Ham is a quintessential holiday food. However, what should you serve with this tasty main course? Keep reading for 19 great ideas.
No matter the holiday, I always want to see a giant, savory ham sitting on the table. Since I was a kid, I’ve been in love with that salty, juicy meat. I can remember digging into the leftovers in the fridge and devouring the last morsels. It’s irresistible!.
I believe that this meat goes well with almost any food, but there are some sides that taste especially good with it. Read on for a bunch of delicious ideas about what to serve with ham!.
A piece of meat with a bone-in gives maximum flavor when cooking. The bone helps to cook slower and cook more evenly because the bone conducts heat.
Most hams in the U. S. are cured and fully cooked when sold. But hams that are served with glaze can take up to a few hours to heat up and be ready to eat.
For a bone-in ham, you should plan on about half a pound per person, and for a boneless ham, you should plan on a third of a pound per person. Some will eat more, some less, but because leftovers can be used to make so many tasty meals, it evens out.
Yes, any meat can be cooked from frozen. If you do this, you should allow about 50% more cooking time.
Ham is a beloved centerpiece for many holiday and special occasion meals. Its versatility convenience, and classic flavor make it an easy choice to build a meal around. However ham often goes even better when paired with a complementary protein. So what other meat goes well with ham?
Here are 7 delicious options to serve alongside your glazed ham:
1. Turkey
Turkey and ham are a classic pairing especially around the holidays. The mild flavors of turkey pair nicely with the salty, smoky ham. Slices of turkey breast or turkey tenderloin can be prepared simply with just salt, pepper and olive oil or get more creative with a rub or sauce.
2. Pork Tenderloin
Lean and tender pork tenderloin is another mild meat that makes an ideal partner for ham It can be roasted whole or cut into medallions and grilled or pan seared Consider a spice rub or sauce to complement the ham’s glaze, like a mustard or horseradish based sauce.
3. Italian Sausage
Spicy Italian sausage links provide a nice contrast to the rich ham flavors. Grill or pan fry them and let guests add their own favorite toppings. For a heartier option, cut sausage out of the casings and sauté with peppers and onions for a delicious sausage and veggie skillet.
4. Chicken
Chicken thighs, drumsticks or boneless breasts pair well with ham too. They can be seasoned simply with garlic, herbs and olive oil or jazz it up with a favorite marinade. Grilling, baking or pan frying are all easy ways to prepare chicken.
5. Beef Tenderloin
For a special occasion, beef tenderloin is a luxurious second meat. The tender cut benefits from quick, high heat cooking like grilling or roasting. Pair it with a red wine reduction or peppercorn cream sauce.
6. Lamb Chops
Grilled or broiled lamb chops are another stellar pairing for ham. Their rich flavor stands up nicely to the ham. Herb crusted chops are simple to make but pack lots of flavor.
7. Sausage and Peppers Sheet Pan Meal
For an easy one-pan meal, roast Italian sausages alongside colorful bell peppers and onions. The sizzling sausages and blistered veggies complement ham perfectly.
Tips for Picking the Right Second Meat
-
Complement, don’t compete – Choose proteins that have milder flavors compared to ham’s smoky, salty profile. Delicate poultry, pork and some seafood work well.
-
Consider prep time – If ham is the star, pick a second meat that requires minimal prep so you don’t spend all your time cooking. Sausage, chicken pieces or beef tenderloin are fairly quick and easy.
-
Mix cooking methods – Vary the cooking method from your ham. If you baked the ham, grill, pan sear or broil the second meat.
-
Balance richness – Ham’s fattiness can feel heavy with certain rich meats like beef short ribs or lamb shoulder. Leaner cuts help balance the meal.
-
Mind the sides – Factor in what sides you’re serving, aiming for a variety of flavors and textures. For heavy casseroles or egg and cheese dishes, a lighter second meat works best.
-
Think leftovers – Pick a versatile second meat that will also taste great in sandwiches, salads and other leftover-friendly dishes.
-
Get creative with flavors – Play around with globally inspired marinades, rubs and sauces to make your second meat unique. Mexican, Mediterranean and Asian flavors often pair well with ham.
Serving Suggestions
How you serve and present the second meat can also impact how it complements the ham. Here are some serving ideas:
-
Set up a carving station for hot meats like turkey, beef or pork roasts. This allows guests to customize their portions.
-
For grilled or roasted meats, slice into pieces and group on a large platter surrounded by vegetables.
-
Offer individual plates of proteins like chicken breasts, pork chops or sausage.
-
Skewer meats and veggies like a kebab for an interactive presentation.
-
For pot pies or casseroles, bake the second meat right in the dish.
-
Place sliced meats in chafing dishes or slow cookers to keep warm throughout a buffet.
-
For meals like fajitas or shish kebabs, bring raw marinated meats to the table to cook at each place.
Perfect Pairings
Ham makes for an easy, crowd-pleasing centerpiece, even more so when matched with a complementary protein and classic sides. Here are some suggested pairings:
-
Ham and Turkey – Sweet potato casserole, roasted Brussels sprouts, cornbread
-
Ham and Pork Tenderloin – Scalloped potatoes, roasted asparagus, dinner rolls
-
Ham and Sausage – Pasta salad, roasted broccoli, buttermilk biscuits
-
Ham and Chicken – Macaroni and cheese, green bean casserole, yeast rolls
-
Ham and Beef Tenderloin – Creamed spinach, roasted carrots, popovers
-
Ham and Lamb – Rice pilaf, glazed carrots, focaccia
-
Ham and Seafood – Pesto pasta salad, roasted cauliflower, breadsticks
With the right combination of proteins and sides, you can build a spectacular meal around any baked ham. Get creative with globally inspired seasonings, innovative cooking methods and artful presentation. Just remember to choose a second meat that harmonizes with, rather than overpowers, the starring ham.
Notes About Cooking Ham
- Most of the time, boneless ham can be used instead of bone-in ham.
- Most hams purchased at the grocery store are fully cooked. This means that it will take less time to cook than when meat is raw.
- If you use a bone in ham, give it more time to cook.
- You can add 1/2 cup of pineapple juice while cooking to make it taste even better.
Baked Asparagus with Balsamic Vinegar and Butter
Baked Asparagus is topped with a delicious, savory balsamic butter sauce. It cooks to perfection every time and makes the perfect side to any meal!.
20+ Side dishes that go perfectly with ham
What meat goes with ham?
When it comes to pairing meat with ham, the options are endless. One popular choice, especially during the holiday season, is roast turkey. The combination of tender ham and juicy turkey is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Another great option is roast chicken or roast pork, which both pair well with the salty and savory flavors of ham.
Is honey baked ham as good as regular ham?
The addition of honey will affect the calorie content of the food. One tablespoon of honey contributes to approximately 64 calories. In addition, the use of heat when making baked ham will reduce the quality of the honey.
What meat goes well with ham & turkey?
The combination of tender ham and juicy turkey is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Another great option is roast chicken or roast pork, which both pair well with the salty and savory flavors of ham. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider incorporating other meats like beef, bacon, duck, or veal.
What are the best side dishes for Ham?
Whether you’re glazing this year’s roast with brown sugar and mustard, thyme and honey, or hot sauce and apple cider vinegar, you’ll find the ideal side dishes for ham below. We consider potatoes to be essential side dishes for ham, but the question is: which potatoes.