30 Best Side Dishes for Ham

Transform your Easter dinner into an unforgettable feast with these tasty side dishes for ham.

From sweet potato casserole to sweet and savory cornbread, these sides are sure to delight.

Ham is usually eaten and enjoyed around the holidays.

But even if it’s not Christmas or Easter, you can still appreciate this juicy and tender meat.

And from simple sandwiches to hearty ham casseroles, you’ll need some side dishes to complement its sweet and savory flavors. 

If you’re overwhelmed trying to narrow down your options, don’t worry!

I’ve rounded up thirty of the best side dishes for ham. And each one is better than the last.

30 Easy Side Dishes to Pair with Easter Ham

1. Mashed Potatoes

Let’s start with some classics.

I personally think mashed potatoes can go with just about anything. But with a lovely slice of ham, it’s a match made in heaven.

Add in extra cream and some garlic for a luscious potato side that’s loaded with flavor.

2. Scalloped Potatoes

While we’re talking spuds, scalloped potatoes are another tasty favorite.

This casserole is made up of thinly sliced red or gold potatoes, and a delightful creamy sauce.

Throw in some onion, mustard, nutmeg, and a lot of cheese.

It looks and tastes like you put in a lot of effort. But it’s a pretty simple dish.

Use a mandolin to slice the potatoes, and it’ll be ready in a flash!

3. Sweet Potato Casserole

Although this is an iconic holiday side, sweet potato casserole pairs so well with salty ham.

Between the bright, creamy sweet potatoes and dreamy topping, it might even steal the show.

4. Green Bean Casserole

Another holiday classic is green bean casserole.

Something about the mix of creamy mushroom soup, fresh green beans, and crispy fried French onions is just so right.

It’s so good, even the kids will want seconds!

5. Roasted Asparagus

Heavily salted and flawlessly roasted asparagus is a super easy side. Trust me, this green veggie is anything but bland.

You can always add some garlic, hollandaise, or simple lemon zest for even more depth. But asparagus is great on its own.

Paired with a juicy piece of ham, you won’t need much more.

6. Spaghetti Squash

Not only is spaghetti squash sweet and juicy, but it offers a fun texture to go with the tender meat.

Spaghetti squash separates into small noodle-like strands, so it’s fun to eat, too. Plus, it’s healthy and delicious.

You don’t even need to season this side much. Some butter and salt will do just fine.

7. Carrot Soufflé

Anyone can make sweet glazed carrots. Yes, they’re tasty, and the crunch is lovely.

But if you want to impress, give this carrot soufflé a try.

It’s soft, lightly sweet, and just right with ham.

8. Dinner Rolls

I don’t think you can have a ham dinner without some kind of bread on the table.

Whether you go whole wheat, oatmeal, or a simple white dinner roll, they won’t last long.

If you want something a little different, try this recipe for honey beer bread!

9. Cornbread

What I love most about cornbread is its versatility.

Whether your favorite recipe is savory or sweet, cornbread is always finger-licking good.

Pair your ham with fresh, steaming cornbread smothered in butter, and everyone will go home happy.

10. Mac and Cheese

Honestly, who doesn’t love macaroni and cheese? Next to a decadent ham, there’s no going wrong with creamy, cheesy, gooey pasta.

Make your mac even more special with two secret ingredients: garlic powder and white pepper.

These simple spices add dimension and a little zing that is sure to keep your guests asking for more.

11. Creamed Spinach

Here’s a cheesy, creamy showstopper!

Creamed spinach with some sour Greek yogurt and a spoonful of white miso; your guests won’t know what hit them!

This steakhouse favorite is healthy, and a total luxury too.

Using only a few ingredients you’ll have a heavenly dish that pairs exceptionally well with your ham.

12. Broccolini

Also known as baby broccoli, broccolini makes for a fantastic and quick side dish that goes with almost anything. Ham included.

Broccolini has longer, thinner stalks and smaller florets, making it easier to make and eat, even kids will love it.

Roast it up with some garlic, top with some vinaigrette. Or eat it on its own with some salt and butter, and your meal is complete!

13. Corn Pudding

Corn pudding is a Southern classic that’s creamy, cheesy, and chock full of flavor.

It’s not a dessert, even though it is sweet. It’s more like a cross between creamed corn and a savory custard.

Mix up your corn, eggs, milk, butter, sugar, and cornstarch. Add a few key spices, and bake! It’s that easy.

14. Deviled Eggs

If you’re making ham for dinner, why not serve it with a kick of extra protein?

Deviled eggs are a classic for a reason! They’re creamy, hearty, and impossible to resist!

