When it comes to serving ham during holidays, it’s easy to get caught up in the star power of the main attraction. However, the supporting roles played by side dishes are just as crucial in making the meal truly special.
Selecting the perfect accompaniments can be a daunting task, especially when you’re tasked with pleasing a crowd of hungry guests. But fear not, for this selection of top-notch side dishes is sure to elevate your holiday gathering and make even the most skeptical palates sing.
Gluten-Free Au Gratin Potatoes
One beloved dish that’s sure to please is potatoes au gratin – a harmonious blend of all things potato, brought together in one mouthwatering creation. Thinly sliced spuds are cooked to a golden perfection and layered with an indulgent mix of cream, spices, and melted cheese. The outcome is a light, creamy casserole that beautifully complements the sweetness of ham.
Root Vegetable Casserole
As the holiday season approaches, preparing dishes ahead of time can be a lifesaver, allowing you to enjoy Christmas Day without the stress of cooking up a storm. This delicious casserole is the perfect solution, as it can easily be scaled up or down to suit your guest list. Simply prepare it a few days in advance, freeze it, and then thaw it in the oven on the big day. Not only will this recipe save you time and effort, but it also makes for a fantastic side dish option when serving lamb.
Roasted Maple Mustard Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts bring a delightful pop of color and flavor to your holiday table. Their subtle bitterness provides a refreshing contrast to richer dishes, while their warmth and coziness make them a comforting addition. When paired with crispy bacon, they harmoniously tie in with the savory flavors of ham, elevating your Christmas spread to new heights.
Mashed Turnips and Potatoes
Ditch the usual mashed potatoes and surprise your guests with a unique turnip and potato mash combination. This twist not only offers a similar texture and taste to traditional mashed potatoes but also provides an added boost of nutrients. Furthermore, turnips tend to be easier on the stomach than potatoes, allowing your guests to indulge in twice as much of this flavorful side dish without worrying about discomfort. The result is a delicious and nutritious addition to any holiday meal.
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
A potato au gratin dish taken to new heights, this comfort food screams ‘cozy’ and ‘warm’. The crispy top layer gives way to soft, fluffy potatoes smothered in a rich cheese sauce that adds a velvety smoothness. It’s a culinary symphony of textures and flavors, with an unexpected simplicity that makes it a breeze to prepare.
For the best results, prep your potatoes by slicing them thin beforehand, ideally using a mandolin for uniform slices that’ll cook evenly. This is a perfect recipe for cheddar lovers, requiring only basic ingredients and yielding a dish you’ll return to again and again.
Roasted Parmesan Potatoes
These tried-and-true rosemary parmesan potatoes are a crowd-pleaser for good reason. The thinly sliced spuds achieve a delightful crunchiness and cook in no time, making them a convenient addition to any gathering.
A key to their success lies in being generous with the rosemary and parmesan cheese. As guests gather around the table, they’ll be hit with an intoxicating aroma that’s equal parts earthy and herbaceous, teasing out the dish’s rich flavor profile.
Whipped Sweet Potatoes
When it comes to creating the perfect potato mash, I firmly believe that whipping it into a frenzy is the way to go. This technique not only adds a significant amount of air to the mixture, but also allows the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes to shine through. The resulting lightness provides a delightful contrast to the rich, buttery flavor. Furthermore, whipping the sweet potatoes is an incredibly efficient method for incorporating the mash, making it ideal for busy holiday cooking schedules. And the best part? You can easily experiment with different spice profiles to create your unique flavor combination.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Apples and Cranberries
Winter cooking is incomplete without incorporating warm and spicy root vegetables into your menu. While traditional sweet potato dishes often lean heavily on sweetness during the holiday season, these roasted sweet potatoes take a savory approach instead. The combination of butter, olive oil, and maple syrup brings out the natural flavors of the sweet potatoes, allowing them to complement the delicate sweetness of Christmas ham without overpowering it.
Creamy Cauliflower Potato Mash
When it comes to rounding out your Christmas menu, I recommend trying something new and exciting with mashed potatoes. One such twist is incorporating cauliflower into the mix, resulting in a light and fluffy consistency that’s sure to please. I’m a big fan of cauliflower mash – it’s just as easy to prepare as traditional mashed potatoes, yet its mild flavor allows it to absorb flavors like a sponge. The best part? This dish can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until you’re ready to serve dinner. Simply heat it up when the moment arrives, saving yourself additional effort on the big day. And if you’re looking for a side dish that pairs well with salmon, this is an excellent choice.
