49 Easy Side Dishes To Serve with Ham

Anybody who loves ham and has a good appetite for variety will love this article.

I always make sure to serve ham with at least three side dishes.

See Also: 22 Best Mexican Vegetable Side Dishes

That way, everybody is happy and will be able to fill their plate more than once.

In this article, we will go over a few categories of side dishes that you can even make the day before.

These categories include:

• Bread sides to serve with ham
• Potato sides to serve with ham
• Green vegetable sides to serve with ham
• Soups and stews to serve with ham
• Other tasty sides to serve with ham

This way, you won’t have to worry about what you want to serve with ham.

Just like the rest of the family members, make sure that you are able to have at least one serving of ham, rolls, potatoes, soup or green vegetable.

Only like that will this meal be complete and everybody will be satisfied.

49 Easy Side Dishes To Serve with Ham

Alright, let’s jump into this list of sides!

Bread Sides to Serve with Ham

Anytime I cook ham, I always try to find a way to add bread.

While most of the time it is just regular dinner rolls, there are days when I manage to prepare a more elaborate side.

Let’s take a look at some of the bread options that you can serve with ham:

1. Garlic Bread

Garlic bread has a way of making any meal taste better.

It is especially delicious if you add some butter and parsley to the mix.

Also, make sure that you don’t toast it for too long or else the bread will dry out.

2. Garlic Naan Bread

One of the most delicious bread options out there is garlic naan bread.

I really like to use this Indian style bread because it is easy to use and tastes great.

All you have to do is heat it up in the oven for a few minutes so that it gets soft and then spread some garlic and butter on top.

Make sure to cut it up in little pieces before serving because everybody knows how messy naan bread can get.

3. Baguette French Bread

Another great option when it comes to bread is the french baguette.

Ham and french baguette is a classic combination.

I really like to roast the bread before I serve it.

Then, I rub it with a garlic clove and add some parsley and butter.

It is really easy to make since all you need is some baguettes, oil, garlic, salt and pepper.

4. Dinner Rolls

Another great way of serving bread with ham is by using dinner rolls that are freshly baked for this very occasion.

I usually make these dinner rolls with garlic, parsley and parmesan cheese.

I like to use the same dough that I make for garlic bread but instead of making garlic knots, I roll them into balls and then bake them.

5. Balsamic Garlic and Rosemary Bread

Now we’re really getting into the more complicated bread options.

If you want to go all out, then you can try making balsamic garlic and rosemary bread.

You just need some focaccia dough and a little bit of time in order to create this delicious loaf of bread.

After it bakes for a while, rub some oil on top and add rosemary, garlic and balsamic vinegar.

This goes great with ham but also makes for a nice stand alone dish.

6. Cheesy Bread Puffs

Yes, you heard that right.

Cheesy bread puffs are delicious and easy to make at home.

All you need is some mozzarella cheese, eggs, cream cheese, garlic powder, salt and pepper.

Then, roll out your dough into little balls and let them rise for about 30 minutes.

Once they are ready, give them a little dip in some melted butter and then throw them into the oven.

Put your cheesy bread puffs underneath the ham for about 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

7. Cheese Biscuits

These cheese biscuits make a great side dish too. All you need is flour, baking soda, baking powder, cream, butter and cheese.  

Roll out the dough into small balls then place them in a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes or until they are golden brown.

8. Basil and parmesan pizza bread

Ham and basil are a match made in heaven.  

This delicious Italian style pizza bread is easy to make at home and tastes great too.

You will need pizza dough, olive oil, garlic powder, parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese in order to make this dish.

9. Pesto, fetta and spinach pull-apart

I have only made this recipe with ham a couple of times but it tastes delicious even without the ham.

All you need is dough, pesto (homemade or store-bought), fetta cheese, spinach and parmesan cheese.  

Mix all of those ingredients together with some salt and pepper before mixing them with the bread.  Let the dough rise for about 30 minutes then bake for about 20-25 minutes.

10. Parmesan garlic bread twists

Garlic, parmesan and French bread are also a match made in heaven so why not try making some cheesy bread twists with ham?  

All you need is flour, baking powder, butter, minced garlic, salt and pepper along with some cheese to make this dish.

Roll out the dough into long strips and then twist them around before baking for about 10 minutes or until they are golden brown. When done, rub some garlic butter on top and sprinkle parmesan cheese on top as well.

11. Parmesan drop biscuits

This is another great recipe for all those cheese lovers out there.

All you need is flour, baking powder, salt, parmesan cheese and milk.  

Mix the ingredients together until they form a dough then drop spoonfuls of it onto a parchment paper line baking sheet before baking for about 12 minutes or until golden brown.  

When done, sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top and serve with ham.

12. Parmesan Toasted Panko

This is another great recipe for all your cheese lovers out there.  All you need is panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese and dried parsley.  

Mix them together before toasting in the oven for about 8 minutes or until they are golden brown.  

Sprinkle some salt and pepper on top before serving.

Salad Sides to Serve with Ham

Alright, we’ve now gone over some bread options but what about salad sides?

Well, look no further because we’ve got you covered.  

13. Mandarin Broccoli Salad

Have you tried this recipe before? If not, you must give it a try.  It is easy to make and delicious to eat as well.

You can find the recipe here.

14. Mixed Greens with Strawberries and Feta Cheese

Sweet mixed greens, salty strawberries and creamy feta cheese make for a brilliant salad side to serve with ham.   

Get the recipe here.

15. Fennel Salad

I know what you’re thinking.  

Fennel salad? Really? Well, it’s really good and tastes great with ham.   

The reason why I like this salad so much is because it has a really unique taste to it and makes for an awesome appetizer as well.  

16. Zucchini Panzanella Salad

Anybody who knows me personally, knows that I love all kinds of bread-based salads.  So, it should come as no surprise that this is one of my favorites.  It is very easy to make and tastes great.  All you need is stale bread, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olive oil and red wine vinegar.  

Or, you can use the recipe here.

17. Thai Chicken Salad

In my opinion, this is one of the best salads you can serve with ham.  It is refreshing, healthy and tastes great at the same time.

My family will always request I make this dish when they come over.   

Get the recipe here.

18. Tomato and Cucumber Salad

Italians have always known how to make a good salad.

That is why the traditional Italian tomato and cucumber salad is one of my all-time favorites.

When serving this with your ham, make sure to add plenty of black pepper on top.

It really enhances the flavor of this salad.

19. Warm Brussel Sprout Salad

This is a great bacon-flavored side dish to serve with your ham.  It is very easy to make and tastes great.

Do you want to know how I make it? Click here.

20. Bean Salad with Tomatoes and Olives

This is the last salad side dish you should try when serving your ham.  It is very easy to make and tastes great.

You can find the recipe by clicking here.

Potato Sides to Serve with Ham

Breads, salads, and now let’s check out what potato-based dishes you can serve with your ham.

21. Garlicky Mashed Potato Cakes

Garlic, garlic and more garlic.

That’s what is so great about this recipe for potato cakes.  It has a very strong flavor and tastes great with ham.   

You can find the recipe by clicking here.

22. Cheesy Potato Gratin

For those of you who like things a bit on the cheesy side, you will enjoy this potato gratin dish.   

It is very easy to make and tastes great.  All you need is potatoes, milk, butter, salt and pepper.

Get the recipe by clicking here.

23. Potato Salad With Peas and Ham

This is an awesome recipe if you are looking for quick side dish that doesn’t take too long to prepare.  

It is very easy to make and tastes great.

24. Scalloped Potatoes with Cheese and Chives

This dish takes a little bit more time than the others to make but it is definitely worth it.  It takes boring old scalloped potatoes and turns them into something spectacular.

To find the recipe, click here.

25. Potatoes Au Gratin

I love this dish because everything just tastes right when combined together.  The potatoes taste great with cheese, cream, and garlic.  

Do you want to know how I make this dish? Click here.

26. Classic Twice Baked Potato

For those of you who like things on the rich and creamy side, try out this classic twice baked potato recipe.   

All you need is potatoes, butter, sour cream, salt and pepper.

For the full recipe, click here.

