Do you want to make a delicious dinner that your guests will love, but don’t know what vegetable to serve with ham? Finding the perfect side dish to accompany a special ham entree can be challenging. You want to provide a balanced meal that both looks and tastes great. Fortunately, there are a variety of vegetables that pair perfectly with ham and provide the ideal accompaniment.
In this article, we’ll explore what makes for the best vegetable sides for ham dishes, as well as provide some tasty ideas that you can incorporate into your next dinner party menu.
Let’s get started!
Ham pairs well with cooked vegetables such as roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, squash, asparagus, potatoes, and mushrooms.
Roasted Vegetables to Serve With Ham
Ham is one of those classic dishes that is loved by all. Whether served at the holidays or just for a family dinner, it’s always a hit. But, ham can sometimes be a bit dry and boring, so it’s important to serve it with flavorful side dishes that will make the meal more interesting. Roasted vegetables are an excellent option for adding flavor and texture to your ham dinner.
The most important part of roasting vegetables is choosing the right ones. Root vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, parsnips, turnips, and rutabagas are all good options for roasting. Other vegetables like Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and broccoli also work well roasted. You can also use squash or zucchini if you prefer something sweeter. The key is to pick vegetables that have a good texture when cooked and will hold up well when roasted in the oven.
Once you have chosen your vegetables, it’s time to prepare them for roasting. Start by peeling and chopping them into bite-sized pieces that are all roughly the same size so they cook evenly in the oven. Then toss them with some oil (olive or vegetable) and seasonings like salt and pepper or herbs like rosemary or thyme. Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer so they cook evenly and roast in the oven at 400°F until they are fork tender (about 20-30 minutes).
Roasted vegetables make a delicious side dish for ham as well as other meats like pork chops or chicken breasts. They are also great for adding color to your plate and boosting the nutritional value of your meal. Plus they are easy to make ahead of time if you’re short on time – just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use!
Grilled Vegetables to Serve With Ham
Grilled vegetables are a great way to add flavor and nutrition to any meal. Whether you’re serving ham for a special occasion or as part of a regular dinner, grilled vegetables are an excellent accompaniment. Grilling brings out the natural sweetness and smoky flavor of the vegetables, making them a flavorful addition to the ham. Here are some great options for grilled vegetables that pair perfectly with ham:
- Bell Peppers: Bell peppers can be sliced and grilled for about 5 minutes for a sweet, smoky flavor. Mix in some onion and garlic for extra flavor.
- Zucchini: Slice zucchini into 1/4 inch thick rounds and grill them until they’re lightly browned on each side.
- Eggplant: Eggplant slices can be grilled with olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper for a delicious side dish.
- Asparagus: Asparagus spears can be tossed in olive oil, garlic powder, salt and pepper before grilling. Grill until tender.
- Mushrooms: Whole mushrooms can be drizzled with olive oil and grilled until lightly browned.
- Onions:: Slice onions into thick rings before grilling them with some butter or olive oil.
Grilled vegetables are an easy way to elevate any meal, especially when served alongside ham. Whether you’re making an elegant dinner or just looking for a quick side dish, these grilled vegetables are sure to please. Plus, they’re loaded with vitamins and minerals that will make your meal even healthier!
The Best Types of Salads to Serve With Ham
Ham is a versatile and delicious entree that can be served as part of a meal or as an appetizer. As a main course, it pairs well with a variety of salads. There are several types of salads that work especially well when served with ham. Here are some great options for your next meal:
Green Salads
Green salads are typically composed of crisp lettuce and other greens, such as spinach and arugula. They can also contain vegetables, like tomatoes and cucumbers, as well as nuts and seeds. Green salads are a great accompaniment to ham because they provide a refreshing and light contrast to the savory flavors of the meat.
Fruit Salads
Fruit salads are another type of salad that pairs beautifully with ham. The sweetness of the fruit complements the savory flavors of the meat. Fruit salads can include any combination of seasonal fruits, such as apples, oranges, pears, grapes, berries, and melon. They can also be dressed with a light vinaigrette or fruit-based dressing.
