What to Serve with Ham: 27 Insanely Appetizing Side Dishes

Wondering what to serve with ham is something we have all done. We have all pondered the perfect side dish to complete a ham dinner.

There are lots of side dishes that go well with ham. Ham pairs perfectly with a wide array of vegetables, grains, and starches. The sweet, salty, and tender meat is so versatile, which is also why it is so loved!

 

Easy Side Dishes for Ham

We have found 27 of the best side dishes to pair with ham. Vegetable side dishes add lots of nutrition to your ham meal, while a hearty starch will be sure to fill you up.

Each one of these side dishes for ham has been tested, tried, and approved. You will not be disappointed no matter which you choose to make first!

1. White Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and cheese is a wonderful ham side dish. The salty cheese goes well with the salty meat. Thanks to the ground black pepper, our creamy white cheddar macaroni and cheese has tons of cheesy flavor and a little spice.

This side dish will also help make a beautiful meal. The vibrant white of the mac and cheese and the pink ham look wonderful together. This family-friendly meal is sure to please everyone!

2. Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes are always a perfect side. We love the tangy flavor of these mashed potatoes from Cafe Delites and the way they melt in your mouth.

Cooked potatoes are mashed with sour cream, garlic, butter, and parmesan cheese. The mashed potatoes are sprinkled with some chives and served hot. Garlic mashed potatoes and ham is a wonderful, hearty meal that just needs a veggie to be complete!

3. Sauteed Brussels Sprouts

Our simple sauteed Brussels sprouts are one of the best side dishes for ham. They are very easy to make and can be on your plate in a matter of minutes.

Brussels sprouts have a powerful flavor that goes well with salty ham. They are also very nutritious and add vitamins and minerals to your dinner plate.

4. Scalloped Potatoes

Scalloped potatoes are a classic dish made of thinly sliced potatoes and lots of cheese. This scalloped potatoes recipe from The Girl Who Ate Everything is a great addition to any dinner.

Thinly slice Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes and layer them in a casserole dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the potatoes and then add another layer of sliced potatoes. The layered side is baked to golden perfection.

5. Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole is top on our list of great side dishes for ham. This green bean casserole from Minimalist Baker is crunchy on the top, with tender beans in the middle. The fresh green beans and crispy fried onions are perfect next to a tender piece of ham.

Use fresh green beans to get the best flavor and texture. Add some cooked, chopped bacon to the casserole to tie the side dish to the main entree even more.

6. Baked Sweet Potato

A simple baked sweet potato is all you need to make a complete ham meal. A perfectly cooked sweet potato adds a sugary flavor to your dinner.

We love this recipe from Love and Lemons, which makes perfectly baked sweet potatoes in just a few minutes. Top your sweet potatoes with some butter, a little sour cream, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper to add even more flavor.

7. Roasted Asparagus

Some of the best side dishes for ham are vegetables. This simple roasted asparagus recipe from The Pioneer Woman cooks fresh asparagus to perfection.

Asparagus spears are neatly lined up on a baking tray and sprinkled with olive oil, salt, and pepper. The veggies are roasted until the ends of the asparagus are crispy. Squeeze a little lemon juice over the roasted asparagus for the perfect finishing touch.

8. Creamy Pea Salad

Next up on our list of best side dishes for ham is our favorite pea salad. This creamy, mixed salad is truly irresistible. The Recipe Critic will show you how to make this quick side that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Peas, red onion, cubed cheddar cheese, and bacon are tossed in a tangy mayonnaise and vinegar dressing. The incredible flavor of this pea salad goes well with sweet honey-glazed ham.

9. Glazed Carrots

Ham is often baked with a brown sugar glaze. The sweet, molasses flavor of the sugar is wonderful with the naturally salty taste of ham. We love these glazed carrots from Recipe Tin Eats. The brown sugar flavor is amazing when served next to the ham.

The roasted carrots are baked in the oven until the glaze begins to caramelize. The carrots are soft but not too mushy. Serve them hot for the best flavor.

10. Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potato casserole is a classic side for a ham dinner. The sweet flavor of the casserole compliments the salty meat wonderfully. This recipe from Cooking Classy is one of the best side dishes we have ever tried. It will be perfect for your next holiday meal.

Fluffy sweet potatoes are topped with a cinnamon and pecan crumble topping. The casserole is baked and served hot. Try eating a bite of sweet potato casserole and a bite of ham at the same time. Your taste buds will be amazed!

11. Creamed Spinach

Creamy, cheesy side dishes are always good with ham. Adding a healthy vegetable to your ham meal is a good idea as well. That is why this creamed spinach recipe from Dinner Then Dessert is one of the best side dishes for ham.

Mozzarella, cream cheese, and parmesan cheese are all blended to make a wonderful sauce. Use fresh or frozen spinach to make this tasty creamed spinach recipe. Either option will make a perfect side for your main dish!

12. Roasted Cauliflower

Cauliflower has a strong, natural flavor that goes well with ham. You do not want to mask that great taste with a complicated recipe! That is why we love this simple roasted cauliflower from Natasha’s Kitchen.

