Looking for the perfect side dish for ham? These carefully chosen sides will elevate your holiday table and make special occasions even more memorable.
Ham is often the centerpiece of holiday meals, but the sides are what complete the experience. Picking complementary vegetable and starch dishes is essential to balance flavors and textures for a crowd.
When planning, consider how your ham is glazed—sweet glazes pair nicely with savory or tangy sides, while saltier or mustard-forward glazes can be balanced with sweeter accompaniments.
What to Serve with Ham?
Because ham is a substantial protein, great side dishes often lean toward vegetables, root vegetables, and comforting starches. These choices round out the plate and offer contrasts in flavor, texture, and temperature.
Sweet-glazed hams benefit from tangy, bitter, or herb-forward sides, while savory hams pair well with sweeter vegetables and creamy casseroles. Mix and match to create a balanced spread your guests will love.
Christmas Side Dishes for Ham
Christmas dinner calls for comforting, festive sides that are easy to share. Here are classic and inventive options that complement holiday ham beautifully.
1. Gluten-Free Au Gratin Potatoes
Source: therusticfoodie.com
Potatoes au gratin combine layered potatoes, cream, and cheese into a creamy, golden casserole. The richness contrasts the sweet notes of a glazed ham and is an enduring holiday favorite.
2. Root Vegetable Casserole
Source: deliciousonadime.com
A root vegetable casserole can be assembled ahead and frozen, then reheated on the day—ideal for busy hosts. Mix carrots, parsnips, and beets for an earthy side that stands up to ham.
3. Roasted Maple Mustard Brussels Sprouts
Source: therusticfoodie.com
Roasted Brussels sprouts with a maple-mustard glaze deliver sweet-and-savory balance and a pleasant char. Add crisp bacon bits if you want to echo the pork flavors on the table.
4. Mashed Turnips and Potatoes
Source: cookingjourneyblog.com
Mixing turnips with potatoes lightens the mash and adds a subtle, peppery note. It’s a nutritious twist on the familiar and pairs well with rich ham slices.
5. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Source: cookedbyjulie.com
A cheesier, saucier take on gratin, scalloped potatoes bring a crispy top and silky interior. Prep the potato slices ahead for a stress-free holiday bake.
6. Roasted Parmesan Potatoes
Source: mykitchenserenity.com
Thinly sliced potatoes roasted with rosemary and Parmesan become crispy and aromatic. Be generous with herbs and cheese for a fragrant, savory side.
7. Whipped Sweet Potatoes
Source: theshortordercook.com
Whipping sweet potatoes introduces air for a light, fluffy texture. Season with butter and spices to complement a maple-glazed ham without overwhelming it.
8. Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Apples and Cranberries
Source: onehotoven.com
Savory-spiced sweet potatoes paired with apples and cranberries deliver bright acidity and gentle sweetness. A little maple and butter ties the dish to the ham’s glaze.
9. Creamy Cauliflower Potato Mash
Source: throughthefibrofog.com
Cauliflower mixed into mashed potatoes lightens the texture and soaks up seasonings beautifully. Make it ahead and reheat for an easy, crowd-pleasing side.
10. Boursin Mashed Potatoes
Source: littlesunnykitchen.com
Ultra-creamy mashed potatoes made with Boursin or herbed cheese bring garlic and herb notes that elevate a simple mash into something memorable beside the ham.
Easter Side Dishes for Ham
Easter calls for fresh, spring-forward sides—bright, green, and comforting. These recipes add variety to your holiday table while complementing savory ham.
11. Cheesy Potatoes
Source: savingtalents.com
Cheesy potatoes with hash brown cubes add crunch and comfort. They’re easy to make and appeal to all ages at a family gathering.
12. Roasted Potatoes and Green Beans
Source: therecipewell.com
A simple sheet-pan of potatoes and green beans is easy to scale for a crowd. Roast with olive oil, salt, and pepper, or add lemon and garlic for brightness.
13. Creamy Green Bean Casserole
Source: littlesunnykitchen.com
Classic green bean casserole offers creamy sauce and a crunchy fried-onion topping—comforting, familiar, and a reliable partner to ham.
14. Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
Source: pressurecookingtoday.com
Made in the Instant Pot or oven, this cheesy hashbrown casserole uses frozen potatoes for convenience and reheats well—handy when oven space is limited.