And these guys taste anything but devilish!

15. Collard Greens

Another touch of Southern flair, collard greens are a delicious way to get something healthy on the table.

Season the greens with some vinegar, sugar, onion, and maybe even some bacon if you’re feeling sinful.

Before you know it, you’ll have an inviting soul food side.

Stick a bottle of hot sauce on the table for an authentic pairing.

16. Potato Salad

Bring a hint of summer to your table with a light potato salad.

My favorite recipe calls for red potatoes, a creamy Dijon dressing, and loads of dill.

Unlike other potato dishes, it doesn’t feel too heavy.

So a potato salad will not only be a tasty addition to your ham, it will also balance out the meal perfectly.

17. Pineapple Casserole

If you love Hawaiian pizza, this dish is for you.

It’s a simple recipe of only six ingredients (pineapple, cheese, flour, sugar, crackers, and butter).

But it results in a side that’ll knock your socks off.

The top is crisp, and the middle is tender. It’s so incredible, once you try it, you’ll never go back!

18. Microwave Baked Potato 

Ham isn’t just for special occasions. I often roast a piece for Sunday dinner and then enjoy it throughout the week.

And a simple baked potato is a terrific and filling side dish.

Make it in the microwave, and it’ll be ready before you know it! Perfect for a leftover ham dinner.

19. Red Beans and Rice

I know traditional red beans and rice contains Andouille sausage, but hear me out.

More salty ham!

It makes total sense, and it’s a terrific and hearty side for Sunday dinner leftovers.

20. Cacio e Pepe Brussels Sprouts

I know Brussels sprouts aren’t everyone’s favorite veggie. But when roasted to perfection, they are sweet, nutty, and, in my opinion, gloriously yummy.

I have a terrific and easy recipe for roasted sprouts. But this version with Parmesan and black pepper? Heaven!

21. Rhubarb Applesauce

I think it’s safe to say that pork and applesauce make an exquisite combination.

And homemade applesauce is a million times better than store-bought. Especially this one with rhubarb!

It makes it wonderfully tart and bright.

Though if you want something with texture, you can’t beat baked apples.

22. Spinach Quiche

Quiche is tasty any time of day. But we don’t always know what to serve with quiche, right?

It’s got pastry and eggs and, in this case, cheese and spinach. So it’s pretty darn hearty.

But add a few thick slices of ham, and it’s suddenly a whole meal!

23. Southern Cornbread Salad

I know this looks impressive (read: complicated), but it’s easier than you think!

And the layers of cornbread, tomatoes, peppers, and beans in a creamy dressing are just what your salty ham dinner needs.

Plus, if you use Jiffy cornbread mix, it’s ready in a flash!

24. Potato Cakes

Crispy potato cakes with ham are my go-to meal after Sunday dinner.

Why? Because it uses up leftover ham and mashed potatoes! How’s that for a two-for-one deal?!

The potato cakes are mild but have terrific texture. And you can easily pair them with thick ham and a dollop of sour cream.

Easy peasy.

25. Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

As the name suggests, this is your standard pasta salad with added dill pickles.

It’s creamy, tangy, and loaded with great texture. And all that complements the tender salty meat so well.

Serve the ham hot or cold. Either way, you’ll love it!

26. Creamy Broccoli Salad

If you want something with more texture, try this sensational broccoli salad.

It’s colorful and crunchy to the max! Plus, it’s loaded with veggies, so it’s good for you (sort of).

27. Braised Red Cabbage

Cabbage, apples, and spices make up this coleslaw-esque side dish.

It’s easy to make, vibrantly colored, and adds some needed tanginess and crunch to the table.

Sweet and vinegary, it’s sure to be your new favorite side for any holiday meal or festive potluck.

28. Artichokes with Lemon Mayo

A fresh side that will surely add variety to your spread, artichokes are so full of flavor on their own.

But adding the lemon zest filled mayo and mustard combo takes it to another level.

Its citrusy taste is sure to please everyone, and the artichokes just look so pretty laid out on your favorite platter.

29. BBQ Baked Beans

Smokey beans and ham are a match made in cowboy heaven.

And this recipe, with beef, onion, and mesquite seasoning, is a real winner!

You’ll add molasses, brown sugar, barbeque sauce, dry mustard powder, and cayenne pepper to make the song sing.

Serve a big scoop with thick-cut ham for dinner and you’ll want to lick the plate clean.

30. Waffle House Hash Browns

Even ham breakfast needs a side dish or two!

Though, let’s be honest, hash browns are tasty all day long. Add a couple of runny eggs with the ham, and you’re in for a treat.