Choosing the perfect side dishes for ham can elevate your meal to a new level. Creamy mashed potatoes provide a rich and velvety texture, while green bean casserole offers a medley of flavors and nutrition. Glazed carrots add a vibrant pop of color and touch of sweetness. Quinoa salad is a nutritious, protein-packed side. Scalloped potatoes, rich and cheesy, pair wonderfully with ham. For something crisp, try Caesar salad or coleslaw. Cranberry sauce adds a tangy contrast, and garlic bread brings a buttery richness. Each of these sides enhances the savory delight of ham, making your meal unforgettable. Curious for more?
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
A classic accompaniment to ham, creamy mashed potatoes offer a rich and velvety texture that perfectly complements the savory flavors of the meat.
With their buttery texture, they are a holiday favorite that never disappoints.
These mashed potatoes bring warmth to the table, making them an essential side dish that adds comfort and satisfaction to any festive meal.
Green Bean Casserole
In addition to the creamy mashed potatoes, green bean casserole provides a delightful medley of tender green beans, creamy sauce, and crispy fried onions that enhances the overall meal experience.
This side dish offers various casserole variations to suit different tastes.
Additionally, green beans are packed with nutrition, providing vitamins A, C, and K, making this dish not only delicious but also a healthy addition.
Glazed Carrots
Glazed carrots add a vibrant pop of color and a touch of sweetness to the meal, perfectly balancing the savory flavors of the ham.
Carrot varieties such as baby carrots or heirloom carrots can be used, providing different textures and flavors.
A simple honey glaze enhances their natural sweetness, making this side dish both visually appealing and deliciously complementary to your ham.
Quinoa Salad
Quinoa salad offers a nutritious and flavorful side that pairs excellently with the rich taste of ham. This versatile dish boasts numerous health benefits, being high in protein and fiber.
With endless flavor variations, such as adding fresh vegetables, nuts, or citrus vinaigrette, it can be tailored to suit any palate. Its light yet satisfying texture complements ham, creating a balanced meal.
Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped potatoes, with their creamy layers and rich, cheesy flavor, make an ideal accompaniment to ham. Various cheese varieties, such as cheddar or Gruyère, can elevate this dish.
Preparation tips include thinly slicing potatoes and layering them with cheese and a seasoned cream sauce. Bake until golden and bubbly for a deliciously satisfying side that complements the savory notes of ham perfectly.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts bring a delightful balance of earthy flavors and crispy textures to the table, making them an excellent side dish for ham.
When drizzled with balsamic and sprinkled with pancetta bits, these sprouts elevate any meal.
The balsamic drizzle adds a tangy sweetness, while the pancetta bits offer a savory crunch, creating a harmonious blend of tastes and textures.
Mac and Cheese
For a comforting and indulgent side dish, mac and cheese pairs perfectly with ham. The creamy, rich texture of the pasta combined with a diverse cheese variety creates a delightful contrast with the savory ham.
Choose cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or mozzarella to enhance flavor, while ensuring the pasta maintains its ideal texture. This classic dish is sure to please any crowd.
Sweet Potato Casserole
A well-prepared sweet potato casserole guarantees a touch of sweetness and richness that wonderfully complements the savory flavors of ham.
The creamy base, often topped with a crunchy pecan topping, offers a delightful contrast.
Adding a marshmallow layer creates a gooey, caramelized finish, balancing the dish with a nostalgic note.
This side dish guarantees a delightful blend of textures and flavors on your plate.
Caesar Salad
Caesar Salad, with its crisp romaine lettuce, tangy dressing, and crunchy croutons, provides an invigorating contrast to the rich flavors of ham.
Various dressing options, such as creamy or light, allow customization to suit your taste. Additionally, crouton varieties, from classic garlic to herb-infused, add texture and depth.
This classic salad complements ham beautifully, making it a delightful pairing.
Garlic Bread
Garlic bread, with its buttery richness and aromatic garlic flavor, serves as a perfect companion to ham. Bread variations, such as baguettes or ciabatta, can be used to create delightful textures.
Butter recipes often include fresh herbs like parsley or oregano, enhancing the overall taste. This versatile side not only complements ham but also adds a touch of comfort and warmth to the meal.
Cornbread
Shifting from the savory allure of garlic bread, cornbread offers a slightly sweet and crumbly counterpart that pairs harmoniously with the rich flavors of ham.
For those seeking a twist, jalapeno cornbread adds a delightful kick. Spread some honey butter on top for an extra layer of sweetness.
This combination not only complements the ham but also enhances the overall dining experience.
Cranberry Sauce
Elevating the flavor profile of ham, cranberry sauce adds a tangy and slightly sweet contrast that enhances the overall taste experience.
Opting for homemade recipes not only gives you control over the ingredients but also guarantees fresher flavors.
Plus, cranberries are packed with health benefits, including antioxidants and vitamins. This makes cranberry sauce a delightful and nutritious addition to your meal.
Grilled Asparagus
Complementing the tangy sweetness of cranberry sauce, grilled asparagus offers a savory and crisp texture that pairs excellently with the rich flavors of ham.
For the best results, use simple asparagus seasoning like olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Mastering basic grilling techniques, such as preheating the grill and turning the asparagus frequently, guarantees even cooking and perfect char marks.
Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs, with their creamy and tangy filling, provide a delightful contrast to the savory richness of ham. For an appealing presentation, arrange the eggs on a colorful platter.
Flavor variations can include adding spicy mustard, dill, or even a touch of smoked paprika to the filling. This classic dish offers both visual appeal and a burst of flavor, enhancing your meal.
Are the Same Side Dishes Suitable for Serving with Ham and Banh Mi?
When it comes to serving ham, traditional side dishes like mashed potatoes and green beans are a classic choice. However, if you’re serving banh mi, the best side dishes for banh mi would be pickled vegetables, Vietnamese coleslaw, or a refreshing papaya salad to complement the flavors of the sandwich.
Coleslaw
Coleslaw, with its crisp and revitalizing texture, serves as a perfect counterbalance to the rich flavors of ham. This versatile side dish can be tailored to suit any palate with numerous coleslaw variations.
Traditional coleslaw ingredients include shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy or tangy dressing. Its invigorating crunch and vibrant colors make it an inviting addition to any meal featuring ham.