What To Serve With Ham – 51 Delicious Side Dishes

You’ve come to the correct spot if you’re wondering what to serve with your ham.

This article is a list of 51 of the most popular ham side dishes.

In a rush? Heres the short answer.

Mashed potatoes, dinner rolls, mac & cheese, and collard greens are the greatest side dishes to offer with ham. Peas and mushrooms, cornbread stuffing, Waldorf salad, or roasted asparagus may also be served. Try the cheddar waffles for brunch. For a unique side dish, try grilled pineapple.

Ready? Lets jump right in.

If you’re looking for the best method to reheat ham, check out my experiment here.

Ham gravy

Whatever you serve with ham, one thing you must not overlook is a sauce.

This ham gravy is rich and somewhat smokey, with a velvety texture that adheres to the meat rather than sliding off onto the dish.

Apart from the ham drippings, you only need three pantry essentials to prepare this.

Why we like it: it makes use of the drippings from your ham, so nothing goes to waste.

Recipe FeaturedGravy made with hamKeep things simple.Brown gravy with no drippingsAlter the tasteBourbon maple gravy

Buttery herbed mashed potatoes

These arent your typical mashed potatoes!

The recipe asks for crème fraiche and herb-infused brown butter, both of which quickly raise your plain mashed potatoes to a whole new level.

Serve the creamy mash with the ham and gravy from the last recipe for a nice, warm meal (and learn how to reheat mash here if you want to prepare it ahead of time).

Why we like this dish is that it includes make-ahead and reheating directions.

Recipe FeaturedMashed potatoes with butter and herbsMake it in the manner of Ireland.Colcannon is a traditional Irish dish.Make it more decadent.Potatoes scalloped

Herbed green beans and corn

Want something easy but also healthy?

Saute some green beans and corn in butter with fresh herbs and you’re done!

If you want to take it a step further, add some red pepper flakes to the mix for a little fire.

This recipe appeals to us since it is a low-cost side dish that is ideal for hectic weeknights.

Recipe FeaturedGreen beans with herbs and cornCream it up.Casserole of green beansMake it tasty.Green bean and bacon bundles

Cheese waffles

Got some leftover ham?

Serve it for brunch with these waffles!

They’re light and fluffy, with crispy edges and a flavor boost from extra-sharp cheddar cheese.

Pop a poached egg on top to complete the meal.

Why we like this recipe: you can prepare a large batch and freeze it so you have some on hand at all times.

Recipe FeaturedWaffles with savory cheddar cheeseMake it healthier using zucchini cheddar waffles.Alter the tasteWaffles with Greek spinach

Cranberry sauce with orange zest

Not a fan of gravy?

Instead, pair your ham with this Thanksgiving staple.

This lively, homemade sauce will give your ham a pleasantly sweet-but-sour flavor with a touch of citrus.

Why we like this recipe: it’s simple to create (four ingredients and 20 minutes).

Recipe FeaturedSpice up your cranberry sauce with orange zest.Cranberry jalapeno sauceAdapt it to be keto-friendly.Cranberry sauce with no added sugar

Creamed spinach

Your Christmas feast would be incomplete without creamed spinach.

It may be simple, but its incredibly decadent.

The luscious, silky smooth sauce and wilted greens complement substantial main dishes like ham.

We adore this recipe because it has a few hidden ingredients that add plenty of flavor.

Recipe FeaturedCreamed spinach from a steakhouseMake it without dairy.Vegan spinach creamedIncrease the intensity.Gratin of creamed spinach

Waldorf salad

Tired of leafy green salads?

Instead of spinach, try this traditional Waldorf salad.

Crisp apples, fresh celery, roasted almonds, and luscious grapes are mixed together in a zesty mayo and lemon dressing.

Why we like this recipe: it looks amazing and there are several ways to customize it.

Recipe FeaturedSalad Waldorf styleRemove the mayonnaise.Salad Waldorf veganSalad with broccoli and Waldorf dressing

Spring salad

At its most basic, a spring salad is a combination of all the greatest vegetables that spring has to offer; this one includes asparagus, radish, and pea shoots.

Plus some orzo to bulk things out a little.

Psst, for that burnt taste, grill the radish and asparagus.

Why we like this recipe: it includes a delicious scallion dressing.

