What to Serve with a Ham Dinner? 7 BEST Side Dishes

Whether it’s just a simple lunch at work or a full-on family feast, there’s always room for a little something extra on the side.

And when it comes to a ham dinner, we’ve got just the thing.

These 7 side dishes are the perfect complement to your next ham dinner, no matter what else you might be serving.

From roasted vegetables to simple salads, there’s something here for everyone.

So if you’ve been scratching your head over what to serve with a ham dinner, say no more.

We’ve mentioned 7 delicious options for you below.

Why Consider Serving Side Dishes with a Ham Dinner?

Agreed, a ham dinner is quite filling on its own.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t bulk it out with some side dishes.

In fact, we think there are plenty of good reasons to do so.

For one, side dishes provide balance.

A ham dinner is often quite rich and heavy, so lighter side dishes can help offset that and add some much-needed contrast.

What’s more, side dishes offer an opportunity to add some variety and color to the plate.

And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a bit of variety?

Not only that but adding some side dishes to your ham dinner can also make it go further.

So, if you’re feeding a crowd, it’s definitely worth considering.

Moreover, although a ham dinner is extremely delicious, not everyone enjoys meat.

So, by adding some vegetarian side dishes to the mix, you can make sure there’s something for everyone.

What To Serve with A Ham Dinner? 7 Best Side Dishes

1 – Mashed Potatoes

Is there anything better in this world than mashed potatoes and ham? We think not.

This classic side dish is the perfect way to soak up all the delicious juices from your ham.

Plus, it’s super easy to make ahead of time so you can focus on enjoying your dinner party.

If you have some leftover fat from roasting your ham, feel free to use it in your mashed potatoes for an extra flavorful dish.

There are also other ways to spice up your simple mashed potatoes, such as adding in some roasted garlic or using sweet potatoes instead of regular ones.

2 – Roasted Asparagus

Looking for a healthy and flavorful side dish to serve with your ham dinner? Then look no further than roasted asparagus.

This veggie is not only packed with nutrients, but it also pairs perfectly with ham.

To roast asparagus, toss it in olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Then roast in a preheated oven at 420° Fahrenheit for about 10-15 minutes.

When it’s finished, you can top it with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a squeeze of lemon juice.

3 – Bacon Pea Salad

When thinking of pairing a side dish with a wholesome meat-based entree, many may not consider another meat-based dish.

However, this bacon pea salad is the perfect savory and salty addition to any ham dinner.

Plus, it’s perfect for those extra-hungry days.

This salad is made with fresh English peas, crispy bacon, diced red onion, and a simple dressing of mayonnaise and white vinegar.

It’s then topped with some chopped fresh parsley for a bit of color.

Not only is this salad incredibly tasty, but it’s also super easy to make.

So if you’re looking for a last-minute side dish, this is definitely it.

4 – Steamed Beans and Carrots

Want some healthy and light? Then you can’t go wrong with steamed beans and carrots.

All you need to do is steam some green beans and carrots until they’re tender.

Then season with salt and pepper to taste.

You can also add in a bit of butter or lemon juice if you like.

This side dish is not only healthy and flavorful, but it’s also very colorful.

So, if you’re looking to add some brightness to your plate, this is definitely the way to go.

5 – Cornbread

Cornbread is one of the most versatile side dishes out there.

It can be sweet or savory, depending on how you make it.

It also pairs well with a variety of different entrees, including ham.

To make cornbread, you’ll need cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, eggs, milk, and butter.

You can adjust the sugar and butter depending on how sweet you want your cornbread to be.

Simply mix all the ingredients and bake in a preheated oven at 400° Fahrenheit for about 20-25 minutes.

And there you have it- a delicious and easy cornbread perfect for any ham dinner.

6 – Lemon Rice

Here’s another classic side dish that goes perfectly with ham- lemon rice.

It is healthy, filling, super easy to make, and rounds up your meal with a zesty touch.

You only need five basic ingredients to make this side dish – rice (preferably basmati), lemon zest, lemon juice, butter, and garlic.

The result is a fragrant and flavorful rice dish perfect as a side or even as an entree.

If you want, add some frozen peas or diced carrots for extra color and nutrition.

Or, garnish it with some chopped fresh parsley before serving.

7 – Au Gratin Potatoes

This side dish is the perfect combination of cheesy, creamy, and potatoes- what more could you want?

Au gratin potatoes are thinly sliced potatoes baked in a cream sauce and topped with cheese.

You can use any potato you like for this dish, but we recommend using Yukon gold or Russet potatoes.

Besides, Au Gratin Potato recipes are super versatile.

You can add preferred ingredients like onions, veggies, herbs, bacon, and never go wrong.

Have some leftovers? Just store it in the fridge, and it’ll last you for about 3-4 days.

Conclusion

If you’re still here with us, we hope you find these side dish ideas helpful and delicious.

From roasted asparagus to au gratin potatoes, there’s definitely something for everyone.

So next time you’re stumped on what side dishes to serve with your ham dinner, just refer back to this list.

We guarantee it’ll make your life a whole lot easier.