepper, elevates their natural sweetness while promoting health benefits you can appreciate. Experimentation is key; feel free to use whatever fresh ingredients are available for a personalized touch.

This dish not only meets your vegetable intake needs but also makes meal preparation effortlessly enjoyable.

Honey Glazed Carrots

Honey glazed carrots are a delightful side dish that transforms ordinary vegetables into an extraordinary addition to any meal. With their irresistible combination of honey, butter, and a hint of cinnamon, these carrots strike the perfect balance between sweet and savory flavors.

Preparing this dish is efficient; you can whip up large batches without extra effort or time in the kitchen. Their appealing sheen makes them visually enticing on your dinner plate as they enhance both taste and presentation effortlessly.

Perfectly complementing heartier mains like ham, these glazed carrots ensure that every bite brings satisfaction without overwhelming your palate.

Wild Rice & Mushroom Pilaf

Wild rice and mushroom pilaf offers a delightful balance of earthy flavors and hearty textures. Featuring tender wild rice cooked to perfection with savory mushrooms, this dish is both satisfying and simple to prepare.

The cooking process requires just around 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for festive occasions or cozy dinners alike. Enhance its taste by incorporating your favorite herbs and spices that resonate with you, allowing personal touches to shine through in each serving.

Guests will undoubtedly admire this dish as they savor its rich aroma during any gathering.

Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole is a classic comfort dish that evokes cherished memories from family gatherings. Fresh green beans are blanched and enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce, then crowned with crunchy fried onions for an irresistible texture contrast.

Baking it allows the flavors to meld beautifully while achieving that perfect golden-brown topping you crave. As this hearty side warms up your meal, it consistently draws everyone around the table eager for another helping.

It’s a timeless recipe that never fails to impress during festive occasions or cozy dinners at home.

Roasted Asparagus

Roasted asparagus stands out as a fantastic side dish, offering a delightful crunch and earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with ham. With just a handful of ingredients, fresh asparagus, olive oil, salt, and pepper, you can prepare this dish effortlessly.

After roasting in the oven for about 15 minutes, the spears turn perfectly crispy while retaining their vibrant color. This method allows you to create generous portions in one pan without stressing over meal prep throughout the evening.

It not only enhances your dinner but also simplifies your cooking experience significantly.

Potato Salad

Potato salad is a classic side dish that adds comfort to any meal. This creamy delight features boiled potatoes enveloped in a tangy mixture of mayonnaise, mustard, and vinegar, creating an inviting flavor profile that's hard to resist.

With the addition of chopped onion and celery, it offers satisfying crunch alongside its smooth texture. Ideal for gatherings like picnics or potlucks, this recipe brings people together around the table with ease.

Preparing this salad involves just mixing your ingredients and chilling it until you're ready to serve, simple yet effective!

Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese serves as a beloved comfort food, celebrated for its creamy texture and rich flavor that warms the soul. The straightforward preparation involves cooking macaroni to tender perfection before blending it with a luscious cheese sauce made from butter, flour, milk, salt, pepper, and cheddar.

With just these simple ingredients at hand, you’ll create an inviting dish that complements any winter gathering effortlessly. This hearty recipe stands out not only for its taste but also for how quickly it comes together in your kitchen.

It’s an essential side that enhances meals while bringing people together around the table.

Dinner Rolls

Dinner rolls are soft, fluffy breads that complement any meal beautifully. These versatile side dishes elevate even the simplest of dinners, making them a staple at gatherings.

Baking from scratch allows you to enjoy their warm aroma wafting through your kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere for your guests. When served fresh out of the oven, they transform into delightful little pockets ready to cradle savory fillings or simply be enjoyed on their own.

A homemade roll can easily become the foundation for a satisfying ham sandwich afterward; it’s all about simple pleasures in dining.

Broccolini

Broccolini shines as a flavorful alternative to traditional broccoli, featuring a subtle sweetness and tender crunch that elevate any meal. Roasting it brings out its natural flavors in just 15 minutes, making this veggie an ideal addition to your dinner table.

