20 Side Dishes for Ham That Will Steal the Show

A perfectly cooked ham deserves equally delicious sides, and these 20 recipes deliver just that. From creamy mashed potatoes and cheesy casseroles to fresh salads and roasted vegetables, this roundup is full of flavors that complement ham beautifully. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast, a casual Sunday dinner, or just craving comfort food, these sides are easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and guaranteed to make your meal feel extra special.

Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes

A hand scoops a serving of cheesy, baked scalloped potatoes from a round glass dish on a green tiled surface. — Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: The Dinner Bell.

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Thinly sliced potatoes cook in a creamy sauce with cheese and seasonings until tender. The pressure cooker speeds up the process while keeping the layers distinct. Each bite delivers a rich, cheesy flavor that pairs beautifully with ham. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs to brighten the dish.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes

Baked Asparagus Recipe – Easy Side Dish!

A plate of cooked asparagus spears arranged in a row on a white plate with a blue pattern, placed on a striped cloth next to a white wooden surface. — Baked Asparagus Recipe – Easy Side Dish!. Photo credit: Mom Foodie.

Fresh asparagus spears roast until tender and slightly caramelized. A light coating of olive oil and seasoning enhances their natural flavor. The spears remain crisp at the tips while softening at the base. This simple preparation makes asparagus a versatile complement to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Baked Asparagus Recipe – Easy Side Dish!

Snap Pea Pasta Salad with Fresh Mozzarella and Basil Lime Dressing

A bowl of rotini pasta mixed with green pesto sauce, mozzarella balls, and spinach, with a serving spoon and a small bowl of extra sauce nearby. — Snap Pea Pasta Salad with Fresh Mozzarella and Basil Lime Dressing. Photo credit: The Dinner Bell.

Tender pasta and crisp snap peas combine with creamy mozzarella for a colorful salad. A tangy basil lime dressing ties all the ingredients together. The salad is bright, fresh, and full of flavor contrasts. It works well served cold or at room temperature alongside ham.
Get the Recipe: Snap Pea Pasta Salad with Fresh Mozzarella and Basil Lime Dressing

Savory Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Baked cheesy potato gratin in a white rectangular dish, topped with a sprig of fresh rosemary. — Savory Scalloped Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: I Heart Naptime.

Sweet potatoes bake in a rich sauce with cheese and savory seasonings. The layers soften as they cook, creating a creamy, slightly sweet side dish. The top browns to form a gentle crust. This dish adds a hint of sweetness that pairs nicely with savory ham.
Get the Recipe: Savory Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Honey and Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

Cooked glazed carrot pieces with a shiny coating are arranged in a dish, with a metal spoon scooping up several pieces. — Honey and Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots. Photo credit: My Rad Kitchen.

Carrots roast with a coating of honey and brown sugar until caramelized and tender. The glaze gives them a shiny, flavorful finish. Each bite is sweet but balanced by the natural earthiness of the carrots. This simple side is always a crowd pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Honey and Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

Cheddar Parmesan Mac and Cheese

Baked macaroni and cheese in a white oval dish, topped with golden melted cheese, placed on a textured woven mat. — Cheddar Parmesan Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Kitchen Ready Betty.

Elbow pasta bakes in a creamy sauce made with cheddar and Parmesan cheese. The top crisps slightly while the interior stays soft and cheesy. The blend of cheeses gives the dish a rich, indulgent flavor. It pairs perfectly with sliced ham for a comforting dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Parmesan Mac and Cheese

My Classic Cornbread Recipe – The Perfect Side Dish

A glass baking dish filled with sliced cornbread rests on a white towel with a blue striped cloth nearby. — My Classic Cornbread Recipe – The Perfect Side Dish. Photo credit: Mommy Rose.

Golden cornbread bakes with a tender crumb and lightly crisp edges. Sweet corn flavor shines throughout the batter. Serve it warm with butter for an irresistible accompaniment. Its texture and subtle sweetness complement the savory flavor of ham.
Get the Recipe: My Classic Cornbread Recipe – The Perfect Side Dish

Easy Candied Carrots Recipe (Honey & Brown Sugar)

A cast iron skillet filled with baby carrots sits on a wooden table surrounded by bowls of brown sugar, salt, pepper, honey, fresh dill, and a striped towel. — Easy Candied Carrots Recipe (Honey & Brown Sugar). Photo credit: The Slow Roasted Italian.

Carrots simmer with honey and brown sugar until soft and caramelized. The natural sweetness deepens as the liquid reduces. They are tender with a glossy finish that makes them visually appealing. This quick recipe adds a sweet accent to any ham dinner.
Get the Recipe: Easy Candied Carrots Recipe (Honey & Brown Sugar)

Easy Pineapple Casserole Recipe

A baked bread pudding with a golden-brown, crispy top and visible pieces of bread and red bell pepper in a round white dish. — Easy Pineapple Casserole Recipe. Photo credit: Joyful Crumbs.

