Did you know that ham is one of the most popular meats enjoyed in households across the United States? Whether it’s a holiday feast or a simple family dinner, serving ham as the main dish has become a beloved tradition. But what sides should you serve with ham to create the perfect pairing?
When it comes to finding the right sides to serve with ham, the options are endless. From classic favorites to creative twists, there are plenty of delicious side dishes that can elevate your ham feast. Whether you’re looking for comfort food, refreshing flavors, or exciting new combinations, we’ve got you covered.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
- Ham is a popular meat enjoyed in households across the United States.
- Choosing the right sides can enhance the flavors of the ham and create a memorable meal.
- From classic favorites like potato dishes to creative twists like bourbon yams, there are numerous options to consider.
- Serving a big salad alongside ham adds freshness and balance to the meal.
- Don’t forget about classic favorites like deviled eggs, watercress salad, or stewed okra and tomatoes.
Potato Side Dishes
A side of potatoes is always a crowd-pleaser with ham. Enhance your ham feast by serving these classic potato side dishes that add a comforting and hearty element to your meal.
Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped potatoes are a timeless favorite when it comes to pairing with ham. These thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy sauce are the perfect combination of rich, cheesy flavors and tender, melt-in-your-mouth potato goodness. Whether served as a side dish or main course, scalloped potatoes are sure to impress.
Creamy Potato Gratin
Indulge in the lusciousness of creamy potato gratin alongside your ham. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes, bathed in a decadent cream sauce infused with garlic and cheese, create a dish that is both elegant and satisfying. The creamy texture and golden-brown crust make it an irresistible complement to the savory ham.
Garlicky Roasted Potatoes
Add a flavorful twist to your ham dinner with garlicky roasted potatoes. Tossed in olive oil, garlic, and cozy herbs like rosemary and thyme, these crispy roasted potatoes provide a delightful contrast to the succulent ham. The aromatic flavors and crunchy texture of the potatoes make them an easy and delicious side dish option.
Side Dish | Description |
---|---|
Scalloped Potatoes | Thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy cheese sauce |
Creamy Potato Gratin | Layers of thinly sliced potatoes in a decadent cream and cheese sauce |
Garlicky Roasted Potatoes | Crispy roasted potatoes tossed with garlic and herbs |
Pair your ham with these delicious potato side dishes to create a satisfying and memorable meal.
Vegetable Side Dishes
For a well-rounded meal, add some cooked vegetables to your ham dinner. Sautéed green beans and glazed carrots are popular ham accompaniments that add a burst of color and flavor to the plate. These vegetable side dishes provide a refreshing contrast to the rich ham flavor.
When it comes to easy ham side dishes, sautéed green beans are a go-to option. Simply heat olive oil in a skillet, add fresh green beans, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and sauté until tender-crisp. This quick and vibrant side dish complements the ham’s savory taste perfectly.
Glazed carrots are another vegetable side dish that pairs wonderfully with ham. To make them, simmer baby carrots in a mixture of butter, brown sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon until they become tender and caramelized. The sweet and buttery glaze enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots and balances the richness of the ham.
Adding these vegetable side dishes to your ham dinner not only adds nutritional value but also brings a delightful textural and flavor contrast to the meal. The vibrant green beans and the sweet glazed carrots create a visually appealing plate that complements the centerpiece ham.
Try this delicious combination:
Vegetable Side Dishes | Difficulty Level |
---|---|
Sautéed Green Beans | Easy |
Glazed Carrots | Easy |
By incorporating these vegetable side dishes into your ham dinner, you’ll create a well-balanced meal that satisfies both the taste buds and the eyes. The freshness and vibrancy of the green beans and carrots elevate the overall dining experience, making it a memorable occasion for all.
Rolls and Biscuits
No ham dinner is complete without rolls or biscuits. These buttery delights not only add a touch of warmth to the meal but also serve as the perfect vessel for post-dinner ham sandwiches. Make a double batch to ensure you have enough to go around.
When it comes to the perfect pairings for ham, rolls and biscuits are at the top of the list. These fluffy, golden-brown bread options not only complement the rich flavors of ham but also add a comforting element to your meal.
Whether you prefer soft and fluffy rolls or buttery and flaky biscuits, they are versatile enough to be enjoyed with any type of ham. Their mild flavors and delicate texture create a delightful contrast to the savory ham, making each bite a heavenly combination.
