The 38 Best Side Dishes to Serve with Holiday Ham
Discover 38 irresistible sides that perfectly complement ham, from creamy mac and cheese to savory vegetable dishes and homemade rolls.
Few main courses bring people together quite like a glazed holiday ham, its balance of salty, smoky, and sweet flavors making it the star of many celebratory meals. But every great ham needs an ensemble of crave-worthy sides to turn dinner into a true feast. From velvety mac and cheese and fresh seasonal veggies to bright salads and fluffy dinner rolls, below you’ll find 38 diverse and delicious side dishes—each carefully chosen to complement your ham and elevate your holiday table.
Table of Contents
- Mac & Cheese Variations
- Roasted and Sautéed Vegetables
- Potatoes & Corn Dishes
- Green Beans & Bright Salads
- Hearty Grains & Casseroles
- Signature Bread Sides
- FAQs
Mac & Cheese Variations
Mac and cheese has a universal crowd-pleasing quality, offering comforting richness and a blank canvas for myriad flavors. Here are top picks that work beautifully alongside ham:
- Stovetop Mac & Cheese: Two critical ingredients—garlic powder and white pepper—deepen the flavor of this creamy, quick-cooking classic. Expect people to go back for thirds.
- Truffled, Mustardy Mac & Cheese: Elegant yet cozy, this dish brings boldness with a hit of truffled mustard (or truffle oil) and Dijon, making it stand out in holiday spreads.
- Sheet-Pan Pumpkin Mac & Cheese with Brown Butter: Canned pumpkin and nutty brown butter enrich this variation, while sheet pan baking produces extra crispy edges in every bite.
- Baked Chipotle Mac & Cheese: For those who like a kick, smoked chipotle peppers add depth and gentle heat that harmonizes with ham’s smokiness.
Roasted and Sautéed Vegetables
Roasted and sautéed vegetables balance ham’s richness and introduce contrasting textures and flavors. Try these standouts:
- Cheesy Roasted Asparagus with Crispy Crunchies: Asparagus shines next to ham, especially when dressed with walnuts, panko breadcrumbs, and Gruyère cheese for a kid-friendly, crunchy topping.
- The Only Roasted Cauliflower I Want: This vegan favorite features cauliflower caramelized in olive oil, tossed with raisins, garlic, and a touch of red pepper flakes for sweet-salty complexity.
- Turmeric-Roasted Carrots with Seeds: Roasted carrots flavored with warm turmeric and topped with crunchy seeds, set atop a bed of greens—a two-in-one side lasting long in memory.
- Roasted Baby Turnips with Dijon-Shallot Vinaigrette and Tarragon: Oven-roasted baby turnips gain spark and freshness from a Dijon-shallot vinaigrette and fresh tarragon, turning a humble veg into a conversation piece.
Potatoes & Corn Dishes
No holiday ham meal feels complete without a hearty potato or corn dish (or two). Here are the must-serves:
- Instant Pot Buttermilk Leek Mashed Potatoes: The addition of buttermilk and white wine lends tang and richness, making these potatoes balanced rather than heavy.
- Salt & Vinegar Mashed Potatoes: A splash of malt or apple cider vinegar takes mashed potatoes in a bold, delicious direction, cutting through ham’s fattiness.
- Mashed Maple Chipotle Sweet Potatoes: Smoky chipotle peppers and sweet maple syrup produce a creamy, spicy-sweet mash that echoes the flavors often found in glazed ham.
- New-Fashioned Corn Pudding: Savory, not sweet: sharp cheddar, a hint of hot sauce, garlic, and ground mustard transform this classic into a bold, creamy casserole.
Green Beans & Bright Salads
To balance hearty main courses, vibrant and fresh sides are a must. These salads and green sides are tailor-made for pairing with ham:
- Green Beans Vinaigrette: Blanched green beans meet a honey-mustard vinaigrette, resulting in crisp-tender, flavor-packed vegetables.
- Garlic Green Beans: Proof that simplicity wins: green beans sautéed with just one (or more!) clove of garlic, tailored to your crowd’s taste for allium punch.
- Kale Salad with Apples & Hazelnuts: This salad’s crunch and sweetness highlight kale’s underrated charm, especially alongside ham. Slices of apple and toasty hazelnuts make it addictive.
- Maple Syrup & Dijon Vinaigrette: Whip up a spicy-sweet vinaigrette and toss with any hearty green—kale, butterhead—or even drizzle over roasted squash or steamed broccoli.
