19 Best Side Dishes to Serve With Ham All Year Long

Buttery New Potatoes with Leeks and Parsley
Photo by Buchwheat Queen. Photo: Buckwheat Queen

Although ham spikes in popularity during the holidays, you can enjoy this beloved meat all year round. Ham is perfect for large gatherings, special occasions, potlucks, or simple weeknight meals. But picking the perfect side dish for your ham dinner can be overwhelming. There are a number of foods you can pair with ham, but we've narrowed it down to 19 of our best side dishes for ham, whether it's for Christmas dinner or tonight's dinner.

01 of 19

Twice Baked Potato Casserole with Bacon

Twice Baked Potato Casserole With Bacon
Photo by Rae. Rae

Plain 'ole mashed potatoes have nothing on this casserole. Bacon, garlic, and cheddar cheese make this a heavenly side for any ham dish. "A slight twist to an old favorite, this cheesy recipe will surely set their mouths to watering. For a creamier casserole, use a potato masher and mash potatoes thoroughly," says recipe creator Tay.

02 of 19

Lemon Asparagus Risotto

risotto with asparagus on a white plate
Amy Rathbone Wellenkamp

Recipe creator stefychefy says, "Lower in fat than most risotto recipes but no one will know!" This top-rated side dish is a two for one— creamy risotto and tender asparagus The lemon gives just the right amount of zest to balance out the richness of ham.

03 of 19

Southern Collard Greens and Cabbage

tight shot of braised collard greens, cabbage, and bits of pork
Omega

Collard greens are a great pairing for ham, and this recipe adds cabbage to the mix for a unique variation of this side. Bacon, onion, and impactful seasonings make this a yummy way to get some greens in along with your protein.

04 of 19

Grandma's Green Bean Casserole

Grandma's Green Bean Casserole
Allrecipes Magazine

"I am not too big on veggies, but I crave this dish! Freshly steamed green beans are key. This can be mixed together ahead of time then thrown in the oven 30 minutes before serving." This holiday favorite can be enjoyed anytime of year, along with this Honey Glazed Ham.

05 of 19

Marinated Black-Eyed Pea Salad

close up on two glasses filled with marinated black eyes pea salad
Paula

Black-eyed peas and ham are the best of friends. This salad is a fun way to change up your usual black-eyed peas side. "This wonderful salad uses lots of fresh ingredients, and gets better the longer you refrigerate it. It's a terrific dish to take to a potluck or any kind of get together," says reviewer Julie Cleaves McLaughlin.

06 of 19

Mom's Scalloped Potatoes

Mom's Scalloped Potatoes in a yellow dish
lutzflcat

"I grew up eating scalloped potatoes this way and I've tried lots and lots of other recipes for scalloped potatoes and always come back to this. They bring back such good memories," says recipe creator Mariann T. Learn how to make this classic side dish that pairs perfectly with Grilled Ham.

07 of 19

Sweet Jalapeno Cornbread

Sweet Jalapeno Cornbread
naples 34102

Turn up with heat with this twist on classic cornbread! "A surprisingly tasty blend of sweet cornbread and jalapeno peppers. If you love hot peppers and cornbread, then you must try this recipe," says recipe creator hotsauce. If you're feeling extra spicy, give it a try with this Blackberry Jalapeno Glazed Ham.

08 of 19

Roasted Beets 'n' Sweets

Roasted Beets 'n' Sweets Edited
Photo by Jessica. Jessica

Sweet and salty team up in this healthy side dish with beets, onions, and sweet potatoes. It's the flavor combination you didn't know you needed. "Guard this recipe with your life, it's that great. Have made countless times. When serving to one or any number of people, be prepared to be asked for the recipe," says reviewer Lasha. Pair it with some Not So Sweet Bake Ham and have copies of the recipes on hand.

09 of 19

Maple Glazed Carrots

close up on a bowl of maple glazed carrots
lutzflcat

The best part about this side dish—it's ready in under 30 minutes. Serve it with these Easy Tasty Ham Steaks with Maple Glaze For 2 for an easy meal that's ready in no time. A bright, healthy, and slightly sweet accompaniment to your ham dinner.