A drizzle of olive oil or balsamic vinegar enhances its appeal, creating a dish that’s both simple and sophisticated. Pairing beautifully with ham or grilled meats, broccolini adds a fresh touch without requiring much effort in the kitchen.

This green gem not only complements various entrees but also stands confidently on its own as an appealing side option.

Warm Farro & Mustard Green Salad With Maple-Roasted Acorn Squash

Warm farro and mustard green salad with maple-roasted acorn squash brings together earthy grains and vibrant greens in a wholesome dish. Highlighting the sweetness of roasted acorn squash paired with peppery mustard greens, this salad offers a delightful contrast that can brighten any meal.

Farro's chewy texture complements the tender greens, creating an inviting experience on your plate. With simple preparation steps, you’ll find it’s easier to make than expected while packing layers of flavor into every bite.

This unique recipe adds a nourishing touch that you'll appreciate alongside your favorite entrees.

Rhubarb Applesauce

Rhubarb applesauce is a sweet and tangy accompaniment that adds depth to any meal. This delightful side combines the tartness of fresh rhubarb with strawberries, sugar, water, cinnamon, and nutmeg for an unforgettable flavor profile.

After chopping the rhubarb and strawberries, you’ll simmer them in a pot until they meld into a smooth sauce perfect for serving alongside baked ham or as a topping for desserts. The aromatic spices enhance its richness while balancing the sweetness of fruits beautifully.

A unique addition to your culinary repertoire awaits with this simple yet satisfying recipe that complements various dishes effortlessly.

Pineapple Stuffing

Pineapple stuffing is an enticing side dish that infuses traditional bread stuffing with the bright flavors of pineapple and aromatic herbs. This delightful creation adds a refreshing twist to your holiday meals, enhancing the savory notes of ham perfectly.

Each bite offers a unique contrast between sweetness and seasoning, transforming ordinary dinners into memorable feasts. You’ll appreciate how this dish not only complements but elevates your table spread, making every meal feel special.

The unexpected combination will have you reconsidering conventional sides for good; it’s simply unforgettable.

Braised Red Cabbage

Braised red cabbage offers a stunning side that brings both color and flavor to your table.

Its unique balance of sweet and tangy notes elevates the taste, transforming any meal into a memorable feast.

You’ll appreciate how the slow-cooking process enhances its natural sweetness while softening its slight bitterness, making it approachable for all diners.

With just a bit of patience in preparation, this dish becomes an impressive addition that will leave your guests eager for more at every gathering.

Mini Cranberry Pot Pies

Mini cranberry pot pies offer a delightful twist on traditional holiday fare, featuring tender pastry filled with the tartness of cranberries. These individual servings make it easy to enjoy at gatherings without fussing over slicing and serving.

You can whip up the dough effortlessly in a food processor, saving time and energy for more festivities. The savory-sweet filling captures that quintessential Thanksgiving flavor, making each bite satisfying while complementing your holiday ham beautifully.

Creating these mini delights means everyone gets their own portion or you could opt for one larger pie to share among friends and family during festive moments together.

Creamy Potato, Carrot, & Leek Soup

Creamy potato, carrot, and leek soup offers a comforting embrace during chilly evenings. This hearty dish features the earthy flavors of root vegetables harmonizing with silky broth for an inviting meal.

With simple ingredients like potatoes, carrots, leeks, and chicken broth enhanced by milk and butter, you can create something truly satisfying. Accompanying this soup with crusty bread ensures every drop is savored without waste.

Preparing a generous batch allows everyone to enjoy its warmth over several days as it becomes even more flavorful when reheated.

Artichokes with Lemon Mayo

Artichokes with lemon mayo present a refreshing twist that transforms this often-overlooked vegetable into an enticing dish. Featuring tender artichoke hearts paired with a zesty lemon mayonnaise, the combination offers a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.

To whip up this recipe, gather some fresh artichokes along with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. This side dish makes for an excellent accompaniment to savory meals like ham dinners while being remarkably simple to prepare; just take care when handling the artichokes as their preparation can be slightly challenging.

Ideal for those looking to add something unique to their table without too much fuss.

