Ham what to serve with it?

Transform your Easter dinner into an unforgettable feast with these tasty side dishes for ham.

From sweet potato casserole to sweet and savory cornbread, these sides are sure to delight.

Ham is usually eaten and enjoyed around the holidays, but even if it’s not Christmas or Easter, you can still appreciate this juicy and tender meat.

Whether you’re serving it on its own, making it into sandwiches, or crafting a drool-worthy entree with a ham base, you’ll need some amazing side dishes to complement its sweet and savory flavors.

If you’re overwhelmed trying to narrow down your options, don’t worry! I’ve rounded up thirty of the best side dishes that will pair perfectly with your heavenly ham.

From traditional comfort foods like green bean casserole and fluffy dinner rolls, to more gourmet dishes like a farro and squash salad, this list has something for everyone!

Let’s start with some classics. I personally think mashed potatoes can go with just about anything. But with a lovely slice of ham, it’s a match made in heaven. Add in extra cream and some garlic for a luscious side that’s loaded with flavor.

While we’re talking spuds, scalloped potatoes are another tasty favorite. This casserole is made up of thinly sliced red or gold potatoes, a delightful creamy sauce mixed with onion, mustard, and nutmeg, and, hopefully, a lot of cheese.

It looks and tastes like you put a lot of effort in, when actually it’s a pretty simple dish. Use a mandolin to slice the potatoes, and it’ll be ready in a flash!

A twist on the plain potato, a sweet potato casserole is a mouth-watering alternative that will give your taste buds pure joy. Creamy sweet potatoes with a crunchy butter pecan topping will make any day feel like Thanksgiving. And the combination of sweet and savory is oh so delicious.

Another holiday classic, a green bean casserole is always a crowd favorite. Something about the mix of creamy mushroom soup, fresh green beans, and crispy fried French onions is just so right.

Be careful or this scrumptious side just might outshine even the most luscious of hams.

Heavily salted and flawlessly roasted asparagus is a super easy side, but this green veggie is anything but bland. You can always add some garlic, hollandaise, or simple lemon zest for even more depth, but asparagus is great on its own. Paired with a juicy piece of ham, you won’t need much more.

Not only is spaghetti squash sweet and juicy, but it offers a fun difference in texture. Spaghetti squash separates into small noodle-like strands, so it’s fun to eat, healthy for you, and just delectable to taste. You don’t even need to season this side much, some butter and salt will do just fine.

Some folks say that glazed carrots go with ham like peanut butter goes with jelly. And I just might have to agree. Yummy for kids and adults alike, roasted carrots coated in a sweet and cinnamon-y sauce is a glorious side. Plus, it’s packed with vitamins for an absolutely guilt-free meal.

I don’t think you can have a ham dinner without some kind of bread on the table. Whether you go whole wheat and oatmeal (adding in milk and eggs keeps them pillowy soft) or a simple white dinner roll (put a pat of butter inside the roll before baking for a delicious surprise) dinner rolls are a must have!

Be sure to have extra butter and jam to complete this necessary side dish.

What I love most about cornbread is its versatility. Whether your favorite recipe is savory or sweet, cornbread is always finger-licking good. Pair your ham with fresh, steaming cornbread smothered in butter, and everyone will go home happy.

With a ham, you can stick to the classic, or go for something with a little bit more kick. Sweet jalapeno cornbread turns up the heat a little, but stays balanced with some sugary sweetness. In my opinion, it’s the perfect bread.

Honestly, who doesn’t love macaroni and cheese? Next to a decadent ham, there’s no going wrong with creamy, cheesy, gooey pasta.

Make your mac even more special with two secret ingredients: garlic powder and white pepper. These simple spices add dimension and a little zing that is sure to keep your guests asking for more.

A cheesy, creamy showstopper, creamed spinach with some slightly sour Greek yogurt, or kale with a spoonful of white miso; your guests won’t know what hit them!

This steakhouse favorite is healthy, and a total luxury too. Using only a few ingredients you’ll have a heavenly dish that pairs exceptionally well with your ham.

