Best Side Dishes for Ham

Top 30 Side Dishes to Serve with Ham

Side dishes for ham enhance the main course with flavors that complement its rich, smoky taste.

Each side, from roasted vegetables to creamy casseroles, is crafted to pair perfectly with ham, creating a balanced meal.

These recipes bring out the best in ham, making any meal a well-rounded dining experience.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel

Sweet potato casserole with pecan streusel offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

The creamy sweetness of the mashed sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with the crunchy, nutty topping.

A hint of cinnamon adds warmth, making this dish a seasonal favorite.

Pecans provide an irresistible crunch that contrasts perfectly with the smooth base.

This casserole serves as an excellent side for holiday gatherings or family dinners, drawing everyone to the table for seconds.

Green Beans Almondine

Green beans almondine offers a delightful mix of fresh flavors and textures.

Tender green beans provide a crisp base, while toasted almonds add a satisfying crunch.

A hint of garlic elevates the dish, bringing depth to every bite.

Lemon juice brightens the overall taste, creating an appealing balance between savory and zesty notes.

Creamed Corn

Creamed corn offers a delightful blend of sweetness and creaminess that can elevate any meal.

The dish combines fresh corn kernels with a rich, velvety sauce, creating a texture that is both smooth and satisfying.

Using seasonal corn enhances the flavor profile, making each bite burst with natural sweetness.

Adding herbs or spices can introduce an exciting twist to this classic recipe.

Southern Squash Casserole

Southern squash casserole is a delightful dish that showcases the flavors of summer.

Fresh yellow squash mingles with creamy cheese and buttery breadcrumbs, creating a rich texture that's hard to resist.

This casserole often features hints of onion and spices.

Versatile enough for any occasion, it pairs beautifully with grilled meats or serves as a satisfying vegetarian option on its own.

Lazy Sweet Potato Mash

Lazy sweet potato mash offers a delightful twist on traditional sides.

The vibrant orange hue brightens any plate, instantly catching the eye.

Simple to prepare, this dish requires minimal effort yet delivers maximum flavor.

Creamy and slightly sweet, it pairs wonderfully with savory mains or stands alone as a comforting treat.

You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra kick.

Butternut Squash Blossom

Butternut squash blossom offers a delightful culinary experience that surprises the palate.

Its delicate petals have a mild, sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with various dishes.

Often used in gourmet recipes, this flower adds an elegant touch to salads and pastas.

Stuffing these blossoms with cheese or herbs creates an impressive appetizer for gatherings.

Harvesting them at the right time ensures maximum freshness and taste.

Creamed Peas with Pearl Onions

Creamed peas with pearl onions offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

The sweetness of the peas complements the subtle bite of pearl onions, creating a rich and creamy dish.

Fresh herbs can elevate this side, adding an aromatic touch that brightens every bite.

This dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats or grilled fish.

A sprinkle of nutmeg or black pepper introduces an unexpected twist that enhances its overall appeal.

Cherry Tomato Gratin

Cherry tomato gratin offers a delightful twist on traditional baked dishes.

Juicy tomatoes burst with flavor, enhanced by a crispy topping that adds texture and richness.

Fresh herbs elevate the taste, bringing brightness to each bite.

A drizzle of olive oil ensures every layer is infused with savory goodness.

This dish shines as an appetizer or side.

Chili Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes with Pecans

Chili maple glazed sweet potatoes with pecans offer a delightful blend of flavors that excite the palate.

The sweetness of the maple syrup perfectly balances the spicy kick from chili, creating an irresistible combination.

Roasted to perfection, these vibrant orange gems become tender and caramelized, enhancing their natural flavor.

Crunchy pecans add a satisfying texture and nutty richness.

Green Rice Casserole

Green rice casserole combines vibrant flavors and a creamy texture that is hard to resist.

Fresh spinach, zesty herbs, and rich cheese blend seamlessly into fluffy rice for a dish that feels both hearty and refreshing.

This recipe shines during gatherings or as a comforting weeknight meal.

It offers an easy way to incorporate greens into your diet without sacrificing taste.

You can enjoy the delightful crunch of breadcrumbs on top, adding an extra layer of texture with every bite.

Succotash

Succotash combines fresh corn, beans, and vibrant vegetables into a colorful dish that celebrates seasonal produce.

This delightful mix showcases the sweetness of corn paired with the earthiness of legumes.

The texture offers a satisfying crunch alongside tender bites, making it appealing to various palates.

