Are you looking for the perfect side dish to serve with ham? With the holidays around the corner, it can be difficult to come up with side dishes that will pair well with your main dish. Whether you are hosting a dinner party or just looking for delicious recipes to make for your family, it is important to have a few side dishes in mind before heading to the grocery store.
Not only do side dishes add variety and flavor to your meal, but they also help ensure that everyone is getting enough nutrition from their meals. From roasted vegetables and potatoes to salads and grains, there are plenty of delicious options when it comes to pairing side dishes with ham. In this article, we’ll provide some tips on what makes a great side dish for ham, as well as some easy recipes that you can try out in your own kitchen.
So if you’re looking for some inspiration on what to serve with your next ham dinner, read on!For a delicious side to serve with a ham dinner, try roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.
Roasted Asparagus
Roasted asparagus is a great side dish that pairs well with a variety of entrees. It’s savory, slightly sweet, and has the perfect crunch when roasted correctly. To make it even better, you can add additional flavor with herbs or spices like garlic or chili powder.
To complete the meal, some great accompaniments for roasted asparagus include:
- Grains: Rice, quinoa, farro, and couscous are all great options to serve with roasted asparagus.
- Proteins: Roasted asparagus goes great with proteins like fish, chicken, pork chops, or steak.
- Veggies: Consider adding some other vegetables such as mushrooms, broccoli, zucchini, bell peppers or onions.
- Sauces: A simple lemon butter sauce is a classic option but you could also try something more creative like a chimichurri sauce.
If you’re looking for a lighter option you can also pair roasted asparagus with salads or soups. For an easy salad recipe try combining it with arugula and feta cheese and adding a simple vinaigrette dressing. Or for a heartier soup recipe try adding roasted asparagus to a potato leek soup.
No matter what accompaniments you choose your guests are sure to enjoy this delicious side dish. Roasted asparagus pairs well with many different types of flavors so have fun experimenting and creating your own unique recipes!
Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped potatoes are a classic and tasty side dish. The perfect combination of potato slices, cheese, cream, and butter make this dish rich and flavorful. It pairs well with a variety of main dishes, making it a great go-to choice for any meal. To complement your scalloped potatoes, consider adding some of these delicious sides:
- Salad: A light salad is the perfect accompaniment to this creamy potato dish. Mixed greens with vinaigrette or a simple tomato salad will pair nicely with scalloped potatoes.
- Vegetable: Roasted vegetables are a great way to add some color to your plate. Consider roasting carrots, bell peppers, or broccoli with olive oil and herbs for an easy and flavorful side.
- Bread: Freshly baked bread is always a welcome addition to any meal. Try focaccia or ciabatta for the perfect accompaniment to your scalloped potatoes.
No matter what you choose as an accompaniment to your scalloped potatoes, it’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table!
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Mashed sweet potatoes are a delicious side dish that can be served with a variety of different main courses. This dish is made by mashing cooked sweet potatoes and adding ingredients such as butter, cream, and spices to create a creamy, flavorful side. Mashed sweet potatoes are a great way to add some sweetness and color to your dinner plate. They can be served with a variety of different entrees, from roasted chicken to fish or beef. Here are some suggestions for what to serve with mashed sweet potatoes:
- Roast Chicken: Roast chicken is the perfect accompaniment to mashed sweet potatoes. The flavor of the roasted chicken will complement the sweetness of the mashed sweet potatoes.
- Fish: Fish is an excellent choice when serving mashed sweet potatoes. The sweetness of the potatoes will balance out the mild flavor of most types of fish.
- Beef: Beef is another great option when serving mashed sweet potatoes. The beef will provide a hearty flavor that pairs nicely with the sweetness of the mashed sweet potatoes.
- Vegetables: Vegetables such as peas, carrots, or green beans make an excellent side dish for mashed sweet potatoes. The vegetables will add color and nutrition to your meal.
Mashed sweet potatoes can also be served with other sides, such as rice or pasta. A simple salad is also a great accompaniment to this dish. If you want something more filling, you could serve it with some crusty bread or garlic toast. To make your meal even more special, you could top your mashed sweet potato dish with some cheese or herbs for added flavor and texture.
No matter what main course you choose to serve with your mashed sweet potato dish, it’s sure to be a hit! With so many options available, there’s sure to be something that everyone in your family enjoys!
Roast Chicken
Roast chicken is a classic dish that is sure to please any crowd. It’s easy to make and can be customized with herbs, spices, and vegetables of your choice. To serve as a side dish, you might consider roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, or a salad. You could also opt for something a bit more unique like roasted Brussels sprouts with garlic and parmesan cheese. For an extra boost of flavor, try adding lemon juice and herbs de provence to the sprouts before roasting.
Baked Salmon
Baked salmon is another delicious meal that pairs well with many different sides. It’s best served with something light like a simple arugula salad or roasted asparagus. You could also try adding some steamed rice or quinoa to the plate for an added crunch and texture. For something even heartier, consider serving roasted carrots or sweet potatoes alongside the salmon for a nutritious meal.