Also known as baby broccoli, broccolini makes for a fantastic and quick side dish that goes with almost anything, ham included. Broccolini has longer, thinner stalks and smaller florets, making it easier to make and eat, even kids will love it.

Roast it up with some garlic, top with some vinaigrette, or eat it on its own with some salt and butter, and your meal is complete!

Corn pudding is a southern classic that’s creamy, cheesy, and chock full of flavor. It’s not a dessert, even though it is sweet. It’s more like a cross between creamed corn and a savory custard.

Mix up your corn, eggs, milk, butter, sugar, cornstarch, and a few key spices, and bake! It’s that easy, but it makes for a side dish that no one can resist.

If you’re making ham for Easter dinner, then you probably already have a bunch of boiled eggs that the kids have decorated. Turn these artistic endeavors into a delectable treat by making deviled eggs.

It’s a classic recipe good for any holiday, or even your next backyard barbecue. And these guys taste anything but devilish!

Another touch of southern flair, collard greens are a delicious way to get something healthy on the table. Season the greens up with some vinegar, sugar, onion, and maybe even some bacon if you’re feeling sinful, and you’ll have an inviting soul food side.

Stick a bottle of hot sauce on the table for an authentic southern pairing.

Bring a hint of summer to your table with a light, dill-y potato salad. My favorite recipe calls for red potatoes, a creamy dijon dressing, and loads of dill.

Unlike other potato dishes, it doesn’t feel too heavy, so a potato salad will not only be a tasty addition to your ham, it will also balance out the meal perfectly.

If you love Hawaiian pizza, this dish is for you. It’s a simple recipe of only five ingredients (butter, sugar, eggs, bread, and pineapple) but it results in a side that is buttery, sweet, fruity, and tangy, and goes so well with ham.

The outside is crisp and chewy, and the inside is fluffy and moist. It’s so incredible, once you try this stuffing, you’ll never go back!

On a colder day, a warm bowl of soup is oh so comforting. Potato, carrot, and leek soup is so cozy, is loaded with tons of vegetables, and is delightfully creamy.

Serve it up with some sourdough bread and your tender ham, and your meal will be hearty and filling, and warm you up body and soul.

Another dish great for cooler weather, a rice pilaf is a sublime side with a succulent ham. It’s earthy and nutty, and divinely savory next to a sweet meat like ham.

The mushrooms are almost a meat substitute, so if you have any vegetarian guests, it could even replace the ham as their entree. Throw in some asparagus or a fried egg, and they’ll surely not leave hungry.

I know brussels sprouts aren’t everyone’s favorite veggie, but when roasted to perfection, they are sweet, nutty, and, in my opinion, gloriously yummy.

Add on a pile of Parmesan and black pepper and you get a dish that everyone will adore. It’s also a great way to incorporate a low-carb option onto your holiday table.

I think it’s safe to say that pork and applesauce make an exquisite combination. A note for this side – homemade applesauce is a million times better than store bought.

Adding rhubarb gives it a tart kick, plus a handful of vitamins that make it a healthy option despite it seeming like dessert. Serve it with some yogurt, cottage cheese, or toast to round out this lovely little side.

An easy appetizer that will impress your friends with its gourmet feel, these delectable tarts won’t stay on the table long.

Sweet apples and honey drizzle balanced with sweet, creamy cheese – It’s like a cheese plate and a dessert rolled into one. Who could ask for more?

This dish has a long list of ingredients, but don’t let that intimidate you. Since it basically counts as a salad and a starch at once; if you’re only making one side dish, this should be it.

Combining chewy farro with luscious winter squash, and some of the most beloved salad toppings such as feta, walnuts, and zingy mustard greens, this side contains the ideal balance of sweet and salty that go beautifully with any ham entree.

Roasting your vegetables is by FAR one of the best ways to cook them. It brings out the natural sugars in vegetables, resulting in a sweet and flavorful treat. Plus, it’s super easy!

Simply fill up a baking sheet with all your favorite veggies. Just be sure to use a single layer. No overlapping.

Sprinkle some olive oil all over. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.