27. Potato Gratin With Tomato and Herbs

I love this dish because everything just tastes right when combined together.  The potatoes taste great with cheese, cream, tomatoes and herbs.   

28. Crispy Seasoned Cottage Fries

Potatoes are pretty awesome in my book.  I love them baked, fried, boiled and so on. But by far the best way to eat potatoes is when they are made into french fries like these crispy seasoned cottage fries.

They taste great dipped in ketchup or mayonnaise.

For the full recipe, click here.

29. Loaded Potato Skins

What’s not to love about a dish where you use potatoes as a vessel for your favorite toppings?

This is one of those dishes that will definitely please everyone.   

To find the recipe, click here.

30. Traditional French Fries

In my opinion, french fries are best eaten piping hot and straight from the fryer.

This recipe for traditional french fries is the perfect thing to cook up when you are having friends over.   

For the full recipe, click here.

Soups and Stews to Serve with Ham

Soups and stews have always been an integral part of any ham dinner.  It provides a nice transition from the main dish to dessert.

Therefore, they can make a great addition to your holiday meal.

31. Spicy Tomato Soup

The spice level of this soup is adjustable to your tastes.  It is very easy to make and tastes great.

For the full recipe, click here.

32. Tuscan White Bean Soup

This is one of my favorite soups to make when I am trying to eat healthy.  

Although I don’t always put the croutons in, I highly recommend it.  It tastes great when you put melted cheese on it.

For the full recipe, click here.

33. Split Pea Soup

If you are a fan of split pea soup, this is definitely one worth trying out!   

I love cooking up split pea soup because it tastes great with or without meat.

All you need is pork hocks, onion, garlic, cumin, and carrots.

For the full recipe click here.

34. Potato Soup

This is an awesome recipe if you are looking for quick soup recipes.

It is very easy to make and tastes great.  All you need is potatoes, milk, butter, salt and pepper.   

To find the full recipe click here.

35. Creamy Tomato Bisque

I love this dish because it tastes like summer.  It is very easy to make and tastes great.  

To find the full recipe, click here.

36. French Onion Soup with Gruyere Cheese

This soup takes a little bit more time than the others to make but it is definitely worth it.  

To find out how to make this soup, click here.

37. Clam Chowder

This awesome dish is a must-try.  It tastes great and it goes well with sandwiches as an appetizer.   

See ALso: What to Serve with Clam Chowder? 25 Best Side Dishes

To find out how to make it, click here.

38. Creamy Corn Soup

I love making this soup because I can taste the sweetness of the corn oozing through each spoonful.  All you need is corn stock, milk, cream, butter and salt to make this soup.

For the full recipe, click here.

39. Spicy Carrot Soup with Cream Cheese

Carrots are a very underrated vegetable.  In my opinion, there is no better way to eat them then in this spicy carrot soup with cream cheese.

If you are someone who does not like their food too spicy, you can reduce the amount of chili in this dish.

For the full recipe, click here.

Rice Dishes to Serve with Ham

40. Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Pilaf (Gluten-Free)

This recipe for stuffed cabbage rolls with pilaf is one of my favorite recipes on this list.  I love making it because I can get all the components cooked in the same pot.   

In addition to this, it tastes great.  It is basically a healthier version of stuffed cabbage rolls because they are baked in the oven rather than boiled in water on your stovetop.

For the full recipe click here.

41. Greek Lemon Rice

Let’s go to Greece for a second!

This dish is full of flavor and very easy to make.  You only need rice, onion, garlic, lemon juice and fresh parsley for this one.   

To find out how to make it click here.

42. Spicy Rice Pilaf with Saffron

I am a huge fan of spice so this recipe is right up my alley.  The best part about it is that you can cook it in a rice cooker!

To find out how, click here.

43. Rice Pilaf with Smoked Sausage and Peas

This awesome dish tastes great because all the flavors from the smoked sausage and peas come together to create an awesome dish.   

To find out how to make it, click here.

44. Garlic Parmesan Rice

Garlic and parmesan are a match made in heaven.

Why?

Well, the garlic cuts through the richness of the parmesan cheese. Therefore, you are left with a very balanced flavor after each spoonful.

To find out how to make this rice, click here.