Hearty Grains & Casseroles
Solving the riddle of pairing starchy comfort foods with ham starts here:
- Classic Scalloped Potatoes: Thinly sliced potatoes and creamy, cheesy sauce baked until golden. Always a crowd-pleaser when ham is on the menu.
- Creamy Grits: Rich, buttery grits offer a Southern-style foil to any ham, especially with add-ins like sharp cheese, roasted peppers, or chives.
- Savory Bread Pudding: Repurpose day-old bread in custardy, herby bread pudding. Cheddar or Swiss cheese brings the flavor over the top.
- Wild Rice Pilaf with Dried Cranberries: Fluffy wild rice dotted with dried cranberries and herbs brings sweet-tart accents, balancing the savoriness of ham.
- Country Ham Asparagus Bundles and Grilled Lemon Wedges: Sweet, nutty asparagus wrapped in salty country ham and enlivened with smoky, citrusy grilled lemon—a beautiful spring addition.
Signature Bread Sides
The best way to sample every sauce and soak up all those delicious juices is with home-baked rolls and breads. Here are classics to consider for your holiday spread:
- Aunt Mariah’s Rolls: Uniquely folded, envelope-style dinner rolls, with a rich family story and a soft, chewy bite that always gets rave reviews.
- Astor House Rolls: This luxury hotel-inspired recipe hides a pat of butter inside each roll before baking—then encourages you to add more butter on top afterward!
- Parker House Rolls: Lightly sweet, pillowy soft, and a perennial favorite for soaking up ham’s savory glaze.
Special Seasonal Additions
Make your ham dinner even more memorable with these standouts, especially when entertaining in the spring or during major holidays:
- Spring Peas with Mint: Bright, sweet peas tossed with fresh mint and a little butter add gentle green freshness to any spread.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic: Crispy brussels sprouts accented with the smoky richness of bacon and the tang of balsamic vinegar provide a dynamic counterpoint.
- Pineapple Cheese Casserole: Unconventional but irresistible—a casserole of tangy-sweet pineapple chunks, sharp cheddar cheese, and a crumbly, buttery cracker topping. Sweet and savory fans will love this alongside ham.
- Cider-Glazed Root Vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, and onions are roasted, then glazed with a sweet-tart reduction of apple cider and vinegar for an aromatic finish.
- Yellow Squash Casserole: Creamy, herby, and topped with a crispy, buttery panko-Parmesan crust—this is the kind of casserole that repeatedly disappears first.
- From-Scratch Cornbread Dressing: Aromatic and herby, with rich broth and golden crust, cornbread dressing stands tall next to any spiral-cut ham.
Quick Reference: Sides by Category
| Category | Dish Examples |
|---|---|
| Mac & Cheese | Stovetop Mac & Cheese, Truffled Mustard Mac & Cheese, Pumpkin Mac & Cheese |
| Vegetables | Cheesy Asparagus, Roasted Cauliflower, Turmeric-Roasted Carrots |
| Potatoes & Corn | Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Corn Pudding |
| Green Sides | Kale Salad, Green Beans Vinaigrette, Garlic Green Beans |
| Breads & Rolls | Aunt Mariah’s Rolls, Astor House Rolls, Parker House Rolls |
| Special Additions | Pineapple Cheese Casserole, Cider-Glazed Root Vegetables |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What makes a perfect side for ham?
A: The best sides for ham balance its salty, smoky, and sweet profile. Dishes that add creamy, tangy, or bright flavors—like cheesy casseroles, citrusy roasted vegetables, and crisp salads—pair especially well.
Q: Can side dishes be prepared in advance?
A: Yes! Many casseroles, mashed potatoes, and rolls can be prepped a day before and reheated. Certain salads like kale or grain salads also improve as they marinate in dressing.
Q: What vegetables go best with ham?
A: Asparagus, green beans, carrots, turnips, brussels sprouts, and kale are all excellent choices. Root vegetables roasted with a touch of sweetness or tang add lively contrast to ham.
Q: How do you keep dinner rolls soft and fresh?
A: Store freshly baked rolls wrapped in a clean towel or airtight container. Warm just before serving for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
From velvety mac and cheese and savory mashed potatoes to bright, vibrant salads and homemade breads, these 38 side dishes are guaranteed to bring festive color, texture, and flavor to your next ham dinner. Mix and match favorites, try something new each year, and enjoy creating a truly memorable holiday table.