Often served warm or at room temperature, succotash adapts well to any meal setting.

Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes

Goat cheese mashed potatoes offer a delightful twist on a classic favorite.

Creamy and rich, these potatoes blend perfectly with the tangy flavor of goat cheese, elevating your side dish game.

The smooth texture pairs beautifully with roasted meats or grilled vegetables, making every meal feel special.

Fresh herbs can add an aromatic touch that brightens the dish.

Fruity Nutty Crispy Brussels Sprouts

Fruity nutty crispy brussels sprouts offer a delightful twist on a classic vegetable.

The combination of crunchy nuts and sweet dried fruits adds an unexpected burst of flavor to each bite.

Roasting these sprouts brings out their natural sweetness while creating a satisfying crunch that keeps you coming back for more.

Tossing in spices elevates the dish, giving it warmth and depth that perfectly complements the freshness of the greens.

This side dish pairs wonderfully with any meal, whether it's a festive gathering or an everyday dinner at home.

Enjoy discovering how this vibrant mix can transform your plate into something truly special!

Wedge Salad

A wedge salad offers a refreshing twist on traditional greens.

Crisp iceberg lettuce forms the base, providing a satisfying crunch that pairs well with various toppings.

Creamy blue cheese dressing drizzles over the wedges, adding rich flavor and depth to each bite.

Chopped tomatoes and crispy bacon bits add vibrant color and texture.

Balela Salad

Balela salad offers a refreshing twist on traditional salads with its vibrant mix of chickpeas, parsley, and tomatoes.

The combination of flavors creates a delightful experience that excites the palate.

Each ingredient plays its part, from the nutty chickpeas to the zesty lemon dressing that ties everything together beautifully.

Corn Casserole

Corn casserole combines sweet corn with a creamy texture, creating a dish that feels indulgent yet approachable.

This comfort food shines at gatherings, offering an inviting aroma that fills the room.

Ingredients like butter and cheese add richness, while a hint of sweetness balances the flavors perfectly.

Each spoonful delivers satisfaction and warmth to everyone around the table.

Whether served as a side or enjoyed on its own, this casserole is sure to please all ages.

Easy Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries offer a delightful twist on traditional snacks.

Their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with savory dips, making them a versatile choice for any occasion.

Baking instead of frying keeps them healthier while still achieving that satisfying crispiness you crave.

Seasoning options abound, from classic salt and pepper to zesty chili powder or garlic powder.

Maque Choux

Maque choux offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures that can elevate any meal.

This traditional dish hails from Louisiana, showcasing the region's rich culinary heritage.

Sweet corn, bell peppers, and onions come together in a harmonious mix that bursts with freshness.

A hint of spice adds warmth without overwhelming the palate, inviting you to savor each mouthful.

Ideal as a side or main course, this dish complements various proteins beautifully.

Thanksgiving Kale Salad

Thanksgiving kale salad combines fresh, crisp greens with seasonal ingredients that celebrate the holiday.

Crunchy apples and sweet pomegranate seeds add a burst of flavor and color, while toasted nuts provide a satisfying crunch.

A zesty dressing brings everything together, enhancing the natural tastes of each component.

This dish not only nourishes but also brightens up any festive table setting.

Macaroni Salad

Macaroni salad combines tender pasta with a medley of colorful vegetables, creating a refreshing dish.

A creamy dressing ties everything together, offering a delightful balance of flavors.

This dish shines at picnics and barbecues, adding vibrancy to any spread.

Chopped celery and bell peppers contribute crunch while hard-boiled eggs provide richness.

Customizable ingredients let you experiment with tastes; consider adding olives or pickles for an extra zing.

Creole Mustard

Creole mustard offers a bold flavor that can elevate any dish.

Its unique blend of spices and vinegar creates a tangy kick, perfect for marinades or as a condiment.

This mustard features whole seeds, giving it an exciting texture that adds depth to sandwiches and dressings.

The combination of heat from cayenne pepper and the sweetness of garlic makes it versatile in various cuisines.

Adding creole mustard to your pantry opens up new culinary possibilities you might not have considered before.

Roasted Brown Butter Honey Garlic Carrots

Roasted brown butter honey garlic carrots offer a delightful twist on a classic side dish.

The rich, nutty flavor of brown butter pairs beautifully with the sweetness of honey and the savory kick from garlic.

Each carrot becomes tender and caramelized, creating an irresistible texture that invites you to take another bite.

Simple ingredients come together in harmony, elevating everyday dinners into something special.

