When it comes to serving a delicious baked ham, the right side dishes can truly elevate the meal to new heights. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or planning a special dinner, the perfect accompaniments can complement the rich, savory flavors of the ham and delight your guests’ taste buds. In this article, we’ve curated a selection of 10 delectable side dishes that are sure to add a touch of culinary magic to your baked ham feast. From classic favorites to innovative creations, these dishes are guaranteed to impress and complete your ham-centric menu with style and flavor.
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Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped potatoes are a classic choice to accompany baked ham. Their creamy texture and rich flavor, enhanced with cheese and a hint of garlic, balance the saltiness of the ham. Baked to a golden perfection, they offer a comforting and satisfying side that complements the main dish beautifully.
Green Bean Almondine
Green bean almondine brings a light and crunchy element to your meal. The green beans are cooked just until tender-crisp, then tossed with buttery toasted almonds. This dish adds a fresh and slightly nutty flavor, offering a delightful contrast to the savory ham.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasting Brussels sprouts brings out their natural sweetness, making them an irresistible side dish. Tossed with olive oil, seasoned, and roasted until caramelized, they provide a slightly bitter yet sweet flavor that pairs excellently with baked ham.
Honey-Glazed Carrots
Honey-glazed carrots are a simple yet elegant side. The natural sweetness of carrots enhanced with a honey glaze complements the richness of the ham, adding both color and a subtly sweet flavor to your plate.
Baked Macaroni and Cheese
A creamy baked macaroni and cheese is a crowd-pleaser that never fails to delight. Its rich and gooey cheese sauce provides a comforting, indulgent contrast to the savory ham, making it a favorite at any gathering.
Cornbread
Cornbread, with its sweet and buttery flavor, is a staple side dish for ham. Its dense yet soft texture makes it ideal for sopping up any glazes or sauces on the plate, and its sweetness pairs perfectly with the ham’s saltiness.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Give traditional mashed potatoes a flavorful twist by adding garlic. The smooth, creamy texture of the potatoes, combined with the rich flavor of garlic, complements the baked ham’s savory notes perfectly.
Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Maple roasted sweet potatoes offer a delightful blend of sweetness and earthiness. The maple syrup enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes, making this dish a harmonious match for the saltiness of the ham.
Sautéed Spinach with Garlic
Sautéed spinach with garlic is a quick and nutritious side that adds a burst of freshness to your meal. The garlic adds a pungent aroma and flavor, while the spinach provides a tender texture, balancing the richness of the ham.
Apple and Walnut Salad
An apple and walnut salad brings a refreshing element to the table. The crispness of the apples, the crunchiness of the walnuts, and a light vinaigrette dressing offer a palate-cleansing contrast to the baked ham, making it an ideal side for a well-rounded meal.
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