45. Mexican Rice

Mexico has some of the world’s best food.  Therefore, this is one of my favorite dishes to make when I am looking for side dish recipes

When pairing Mexican rice with ham, it tastes great.  All you need is olive oil, onion, garlic, tomato puree, salt and pepper.

For the full recipe click here.

46. Ginger Rice with Scallion and Sesame Seeds

This dish has become a staple in my household because I can make it in a rice cooker and it tastes great.

To find out how to make this dish, click here.

47. Brown Rice Apple Salad

Apples have always had a special place in my heart.

They also taste great together with ham.  

This dish is unique because it uses brown rice which makes it healthier than most dishes.

To find out how to make it, click here.

48. Arancini (Rice Balls)

Arancini is one of the most unique dishes on this list.  They are basically rice balls that are breaded and fried.

However, this is not your average rice dish because it tastes great!   

To find out how to make it, click here.

49. Broccoli and Cheese Rice

And lastly, to bring this list of recipes to a close, I have for you broccoli and cheese rice.  This is yet another dish that tastes great and is also very easy to make.

To find out how, click here.

Why Consider Serving a Side Dish for Ham?

Ham is a great dinner option.

It’s inexpensive, it’s filling, and it’s delicious.

However, while ham makes for an amazing main dish, it can get very dry after cooking.

This means that it can easily overcook.

That’s why side dishes are essential for a meal featuring ham.

Because side dishes add lots of different flavors, textures, and colors to the meal, they will ensure that the entire meal has a much better flavor profile than if the dish were served on its own.

As an example, consider serving the ham alongside a potato salad to add another texture to the meal.

It’s a great way to make sure that the ham stays moist while keeping it fresh.

And, of course, side dishes are also great because they make the meal more interesting.

For example, consider pairing your ham with a salad or potato dish so that you can add a different flavor and texture to your meal.

You can use any ingredients you like, but it’s best to make your side dishes interesting and unique.

4 Tips When Serving A Side Dish With Ham

Tip #1: Don’t Overcrowd the Plate

When serving a side dish with ham, you can end up with a pretty crowded plate.

If you add too many food items to the dish, it can get difficult to mix all the ingredients together properly before eating them.

In other words, make sure that there is enough space on your plate for all of these different ingredients.  This way, you will be able to enjoy each flavor and texture without having a hard time mixing everything together.

Tip #2: Consider the Flavor Profile

When serving a side dish with ham, it’s very important to think about how all of the flavors will combine on your plate.

For example, black pepper and garlic can make for some great food pairings because they complement each other.  They bring out a stronger flavor in one another.

On the other hand, if you pair ham with something like ranch dressing, it may not be as good of an idea because these kinds of flavors tend to clash.  This means that there won’t be enough balance between all the different ingredients.

So keep this in mind when choosing your side dishes for ham.

Tip #3: Make Sure the Side Dish Doesn’t Take Too Much Time to Prepare

When you are planning your meals, it’s best to make sure that each dish isn’t too complicated.  This way, you will be able to cook everything faster without having to worry about other things not being finished in time.

So check out each side dish to ensure that it doesn’t take too long to prepare.  If you are able to make the dish within 30 minutes, then it’s probably a great choice if you are pressed for time.

Tip #4: Consider How Much of the Side Dish You Want

Finally, keep in mind how much of each side dish you want to serve with your ham.  It’s good to keep this in mind so that you don’t end up wasting ingredients when making too much or not enough side dishes.

If you are serving a smaller dish of potatoes, for example, consider how many people will be eating the ham.  Figure out whether people will be able to finish the dish within 15 minutes.  If they can’t, then consider making a larger portion.

For those who can finish it in a reasonable amount of time, make a smaller portion so there’s less food to keep track of and eat.

Conclusion

Ham is a great ingredient to serve with many dishes.

It’s a classic choice for Thanksgiving dinner, so you can use it for many different meals.

It goes well with any main dish, but for a complete meal, pair it with a great side dish or two.

If you want a quick side dish, try some of the recipes on this page.

There are 49 options above.

Of course, there are more than these options, so feel free to experiment.

If you think we’ve left out an awesome pairing, let us know in the comments below.