What to Serve with Ham: 17 Side Dishes That Just Work

If you’ve ever planned a meal around a ham, you probably know the moment where you pause and think, what actually goes with this? The ham itself is usually straightforward. It’s the sides that take a bit more thought. You want the table to feel full but not chaotic, comforting but not overly heavy.

Also Read: 20+ Fresh Sides for Spring

I tend to come back to a simple approach: a few familiar classics, something green, and at least one dish that leans a little sweet. That mix keeps the plate interesting without turning the whole meal into a juggling act. It’s less about making everything and more about choosing well.

This list is built around that idea of variety without overcomplicating. These are the kinds of sides that fit naturally next to ham, whether it’s for a holiday meal or just a slower weekend dinner. Pick a few that speak to you, and the rest tends to fall into place.

Deviled Eggs

A tray of deviled eggs tends to disappear faster than anything else on the table. The filling is smooth and creamy with just enough tang to keep it from feeling heavy. They’re easy to make ahead, which helps when the rest of the meal is coming together. I usually keep them simple, maybe a little paprika on top, nothing too fussy.

Relish Tray with Pickles & Olives

It’s easy to overlook a relish tray, but it does more work than you’d expect. A mix of pickles, olives, and crisp vegetables adds a sharp, briny contrast that cuts through the richness of ham. It also gives people something to nibble on while everything else is being served, which is quietly helpful.

Roasted Asparagus

Roasted asparagus is one of those sides that feels almost effortless but still earns its spot. A quick toss with oil and salt, then into the oven until the tips start to crisp slightly. It brings a clean, green note to the plate that balances out heavier dishes without competing with them. I up the flavor by adding cherry tomatoes, basil, and balsamic vinegar. Recipe here.

Glazed Carrots

Carrots cooked until tender with a light glaze have a gentle sweetness that works well alongside ham. They don’t need much, just enough to bring out their natural flavor. It’s the kind of side that feels thoughtful without being complicated.

Green Bean Almondine

Green beans with butter and toasted almonds are simple but not plain. The beans stay tender with a bit of bite, and the almonds add a subtle crunch that keeps things interesting. It’s a good middle ground between something fresh and something a little richer.

Potato Au Gratin

Thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy sauce until the top turns golden. It’s definitely one of the richer sides, but a small portion goes a long way. Paired with ham, it feels like part of the occasion rather than too much.

Mac and Cheese

There’s always room for mac and cheese, especially when you’re feeding a group. Creamy in the center with a slightly crisp top, it brings a familiar comfort that rounds out the meal. It’s also one of those dishes people tend to go back for. I love adding some buffalo sauce to make a buffalo mac and cheese!

Roasted Corn

Roasting corn brings out its natural sweetness while adding a bit of depth from the caramelized edges. It’s simple and doesn’t require much attention, which makes it a good addition when you already have a few heavier dishes on the table.

Green Bean Casserole

This one leans classic for a reason. Soft green beans in a creamy base with a crisp topping feel familiar in the best way. It’s not trying to be modern or different, it just works, especially alongside a main like ham.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Smooth, buttery mashed potatoes with just enough garlic to give them some character. They act as a steady base on the plate, soaking up flavors and balancing out stronger elements. It’s hard to imagine a spread like this without them.

Buttered Peas with Herbs

Peas are naturally a little sweet, and a bit of butter and fresh herbs bring that out without overdoing it. This is a quieter dish, but it adds a softness and lightness that helps round out the meal.

Sweet Potato Casserole

Soft, slightly sweet, and often topped with something that adds texture. It leans into that sweet-savory balance that pairs well with ham. A small scoop is usually enough to tie everything together.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Cooked until the edges crisp and the centers stay tender, Brussels sprouts bring a slightly nutty, almost earthy flavor. That contrast works well with the saltiness of ham and keeps the plate from feeling too one-note. Get recipe for these delicious brussels sprouts here.

Spinach Strawberry Salad

Fresh spinach with sweet strawberries and a light dressing adds brightness to the table. It’s one of those sides that makes everything else feel a little lighter. The mix of sweet and tangy works especially well here. Make this salad now.

Ambrosia Salad

A fruit salad with marshmallows!! A bit retro, but it still has its place. Creamy, lightly sweet, and usually served chilled, it sits somewhere between a side and a dessert. That contrast actually works when the rest of the meal leans savory.

Pineapple Casserole

Warm, soft, and gently sweet with a buttery topping. It might seem unexpected if you haven’t had it before, but it pairs naturally with ham. The sweetness helps balance the saltiness in a way that feels almost intuitive.

Cornbread

Slightly crumbly with just a hint of sweetness, cornbread is easy to serve and easy to enjoy. It fills in the gaps on the plate and works with both the savory and sweeter sides without standing out too much.

I’ve learned you don’t need a long list of sides to make a ham dinner feel complete. A few solid choices, something fresh, something comforting, and a little sweetness, usually does it. It’s less about how much you make and more about how it all comes together. When the plate feels balanced and the meal feels easy, that’s when it really works.