Pineapple mixes with a creamy base and a crunchy topping before baking until golden. The sweet and savory combination enhances the overall plate. It creates a dish that is both comforting and slightly tropical. Each serving has a soft, gooey center balanced by a crisp topping.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pineapple Casserole Recipe

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with butter and parsley, surrounded by ingredients including potatoes, garlic, milk, fresh parsley, butter slices, and ground black pepper. — Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Tessie’s Table.

Potatoes cook until soft and mash into a creamy, garlicky mixture. Butter and a splash of cream make them rich and smooth. Garlic infuses the potatoes with a warm, savory flavor. They are a classic pairing for ham, soaking up sauces and juices beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Skillet Green Beans with Bacon and Brown Sugar

A plate of cooked green beans mixed with pieces of bacon and sauce, served with a spoon on a white dish. — Skillet Green Beans with Bacon and Brown Sugar. Photo credit: Grits And Gouda.

Fresh green beans cook in a skillet with crispy bacon and a hint of brown sugar. The beans remain tender but slightly crisp. Bacon adds a smoky depth, while brown sugar provides subtle sweetness. This combination creates a flavorful side that is both savory and sweet.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Green Beans with Bacon and Brown Sugar

Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

A baked casserole topped with melted cheese, chopped green onions, and bits of bacon, with a serving spoon in the dish. — Cheesy Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Get Inspired Everyday.

Potatoes mash into a creamy base with melted cheese folded throughout. The dish is rich, indulgent, and full of comfort. The cheesy flavor adds depth without overpowering other sides. Serve it warm to complement slices of ham perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

Sheet Pan Maple Roasted Carrots And Sprouts

A bowl filled with roasted Brussels sprouts and baby carrots sits on a marble surface. — Sheet Pan Maple Roasted Carrots And Sprouts. Photo credit: Food Wine & Love.

Carrots and Brussels sprouts roast together with a drizzle of maple syrup. The vegetables caramelize slightly for a sweet and earthy flavor. They retain texture with tender interiors and slightly crisp edges. The combination of sweetness and roasted aroma pairs well with ham.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Maple Roasted Carrots And Sprouts

Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

A close-up of roasted Brussels sprouts on a white plate, with a spoon lifting several pieces. — Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Like Hot Keto.

Brussels sprouts cook quickly in the air fryer until crispy on the edges. The interior remains tender with a slightly nutty flavor. A sprinkle of seasoning enhances their natural taste. This side adds crunch and a touch of green to the dinner plate.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Sunshine Salad

A slice of carrot cake topped with orange glaze and herb garnish is served on a white plate, with a fork and an orange napkin in the background. — Sunshine Salad. Photo credit: Jello Joy.

A mix of colorful vegetables, fruits, and a light dressing creates a bright, refreshing salad. Each bite offers crisp textures and vibrant flavors. It provides a contrast to richer sides and meats. The combination of colors makes it visually appealing alongside ham.
Get the Recipe: Sunshine Salad

Hot Honey Roasted Carrots

A white plate with roasted rainbow carrots and parsnips, garnished with chopped parsley. — Hot Honey Roasted Carrots. Photo credit: Next Level Baker.

Carrots roast in a sweet and spicy glaze until tender. The hot honey gives a gentle warmth balanced by natural sweetness. Roasting concentrates the flavor while maintaining a pleasing texture. It’s a quick side that adds depth to a holiday or weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Roasted Carrots

Italian Green Beans Recipe with Tomatoes

Italian Green Beans Recipe with Tomatoes. Photo credit: The Slow Roasted Italian.

Green beans simmer with tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil for a simple Mediterranean flavor. The beans remain tender while absorbing the tomato sauce. Garlic and herbs enhance the dish without overwhelming it. It pairs well with ham and other classic sides.
Get the Recipe: Italian Green Beans Recipe with Tomatoes

Ultimate Potato Salad

A bowl of egg salad. — Ultimate Potato Salad. Photo credit: The Cookin’ Chicks.

Potatoes combine with a creamy dressing and fresh seasonings until fully coated. Each bite offers a balance of creaminess and slight tang. Chopped vegetables add crunch and visual interest. This classic side is always welcome alongside ham or other meats.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Potato Salad

Corn Pudding Casserole

A baked cornbread casserole in a white dish with a portion scooped out, showing pieces of corn inside. A red checkered cloth and utensils are nearby. — Corn Pudding Casserole. Photo credit: Sweet & Savory Meals.

Corn pudding bakes into a custardy, slightly sweet dish with tender kernels throughout. The topping browns gently, giving it a subtle texture contrast. Each spoonful is rich and comforting. It’s an easy way to elevate corn into a flavorful side for ham.
Get the Recipe: Corn Pudding Casserole

Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with a pat of melting butter and a sprig of rosemary, placed on a wooden table with a spoon and green cloth nearby. — Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Heavenly Spiced.

Potatoes mash with roasted garlic and fresh rosemary for fragrant flavor. Butter and cream create a smooth, rich texture. The herb adds a savory note that enhances the overall dish. These mashed potatoes are a great pairing for ham and other roasted meats.
Get the Recipe: Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes