Are you looking for the perfect side dish to serve with ham this holiday season? Serving the right vegetable with your ham can make a world of difference in the overall meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just making dinner for your family, selecting the best vegetable to serve with ham is essential.
From broccoli to brussels sprouts, there are many vegetables that pair perfectly with ham. But which one should you choose? It can be hard to decide which vegetable will best complement your main dish and satisfy everyone’s tastes.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the top vegetables that pair well with ham and provide tips on how to prepare them. We’ll also discuss how to choose the best vegetable for your meal and why it’s important to consider all factors when selecting a side dish. Finally, we’ll provide some delicious recipes that you can use to make sure your meal is complete.
Roasted asparagus is a delicious side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Serve it with grilled salmon, roasted chicken, or even steak for a delicious and nutritious meal!
Grilled Zucchini
Grilled zucchini is a delicious, healthy and quick side dish that can be enjoyed during any meal. It’s simple to prepare and can be spiced up with different herbs and spices. To complete the meal, serve grilled zucchini with a choice of savory or sweet sides.
For savory sides, consider adding a variety of roasted vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, Brussels sprouts or squash. Or try grilling some corn on the cob or eggplant slices for an additional layer of flavor. If you’re looking for something more substantial, try serving grilled zucchini with a grain salad such as quinoa or couscous.
For sweet sides, consider pairing it with fruit-based sides like grilled peaches or pineapple slices. Or try making a simple side salad with lettuce, tomatoes and other seasonal fruits and vegetables. A scoop of freshly made guacamole is also a great option to add some extra flavor to the dish.
To make your grilled zucchini even more flavorful, sprinkle it with herbs like oregano or thyme before grilling for an extra layer of taste. You can also add garlic powder for an extra kick of flavor or top it off with crumbled feta cheese for some added creaminess.
Cauliflower Mash
Cauliflower mash is a delicious side dish that goes great with any meal. It’s a great way to get in extra vegetables without having to worry about the taste. It’s simple to make and can be prepared in just a few minutes. The key to making cauliflower mash is to make sure it’s cooked until it’s very soft and creamy. To make the mash, you’ll need cauliflower, butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese. Start by boiling the cauliflower in salted water for about 5 minutes or until it’s very soft. Then, drain off the water and add the butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash everything together until it’s creamy. Finally, stir in the Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Cauliflower mash is incredibly versatile as it pairs well with many different types of dishes. It makes an excellent accompaniment to roasted chicken or fish. It also goes great with steak or pork chops. For vegetarians, try serving it alongside roasted vegetables or grilled portobello mushrooms. For breakfast or brunch, try pairing it with eggs Benedict or omelets. Cauliflower mash is also a great side dish for tacos or burritos.
The beauty of cauliflower mash is that you can customize the flavors however you like by adding different herbs and spices such as rosemary, thyme, oregano, or cumin. You can also mix in some grated parmesan cheese for additional flavor and creaminess. If you’re looking for something lighter than mashed potatoes try using mashed cauliflower instead!
Sauteed Green Beans
Sauteed green beans are a simple and delicious side dish that can be served with a variety of meals. The green beans are cooked quickly in a skillet with butter, garlic, and seasonings. The result is crisp-tender green beans that are full of flavor. This dish pairs well with grilled chicken, pork chops, or steak. It’s also great as an accompaniment to pasta dishes or fish.
For an extra burst of flavor, you can add some diced onion or mushrooms to the mix. If you like spice, add some red pepper flakes or chili powder for a kick. You can also top the green beans with cheese or nuts for added texture and flavor. Serve the sautéed green beans on their own as a side dish or as a topping for salads and sandwiches for a light lunch option.
When shopping for green beans, look for fresh ones that snap easily when bent in half. Avoid any green beans that have soft spots or signs of wilting. For the best flavor and texture, cook the green beans soon after purchasing them instead of storing them in the refrigerator for several days.
To make sautéed green beans, start by melting butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and seasonings, then toss in the green beans and sauté until they are crisp-tender (about 4 minutes). Taste and adjust seasonings as needed before serving hot.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts are an incredible side dish that goes well with almost any main. They are easy to prepare and can be cooked in a variety of ways, including roasting in the oven or sautéing on the stovetop. The best way to make sure your Brussels sprouts are cooked perfectly is to roast them in the oven. This will give them a nice crunchy exterior and a soft, buttery interior. When roasting Brussels sprouts, you can add your favorite seasonings to give them an extra kick of flavor.
A classic side dish that pairs perfectly with roasted Brussels sprouts is mashed potatoes. The creamy texture of mashed potatoes complements the crunchiness of the roasted Brussels sprouts nicely. You can also add butter and cheese to your potatoes for added richness and flavor. If you’re looking for something heartier, try adding bacon bits or shredded cheese to your mashed potatoes for a delicious combination.
Another great side dish that pairs well with roasted Brussels sprouts is steamed broccoli. The bright green color of broccoli adds color and flavor to any plate, and it’s full of fiber and vitamins as well! To make steamed broccoli even more flavorful, try adding garlic, lemon juice, and herbs such as basil or thyme for added zest. For a delicious meal combination, top your steamed broccoli with some grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
For a lighter side dish option that still packs plenty of flavor, try serving roasted Brussels sprouts with a salad. A simple salad composed of greens such as spinach or arugula paired with vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers makes a great accompaniment to roasted Brussels sprouts. You can also add nuts like walnuts or almonds for extra crunch and healthy fats as well as dried fruits like cranberries for sweetness.