Pasta Salads
Pasta salads are also excellent choices for serving with ham. These types of salads typically combine cooked pasta with vegetables and often include some type of cheese or other protein source. A simple pasta salad made with cooked macaroni noodles, diced tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta cheese, and an Italian-style dressing makes for a delicious side dish to any ham meal.
Potato Salads
Potato salads make hearty accompaniments to any ham dish. They can be composed of boiled potatoes mixed with mayonnaise or vinaigrette dressings and mixed with vegetables like carrots, celery, onions and peppers. For an even heartier potato salad add boiled eggs or chunks of cooked bacon.
Bean Salads
Bean salads are another wonderful option for serving alongside ham dishes. These types of salads usually contain legumes like chickpeas or black beans along with fresh vegetables like peppers or onions. They can be dressed simply in oil and vinegar or you can get creative by adding spices such as cumin or chili powder for extra flavor.<
Best Baked Vegetable Dishes to Serve With Ham
Ham is a classic main dish that can be enjoyed by everyone, and it’s often paired with an array of delicious side dishes. To make your meal even more special, why not try some baked vegetable dishes? Baking is a great way to bring out the natural sweetness of vegetables, and it adds a delicious layer of flavor to your meal. Here are some of the best baked vegetable dishes to serve with ham:
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with ham. To make them, simply cut each sprout in half and toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper before baking in the oven for about 20 minutes. You can also add other flavors like garlic or herbs for an extra kick of flavor!
Baked Sweet Potatoes
Baked sweet potatoes are a versatile side dish that goes well with ham. To make them, all you have to do is cut the potatoes into cubes and toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper before baking in the oven for about 30 minutes. You can also add other ingredients like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor.
Roasted Carrots
Roasted carrots are another great side dish that goes well with ham. To make them, simply cut the carrots into slices and toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper before baking in the oven for about 20 minutes. You can also add other ingredients like thyme or rosemary for an added burst of flavor!
Baked Zucchini
Baked zucchini is a delicious vegetable side dish that pairs perfectly with ham. To make it, simply cut the zucchini into cubes and toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper before baking in the oven for about 15 minutes. You can also add other ingredients like Parmesan cheese or herbs for an extra layer of flavor!
Best Steamed Vegetable Side Dishes to Serve With Ham
Ham is a classic main dish that can be served for any meal. Whether it’s a holiday dinner or just a family meal, ham is always a great option. But what about the side dishes? When it comes to serving ham, steamed vegetable side dishes are incredibly popular and delicious. Not only are they easy to prepare, but they also provide a healthy balance to the rich flavor of the ham. Here are some of the best steamed vegetable side dishes that can be served with ham:
Carrots: Carrots are one of the most popular vegetables to serve alongside ham. They have a sweet and earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the smoky taste of the meat. Carrots can be steamed quickly and easily, making them ideal for busy nights.
Broccoli: Broccoli is another great option for pairing with ham. It has a mild flavor that complements the smokiness of the meat without overpowering it. Plus, broccoli is an excellent source of fiber and vitamins A, C, and K.
- Green Beans: Green beans are an excellent addition to any meal featuring ham. They have a slightly sweet taste that goes well with the savory flavors of the meat.
- Asparagus: Asparagus adds a unique flavor profile to any dish featuring ham. The earthy flavor pairs perfectly with its tender texture.
- Cauliflower: Cauliflower is another great option for adding some crunch and flavor to your meal. It has a mild taste that goes well with both sweet and savory dishes.
- Brussels Sprouts: Brussels sprouts are packed with nutrients and have an earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the smokiness of ham.
No matter what vegetables you choose to serve alongside your ham, make sure you steam them properly so they retain their texture and nutrients!
Stir-Fried Vegetable Recipes to Serve With Ham
Stir-frying is an easy way to create a tasty and nutritious meal. This cooking method is fast, uses minimal oil, and delivers delicious results. It’s a great way to make the most of seasonal vegetables and combine them with the flavor of ham for a complete meal. Here are some delicious stir-fried vegetable recipes to serve with ham that you’ll love.