15. Candied Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Source: gritsandgouda.com
Glazed sweet potatoes offer a glossy, caramelized side that feels festive and pairs naturally with ham. Roast ahead, then finish in the glaze for quick assembly.
16. Cinnamon Brown Sugar Carrots
Source: fearlessdining.com
Simple carrots glazed with cinnamon and brown sugar are hands-off and crowd-pleasing. They add warmth and sweetness without being cloying.
17. Maple Mustard Brussels Sprouts
Source: thehealthyepicurean.com
A maple-and-mustard glaze brings sweet and tangy notes to roasted sprouts, pairing well with smoky or mustard-forward hams.
18. BBQ Creamed Corn
Source: twopinkpeonies.com
Creamed corn provides a silky, sweet counterpoint to savory ham and is easy to prepare in advance for effortless service.
19. Roasted Zucchini and Potatoes
Source: throughthefibrofog.com
Simple roasted zucchini with potatoes and thyme adds bright, fresh flavors to the table and looks attractive plated alongside sliced ham.
20. Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Panko Crumb Topping
Source: neighborfoodblog.com
Creamy mac and cheese with a crunchy panko topping brings comfort and texture—an indulgent side that satisfies both kids and adults.
21. Creamy Broccoli Casserole
Source: littlesunnykitchen.com
Broccoli baked in a creamy sauce with a crunchy topping makes vegetables more appealing and pairs nicely with sliced ham for a well-rounded plate.
Healthy Side Dishes for Ham
Balance rich holiday dishes with lighter, nutrient-dense sides. These recipes bring freshness, fiber, and bright flavors to the table while complementing ham.
22. Roasted Spaghetti Squash
Source: champagne-tastes.com
Roasted spaghetti squash yields slightly sweet, tender strands that require minimal prep—toss with butter or olive oil and seasonings for a healthy, flavorful side.
23. Roasted Carrot and Goats Cheese Salad
Source: goodiegoodielunchbox.com.au
Roasted baby carrots over mixed greens with goat cheese, honey vinaigrette, and nuts create an elegant salad that pairs fruitiness and creaminess with ham.
24. Roasted Tenderstem Broccoli and Garlic Cashews
Source: thedevilwearssalad.com
Tenderstem broccoli roasted with balsamic and topped with garlic cashews offers bright, nutty flavors and a restaurant-quality presentation with minimal effort.
25. Lemon-Garlic Green Beans with Parmesan
Source: vikalinka.com
Green beans sautéed with lemon and garlic and finished with Parmesan add brightness and a subtle salty bite that complements ham’s richness.
26. Cheesy Vegan Cauliflower Casserole
Source: veganhuggs.com
A dairy-free, cauliflower-based take on mac and cheese makes a lighter yet satisfying option for vegan guests without sacrificing comforting flavors.
27. Maple Glazed Squash and Apples
Source: nibbleanddine.com
Roasted squash and apples glazed with maple create a simple, eight-ingredient side that brings comforting sweetness and seasonal aroma to the table.
28. Vegan Southern Squash Casserole
Source: strengthandsunshine.com
A vegan Southern-style squash casserole is buttery and comforting while being suitable for varied diets—gluten-free and plant-based options make it versatile for guests.
29. Sprouted Buckwheat Salad with Basil Pesto
Source: lbhealthandlifestyle.com
Sprouted buckwheat adds chew and nutrition; tossed with basil pesto and seasonal vegetables, it’s a filling, fresh salad that balances richer mains.
30. Honey Roasted Vegetables with Rosemary
Source: throughthefibrofog.com
Beets, carrots, sweet potatoes, and parsnips glazed with honey and rosemary create an earthy, colorful side that enhances the ham’s presentation and flavor.
31. Strawberry Spinach Salad with Light Poppy Seed Dressing
Source: livinglou.com
A bright strawberry and spinach salad with a light poppy seed dressing pairs fruit and greens for a refreshing contrast. The red and green presentation is visually appealing and perfect for holidays.
With these options—ranging from creamy gratins and rich casseroles to vibrant salads and roasted vegetables—you can mix textures and flavors to create an unforgettable meal centered around your ham.