Skip to Content

30 Side Dishes So Good They’ll Upstage Your Baked Ham

30 Side Dishes So Good They’ll Upstage Your Baked Ham

Sharing is caring!

Looking to elevate your baked ham dinner with the perfect side dish? Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or a casual family gathering, the right side dish can complement the flavors of your ham and delight your guests.

Get ready to explore 30 delectable side dishes that pair beautifully with baked ham. From classic potato dishes to fresh salads and tempting vegetable creations, this list is sure to inspire your next culinary masterpiece.

Dive into these delightful recipes and bring joy to your table.

1. Scalloped Potatoes

Creamy, cheesy, and utterly comforting, scalloped potatoes are a classic choice for pairing with baked ham. These tender potato slices, layered with rich cheese and a hint of garlic, will melt in your mouth.

Imagine the aroma filling your kitchen as the golden-brown top forms in the oven! Perfect for holiday gatherings, this dish is sure to steal the show. Serve it hot, and watch as your guests dive into its gooey, delicious goodness.

2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Often overlooked, Brussels sprouts can be a delightful surprise on your dinner table. Roasted to perfection, they offer a nutty flavor that pairs excellently with the savory taste of baked ham.

A slight char adds a delightful crispness to each bite, while a sprinkle of parmesan brings out a cheesy twist. Brightened with a hint of lemon zest, these sprouts are a light yet flavorful addition to your meal.

3. Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet, rich, and oh-so-indulgent, a sweet potato casserole is a must-have for any ham feast. Creamy sweet potatoes topped with gooey marshmallows create a delightful contrast.

Add a sprinkle of toasted pecans, and you have a dish that’s both decadent and satisfying. This side dish is a delightful balance of sweetness and texture that complements the savory ham beautifully.

4. Caesar Salad

Fresh and crisp, a Caesar salad brings a refreshing touch to your baked ham dinner. With crunchy romaine lettuce, savory dressing, and homemade croutons, it’s a timeless classic.

A dusting of parmesan cheese elevates the flavors, while a hint of anchovy in the dressing adds depth. Simple yet sophisticated, this salad is a crowd-pleaser.

5. Garlic Green Beans

Simple yet flavorful, garlic green beans offer a delightful crunch that pairs well with ham. The fresh beans are sautéed with fragrant garlic and a drizzle of olive oil.

A touch of lemon juice brightens the dish, while sliced almonds add a nutty twist. This easy-to-make side dish is both healthy and delicious.

6. Cornbread Muffins

Soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet, cornbread muffins are a comforting addition to your ham dinner. These golden beauties are perfect for sopping up gravy or simply enjoying on their own.

Serve them warm with a dollop of honey butter, and watch them disappear from the table. Their delightful texture and flavor make them a favorite among all ages.

7. Balsamic Glazed Carrots

Vibrant and full of flavor, balsamic glazed carrots bring a sweet and tangy element to your meal. These tender carrots, coated in a luscious balsamic glaze, are as beautiful as they are tasty.

Garnished with fresh parsley, they add a pop of color to your plate. The combination of sweet and savory notes makes this side dish a harmonious companion to baked ham.

8. Cheesy Broccoli Casserole

Rich and comforting, cheesy broccoli casserole is a delightful way to enjoy your veggies. Tender broccoli florets are enveloped in a creamy cheese sauce and topped with crispy breadcrumbs.

The result is a dish that’s both satisfying and irresistible. Perfect for feeding a crowd, this casserole adds a warm, cheesy goodness to your dinner table.

9. Sautéed Asparagus

Sautéed asparagus is both elegant and easy to prepare. Lightly cooked in olive oil and finished with a squeeze of lemon, these tender stalks offer a refreshing taste.

Their vibrant green color and delightful crunch make them a visually appealing choice. Ideal for spring dinners, this dish is a lovely complement to baked ham.

10. Mashed Potatoes

Classic and comforting, mashed potatoes are a must-have for any ham dinner. These fluffy potatoes, enriched with butter and cream, offer a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Garnished with fresh chives, they bring a hint of freshness to your meal. Whether smothered in gravy or enjoyed plain, mashed potatoes are a timeless favorite that pleases everyone.

11. Pineapple Salsa

Bright and refreshing, pineapple salsa adds a tropical flair to your ham dinner. The juicy sweetness of pineapple, combined with a hint of lime and cilantro, creates a lively flavor.

Red onion adds a bit of zest, making this salsa a delightful contrast to the savory ham. Serve it as a garnish, and enjoy a burst of color and taste.

12. Green Bean Casserole

Traditional and comforting, green bean casserole is a beloved side dish for many. Tender green beans are enveloped in a creamy mushroom sauce and topped with crispy onions.

This dish offers a satisfying crunch with every bite and brings a rich, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with baked ham. It’s a nostalgic favorite for holiday gatherings.

13. Caprese Salad

Light and refreshing, Caprese salad is a beautiful addition to your ham dinner. Juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil create a harmonious trio.

Drizzled with balsamic glaze, this salad offers a delightful combination of flavors. It’s an elegant choice that celebrates fresh, simple ingredients.

14. Herbed Rice Pilaf

Fluffy and fragrant, herbed rice pilaf is a delightful side dish to serve with ham. Cooked with fresh herbs, it offers a subtle and aromatic flavor.

The light texture of the rice, combined with the vibrant taste of dill and parsley, makes for a refreshing dish. It’s a simple yet elegant accompaniment that complements a variety of main courses.