10 of 19

Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

Cheesy Squash and Zucchini Casserole
Photo by Melissa Goff. Melissa Goff

Use up your summer squash with this cheesy and butter casserole that will pair perfectly with baked ham or ham steak. A stick-to-your-ribs experience with a creamy and seriously flavorful presence.

11 of 19

Pineapple Stuffing

very close up on a pineapple stuffing
Jade Messina

Ham and pineapple—an unlikely friendship that has stood the test of time. "A scrumptious pineapple and bread cube stuffing that is great as a side dish with ham. I often make this dish for the holidays," says reviewer BBHEALY. Serve it with a Brown Sugar and Pineapple Glazed Ham for a truly tropical meal.

12 of 19

Parmesan Roasted Acorn Squash

Parmesan Roasted Acorn Squash on a sheet pan
Allrecipes Magazine

If you're preparing a ham dinner in the cooler months of the year, try pairing it with this easy side dish to enjoy seasonal winter squash. It's a savory alternative to sweeter, glazed squash recipes. Utterly delicious and ultra-simple to make.

13 of 19

Creamy Potato, Carrot, and Leek Soup

Instant Pot® Potato, Leek, and Carrot Soup in a blue and white bowl
Diana71

"Ever since a trip to Ireland in 2001 I have wanted to recreate a leek soup I enjoyed in a small village restaurant. This is what I came up with and even my husband thinks I nailed it. My kids will eat this because it is smooth and they are not turned off by any particular ingredient," says recipe creator Andrea Luhman. This warm and creamy potato soup pairs perfectly with Glazed Ham to make for a warm and cozy dinner.

14 of 19

Gourmet Sweet Potato Classic

Gourmet Sweet Potato Classic with sugar and pecan topping
Angela F.

"I thought all sweet potato casseroles were the same, but this is so good. I used canned sweet potatoes because I didn't want to mess with all that cooking and peeling. The topping was delicious, this is is the only sweet potato recipe I will be using from now on," says reviewer EMILYISGREAT. This is the perfect fall pairing for some Autumn Spice Ham Steak.

15 of 19

Bacon Pea Salad

Bacon Pea Salad
Sugarplum

Peas, bacon, cheese, onions, and celery are tossed in mayo and chilled for a simple, yet delicious side.The creamy texture will help to elevate the salty element of ham. Try it on the side of some Glazed Baked Ham.

16 of 19

Barb's Broccoli-Cauliflower Salad

Broccoli-Cauliflower Salad
Paula

Not only a pretty presentation with the varied colors, but such a wonderful combination. The flavors excel in the mayonnaise-based dressing. Add rice for more weight and serve it with this Tangy Honey Glazed Ham.

17 of 19

Southern Potato Salad

Southern Potato Salad
Jodi

Reviewer Memphislady says, "I have been eating southern potato salad for sixty years and trying to perfect a recipe for at least forty. This one is it. No changes necessary." For a meal that's easy to bring to picnics or potlucks, serve it warm with some of these Sassy Tailgate Sandwiches.

18 of 19

Buttery New Potatoes with Leeks and Parsley

Buttery New Potatoes with Leeks and Parsley
Photo by Buchwheat Queen. Buckwheat Queen

"Loved the subtlety of the leeks and the beautiful green of the parsley against the creaminess of the potatoes. A very nice, attractive dish in a supporting role that won't steal the thunder of a main course," says reviewer Crystal S. Give this dish a chance to shine alongside your ham.

19 of 19

Baked Homemade Macaroni and Cheese

Baked Homemade Macaroni and Cheese
mancancook

Mac and cheese is always sure to please, but this homemade version is just what you need to complete any ham dinner. "Thank you for sharing this recipe. I don't think I will ever be able to go back to a box," says SSiguaw. You can't go wrong with it on the side of some Hawaiian Ham and Cheese Sliders.

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