What To Serve With Christmas Ham : 8 Interesting Side Dishes

Christmas is a time for family, friends, and a delicious feast! And what is Christmas without our favorite Christmas ham?

This is a traditional dish that is often served during the holiday season. It can be tricky to determine what side dishes will go best with it, but don’t worry – we’re here to help!

In this article, we’ll explain why Christmas ham goes well as a side dish and provide some ideas for recipes that you can try.

So what are you waiting for? Get started on your holiday feast today with one of these pairings!

What To Serve With Christmas Ham

1. Brussel Sprout Salad
2. Green Bean Casserole
3. Saffron Rice Pilaf
4. Scalloped Potatoes
5. Brussel Sprouts With Dates And Bacon
6. Broccoli Rabe With Almonds
7. Maple-Glazed Green Bean Casserole
8. Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Brussel Sprout Salad

If you’re looking for a unique and delicious side dish to pair with your Christmas ham, look no further than brussel sprout salad.

This healthy and flavorful dish is perfect for holiday meals, and it can be easily customized to suit any taste.

Brussel sprout salad is packed with nutrients and antioxidants, making it a great choice for those looking to boost their health this holiday season.

Additionally, the salad can be made ahead of time and served chilled or at room temperature, making it a convenient option for busy cooks.

And because it pairs so well with ham, brussel sprout salad is sure to become a new Christmas tradition in your family.

Green Bean Casserole

You may want to try a green bean casserole as a side dish for your Christmas ham this year. This dish is not only easy to make, but it is also relatively inexpensive.

Additionally, green bean casseroles can be made ahead of time and reheated, making them ideal for busy holiday cooks.

When paired with ham, green bean casserole makes an excellent side dish. The creamy sauce and tender beans contrast nicely with the salty, slightly sweet flavor of ham.

Of course, you can always adjust the recipe to suit your taste. For example, if you prefer a bit more of a crunch in your casserole, you could add some chopped onions or mushrooms.

Saffron Rice Pilaf

Saffron rice pilaf is an incredibly versatile side dish that can be used to complement a wide variety of main courses.

For Christmas dinner, ham is a traditional main dish that is often served with either mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes.

However, if you’re looking for something a little bit different, consider pairing your ham with saffron rice pilaf.

The delicate flavor of saffron will help to bring out the natural sweetness of the ham, and the rice will provide a nice contrast in texture.

Plus, the pilaf can be easily dressed up with some chopped nuts or dried fruit.

Scalloped Potatoes

Scalloped potatoes are a classic side dish that can be served with a variety of main courses.

When paired with ham, they provide a delicious and elegant contrast in flavors.

The creamy potatoes complement the salty ham perfectly, and the addition of cheese and bread crumbs add a touch of richness.

Best of all, scalloped potatoes can be made ahead of time, making them the perfect side dish for a holiday meal.

Brussel Sprouts With Dates And Bacon

This holiday season, I suggest trying something new and serving Brussel sprouts with dates and bacon as a side dish for Christmas ham.

This unusual combination may seem strange at first, but trust me, it works. The sweetness of the dates helps to offset the bitterness of the sprouts, while the bacon adds a welcome crunch.

Plus, this dish is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, freeing up valuable oven space on Christmas day.

Broccoli Rabe With Almonds

Broccoli Rabe with Almonds is an excellent side dish for Christmas ham. This nutritious dish provides a lovely contrast to the rich, salty ham, and the almonds add a touch of festive luxury.

What’s more, this dish can be easily adapted to suit any dietary requirements – simply omit the bacon if you are catering for vegetarians, or swap the almonds for another nut if you are catering for someone with an allergy (or you may just completely omit the nuts if needed).

Broccoli Rabe with Almonds is also a great way to use up any leftover vegetables you have in the fridge, so it is perfect for budget-conscious cooks.

All you need to do is simply substitute the broccoli rabe for any other green vegetable you have to hand.

This versatile side dish can be served hot or cold, making it ideal for both summer and winter celebrations.

So why not give it a try this Christmas? I’m sure your guests will love it!

Maple-Glazed Green Bean Casserole

Maple-glazed green beans is a festive and flavorful side dish to pair with your Christmas ham.

This dish is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for holiday entertaining.

The sweet and savory flavors of the glaze complement the rich flavor of ham perfectly.

And, because it’s made with just a few simple ingredients, it’s sure to please even the most discerning palate.

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Mashed sweet potatoes are a delicious and healthy side dish that can be enjoyed all year round. However, they are especially good during the holiday season.

Sweet potatoes are packed with nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and E. They are also a good source of fiber, potassium, and magnesium.

What’s more, sweet potatoes are low in calories and fat. This makes them a great choice for people who are trying to watch their weight.

When it comes to Christmas ham, mashed sweet potatoes are a classic pairing. The sweetness of the potatoes helps to offset the saltiness of the ham, and the orange color of the potatoes is very festive.

Mashed sweet potatoes can be made ahead of time and reheated, making them a convenient option for busy cooks.

They can also be easily dressed up with a variety of toppings, such as cranberries or pecans.

Whether you’re looking for a healthy side dish or a festive holiday recipe, mashed sweet potatoes are sure to please.

Commonly Asked Questions When Choosing What To Serve With Christmas Ham

What are some good side dishes to serve with ham?

Many delicious side dishes can be served with ham. Some popular options include mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted vegetables, and salads.

What is the best way to cook ham?

The best way to cook ham depends on what type of ham you are using. For instance, spiral-sliced hams can be baked or heated in the slow cooker, while bone-in hams should be roasted.

How do I keep the ham moist?

To keep the ham moist, cook it using indirect heat. This means that you should not place the ham directly over the heat source. Instead, bake or roast it in the oven, or cook it in the slow cooker on a low setting.

Can I make ham ahead of time?

Yes, ham can be made ahead of time. It is best to reheat ham gently so that it does not dry out. To reheat a baked or roasted ham, wrap it in foil and place it in a 275-degree Fahrenheit oven for about 10 minutes per pound. For a slow cooker ham, set the temperature to low and cook for about an hour, or until heated through.

Why is my ham dry?

If your ham is dry, it may have been overcooked. To prevent this, cook the ham using indirect heat and check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the ham should be 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

What is the best way to glaze a ham?

There are many different ways to glaze a ham. Some popular options include using a honey-mustard glaze or a maple syrup glaze. You can also make your glaze by combining equal parts brown sugar and pineapple juice.

How do I store leftover ham?

Leftover ham should be stored in the fridge, in an airtight container. It will keep for up to four days.

Conclusion

There you have it! Everything you need to know about what to serve with Christmas ham.

With these delicious side dishes, your holiday feast is sure to be a hit. And, with leftovers, you’ll have plenty of ham to enjoy all week long.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your menu today!