Ham is a delicious and flavorful dish that many people enjoy for holidays, family dinners, and special occasions.
Its salty, smoky taste complements many different side dishes.
Whether you want something sweet, creamy, crunchy, or fresh, the right side dish makes your meal even better.
If you’re wondering what to serve with ham, this list will help you find the perfect match.
These side dishes with ham will bring out the best flavors and create a well-balanced meal.
No matter the season or occasion, you’ll find something delicious to complete your plate!
29 Best Side Dishes To Serve With Ham
Whether you want rich, cheesy casseroles, warm baked bread, or crisp, fresh salads, there’s something for everyone.
Some sides add sweetness to balance the saltiness of ham, while others bring texture and crunch.
Below, you’ll find 29 of the best side dishes to serve with ham, from comforting classics to light and refreshing options. Let’s dig in!
Scalloped Potatoes – Creamy, cheesy, and baked to perfection.
Scalloped potatoes are a warm, comforting dish that brings a perfect mix of textures and flavors to the table.
Thinly sliced potatoes are layered with a creamy, cheesy sauce that soaks into every bite.
As they bake, the top turns golden and slightly crispy, while the inside stays soft, rich, and velvety.
The butter and cheese melt together, creating a dish that’s both indulgent and satisfying. It’s a side dish that feels fancy but is incredibly easy to love!
Mashed Potatoes – Buttery and fluffy, a comforting staple.
Mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food that never goes out of style.
Soft, fluffy, and full of buttery goodness, they make the perfect side dish for almost any meal.
The smooth and creamy texture melts in your mouth, while a hint of salt and butter enhances the rich potato flavor.
Whether served plain or with gravy, they’re always a crowd favorite.
Sweet Potato Casserole – Sweet and rich, often topped with marshmallows or pecans.
Sweet potato casserole is a comforting dish that’s both sweet and savory.
Made with creamy mashed sweet potatoes, butter, brown sugar, and warm spices, it has a rich, velvety texture.
The topping is what makes it extra special – some love a crunchy pecan streusel, while others prefer gooey, toasted marshmallows.
It’s a must-have for holiday feasts and a favorite among all ages.
Macaroni and Cheese – Creamy, cheesy, and indulgent.
Macaroni and cheese are the ultimate comfort food.
Tender pasta is coated in a rich, creamy cheese sauce, making every bite smooth and satisfying.
Whether baked with a crispy topping or served straight from the stovetop, it’s a cheesy delight.
Perfect as a side dish or a main meal, it’s loved by kids and adults alike.
Au Gratin Potatoes – Thinly sliced potatoes baked with a cheesy sauce.
Au gratin potatoes are a rich and creamy dish made with thinly sliced potatoes layered in a cheesy, buttery sauce.
As they bake, the cheese melts into the potatoes, creating a smooth, velvety texture.
The top layer becomes golden and slightly crispy, adding a delicious contrast.
This dish is a perfect balance of comfort and indulgence, making it a great side for any meal.
Cornbread – Slightly sweet and crumbly, it pairs wonderfully with ham.
Cornbread is a classic, slightly sweet bread with a light, crumbly texture.
It has a hint of buttery richness and a subtle corn flavor that makes it both savory and slightly sweet.
Baked to golden perfection, it can be soft and cake-like or slightly crisp on the edges.
It’s a perfect side dish for hearty meals, especially when paired with ham, chili, or barbecue.
Rice Pilaf – Light and fluffy, with a neutral side to balance the meal.
Rice pilaf is a simple yet flavorful dish made by cooking rice with broth, butter, and seasonings.
The grains stay separate and fluffy, giving it a light texture that complements any meal.
It often includes sautéed onions, garlic, or even nuts for extra depth.
Unlike plain rice, pilaf has a delicate, savory flavor that makes it a great side dish for meats, vegetables, and sauces.
Green Bean Casserole – Classic with crispy fried onions on top.
Green bean casserole is a beloved dish made with tender green beans, a creamy mushroom sauce, and a crispy fried onion topping.
It’s a staple at holiday dinners, bringing together rich flavors and crunchy textures.
The creamy sauce coats the green beans perfectly, while the fried onions add a satisfying crunch.
This dish is simple, comforting, and always a crowd favorite.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Caramelized and slightly crispy, it pairs well with ham’s saltiness.
Roasted Brussels sprouts are a flavorful and nutritious side dish. When roasted, they develop a crispy outside with a caramelized, slightly nutty flavor.
A drizzle of olive oil and simple seasonings enhance their natural taste.
The roasting process brings out their sweetness while keeping a satisfying crunch.