But that’s not all. Rolls and biscuits also serve as the ideal post-dinner option for ham sandwiches. Simply slice some leftover ham, add it to a roll or biscuit, and you have a delicious sandwich that’s packed with all the flavors you love.
When serving rolls or biscuits with ham, it’s always a good idea to make a double batch. These popular ham accompaniments are sure to be a hit, and you don’t want anyone missing out on this simple pleasure.
Salad Recipes
Serving a big salad alongside your ham is a great way to add freshness and balance to the meal. Whether it’s a simple cucumber salad, a hearty green bean salad, or a refreshing radish salad, these salad recipes provide a lighter and vibrant option to accompany the ham.
Salads offer a wide variety of flavors and textures that can complement the rich and savory ham. From classic ham sides to creative ham side dishes, there’s a salad recipe to suit every taste.
1. Classic Ham Sides Salad
This classic salad combines crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and chunks of ham, topped with a tangy vinaigrette dressing. The fresh vegetables balance out the richness of the ham, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.
“The combination of fresh vegetables and ham is simply irresistible. This salad is a timeless favorite that adds a burst of color and freshness to any ham feast.” – Chef Sarah
2. Mediterranean Ham Salad
For those looking for a more adventurous option, try a Mediterranean-inspired ham salad. This vibrant dish combines mixed greens, olives, feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and cubed ham, dressed with a zesty lemon vinaigrette. The flavors of the Mediterranean ingredients pair beautifully with the ham for a truly delicious experience.
3. Strawberry Spinach Salad with Ham
For a touch of sweetness and crunch, try a strawberry spinach salad with ham. This refreshing salad features fresh strawberries, baby spinach, sliced almonds, crumbled goat cheese, and diced ham, drizzled with a balsamic vinaigrette. The combination of the sweet strawberries and savory ham creates a delightful contrast of flavors.
Classic Ham Sides Salad | Mediterranean Ham Salad | Strawberry Spinach Salad with Ham |
---|---|---|
Crisp lettuce | Mixed greens | Baby spinach |
Ripe tomatoes | Olives | Fresh strawberries |
Sliced cucumbers | Feta cheese | Sliced almonds |
Chunks of ham | Sun-dried tomatoes | Crumbled goat cheese |
Tangy vinaigrette dressing | Zesty lemon vinaigrette | Balsamic vinaigrette |
Exciting Twists
If you’re looking to add some creative twists to your ham feast, consider dishes like Bourbon Yams, Cream Cheese Herb Biscuits, or Squash Ribbon Salad with Sunflower Seeds. These exciting side dishes bring unique flavors and textures to the table, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Unique and Flavorful Options
When it comes to creative ham side dishes, why not try something unexpected? Experimenting with different flavors and ingredients can take your ham dinner to a whole new level. Here are a few ideas that will surely impress your guests:
- Bourbon Yams: Give the classic sweet potato dish a boozy twist by adding a splash of bourbon. The sweet and smoky notes of the bourbon complement the savory ham perfectly.
- Cream Cheese Herb Biscuits: Take your biscuit game up a notch by incorporating cream cheese and herbs into the dough. These soft and flavorful biscuits pair wonderfully with ham.
- Squash Ribbon Salad with Sunflower Seeds: Create a visually stunning side dish by using a peeler to make ribbons out of different types of squash. Toss them with a zesty dressing and sprinkle with crunchy sunflower seeds for added texture.
- Honey Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: Transform Brussels sprouts into a mouthwatering side dish by roasting them with a sweet honey glaze and crispy bacon. The combination of flavors is a perfect match for ham.
By incorporating these creative ham side dishes into your meal, you’ll surprise and delight your guests with unexpected flavors and textures. These exciting twists will elevate your ham feast to a new level of culinary excellence.
Classic Favorites
When it comes to pairing side dishes with ham, classic favorites never go out of style. These beloved accompaniments have stood the test of time and are sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or a casual family dinner, these popular ham accompaniments will add a delicious touch to your feast.
Classic Deviled Eggs
One classic side dish that pairs perfectly with ham is deviled eggs. These creamy and flavorful bites are a crowd favorite, and their tangy filling brings a delightful contrast to the richness of the ham. Whether served as an appetizer or a side, deviled eggs are a timeless choice that will never disappoint.
Watercress and Strawberry Salad
For a refreshing and light option, try a watercress and strawberry salad. The peppery watercress combined with the sweetness of fresh strawberries creates a harmonious blend of flavors. The vibrant colors of the strawberries and the crispness of the watercress make this salad a visually pleasing addition to your ham dinner.
