When I’m planning a ham dinner, I love to serve sides like Green Beans Almondine and Air Fryer Green Beans for a fresh touch. Caramelized Brussels Sprouts and Roasted Delicata Squash add a sweet contrast. Sautéed Sugar Snap Peas are quick and nutritious, while a creamy Broccoli Cheese and Cracker Casserole rounds things out. Mac and Cheese is a must for comfort, and Collard Greens bring depth. Stick around to discover even more delicious options!
1. Green Beans Almondine
One of my favorite side dishes to serve alongside ham is Green Beans Almondine.
I love using fresh green beans, sautéed with garlic and shallots in butter. Then, I toast sliced almonds until golden and mix everything together. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens it all up. This dish is perfect for any occasion, and it pairs beautifully with the savory ham, making it a 5-star recipe that enhances meal experiences.
2. Air Fryer Green Beans
If you’re looking for a quick and healthy side dish to pair with your ham, Air Fryer Green Beans are a fantastic choice. Just toss 1-2 cups of trimmed green beans with olive oil, salt, and your favorite seasonings. Fresh green beans are not only delicious but also low in calories and high in fiber. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F, cook for 5-10 minutes, and enjoy a deliciously crispy side that’s sure to impress!
3. Caramelized Brussels Sprouts
After enjoying the crispy Air Fryer Green Beans, it’s time to elevate your meal with some Caramelized Brussels Sprouts. I trim and rinse the sprouts, then roast them at 425°F with a balsamic glaze for a sweet-tart flavor. Pre-roasting and post-roasting application of the glaze enhances the infusion of flavors, making each bite even more delicious. Make sure to arrange them cut-side down and avoid overcrowding for that perfect caramelization. Serve them hot for the best crispiness!
4. Roasted Delicata Squash
While the holidays are a time for indulgence, I love balancing rich main dishes with the simple, sweet flavor of roasted delicata squash.
It’s easy to prepare—just slice, season with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, and pepper, and roast at 400°F. The skin of the squash is 100% edible, which simplifies preparation and adds visual appeal to the dish.
I often garnish it with parsley or pomegranate arils for a festive touch.
It’s delicious and nutritious!
5. Sautéed Sugar Snap Peas
Sautéing sugar snap peas is one of my favorite ways to enjoy their sweet, crisp texture, especially alongside a savory ham dinner. They’re not just delicious; they’re packed with Vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a healthy choice. I love how quickly they cook, retaining that tender crunch. Both sugar snap peas and snow peas are excellent sources of Vitamin C, providing 100% of daily needs in just 100 grams. Add a sprinkle of salt, and you’ve got a perfect side dish!
6. Crock-Pot Scalloped Potatoes
Crock-Pot scalloped potatoes are a creamy, cheesy delight that perfectly complements a savory ham dinner. I love using Yukon Gold potatoes for their rich flavor, layering them with heavy cream, sharp cheddar, and minced garlic. After cooking on low for six hours, the potatoes become fork-tender and the cheese melts beautifully. Slow cooker preparation simplifies cooking, especially during busy holidays, making this dish an ideal choice for gatherings. Garnishing with fresh thyme adds a lovely touch!
7. Perfect Potatoes Au Gratin
After enjoying the creamy goodness of Crock-Pot scalloped potatoes, I often crave Perfect Potatoes Au Gratin for my ham dinners. I love using russet or Yukon gold potatoes, layering them with sharp cheddar or Gruyère, and adding some sautéed onions. Cheese is a defining ingredient in au gratin recipes, which adds richness and flavor to the dish. Baking them until golden and bubbly creates a dish that perfectly complements my ham, making dinner feel extra special.
8. Mashed Potato Casserole
Mashed Potato Casserole is one of my go-to side dishes for ham dinners, and it never fails to impress. I use Russet potatoes for their creaminess, mixing in heavy cream and sour cream. Adding cheese and crispy bacon gives it that extra flavor. Combining mashed potatoes with bacon, cheese, and crispy toppings makes it irresistible, and leftovers are just as delicious the next day!
9. Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
When serving ham for dinner, I love adding roasted fingerling potatoes to the mix. I usually preheat the oven to 425°F, rinse the potatoes, and toss them with olive oil, salt, and garlic. The recommended baking temperature ensures that they cook evenly and develop a perfect crispy texture. After baking them covered for 25 minutes, I uncover them to crisp up for another 20. The result? Delicious, golden potatoes that perfectly complement the ham!
10. Garlic Smashed Potatoes
Garlic smashed potatoes are a fantastic side dish that really elevate any ham dinner I serve. I love using baby Yukon Gold potatoes for their creamy texture. After boiling them, I smash them up, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle fresh garlic and herbs. Baking them until crispy gives a delightful crunch that pairs perfectly with the savory ham. They’re always a hit! Garlic Smashed Potatoes combine mashed and roasted textures, making them ideal for holidays and weeknight meals.
11. Cornbread Casserole
After enjoying the creamy goodness of garlic smashed potatoes, cornbread casserole makes for a delightful addition to any ham dinner.
I love using Jiffy corn muffin mix combined with canned corn and cheddar cheese. The Ultimate Cornbread Casserole features a homemade cornbread mix that combines flavors of bacon, cheddar, and jalapeño for a unique twist. Just mix everything, pour it into a greased baking dish, and bake until golden.
It’s the perfect blend of sweet and savory, and everyone always asks for seconds!
12. Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole With Bacon
Cauliflower and broccoli casserole with bacon is a comforting dish that’s become a staple at my ham dinners. I love combining crispy bacon with tender florets and a creamy sauce made from cream cheese, sour cream, and two cheeses. This dish can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and seasoned with garlic and paprika, it’s baked until bubbly and golden. This versatile dish perfectly complements my holiday spread and is always a hit!
13. Broccoli Cheese and Cracker Casserole
One of my favorite side dishes for ham dinner is Broccoli Cheese and Cracker Casserole.
I love combining broccoli with a creamy mixture of sour cream, mayonnaise, and cream of mushroom soup, then topping it with sharp cheddar cheese and buttery Ritz cracker crumbs. Fresh or frozen broccoli florets can be used interchangeably, which makes this dish convenient to prepare any time of year. After baking it until golden and bubbly, I serve it hot, and everyone always asks for seconds!
14. Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is an absolute must-have side dish for any ham dinner. I love using sharp cheddar and Gruyère for that perfect blend of tangy and nutty flavors. The creamy sauce, made with whole milk and a roux, is irresistible. Undercooking the pasta ensures it maintains the ideal texture when combined with the cheese sauce. Topping it with breadcrumbs and baking until golden creates a delicious crunch. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time!
15. Collard Greens
Collard greens are a fantastic addition to any ham dinner, bringing both flavor and nutrition to the table. They’re rich in calcium and fiber, promoting bone and gut health. I love simmering them with ham hock for that delicious, smoky flavor. Plus, they’re versatile enough to pair with various dishes, making them a must-have side for any meal! Their nutritional profile is impressive, as they are a good source of essential calcium.