Their slightly bitter notes pair beautifully with rich, salty dishes like ham, making them a delicious and balanced side.
Honey Glazed Carrots – Sweet and buttery, a perfect contrast.
Honey glazed carrots are a simple yet flavorful side dish.
The natural sweetness of carrots is enhanced by a buttery honey glaze, creating a rich, caramelized coating.
Cooking them until tender makes them soft and slightly glossy.
Their mild sweetness provides a great contrast to savory dishes like ham, roasted meats, or hearty casseroles.
Steamed Asparagus – Light and fresh, with a squeeze of lemon.
Steamed asparagus is a simple and refreshing side dish that pairs well with almost any meal.
The gentle steaming process keeps the spears tender yet slightly crisp.
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice enhances the natural flavor, adding brightness and a hint of tanginess.
This dish is light, healthy, and full of nutrients, making it a perfect balance for rich, hearty main courses like ham or steak.
Sautéed Spinach with Garlic – A quick, healthy side dish.
Sautéed spinach with garlic is a fast and flavorful way to enjoy leafy greens.
Fresh spinach leaves are cooked in olive oil with minced garlic until just wilted, creating a tender, slightly garlicky dish.
It’s packed with vitamins and has a rich, savory flavor that pairs well with meats, pasta, or grain-based dishes.
A pinch of salt and a squeeze of lemon make it even more delicious.
Roasted Root Vegetables – A mix of carrots, parsnips, and beets for earthy flavors.
Roasted root vegetables are a colorful and flavorful side dish that brings out the natural sweetness of carrots, parsnips, and beets.
Roasting caramelizes their edges, giving them a slightly crispy texture while keeping the inside tender.
The earthy flavors blend beautifully, and a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and herbs enhances their natural taste.
This dish is warm, hearty, and perfect for balancing rich main courses like ham or roast beef.
Creamed Spinach – Rich and velvety, perfect with ham.
Creamed spinach is a luxurious and comforting side dish made with tender spinach in a creamy, cheesy sauce.
The rich, velvety texture makes it a great contrast to crispy or smoky dishes like ham or roast meats.
Garlic, butter, and a touch of nutmeg add depth of flavor, making each bite smooth and indulgent.
It’s a classic, restaurant-style side that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
Balsamic Roasted Beets – Slightly sweet and tangy.
Balsamic roasted beets are a vibrant and flavorful side dish with a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess.
Roasting brings out their natural earthy sweetness, while balsamic vinegar adds a rich, tangy glaze.
The beets become tender with slightly caramelized edges, making them a delicious and healthy addition to any meal.
Their deep color and bold flavor make them a standout side, especially with roasted meats or hearty dishes.
Pineapple Casserole – Sweet, cheesy, and a Southern favorite.
Pineapple casserole is a unique Southern dish that combines sweet, juicy pineapple with a creamy, cheesy topping.
A buttery cracker crust adds a delicious crunch, making this dish both sweet and savory.
The combination of flavors may sound unusual, but it’s surprisingly addictive!
It’s often served as a side dish with ham, as the sweetness of the pineapple pairs perfectly with the saltiness of the meat.
Cranberry Sauce – Adds a tart contrast to ham’s richness.
Cranberry sauce is a vibrant, tangy side dish that enhances the flavors of any meal, especially ham.
The tartness of the cranberries balances the rich, salty, and smoky taste of ham, creating the perfect bite.
Whether homemade or store-bought, it adds a refreshing contrast that cuts through heavier dishes.
With a touch of sugar and citrus, it becomes a deliciously sweet-tart complement to any holiday spread.
Apple Slaw – Crisp and slightly sweet, balancing the salty ham.
Apple slaw is a fresh and crunchy side dish that brings a bright, slightly sweet contrast to salty and savory meals.
Made with crisp apples, cabbage, and a light dressing, it’s refreshing and full of texture.
The apples add a natural sweetness, while the cabbage gives a satisfying crunch.
A tangy dressing with vinegar or citrus ties everything together, making it the perfect balance for rich meats like ham.
Citrus Salad – Oranges and grapefruit with a light dressing.
Citrus salad is a bright, refreshing dish made with juicy oranges, tangy grapefruit, and a light dressing.
The natural sweetness of the fruit pairs beautifully with a touch of honey, fresh mint, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
The juicy texture and vibrant flavors make it a perfect contrast to rich, savory dishes like ham.
This salad is light, healthy, and bursting with fresh citrusy goodness.
Glazed Apples – Warm, spiced, and comforting.
Glazed apples are a warm and cozy side dish made with tender apple slices cooked in butter, brown sugar, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
As they simmer, they become soft, caramelized, and coated in a glossy glaze.