Pop it in the over for 17 to 20 minutes at 425 degrees F. Voila! The result is a scrumptious side dish that can be paired with just about any entree.

But it goes especially well with a honey-baked ham.

The only thing better than pie is a pie for one! Berry pot pies are festive and fun, not to mention tasty.

The cranberries are especially tart, a perfect balance for a very sweet ham, and it would be a great addition to a holiday brunch. An added bonus, cranberries are packed full of vitamins and minerals, so no need to feel guilty eating up every bite of your mini pie.

A nice spring panzanella with mushrooms, asparagus, peas, scallions, watercress, and dandelion greens would be a refreshing bite next to a rich ham, especially with a light, acidic dressing.

In the fall, a harvest salad featuring Bosc pears, bitter radicchio, endive, toasted walnuts, funky gorgonzola, and fresh arugula, topped with a balsamic vinaigrette? Sounds divine.

Cabbage, apples, and spices make up this coleslaw-esque side dish. It’s easy to make, vibrantly colored, and adds some needed tanginess and crunch to the table. Sweet and vinegary, it’s sure to be your new favorite side for any holiday meal or festive potluck.

A fresh side that will surely add variety to your spread, artichokes are so full of flavor on their own, but adding the lemon zest filled mayo and mustard combo takes it to another level. Its citrusy taste is sure to please everyone, and the artichokes just look so pretty laid out on your favorite platter.

This might be the easiest side on the list. You just throw a few simple ingredients into your crockpot and let it do its thing.

Baked beans are great for busy holidays or to bring to a potluck. Plus, the flavors of sweet beans, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, jalapenos, onions, and of course bacon, not only go so well with each other, but will be even more satisfying with your ham.

Hopefully, your moms and grandmas have been making you jello salad since birth. But if not, you’ve got to try this uniquely classic side.

A jello salad made with 7 Up, lime jello, cream cheese, and cherries. It’s always a showstopper and tastes surprisingly delightful as well. It’s zesty, and creamy, and will bring everyone back to the 70s, in the best way.

Wondering what the best side dishes for ham are? Look no further! I’ve got you covered with this handy guide.

I’m all about a great ham recipe – Brown Sugar Glazed Ham, Ham & Bean Soup, or even these Ham & Cheese Pinwheels.

When serving ham for your Sunday supper, Easter dinner or Christmas dinner, there are 3 essentials in my book:

When it comes to a serving ham as a main course, you can never go wrong with tasty side dishes like sour cream mashed potatoes, glazed carrots, or asparagus.

But, what else goes well with ham?

Here are 50+ AMAZING ham dinner sides that the entire family will love!

PS – Have ham leftovers? Be sure to try my Leftover Ham Casserole!

Many of these ham side dish recipes can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days or even in the freezer. Simply check the individual recipes for full storing instructions and details on how to make ahead.

Please leave a comment and rating below, if you loved this round up of sides for ham Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.

HUNGRY FOR MORE? For more great Platings & Pairings recipes, be sure to follow me on Pinterest, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

But it is possible—and many people do—reheat pre-cooked ham. Here's a bit more about how to do that properly.

Cooked vs. uncooked? City vs. country? What does it all mean? When you're shopping for your holiday ham, you've got a few decisions to make.

Country hams are dry-cured with spices, which takes longer than city hams. They have a saltier flavor and are less common on a holiday tablescape because of that. Country hams usually come uncooked, meaning that they require more preparation. You might know them from your breakfast biscuits.

If you're hoping to take the hard work out of the holidays, opt for a city ham. City hams are cured in a salt water solution with various seasonings before being smoked, cooked, and packaged. They come boneless and bone-in, depending on your preference.

If you want to add a flavorful homemade glaze (skip those sauce packets that come with the ham—we have lots of options), or prefer your meat hot, you can heat a pre-cooked ham up in the oven. Just make sure that you have a meat thermometer handy, because you don't want it to overcook and dry out. A ham is a big cut of meat, and when you want to glaze it, it will require several hours in a low temperature oven—even though it's fully cooked—to get that wonderfully sticky, caramelized exterior.

