Best Side Dishes for Ham Dinner (Perfect Pairings)
Ham dinner is always a crowd-pleaser, and it’s often accompanied by an array of delicious side dishes that complement the savory flavors of the main course. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or a casual dinner party, choosing the right side dishes can make all the difference in creating a memorable meal. Here are eight mouth-watering side dish recipes that are sure to elevate your ham dinner game.
When it comes to selecting side dishes for ham, you want to balance out the salty flavors of the meat with some sweet, tangy, and comforting options. A well-rounded side dish selection can also cater to different tastes and dietary preferences, making it easier to please a crowd. In this article, we’ll explore eight mouth-watering side dish recipes that pair perfectly with ham, each one showcasing a unique flavor profile and texture to keep your dinner party exciting and satisfying.
Creamy Scalloped Potatoes
Creamy Scalloped Potatoes are a classic side dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. This comforting recipe features thinly sliced potatoes, creamy cheese, and a hint of nutmeg, all baked to a golden brown perfection. The combination of tender potatoes, gooey cheese, and a crunchy crust is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
– 3 large potatoes, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Freshly grated nutmeg, to taste
Instruction
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large saucepan, combine the sliced potatoes and enough cold water to cover them. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes. Drain the potatoes and set them aside. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, or until lightly golden brown. Gradually add the heavy cream, whisking constantly, and cook until the mixture thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, create a layer of potatoes. Sprinkle with cheese mixture, then repeat until all the potatoes and cheese mixture are used up, finishing with a layer of cheese on top. Sprinkle with nutmeg and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Honey Glazed Carrots
Sweet and sticky Honey Glazed Carrots are a delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of ham. This simple recipe features carrots glazed in a mixture of honey, Dijon mustard, and spices, resulting in a sticky, golden-brown finish.
Ingredients
– 2 pounds carrots, peeled and sliced
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instruction
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Add the sliced carrots to the bowl and toss to coat. Spread the carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until caramelized and sticky. Toss the carrots halfway through cooking.
Classic Green Bean Casserole
Classic Green Bean Casserole is a timeless side dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. This comforting recipe features green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy french-fried onions, all baked to a golden brown perfection.
Ingredients
– 1 pound fresh or frozen green beans, trimmed
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 cup french-fried onions
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instruction
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). In a large saucepan, combine the green beans and enough cold water to cover them. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until tender. In a separate saucepan, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and milk until combined. Add the cooked green beans to the saucepan and stir to coat. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with french-fried onions and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Mac and Cheese (Extra Cheesy)
Mac and Cheese (Extra Cheesy) is a creamy, cheesy side dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. This comforting recipe features macaroni pasta baked in a rich and creamy cheese sauce, topped with a crunchy breadcrumb topping.
Ingredients
– 8 ounces macaroni pasta
– 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
– 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups milk
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instruction
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the macaroni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, or until lightly golden brown. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly, and cook until the mixture thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until melted. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the cooked macaroni pasta and cheese sauce. Top with breadcrumbs and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon are a delicious side dish that adds a smoky, savory flavor to your ham dinner. This simple recipe features Brussels sprouts roasted in the oven with crispy bacon and a hint of maple syrup.
Ingredients
– 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed
– 6 slices bacon, cut into pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon maple syrup
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instruction
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper until coated. Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until caramelized. In a separate pan, cook the bacon until crispy. Set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Remove the Brussels sprouts from the oven and toss with the crispy bacon and maple syrup.
Pineapple Stuffing
Pineapple Stuffing is a sweet and tangy side dish that pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of ham. This simple recipe features bread cubes cooked in a mixture of pineapple juice, brown sugar, and spices, resulting in a sticky, golden-brown finish.
Ingredients
– 4 cups stale bread cubes
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup melted butter
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instruction
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, pineapple juice, brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss to coat until the bread is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Garlic Mashed Potatoes are a comforting side dish that pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of ham. This simple recipe features mashed potatoes infused with garlic butter, resulting in a rich and creamy texture.
Ingredients
– 4-5 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup milk
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instruction
Boil the chopped potatoes in a large saucepan until tender. Drain the potatoes and return them to the saucepan. Add the minced garlic, unsalted butter, and milk to the saucepan. Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy, adding more milk if necessary. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