Start with a basic stir-fry mix of your favorite vegetables. Try a combination of broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, and onion. These ingredients can be cooked quickly in a hot wok or skillet with just a teaspoon or two of oil. Once the vegetables are tender, add some cooked ham and season with soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper to taste. Serve over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
For something exotic, try an Asian-inspired stir-fry featuring snow peas, bok choy, bamboo shoots, and water chestnuts. Start by stir-frying the vegetables in sesame oil until they’re crisp-tender then add cooked ham along with low sodium soy sauce and garlic powder for flavor. Serve over your favorite grain such as quinoa or farro for an Asian flair.
Looking for something on the lighter side? Try this easy recipe for lemon ginger stir-fry featuring fresh asparagus and sugar snap peas. Stir-fry the vegetables in olive oil until crisp-tender then add cooked ham along with grated ginger root, fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, and salt & pepper to taste. Serve over brown rice for a healthy and flavorful meal.
These are just a few ideas but there are endless possibilities when it comes to creating delicious stir-fried vegetable recipes to serve with ham. Have fun experimenting by combining different vegetables such as zucchini or eggplant along with your favorite herbs & spices for unique flavor combinations that will keep your family coming back for more!
Easy Sautéed Vegetable Recipes to Serve With Ham
Sautéed vegetables are a classic side dish for many meals, and they make a great pairing with ham. Whether you’re serving up a holiday feast or just looking for something to serve with your weekly ham dinner, these easy sautéed vegetable recipes are sure to please.
One of the simplest side dishes is a classic combination of sautéed onions and mushrooms. Start by heating some butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until they start to soften before adding sliced mushrooms. Cook until both the onions and mushrooms are golden brown before seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve as is or top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
For an even heartier side dish, you can add potatoes to your sautéed vegetables. Start by slicing potatoes into thin wedges or cubes and boiling for about five minutes until slightly tender but still firm. Drain the potatoes and set aside before heating butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions, sliced mushrooms, and the cooked potatoes before stirring them all together in the pan until everything is combined. Cook until golden brown before seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
If you’re looking for something more colorful, try this combination of sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. Start by heating some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat before adding diced bell peppers and zucchini slices to the pan. Cook until softened before adding chopped tomatoes, minced garlic cloves, fresh herbs like oregano or basil, salt, and pepper. Cook everything together until everything is golden brown then serve as is or top with freshly grated cheese like Parmesan or Romano if desired.
Another classic combination that pairs perfectly with ham is sautéed cabbage with apples and bacon. Start by heating some butter in a large skillet over medium heat before adding diced bacon pieces to the pan. Fry them up until crisp then remove from the pan with a slotted spoon while reserving the fat in the pan for later use (you can also use olive oil if preferred). Add shredded cabbage to the pan along with some thinly sliced apples then season everything with salt and pepper as desired before stirring it all together in the pan until combined and cooked through (you may need to add more fat if needed). Once cooked through top it all off with some freshly chopped parsley for an extra burst of flavor then serve it up right away!
Conclusion
Vegetables are a great accompaniment to any ham dish. The vegetables you choose will depend on the type of ham and the flavors you are going for. Roasted or steamed root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and turnips are always a nice complement to ham dishes. Cruciferous vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and broccoli make a great side dish if you’re looking for something with a bit more flavor. Leafy greens like kale, spinach, and Swiss chard can also make for delicious sides if cooked properly. If you want something different, consider pairing your ham with some milder vegetables like zucchini or squash. Whatever you choose, it’s important to remember that the key is balance – the right combination of flavors will make your dish truly memorable!
In conclusion, there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to deciding what vegetable is best to serve with ham. Consider the type of ham and the flavors you want to achieve when selecting your side dish vegetable. With an array of flavorful options available, enjoy experimenting with different combinations to create different signature dishes!