There are many glaze options to choose from—it's all about what you want from your ham. (It is, however, surprising how often pineapple comes into play when tackling a ham.)

A typical brown sugar-bourbon glaze is used on our Glazed Ham with Pineapple Chutney. With the Citrus Glazed Ham option, a sweet and salty flavor takes the stage. For the Port Wine Ham Glaze, it is the rich use of Cumberland Sauce that elevates the ham.

Our recipe for Maple-Bourbon Glazed Ham is easy to prepare, and the five-ingredient glaze is made from ingredients you already have on hand. The glaze forms a sweet, crunchy, and sticky crust on the salty, juicy ham—all the flavors and textures you want from a memorable holiday ham.

Once you've chosen your glaze, place the ham, cut-side-down, in a heavy-duty aluminum foil-lined jelly-roll pan. Let it stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Brush 1/2 cup of the glaze over the ham with a heatproof spatula or pastry brush. Move the oven rack to the lowest position and preheat the oven to 350°F.

Bake the ham in the preheated oven, uncovered, for 2 1/2 to 3 hours or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest portion registers 140°F, basting every 30 minutes with 1/2 cup of the glaze. Remove the ham from the oven, and spoon the pan drippings over it. Let the glazed ham stand 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

• Mashed Potatoes.
• Scalloped Potatoes.
• Sweet Potato Casserole.
• Green Bean Casserole.
• Roasted Asparagus.
• Spaghetti Squash.
• Honey Glazed Carrots.
• Dinner Rolls.

If you’re wondering what to serve with your ham, you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, I list 51 of the most popular side dishes for ham.

In a rush? Here’s the short answer.

The best side dishes to serve with ham are mashed potatoes, dinner rolls, mac and cheese, and collard greens. You can also serve peas and mushrooms, cornbread stuffing, Waldorf salad, or roasted asparagus. For a brunch option, try cheddar waffles. Or try grilled pineapple for a fun side.

Ready? Let’s jump right in.

Psst… want to learn the best way to reheat ham… check out my experiment here.

Whatever you have on your plate with ham, the one thing you can’t skip is a sauce.

This ham gravy is rich and slightly smoky, with a velvety consistency that clings to the meat instead of sliding off onto the plate.

And aside from ham drippings, you only need three basic pantry staples to make this.

Why we love this recipe: it uses the drippings from your ham, so nothing goes to waste.

Featured recipeHam gravyMake it simpleBrown gravy (no drippings)Change the flavorMaple bourbon gravy

These aren’t your typical mashed potatoes!

The recipe calls for creme fraiche and herb-infused brown butter – both ingredients instantly elevate your humble mashed spuds to a new level.

Serve the creamy mash with your ham and the gravy I mentioned above for a tasty, comforting dinner (and learn how to reheat mash here if you want to make it ahead of time).

Why we love this recipe: it gives you make-ahead and reheating instructions.

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Want something easy but also healthy?

Saute some green beans and corn together in butter and fresh herbs – done!

And if you want to go a step further, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the mix for a touch of heat.

We like this recipe: it’s an affordable side dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

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Got some leftover ham?

Serve it for brunch with a helping of these waffles!

They’re light and fluffy, with deliciously crispy edges and a hit of flavor from the extra-sharp cheddar cheese.

Pop a poached egg on top to complete the meal.

Why we love this recipe: you can make a big batch and freeze them, so you’ll always have some on hand.

Featured recipeSavory cheddar cheese wafflesMake it healthyZucchini cheddar wafflesChange the flavorGreek spinach waffles

Not a fan of gravy?

Serve your ham with this Thanksgiving classic instead.

This vibrant, homemade sauce will add a delightfully sweet-but-sour note with a hint of citrus to your ham.

Why we love this recipe: it’s a breeze to make – you need four ingredients and 20 minutes.

Featured recipeCranberry sauce with orange zestAdd spiceJalapeno cranberry sauceMake it keto-friendlySugar-free cranberry sauce

Your holiday spread wouldn’t be complete without a serving of creamed spinach.

It may be simple, but it’s incredibly decadent.

The luxurious, silky smooth sauce plus the wilted greens go perfectly with meaty main dishes like ham.