Collard Greens

Collard greens serve as a beloved staple in southern cuisine, known for their rich flavor and satisfying texture. Cooking these hearty leaves low and slow allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a dish that’s both comforting and fulfilling.

Seasoning with ingredients like bacon or ham enhances the savory profile, while onions and garlic add depth that transforms your meal into something memorable. Traditionally enjoyed alongside meats such as ham, collard greens elevate any plate with their robust character.

Taking an hour to prepare them on the stove is truly rewarding when you savor each mouthful of this classic side dish.

Goat Cheese, Apple, & Honey Tarts

Goat cheese, apple, and honey tarts elevate any meal with their exquisite balance of sweet and savory flavors. Crafted from flaky puff pastry and creamy goat cheese, these little delights are topped with fresh apples drizzled in rich honey for a burst of flavor in every bite.

The combination creates an elegant side dish or appetizer that pairs beautifully with various main courses. While the preparation may require some patience, the stunning presentation is sure to impress your guests at dinner parties or special occasions.

You’ll find that these tarts not only satisfy but also bring a touch of sophistication to your table.

Corn Pudding

Corn pudding is a creamy delight that transforms simple corn into a comforting dish perfect for any meal. Featuring the rich flavors of corn, milk, sugar, and butter, this recipe stands out with its smooth texture and delightful sweetness.

Preparing it takes just about 30 minutes in the oven, making it an ideal choice when you're looking to switch up your usual sides. Adding crispy bacon on top introduces a savory crunch that beautifully complements the creaminess below.

This unique side will have everyone coming back for seconds at your next gathering.

Cacio e Pepe Brussels Sprout

Cacio e pepe brussels sprouts offer a delicious twist on the classic side dish, enhancing the natural flavor of roasted veggies with rich cheese and spices.

This recipe calls for simple yet impactful ingredients like olive oil, crushed red pepper flakes, garlic, salt, black pepper, and Pecorino Romano cheese that all come together beautifully in the oven.

After just 20 minutes of roasting time, you can expect crispy edges coated in melted cheese that add depth to every bite.

You’re sure to enjoy this savory addition to your meal lineup as it turns humble brussels sprouts into an unforgettable experience.

Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti squash serves as a nutritious and versatile side that complements any main course, particularly ham. This unique vegetable transforms into tender strands resembling pasta when roasted, offering an exciting alternative to traditional carbs.

Preparing this dish is straightforward; simply slice the squash in half, roast it until soft, and use a fork to fluff out those delightful strands. You’ll find yourself enjoying both its taste and health benefits without compromising on flavor or satisfaction.

A simple addition like this can enhance your meal while promoting healthy eating habits effortlessly.

Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs serve as a sophisticated appetizer that elevates any gathering with their creamy and tangy filling. Hard-boiling the eggs creates a perfect canvas, while mixing yolks with mayo, mustard, and relish crafts an unforgettable flavor experience.

Topping them off with crispy bacon or fresh chives introduces delightful texture and taste nuances. These crowd-pleasers often become the highlight of your meal as they bring together simple ingredients in an unexpected way.

Whether at holiday feasts or casual get-togethers, these treats are sure to capture everyone's attention at the table.

Seasonal Green Salad

Seasonal green salad offers a refreshing alternative to the heavier sides often served at festive meals. This quick and wholesome option allows you to choose from a variety of greens, making it easy to tailor according to your taste preferences.

Adding fruits or nuts enhances its flavor profile while providing additional nutrition. A fantastic way to cleanse after indulgent holiday feasts, this salad can be assembled in just minutes for those busy moments when time is short.

Its versatility makes it an ideal companion for any meal, inviting vibrant elements into your dining experience effortlessly.

Creamed Spinach

Creamed spinach is a luscious side that elevates the humble vegetable into an exquisite dish. The rich, creamy sauce envelops tender spinach leaves, creating a comforting experience that's both indulgent and satisfying.

With just fresh spinach, butter, onion, garlic, flour, milk, salt and pepper on hand you can whip up this delectable treat in no time. It's perfect for gatherings as it tends to vanish quickly when served; guests often find themselves going back for more.

This recipe not only showcases the versatility of spinach but also transforms it into a crowd-pleasing favorite at any meal.