Boursin Mashed Potatoes
Achieving mashed potato greatness is just a recipe away, and for many, Boursin mashed potatoes are the perfect canvas to showcase their culinary skills. These indulgent spuds are transformed by an abundance of butter and garlic, imbuing them with a rich, comforting essence that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates. The addition of creamy Boursin cheese injects a subtle nuance, elevating these mashed potatoes to a truly unforgettable side dish that will undoubtedly become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Easter Side Dishes for Ham
As the calendar flips forward a few months, our thoughts turn to the sweet treats and family traditions of Easter. The centerpiece of any Easter celebration is, of course, the dinner table. With so much excitement building around Easter egg hunts and springtime festivities, it’s crucial that your holiday meal lives up to expectations. To help you create an unforgettable dining experience, we’re sharing our top picks for show-stopping side dishes that are sure to impress.
Cheesy Potatoes
These creamy cheesy potatoes are a match made in heaven when paired with a savory slice of ham and some crisp green vegetables on the plate. What’s more, they’re incredibly easy to prepare, making them a stress-free addition to any meal. The game-changer? A generous sprinkling of crispy hash brown cubes that add a delightful textural contrast. Whether you’re cooking for a small gathering with loved ones or a larger group of friends and family, these potatoes are sure to please the palates of everyone at the table.
Roasted Potatoes and Green Beans
Roasted potatoes and green beans are a match made in heaven, and this sheet pan recipe is a game-changer for feeding a crowd. With minimal prep work and hands-off cooking, it’s the perfect solution for busy holidays like Easter. If you’re looking to make the most of your Sunday afternoon, consider prepping the veggies the day before – simply top and tail the green beans, cut the potatoes into bite-sized pieces, and arrange them on a baking sheet for a stress-free morning.
Creamy Green Bean Casserole
Prepare to have your senses tantalized by the sheer culinary genius that is the humble green bean casserole! This unassuming dish is a masterclass in simplicity, elevating the humblest of ingredients – namely, green beans – into a gastronomic masterpiece. The magic begins when each tender bean is smothered in a luscious, velvety sauce, its rich flavors melding with the subtle sweetness of the green beans. And then, just when you think it can’t get any better, crispy French-fried onions are sprinkled on top, adding a satisfying textural element that will leave you craving more. Get ready to experience the transformative power of this addictive casserole, and discover why it’s a beloved favorite among food enthusiasts everywhere!
Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
Struggling to find space in your oven? Worry not! This scrumptious cheesy hashbrown casserole is here to rescue the day, courtesy of your trusty Instant Pot. By using frozen potatoes as the base ingredient, you’ll not only save time and effort but also reduce waste, making it a perfect leftover-friendly dish. To take it to the next level, feel free to get creative with topping ideas that complement your ham nicely – crunchy and salty textures are particularly well-suited for this casserole.
Candied Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Holiday dinners often evoke images of sumptuous candied sweet potatoes, a visually stunning and palate-pleasing treat. While their tantalizing appearance is certainly a draw, these golden delights are equally impressive for their ease of preparation. By roasting the sweet potatoes ahead of time and then re-roasting them in the glaze on the day of serving, you can effortlessly streamline the cooking process while still delivering a show-stopping centerpiece.
Cinnamon Brown Sugar Carrots
While Easter may traditionally be a springtime celebration, there’s no reason why we can’t incorporate autumnal flavors into our holiday recipes. Carrots, with their natural sweetness and earthy charm, are the perfect vehicle for such experimentation. This recipe for cinnamon brown sugar carrots is a testament to the power of humble ingredients to create delicious, memorable dishes. With just a few simple steps – including a brief, hands-off cooking time of approximately 30 minutes – you can transform cheap, readily available ingredients into a truly show-stopping side dish.
Maple Mustard Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts, a budget-friendly ingredient, boast impressive culinary potential. A maple mustard glaze can elevate them to star status on any Easter table. This harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors creates a delightful balance, further enhanced by the smoky undertones that complement the charred edges of the sprouts.
BBQ Creamed Corn
A delightful and indulgent side dish that consistently wins over crowds with its rich, creamy texture, creamed corn is an effortless recipe that allows you to prioritize the main course while still delivering impressive flavor. When paired with a beautifully roasted ham, this combination becomes truly unbeatable.
Roasted Zucchini and Potatoes
When it comes to pairing a side dish with ham, a plate of roasted vegetables is an excellent choice. In this recipe, zucchini takes center stage as its natural sweetness is amplified through the roasting process. The addition of buttery roasted potatoes adds depth and texture, while sprigs of thyme provide a bright and refreshing contrast. Finishing the dish off with some green onions adds a pop of color and a touch of oniony flavor. This side dish not only pairs well with ham but also makes a great accompaniment to stuffed peppers.
Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Panko Crumb Topping
Why not shake things up this Easter with a Southern twist on your traditional baked macaroni and cheese? This indulgent recipe combines the best of comfort food, featuring a creamy pasta bake topped with a crunchy panko crumb topping that adds a delightful textural contrast. The result is a dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Creamy Broccoli Casserole
Don’t let the Easter bunny’s sweet treats overshadow a healthy habit – get your kids to love broccoli with this game-changing casserole recipe! By balancing the freshness of crunchy broccoli with rich, indulgent elements like creamy sauce and crispy topping, you’ll create a dish that’s both nutritious and tantalizing. No more forcing greens on finicky eaters; this delightful combination will have them asking for seconds!
Healthy Side Dishes for Ham
When indulging in rich and decadent holiday dishes, it’s essential to balance out the menu with some lighter, healthier options. This way, you can still satisfy your cravings without overdoing it. One approach is to prepare a nutritious side dish that will cut through the richness of the main course.
Roasted Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti squash is a culinary gem that not only impresses with its nutritional profile but also tantalizes taste buds with its inherent sweetness. As these golden strands roast, their natural sugars develop a deeper flavor, transforming them into a delectable treat. One of the reasons I adore spaghetti squash is its ease of preparation – simply toss it in the pan and let it do its magic. Add some melted butter and a sprinkle of seasonings to the mix, and you’ve got a dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Roasted Carrot and Goats Cheese Salad
When roasted carrots take center stage in an earthy salad, the result is nothing short of delightful. This recipe showcases the perfect union between tender baby carrots and crisp mixed greens, leaving the door open for your creative touch to dress it up. The possibilities are endless – add crumbly goat’s cheese, a drizzle of honey-infused vinaigrette, or a sprinkle of crushed nuts for added texture. And if you’re looking for a satisfying side dish, pair this salad with crispy fried fish for a well-rounded meal.
Roasted Tenderstem Broccoli and Garlic Cashews
When you’re looking to elevate your dinner game without breaking a sweat, consider roasting broccoli with balsamic glaze. This simple yet impressive approach yields tender and flavorful broccolini stems that will impress even the pickiest of eaters. Not only is it a cinch to prepare, but the presentation is also on point, making it perfect for an impromptu celebration or everyday meal. And as a bonus, this side dish pairs beautifully with hot dogs, too.
Lemon-Garlic Green Beans with Parmesan
Green beans are an exemplary selection to accompany ham because they can be effortlessly transformed into a nutritious and savory option. The harmonious combination of lemon and garlic elevates the dish, highlighting the crunchy texture of the green beans. Meanwhile, the sprinkle of parmesan adds a subtle salty nuance that effectively links the beans to the overall culinary experience.
Cheesy Vegan Cauliflower Casserole
Looking for a hassle-free option to satisfy your vegan guests? Look no further! A creative twist on classic mac ‘n cheese, this cauliflower-based side dish doubles as a satisfying main course. By swapping pasta for cauliflower, you’ll not only cater to the dietary needs of your plant-based friends but also create a significantly healthier alternative to the original. The result is a dairy-free delight that’s just as indulgent in taste.
Maple Glazed Squash and Apples
Indulge in the simplicity of this maple-glazed squash recipe, a crowd-pleasing holiday side that requires mere minutes of prep time. With just eight ingredients, you’ll likely find everything you need already stocked in your pantry. Simply combine all the components in a pan and let them roast to perfection, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Vegan Southern Squash Casserole
Experience the warm charm of Southern-style squash casserole for yourself. This delectable, buttery dish is sure to impress even the most discerning palates, making it a crowd-pleaser. The best part? It’s not only a treat for your taste buds but also a thoughtful option for guests with dietary restrictions – vegan and gluten-free options abound. Feel free to stick with pure squash or mix things up by incorporating other vegetables to add some extra flavor and texture.
Sprouted Buckwheat Salad with Basil Pesto
Packed with a wealth of nutrients, sprouts offer a significant nutritional boost compared to their un-sprouted counterparts. Their high fiber content also makes them an excellent choice for digestive health. This scrumptious buckwheat salad showcases the impressive health benefits of one particularly nutritious sprout in a delectable way. Whip up this quick and easy salad to pair with your ham, and enjoy the perfect combination of flavor and nutrition.
Honey Roasted Vegetables with Rosemary
Indulge in the warm, earthy tones of the season with honey-roasted vegetables, a harmonious medley of beets, carrots, sweet potatoes, and parsnips. The natural sweetness of each vegetable is expertly amplified by a delicate coating of honey and rosemary, allowing their unique flavors to shine through. This delectable side dish is sure to delight both children and adults alike, making it an ideal addition to your holiday feast or even a casual gathering with burgers.
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Light Poppy Seed Dressing
What’s a ham without some sweet accompaniment? Enter strawberries, a classic pairing that never goes out of style. This earthy strawberry salad may not be a traditional ham combination, but it’s certainly tried and true. The beauty of this dish extends beyond the plate – the vibrant green and red colors are sure to impress your guests. Not only do they add visual appeal, but the strawberries also bring a burst of flavor and nutrients to the table.