Grilled Steak
Grilled steak is always a popular choice when it comes to dinner parties or special occasions. To make it even more flavorful, marinate your steak in balsamic vinegar and olive oil before cooking it on the grill. As far as sides go, you can’t go wrong with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers. If you’re looking for something a bit more unique, why not try serving grilled artichokes or baked tomatoes?
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
For those who are looking for an easy yet nutritious side dish that pairs well with almost any meal, look no further than roasted Brussels sprouts! Simply cut the sprouts in half and toss them in olive oil before roasting them in the oven until they are crisp-tender. For extra flavor, add spices like garlic powder or chili powder before roasting or top them off with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese after they are cooked. Roasted Brussels sprouts pair especially well with grilled steak or roast chicken!
Serving Suggestions for Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is a classic side dish that many people enjoy. Its sweet flavor and crunchy texture make it perfect for pairing with a variety of main courses. Here are some great ideas to add to your next meal featuring corn on the cob:
- Steak: A juicy steak is an ideal accompaniment for corn on the cob. The savory flavors of the steak are perfectly complemented by the sweetness of the corn. Serve this classic combination with roasted potatoes and a fresh salad for a delicious meal.
- Grilled Chicken: Grilled chicken is an excellent choice when serving corn on the cob. The juicy, smoky flavor of grilled chicken pairs nicely with the sweetness of corn. Add some sautéed vegetables and rice or potatoes to complete this tasty meal.
- Fish: Fish is another great option to serve with corn on the cob. The light, delicate flavor of fish pairs beautifully with the mild sweetness of this classic side dish. Serve it with some freshly cooked vegetables or a simple salad for a mouth-watering meal.
- Salad: If you’re looking for something lighter, why not pair corn on the cob with a fresh salad? The crunchy texture and sweetness of corn will be complemented nicely by greens like spinach or kale. Add some grilled chicken or fish to complete this wholesome meal.
No matter what main course you choose, adding a side of corn on the cob is sure to make your meal complete!
Serving Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Baked macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food dish that is incredibly popular. It is a great option for dinner or potluck events, but what can you serve with it to make the meal complete? The great thing about this dish is that there are so many options. Here are some of our favorite sides to pair with this delicious dish.
Salad: A classic green salad is always a great option to pair with your baked macaroni and cheese. You can easily customize it by adding different vegetables, nuts, and cheeses. You can also change up the dressing for an even more unique flavor.
Vegetables: Roasted or sautéed vegetables are another delicious way to round out your meal. Broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, asparagus, and Brussels sprouts all pair wonderfully with mac and cheese. You can also opt for something heartier like roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes.
Grilled Protein: Grilled chicken or fish makes a perfect accompaniment to your baked macaroni and cheese. Grilling these proteins adds an extra layer of flavor that will really elevate the meal. Plus, adding protein helps make the meal more filling and nutritious!
Fruit: Fresh fruit is an unexpected but delicious way to complement your macaroni and cheese. Try adding diced apples or pears to your salad for some crunchy sweetness. Or you could also serve some grilled peaches as a side for a unique twist on the traditional dish.
- Bread:
Adding some crusty bread or garlic bread on the side is always a great idea when serving macaroni and cheese. You can also mix things up by using different types of breads like focaccia or sourdough.
These are just a few ideas of what you can serve alongside your baked macaroni and cheese. With so many options available, you can easily create an impressive meal with this classic comfort food as its centerpiece!
Serving Suggestions for Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is a dish that is always a hit at any gathering! It’s creamy, crunchy and delicious. To make it even more exciting, you can serve it with some other tasty dishes. Here are some great suggestions:
- Roasted Potatoes: Roasted potatoes are the perfect accompaniment to green bean casseroles. They add a nice crunch and texture to the dish. You can season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder or any other spices you like.
- Salad: Salads are a great way to get your greens in. Try adding some spinach or romaine lettuce and top it off with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions and your favorite dressing.
- Bread: Fresh-baked bread is always a crowd pleaser. Serve it warm with butter for dipping or use it to make sandwiches for those who don’t like green beans.
You can even get creative and serve the green bean casserole with something unexpected like macaroni and cheese or mashed potatoes. Experiment with different dishes to find something that everyone loves!
Conclusion
Ham is a popular main dish for any meal. It pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as potatoes, vegetables, and beans. Potatoes can be roasted, mashed, or made into a casserole. Vegetables can be roasted, steamed, or sautéed. For extra flavor, consider adding herbs and spices to your sides. Beans can also be added to your meal and are full of protein and fiber.
No matter which sides you choose to serve with your ham, it’s important to make sure they are cooked properly so they are safe to eat. Be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging and use a food thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the food is safe before serving it.
When deciding on side dishes to serve with ham, consider the flavors that will pair best with it and experiment with different ingredients or cooking methods. There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to side dishes for ham, so feel free to get creative in the kitchen!