This roasted cauliflower uses minimal ingredients and highlights the great taste of the veggie. Simple seasonings, oil, and butter are all you need!

13. Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Roasted garlic mashed potatoes are one of the best side dishes for ham. They are a little sweet, a little salty, and super creamy.

Whole roasted garlic is blended into fluffy potatoes. The roasted garlic gives the potatoes a buttery, caramel taste. Make this recipe from Jessica Gavin for Easter, Christmas, or just to serve with ham on a Tuesday!

14. Garlic Parmesan Broccoli

Making garlic parmesan broccoli may be the best way to serve the bright green veggie. This recipe from Damn Delicious is also very easy. The bold flavors of garlic parmesan broccoli is perfect next to a honey-glazed ham.

15. Green Salad

A simple green salad can make a wonderful side dish for ham. The salad also requires no baking or cooking! That means you can have a perfect side dish without ever turning on the oven.

Try this green salad recipe from Creme de la Crumb. Tender lettuce, sliced onions, and a simple vinaigrette make a perfect tossed salad to serve with ham.

16. Oven Roasted Root Vegetables

Baking mixed root vegetables using this recipe from Tori Avery will give you a flavorful and exciting side dish to serve with ham. Beets, carrots, potatoes, and parsnips are all cooked together on one tray. The vibrant color of the veggies adds great color to your plate, too!

17. Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti squash may be one of the easiest side dishes to make and pair with ham. This quick recipe from Inspired Taste highlights the natural sweetness of the veggie.

Pop the halved squash into the oven and bake. Use a fork to shred the squash into spaghetti-like pieces. Top the cooked veggie with a little butter and cheese, then enjoy!

18. Homemade Biscuits

Fresh, warm, homemade biscuits are a great side for ham. Biscuits go with everything! These flakey biscuits from Sugar Spun Run are some of the best biscuits we have ever tried. Bake the biscuits right before your dinner so they can be served hot out of the oven.

19. Homemade Butter Rolls

Ham is often served on a holiday. Fresh, warm rolls will help make your holiday table complete. These tender rolls from Sally’s Baking Addiction will be a true crowd-pleaser.

It isn’t hard to make homemade rolls, but it does take some planning. The dough needs to rise and bake. Give yourself enough time to make this roll recipe, and you will not be disappointed. Ham and rolls may become a new holiday tradition!

20. Baked Zucchini

We love this easy, baked zucchini recipe from Well Plated by Erin. The parmesan cheese gives the veggie the perfect seasoning. The whole dish can be cooked right in the oven with your ham. Everything will come out of the oven warm and ready to enjoy.

21. Creamy Cucumber Salad

This delicious salad from Lemon Tree Dwelling is a great recipe to make when you are serving ham. The cool, crisp cucumbers and tangy dressing pair well with the tender meat. The dill and red onions in the salad will add a lot of flavor to your meal.

22. Broccoli Salad

This amazing broccoli salad from Downshiftology is exactly what you need to make as a side dish to ham. Crispy broccoli is mixed with a creamy mayonnaise and yogurt dressing. Red onions, cranberries, and goat cheese are mixed with broccoli.

Replace the bacon with some sliced ham, and you can make one big cohesive dinner!

23. Jalapeno Cheddar Bread

Cheddar cheese and ham are a classic combination. Pair the two tasty ingredients by making this jalapeno cheese bread from The Chunky Chef.

Skip the jalapenos if you’d like a more mild bread recipe. Slather some butter on a slice, and then enjoy with your ham dinner. You can even use this bread to make a ham sandwich!

24. Carrot Fries

Roasted carrots are a fun side to serve with ham. These carrot fries from A Couple Cooks are simple yet flavorful. They are a healthy and quick option to pair with ham.

25. Corn Spoonbread

We love a classic southern side like this corn spoonbread from Grandbaby Cakes. Sweet cornmeal, milk, cheese, and sour cream are mixed to create a tasty casserole. This easy side dish is big enough to feed a crowd. Be sure to make it for your next holiday party and scoop it right onto the plate next to the ham.

26. Caramelized Onions and Bell Peppers

This veggie-loaded side from Once Upon a Chef is truly fantastic. Not only is it wonderful alongside a piece of honey-baked ham, but it is also great piled on bread for a sandwich.

Use multi-colored bell peppers to add more color to the plate. Red pepper, green pepper, and orange peppers also have all different subtle flavors.

27. Lemon Quinoa

A bright, light side like this lemon quinoa from Healthy Seasonal Recipes is a dish you must try. Lemon zest and fresh lemon juice make the fluffy grain very flavorful. It is great next to a salty piece of meat!

Best Side Dishes for Ham- From Scalloped Potatoes to Green Salads

There are a lot of great recipes to answer the question of what to serve with ham. There is definitely something on our list that you will love.

Give one or two of these recipes a try and let us know which are your favorites. You never have to think about what to serve with ham again! Enjoy.