Finally, if you’re looking for something truly unique to serve alongside roasted Brussels sprouts, try making polenta cakes! Polenta is often overlooked as an ingredient but it makes an incredibly delicious side dish when prepared properly. Simply mix together cornmeal (polenta) with milk or cream and seasonings then fry into cakes in hot oil until golden brown on both sides. Serve warm alongside your favorite vegetables for an unforgettable meal!
Serving Baked Sweet Potatoes
Baked sweet potatoes are a delicious and nutritious side dish that can be served at any meal. They are easy to prepare and require minimal ingredients, making them an ideal choice for busy cooks. Sweet potatoes are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, providing a great source of nutrition for everyone in the family.
When it comes to serving baked sweet potatoes, there are many delicious options. Here are some of the most popular accompaniments to this scrumptious side dish:
- Butter: Nothing says comfort food like butter on top of a hot baked sweet potato. It adds a rich, creamy flavor that is sure to please.
- Honey: Drizzle honey over a freshly-baked sweet potato for a hint of sweetness that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Cinnamon-Sugar: Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar on top of your sweet potato for an irresistible flavor combination.
- Maple Syrup: Maple syrup adds a unique flavor to your baked sweet potatoes that is sure to be a hit with everyone.
- Marshmallows: For those who prefer something sweeter, try adding marshmallows on top of your baked sweet potatoes for an extra special treat.
In addition to these traditional accompaniments, there are plenty more creative ideas you can try when serving baked sweet potatoes. Try adding savory toppings such as bacon, cheese, or diced vegetables; or opt for more exotic flavors like mango salsa or cilantro-lime dressing. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try making Baked Sweet Potato Fries? Whatever you choose, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience with this healthy and delicious side dish.
Pairing Broccoli and Cheese Casserole
Broccoli and cheese casserole is a classic dish that is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. It’s a great side dish to serve with almost any main course, as it pairs well with a variety of flavors. To really bring out the best in this dish, you should consider what type of accompaniment would best complement the flavors of the casserole.
One option is to serve this casserole with a protein-rich main course, such as grilled salmon or roasted chicken. The rich flavors of the fish or poultry will pair nicely with the cheesy and savory notes of the casserole, creating an interesting contrast in textures and flavors. If you want to add something lighter, you can also try serving it with lighter proteins like fish tacos or grilled shrimp.
For vegetarians, pairing broccoli and cheese casserole with other vegetable-based dishes is a great way to create a delicious meal. Consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or squash for an extra layer of flavor that will bring out the best in both dishes. You can also serve it with quinoa or brown rice for an added boost of nutrition.
If you’re looking for something more hearty to go along with your broccoli and cheese casserole dish, there are plenty of options. A savory pasta dish such as macaroni and cheese would be a great way to make this classic side even more filling. Or you could try something like stuffed bell peppers for added texture and flavor. You could even add some freshly-baked garlic bread on the side for an extra touch of indulgence.
Whatever your preference may be, there are plenty of ways to pair broccoli and cheese casserole with other dishes so that everyone at your table can enjoy a delicious meal together!
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food and a staple in many households. They are easy to make and can be enjoyed with a variety of accompaniments. The creaminess of the potatoes pairs well with the richness of butter, cream, or cheese, creating a delicious dish that will satisfy any craving. To make creamy mashed potatoes even more delicious, consider adding some herbs and spices to the mix. A few dashes of garlic powder and parsley can add a flavorful kick to this traditional side dish.
When it comes to pairing creamy mashed potatoes with other dishes, there are many options. A simple roasted chicken or steak is an excellent option for those who prefer something more on the savory side. For vegetarians, creamy mashed potatoes go well with lightly sautéed vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions. For something sweeter, consider serving them with grilled or baked fruit like apples or pears for a unique flavor contrast. Additionally, creamy mashed potatoes can be served as an accompaniment to fish dishes such as salmon or tuna steaks for a light yet flavorful meal.
For those who want to keep things simple yet still enjoy delicious side dishes with their creamy mashed potatoes, consider serving them with fresh salads such as spinach and feta cheese salad or Caesar salad for a light yet satisfying meal. Additionally, creamy mashed potatoes go well with hearty soups like beef stew or vegetable soup for those chilly winter days. Finally, for those who enjoy Italian cuisine, creamy mashed potatoes pair perfectly with lasagna or pasta dishes such as spaghetti and meatballs.
No matter what you choose to serve your creamy mashed potatoes with they are sure to delight your taste buds. With so many options available it is easy to find something that will please everyone at your table!
Conclusion
Ham is a versatile ingredient that pairs well with a variety of vegetables. The best vegetables to serve with ham depend on the type of ham you are using, as well as the other ingredients in your dish. Popular choices include potatoes, peas, carrots, green beans, and corn. All of these vegetables offer a crunchy texture and sweet flavor that complements the salty and savory flavor of ham.
In addition to these classic options, you can also consider adding some more unexpected vegetables like Brussels sprouts, artichokes, or fennel for an interesting flavor combination. Roasting vegetables is another great way to enhance their natural sweetness and bring out their flavors.
No matter what type of vegetable you choose to serve with your ham dish, it’s important to make sure it is cooked correctly before serving. This will ensure that it has the best taste and texture possible. With a few simple tips, you can create an unforgettable meal featuring the perfect combination of tender ham and flavorful vegetables.