Why we love this recipe: it’s got a few secret ingredients that add tons of flavor.

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Tired of leafy green salads?

Put the spinach down and try this classic Waldorf salad instead.

It’s loaded with crisp apples, fresh celery, toasted nuts, and juicy grapes all tossed in a tangy mayo and lemon dressing.

Why we love this recipe: it looks great and there are loads of customization options.

Featured recipeClassic Waldorf saladMake it mayo-freeVegan Waldorf saladAdd broccoliBroccoli Waldorf salad

A spring salad at its most basic is a mix of all the best veggies spring has to offer – this one uses asparagus, radish, and pea shoots.

Plus some orzo to give it slightly more substance.

Psst… grill the radish and asparagus for that charred flavor.

Why we love this recipe: it has a super unique and tasty scallion dressing.

Featured recipeSpring saladChange the seasonThe ultimate winter saladFocus on asparagusShaved asparagus salad

Stuffing is traditionally found inside your turkey, but nowadays, it’s treated more as a tasty side dish.

And I’m glad about it because it goes just as well with ham as it does turkey!

You get a mixture of crunchy and chewy textures, and a subtle sweetness from the cornbread to contrast with the salty meat.

Why we love this recipe: it’s made entirely from scratch (even the cornbread), but one bite, and you’ll see why it’s worth the extra effort!

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Want something hot and spicy?

Try these jazzed-up collard greens – they have a spicy kick courtesy of the hot sauce and vinegar.

Plus a concentrated savory broth that you can spoon all over your ham. Yum!

Why we love this recipe: it’s cooked low and slow, resulting in soft, tender greens.

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Roasting is my go-to way of cooking asparagus.

It gives your asparagus spears a crisp-tender bite that’s superb with the melt-in-your-mouth ham.

You can roast them with your choice of seasoning – I usually go for the classic garlic and parmesan.

Why we love this recipe: it’s effortless to make because the oven does the bulk of the work.

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Mac and cheese is the ultimate indulgent dish to serve with ham.

And I especially like this Southern-style version for the holiday season.

It’s extra cheesy with an oh-so-delicious crunchy top – a guaranteed crowd pleaser.

Why we love this recipe: everything comes together in just one baking dish.

Featured recipeSouthern-style baked mac and cheeseSkip the ovenStovetop mac and cheeseMake it dairy-freeVegan mac and cheese

Freshly baked, warm bread is one of life’s pleasures.

These dinner rolls are soft, fluffy, and brimming with the aroma and flavor of rosemary.

They’re great with ham and a generous scoop of gravy. Or you can use them to make a ham sandwich with a thin spread of mustard.

Why we love this recipe: even beginner bakers can follow the step-by-step guide.

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Brighten up your ham with a serving of this vibrant arugula salad on the side.

It’s loaded with sweet, peppery, and salty flavors that are all balanced out by a tangy balsamic vinaigrette.

It’s the perfect summer dish.

Why we love this recipe: it will still work if you swap out the strawberries for your favorite fruit, or you can use baby spinach instead of arugula.

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Peas are a common side to serve with ham.

But if you find them too plain, you can spruce them up by simmering them in chicken broth and adding some umami-packed mushrooms to the mix.

The mushrooms bring an earthy flavor that pairs well with your peas’ natural sweetness.

Why we love this recipe: it’s an ordinary side dish made special by some simple additions.

Featured recipeButtery peas and mushroomsMake a soupSplit pea soupMake a saladClassic pea salad

Ham and pineapple go together like strawberries and cream.

It’s a classic combination.

The sweetness of the pineapple contrasts with the salty ham, and the acidic citrusy notes will cut through the fattiness of the meat.

Why we love this recipe: it’s a fun option but works so well with the ham.

Featured recipeGrilled pineappleMake a salsaPineapple and cucumber salsaMake a chutneyPineapple chutney

A broccoli au gratin is a sure winner.

Who could resist the crunchy broccoli florets blanketed in a smooth, cream sauce?

It’s rich and rustic and will make you feel warm and cozy inside. Perfect for a rainy day.