Their natural sweetness and hint of spice make them the perfect pairing for savory dishes like ham or roasted meats.
Parker House Rolls – Soft, buttery, and fluffy.
Parker House rolls are classic dinner rolls known for their rich, buttery flavor and pillowy soft texture.
They are slightly sweet, golden on the outside, and irresistibly fluffy on the inside.
The folded shape helps trap pockets of butter, making every bite melt in your mouth.
These rolls are perfect for soaking up sauces, spreading with jam, or simply enjoying warm with a little extra butter.
Biscuits – Flaky and perfect for making mini ham sandwiches.
Biscuits are light, flaky, and buttery, with a golden, crisp exterior and a soft, tender inside.
Made with simple ingredients like flour, butter, and buttermilk, they bake up into delicious, slightly crumbly rounds.
Their sturdy but soft texture makes them ideal for mini ham sandwiches, pairing perfectly with the saltiness of the meat.
Whether served plain, with honey or as part of a sandwich, they’re always a crowd-pleaser.
Garlic Bread – Adds a savory, crispy bite.
Garlic bread is a deliciously crispy and flavorful side that pairs well with almost any meal.
Made with crusty bread, butter, garlic, and herbs, it’s toasted to golden perfection.
The outside is crunchy, while the inside stays soft and buttery.
Each bite bursts with garlicky goodness, making it a comforting and satisfying addition to the dinner table.
Cheesy Broccoli Casserole – A creamy, cheesy, veggie-packed dish.
Cheesy broccoli casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish made with tender broccoli, a creamy cheese sauce, and a crunchy topping.
The broccoli stays slightly crisp, while the rich, cheesy sauce adds creaminess and depth.
Topped with breadcrumbs or extra cheese, it bakes to golden perfection.
This dish is a delicious way to enjoy vegetables while indulging in cheesy goodness.
Corn Pudding – A sweet and savory corn dish.
Corn pudding is a rich, creamy side dish that perfectly blends sweet and savory flavors.
Made with corn, eggs, milk, butter, and a touch of sugar, it bakes into a soft, custard-like texture.
The sweetness of the corn contrasts beautifully with the buttery, slightly salty base.
It’s warm, comforting, and a must-have at holiday meals, barbecues, or alongside roasted meats like ham.
Squash Casserole – A buttery, cheesy, baked squash dish.
Squash casserole is a rich, creamy dish made with tender yellow squash, cheese, butter, and a crispy topping.
The squash is cooked until soft, then mixed with a creamy sauce and baked until bubbly and golden.
A buttery cracker or breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunch.
This dish is full of comforting flavors and is a great way to enjoy squash in a delicious, cheesy way.
Sweet Potato Souffle – Fluffy and lightly sweetened, often with a crunchy topping.
Sweet potato souffle is a light and airy dish made with whipped sweet potatoes, butter, eggs, and a touch of sugar.
It bakes into a fluffy texture that melts in your mouth.
The best part is the topping – some prefer a crunchy pecan streusel, while others love a golden, toasted marshmallow layer.
It’s a perfect mix of sweet and savory, making it a standout side dish for holiday feasts or Sunday dinners.
Coleslaw – A crisp, creamy, or vinegar-based slaw pairs beautifully.
Coleslaw is a refreshing and crunchy side dish made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy or tangy dressing.
The crisp vegetables and zesty dressing provide a nice contrast to rich, savory dishes like ham.
Whether made with a creamy mayo-based sauce or a light vinegar dressing, coleslaw adds freshness and crunch to any meal.
Cucumber Salad – Light and refreshing with a hint of dill.
Cucumber salad is a cool, refreshing dish made with crisp cucumbers, onions, and a light dressing.
The dressing can be a simple mix of vinegar, dill, and a touch of sugar or a creamy yogurt-based sauce.
The combination of fresh flavors and crunchy texture makes it a perfect side for heavier dishes, adding brightness and balance to the meal.
Conclusion
With so many delicious side dishes to serve with ham, you’ll never run out of tasty options.
From holiday dinners to simple weeknight meals, these sides add balance, texture, and variety to your plate.
Try mixing and matching different dishes to keep your meals exciting and flavorful.
Whether it’s a classic like mashed potatoes or a lighter option like cucumber salad, there’s something for everyone.
Engage With Us
We’d love to hear from you!
What are your favorite side dishes to serve with ham? Do you stick to classic comfort foods, or do you like trying new flavors and combinations?
Share your go-to sides, special recipes, or any creative twists you’ve added to your ham dinners. Drop a comment below and let us know which dishes you love the most!