Stewed Okra and Tomatoes
Another classic side dish that pairs well with ham is stewed okra and tomatoes. This Southern favorite combines tender okra with juicy tomatoes, creating a savory and comforting dish. The flavors meld together beautifully, complementing the flavors of the ham for a truly satisfying meal.
Side Dish | Description |
---|---|
Deviled Eggs | Classic deviled eggs with a tangy filling. |
Watercress and Strawberry Salad | A refreshing salad with a blend of watercress and fresh strawberries. |
Stewed Okra and Tomatoes | A Southern favorite combining tender okra and juicy tomatoes. |
Easy and Quick Options
If you’re short on time, don’t worry! There are plenty of easy and quick side dishes that pair perfectly with ham. These dishes require minimal effort but still deliver incredible flavors. Here are a few options to consider:
First, try making smashed potatoes with paprika and cumin. This simple yet flavorful dish combines the creaminess of potatoes with a hint of smokiness from paprika and cumin. It’s a delightful twist on traditional mashed potatoes and adds a comforting element to your ham dinner.
Another quick and tasty option is leek, mushroom, and escarole salad. This vibrant salad is packed with fresh flavors and textures. The combination of tender escarole, sautéed mushrooms, and caramelized leeks creates a perfect balance of earthy and sweet flavors, making it a great accompaniment to ham.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free side dish that can be prepared in no time, consider making instant pot lima beans. These tender and creamy beans are infused with savory flavors and cook quickly in the instant pot. They’re a fantastic choice for a last-minute side dish that still delivers on taste.
No matter which easy and quick option you choose, these side dishes will complement your ham and make your meal complete. They’re perfect for busy weeknight dinners or when you need a simple yet satisfying meal. So, don’t stress about time constraints – these delicious sides have got you covered!
Conclusion
With these top picks for side dishes to pair with ham, you can elevate your ham feast to new heights. From classic favorites to creative twists, there’s something for everyone to enjoy alongside your savory ham. Whether you’re serving ham for a holiday celebration or a cozy family dinner, these side dishes will impress your guests and make for a memorable meal.
When it comes to the best side dishes for ham, classic options like scalloped potatoes and sautéed green beans provide the perfect balance of flavors and textures. These reliable accompaniments never fail to enhance the richness of the ham, creating a harmonious marriage of tastes.
In addition to the classics, don’t be afraid to explore exciting twists that bring a hint of innovation to your ham dinner. Dishes like Bourbon Yams, Cream Cheese Herb Biscuits, or Squash Ribbon Salad with Sunflower Seeds add a touch of creativity and surprise to the table.
So, whether you prefer traditional or imaginative pairings, the important thing is to let your ham shine while complementing it with the perfect side dishes. Take inspiration from these recommendations and let your culinary creativity soar. For more information on the history and origins of ham as a dish, check out Ham and Eggs on Wikipedia.
FAQ
What are some classic potato side dishes to serve with ham?
Scalloped potatoes, creamy potato gratin, and garlicky roasted potatoes are all delicious options.
What vegetable side dishes go well with ham?
Sautéed green beans and glazed carrots are popular choices that add color and flavor to the plate.
What are some options for rolls or biscuits to accompany ham?
You can’t go wrong with buttery rolls or biscuits, which also make a perfect vessel for post-dinner ham sandwiches.
What salad recipes can I serve alongside ham?
Options include cucumber salad, green bean salad, and radish salad, which provide a lighter and vibrant option to accompany the ham.
What are some creative twists I can add to my ham feast?
Consider dishes like Bourbon Yams, Cream Cheese Herb Biscuits, or Squash Ribbon Salad with Sunflower Seeds for unique flavors and textures.
What are some classic favorite side dishes for ham?
Classic deviled eggs, watercress and strawberry salad, and stewed okra and tomatoes are timeless options that pair well with ham dinners.
What are some easy and quick side dishes I can make with ham?
Smashed potatoes with paprika and cumin, leek, mushroom, and escarole salad, and instant pot lima beans are all flavorful options that require minimal effort.
How can I elevate my ham feast with the perfect side dishes?
By choosing from these top picks, which include classic favorites and creative twists, you can impress your guests and make your ham dinner a memorable one.
Source Links
- https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g43013632/side-dishes-for-ham/
- https://www.thekitchn.com/ham-side-dishes-202527
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g35256361/easter-side-dishes/
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