Lemon Garlic Asparagus

Lemon garlic asparagus offers a refreshing twist to any meal.

The bright, zesty flavor of lemon pairs beautifully with the earthy notes of asparagus.

This dish can elevate your dining experience without requiring complicated techniques or ingredients.

Roasting brings out the natural sweetness, while garlic adds a savory depth that complements each bite perfectly.

Served as a side or light main course, it appeals to both casual eaters and gourmet enthusiasts.

Potatoes au Gratin (Dauphinoise)

Potatoes au Gratin offers a rich and creamy experience that satisfies any craving.

Layers of thinly sliced potatoes blend seamlessly with a velvety cheese sauce, creating an irresistible dish.

A golden crust forms on top, providing a delightful contrast to the tender potatoes beneath.

Garlic and nutmeg add depth, elevating the flavors to new heights.

This classic French recipe invites you to savor every mouthful while enjoying its elegant presentation at any gathering.

Southern Collard Greens

Southern collard greens is a classic Southern dish that brings out the earthy, slightly bitter taste of collard greens through slow cooking.

The greens are typically simmered with onions, garlic, and a smoky element like ham hocks or bacon, adding richness and depth.

This method makes the collard greens tender and flavorful, transforming them into a comforting side dish that pairs well with hearty meals.

A splash of vinegar at the end adds brightness, balancing the savory flavors.

Maple Cinnamon Sauteed Apples

Maple cinnamon sautéed apples offer a cozy, sweet treat that’s perfect for fall.

Fresh apple slices are cooked in a pan with a touch of butter, warm cinnamon, and a drizzle of maple syrup.

These sautéed apples can be enjoyed on their own or served over oatmeal, pancakes, or ice cream for an extra layer of flavor.

The combination of sweet, tart apples with rich maple and cinnamon makes this dish an easy yet satisfying option for a warm dessert or snack.

Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Fried Shallots

Green bean casserole with crispy fried shallots offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures.

Fresh green beans provide a vibrant crunch, while creamy mushroom sauce adds richness to the dish.

Crispy fried shallots on top create an irresistible golden layer that enhances every bite.

This classic side dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats.

Serve it warm for an inviting addition to your table that everyone will appreciate during festive meals or casual dinners .

Zucchini Carrot Salad

Zucchini carrot salad offers a refreshing twist on traditional salads.

Shredded zucchini and carrots create a vibrant mix that catches the eye.

A light dressing of lemon juice and olive oil enhances the natural flavors without overpowering them.

Adding nuts or seeds introduces an enjoyable crunch, making each bite interesting.

Fresh herbs like parsley or mint can elevate this dish, bringing in bright notes that awaken your palate.

Classic Dinner Rolls

Classic dinner rolls offer a delightful addition to any meal.

Soft and fluffy, these rolls provide the perfect canvas for butter or your favorite spreads.

The aroma of freshly baked bread fills the kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around the table.

These rolls are versatile enough to complement both casual dinners and festive gatherings.

Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese stands as a beloved comfort food for many.

Creamy, cheesy goodness envelops tender pasta, creating a satisfying dish that appeals to all ages.

Variations abound, with options like adding crispy bacon or fresh vegetables to elevate the experience.

Different cheeses can transform the flavor profile; sharp cheddar offers a robust taste while mozzarella adds stretchiness.

Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Asian Food Content Creator, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

Program: Diploma of Hospitality (Commercial Cookery)
Focus: The culinary program included a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery, a Certificate IV in Kitchen Management, and a Diploma of Hospitality Management. This education provided a comprehensive blend of theoretical and practical training in finance, sustainability, diversity, and human resources management.

Program: Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
Focus: Explored global cuisines, and developed entrepreneurial abilities to manage a successful food business, along with acquiring essential language, math, computer, and communication skills for success.

Program: Certificate of Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef
Focus: Master traditional and modern Vietnamese cooking techniques.


Truc Tran, or Kris, is an accomplished food editor with extensive training in hospitality and culinary arts, including a deep focus on Vietnamese cuisine from various prestigious institutions. She possesses over nine years of experience, developing her expertise in global cuisines and blending traditional Vietnamese cooking with contemporary trends to create engaging and educational content.

She also has a rich educational background, including a Diploma of Hospitality from TasTAFE and a Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts from Kendall College’s Sydney branch. It enables her to offer unique insights into meal planning, recipe development, and food culture, making her articles and cooking videos both informative and appealing.

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