Recipe FeaturedSalad de printempsAlter the seasonThe ideal winter saladConcentrate on asparagusSalad with shaved asparagus

Cornbread stuffing

Stuffing is historically served inside a turkey, although it is now more often served as a delectable side dish.

And I’m pleased because it works just as well with ham as it does with turkey!

You get a combination of crunchy and chewy textures, as well as a faint sweetness from the cornbread to balance off the salty pork.

Why we like this recipe: it’s prepared fully from scratch (even the cornmeal), but one mouthful will convince you that it’s worth the additional work!

Recipe FeaturedStuffing made with cornbreadMake it simple.Stuffing with baked apples and cranberriesAdapt it to be keto-friendly.Stuffing made using low-carb ingredients

Spicy collard greens

Want something hot and spicy?

Try these spiced-up collard greens; the hot sauce and vinegar provide a spicy touch.

Plus, a concentrated delicious broth to ladle over your ham. Yum!

Why we love this recipe: the greens are cooked slowly and softly, resulting in delicate, tender greens.

Recipe FeaturedCollard greens with a spicy kickMake it happen quickly.Collard greens in a pressure cookerMake it more filling.Black-eyed peas with greens in the Instant Pot

Roasted asparagus

Roasting is my go-to way of cooking asparagus.

It gives the asparagus spears a crisp-tender taste that complements the melt-in-your-mouth ham perfectly.

You may roast them with whichever seasonings you choose. I normally opt with the traditional garlic and parmesan.

Why we like this recipe: it’s simple to create since the oven performs the majority of the work.

Recipe FeaturedOven-roasted asparagus with garlic and parmesanIncrease the intensity.Roasted asparagus capreseStart the grill.Asparagus grill

Southern-style mac and cheese

Mac & cheese is the perfect decadent side dish with ham.

And this Southern-style rendition is extra festive for the holidays.

It’s super cheesy with an oh-so-delicious crispy top and is sure to satisfy.

Why we like this recipe: everything is prepared in a single baking dish.

Recipe FeaturedBaked mac and cheese in the manner of the SouthOmit the oven.Mac and cheese on the stovetopMake it without dairy.Mac and cheese that is vegan

Rosemary dinner rolls

One of life’s joys is freshly made, warm bread.

These dinner rolls are delicate, fluffy, and bursting with rosemary perfume and taste.

They go well with ham and a hearty helping of gravy. You may also use them to create a ham sandwich with a light mustard spread.

Why we like this recipe: even inexperienced bakers can follow the step-by-step instructions.

Recipe FeaturedDinner rolls with rosemaryGluten-free versionThe most tender gluten-free dinner rollsMake it unique.Rosemary drop-ins

Strawberry arugula salad 

Serve this colorful arugula salad on the side to complement your ham.

It’s packed with sweet, spicy, and salty tastes that are offset with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette.

Its the perfect summer dish.

Why we love this recipe: you may substitute your favorite fruit for the strawberries, and you can use baby spinach instead of arugula.

Recipe FeaturedSalad with strawberries and arugulaLeave out the strawberries.Salad with figs, arugula, and goat cheeseRemove the arugula.Salad with strawberries and greens

Buttery peas and mushrooms

Peas are a common side to serve with ham.

If you find them too basic, you can jazz them up by boiling them in chicken stock with some umami-packed mushrooms.

The mushrooms provide an earthy taste that complements the natural sweetness of the peas.

Why we like this recipe: it’s a basic side dish that’s been elevated by a few easy ingredients.

Recipe FeaturedMushrooms and buttery peasMake some soup.Soup with split peasPrepare a saladTraditional pea salad

Grilled pineapple 

Ham and pineapple complement each other like strawberries and cream.

Its a classic combination.

The pineapple’s sweetness contrasts with the saltiness of the ham, and the acidic lemony undertones cut through the fattiness of the pork.

Why we like this recipe: it’s a unique choice that complements the ham well.

Recipe FeaturedPineapple grilledMake some salsa.Salsa with pineapple and cucumberMake chutney.Chutney made with pineapples

Broccoli au gratin

A broccoli au gratin is a sure winner.

Who could resist the crisp broccoli florets drenched in a creamy sauce?

It’s rich and rustic, making you feel warm and snug on the inside. Ideal for a wet day.

Why we like this recipe: it’s a terrific way to get more vegetables on your plate.

Recipe Featuredgratin broccoliMaintain simplicity.Make it decadent by adding steamed broccoli.gratin potatoes with gruyere