15. Maple-Glazed Turnips

Sweet and savory, maple-glazed turnips are a unique and delightful side dish. These tender turnips, coated in a rich maple glaze, offer a warm and comforting taste.

Caramelized to perfection, they bring a hint of sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory ham. A sprinkle of fresh thyme finishes the dish with a touch of freshness.

16. Beet and Goat Cheese Salad

Colorful and elegant, beet and goat cheese salad is a lovely addition to your table. Roasted beets bring a sweet earthiness that pairs wonderfully with creamy goat cheese.

Arugula adds a peppery note, while a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette ties it all together. This salad is both beautiful and flavorful, making it a delightful complement to baked ham.

17. Parmesan Risotto

Rich and creamy, Parmesan risotto is a luxurious side dish that pairs perfectly with ham. The smooth, velvety texture of the rice, combined with the savory taste of Parmesan cheese, offers a delightful experience.

Garnished with fresh parsley, this risotto brings a touch of elegance to your meal. It’s a special treat that’s sure to impress your guests.

18. Cranberry Sauce

Tangy and sweet, cranberry sauce is a classic side for holiday meals. The bright flavor of cranberries, combined with a hint of orange zest, offers a refreshing taste that cuts through the richness of ham.

Its vibrant color adds a festive touch to your table, making it a must-have for seasonal celebrations.

19. Ratatouille

Colorful and flavorful, ratatouille is a delightful vegetable medley. Layers of zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers are cooked to perfection, offering a harmonious blend of flavors.

Garnished with fresh basil, this dish adds a burst of color and taste to your ham dinner. It’s a healthy and delicious way to enjoy a variety of vegetables.

20. Stuffed Mushrooms

Deliciously savory, stuffed mushrooms are a wonderful appetizer or side dish. These bite-sized treats are filled with a rich mixture of cheese, breadcrumbs, and herbs.

Baked to golden perfection, they offer a delightful contrast to the tender ham. These mushrooms make a tasty and elegant addition to any meal.

21. Quinoa Salad

Light yet satisfying, quinoa salad is a nutritious choice for your ham dinner. Packed with colorful vegetables like cherry tomatoes and cucumber, it brings freshness and crunch.

The nutty flavor of quinoa, combined with a hint of mint, offers a refreshing taste. This salad is both healthy and delicious, making it a great addition to your menu.

22. Apple Coleslaw

Crisp and tangy, apple coleslaw is a refreshing side dish for ham. The combination of shredded cabbage, juicy apple slices, and carrot creates a delightful crunch.

A creamy dressing ties it all together, offering a perfect balance of flavors. This coleslaw adds a light and vibrant touch to your dinner table.

23. Herb-Roasted Potatoes

Golden and crispy, herb-roasted potatoes are a delicious complement to baked ham. Tossed with fresh rosemary and olive oil, they offer a savory flavor that’s hard to resist.

Their crunchy texture and aromatic herbs make them a delightful addition to any meal. Whether for a family dinner or a festive occasion, these potatoes are sure to please.

24. Spinach Soufflé

Light and airy, spinach soufflé is an elegant side dish that pairs beautifully with baked ham. The delicate texture and rich taste of spinach create a harmonious blend.

Baked to perfection, it offers a warm and comforting experience. This soufflé is a sophisticated choice that adds a touch of elegance to your meal.

25. Mango Avocado Salad

Sweet and creamy, mango avocado salad is a tropical delight. The juicy mango and creamy avocado create a smooth yet refreshing texture.

Combined with red onion and cilantro, this salad offers a burst of flavor. It’s a lively addition to your ham dinner, providing a unique and delightful taste.

26. Tomato Basil Bruschetta

Crisp and flavorful, tomato basil bruschetta is a classic appetizer that pairs well with ham. Fresh tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze create a delightful combination.

Served on toasted baguette slices, this dish offers a crunchy texture and vibrant taste. It’s a simple yet delicious way to start your meal.

27. Chive and Cheddar Biscuits

Deliciously flaky, chive and cheddar biscuits are a comforting addition to your ham dinner. The rich taste of cheddar and the subtle hint of chives create a savory flavor.

Served warm, these biscuits offer a soft texture and satisfying bite. They are a delightful choice for any occasion, adding a touch of homely charm to your table.

28. Lemon Garlic Orzo

Light and zesty, lemon garlic orzo is a refreshing side dish to accompany your ham meal. The bright taste of lemon, combined with the subtle hint of garlic, creates a delightful flavor.

Tossed with fresh parsley, this orzo offers a crisp and clean taste. It’s a lovely addition that adds a splash of freshness to your dinner.

29. Pear and Gorgonzola Salad

Elegant and flavorful, pear and gorgonzola salad is a sophisticated side dish. The juicy sweetness of pears, combined with the bold taste of gorgonzola, creates a delightful contrast.

Mixed greens add a fresh base, while candied walnuts offer a sweet and crunchy finish. This salad is a beautiful and tasty addition to your ham dinner.

30. Zucchini Fritters

Crispy and delicious, zucchini fritters are a delightful way to enjoy vegetables. These golden-brown treats are made with grated zucchini, fresh herbs, and a hint of cheese.

Served with a dollop of sour cream, they offer a satisfying crunch and savory flavor. Ideal for any occasion, these fritters add a fun and tasty twist to your meal.