What to Serve With Christmas Ham

Christmas ham: brown sugar glazed, spiral cut | Elena Veselova

Christmas ham is one of the easiest holiday centerpieces to build a meal around.

Its salty, savory flavor works beautifully with creamy potatoes, sweet glazed vegetables, fresh green sides, buttery rolls, tangy sauces, and rich Christmas desserts. Whether your ham is glazed with honey, brown sugar, maple syrup, pineapple, mustard, orange, or cloves, there are plenty of side dishes that can complement it without competing with it.

The best Christmas ham dinner usually includes a mixture of flavors and textures. Pair something creamy with something fresh, something savory with something slightly sweet, and a rich potato dish with a bright vegetable or salad.

If you are wondering what to serve with Christmas ham, these ideas can help you create a complete holiday menu.

🥔 Scalloped Potatoes

Scalloped potatoes may be the classic side dish for Christmas ham.

Thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy sauce provide a mild, comforting contrast to salty ham. The potatoes absorb plenty of flavor while remaining familiar enough to please almost everyone at the table.

Garlic, thyme, onions, or a little cheese can be added, although simple scalloped potatoes are often all you need.

If your ham has a particularly sweet glaze, the creamy savory potatoes help balance it beautifully.

🧀 Potatoes Au Gratin

For an even richer potato side, serve ham with potatoes au gratin.

Potatoes are layered with cream and cheese and baked until tender beneath a golden top.

Gruyère, cheddar, Parmesan, or a combination of cheeses can all work.

This is a particularly good choice for a more indulgent Christmas dinner, but because au gratin potatoes are rich, keep some of the other sides lighter.

Green beans, Brussels sprouts, or a fresh salad are excellent companions.

🥔 Mashed Potatoes

You can rarely go wrong with mashed potatoes.

Creamy mashed potatoes work with nearly any ham glaze and are particularly useful if you plan to serve gravy or another savory sauce with the meal.

Keep them classic with butter and cream, or add garlic, sour cream, cream cheese, chives, or fresh herbs.

Mashed potatoes are also one of the easiest sides to prepare ahead and reheat, which can make Christmas dinner considerably easier.

🧄 Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Garlic mashed potatoes bring a little extra savory flavor to the plate.

Roasted garlic works particularly well because its mellow sweetness complements ham rather than overpowering it.

Finish the potatoes with butter and fresh chives or parsley.

These are especially good with honey-glazed or brown-sugar-glazed ham because the garlic provides a savory contrast to the sweeter meat.

🥔 Roasted Potatoes

If your Christmas menu already contains several creamy dishes, roasted potatoes may be a better choice.

Roast baby potatoes, Yukon Gold potatoes, fingerlings, or red potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs until crisp outside and tender inside.

Rosemary, thyme, and garlic all pair naturally with ham.

Roasted potatoes also work well when you want the meal to feel slightly lighter than one built around several casseroles.

🍠 Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potatoes and ham are a natural pairing.

A traditional sweet potato casserole topped with pecans, brown sugar, streusel, or marshmallows can complement the salty flavor of the ham.

This works especially well when the ham glaze contains maple, honey, pineapple, or brown sugar.

Because both the ham and sweet potatoes can lean sweet, include a fresh green vegetable elsewhere on the menu for balance.

🍠 Roasted Sweet Potatoes

If you want sweet potatoes without a full casserole, roast them instead.

Sweet potato cubes can be seasoned simply with olive oil, salt, and pepper or flavored with maple syrup, cinnamon, rosemary, thyme, or smoked paprika.

A savory preparation is especially good with a sweet glazed ham.

🥕 Honey-Glazed Carrots

Carrots bring color and sweetness to a Christmas ham dinner.

Cook them with butter and honey until glossy and tender, then finish them with fresh thyme or parsley.

Orange zest can add brightness and works particularly well with ham.

If your ham already has a very sweet glaze, use the honey lightly so the meal does not become overly sugary.

🍁 Maple-Glazed Carrots

Maple carrots are another festive choice.

Maple syrup reinforces the warm holiday flavors of many Christmas ham glazes, while herbs such as thyme or rosemary keep the dish savory enough for dinner.

Chopped pecans can add texture.

🫘 Green Beans

Simple green beans are one of the best vegetables to serve with Christmas ham.

Their fresh flavor provides contrast to the rich meat and creamy potatoes.

Sauté or steam them and finish with butter, garlic, salt, and pepper.

A little lemon juice or lemon zest can make them even more refreshing alongside a sweet or salty ham.

🌰 Green Beans With Almonds

Green beans with toasted almonds make an easy side feel slightly more elegant.

The almonds add crunch while the beans keep the plate fresh.

Butter and lemon are usually all the additional flavor needed.

This is an excellent choice if you are already serving rich potatoes or macaroni and cheese.

🥘 Green Bean Casserole

For a traditional family Christmas dinner, green bean casserole fits naturally beside ham.

The familiar combination of green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and crisp onions provides plenty of comfort-food appeal.

Because both green bean casserole and many potato dishes are rich, consider adding another fresher vegetable or salad as well.

🌱 Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are particularly good with ham because their earthy, slightly bitter flavor balances salty and sweet elements.

Roast them until crisp around the edges and tender in the middle.

Serve them simply or add balsamic glaze, cranberries, pecans, Parmesan, or bacon.

A balsamic version can be especially good with a sweet glazed ham because the acidity cuts through the richness.

🍒 Brussels Sprouts With Cranberries

Adding dried cranberries to roasted Brussels sprouts makes them feel immediately Christmassy.

The red cranberries provide sweetness and color, while toasted pecans or walnuts add crunch.

A light balsamic or maple dressing can bring everything together.

This side looks especially festive alongside sliced ham on a holiday buffet.

🥦 Roasted Broccoli

Roasted broccoli is a simple choice when the rest of the dinner is already rich.

Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper and roast until browned around the edges.

Finish with lemon juice or Parmesan.

The slight bitterness of roasted broccoli provides useful contrast to glazed ham.

🌼 Roasted Cauliflower

Cauliflower is another easy vegetable to pair with ham.

Roast it with olive oil, garlic, herbs, or Parmesan until golden.

For something richer, cauliflower gratin can replace a potato casserole, although you may not need both.

🎃 Roasted Butternut Squash

Butternut squash works beautifully with the sweet and savory character of Christmas ham.

Roast cubes with olive oil and herbs for a savory version or add maple syrup, pecans, or cranberries for a sweeter holiday variation.

The bright orange color also makes the Christmas plate more attractive.

🥬 Braised Red Cabbage

Red cabbage is particularly good when you want something tangy to balance a sweet ham.

Slowly cook shredded cabbage with apples, vinegar, spices, and a small amount of sugar until tender.

The sweet-and-sour flavor cuts through the richness of ham and potatoes, while the deep purple-red color looks festive.

Braised cabbage also reheats well, making it a useful make-ahead side.

🌽 Corn Pudding

Corn pudding is soft, slightly sweet, and wonderfully comforting beside Christmas ham.

The sweetness of the corn complements ham particularly well, especially when the meat has a savory mustard-based or lightly sweet glaze.

Corn pudding also works well for a large gathering because it can be baked in a casserole dish and served easily.

🌽 Creamed Corn

Creamed corn is another family-friendly option.

Its creamy sweetness works with salty ham, potatoes, and green vegetables.

If the meal already contains scalloped potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and several creamy casseroles, however, simple buttered corn may provide better balance.

🧀 Macaroni and Cheese

Ham and macaroni and cheese are a comforting combination.

A baked macaroni and cheese with a crisp golden top can be especially popular at a family Christmas dinner.

Cheddar provides classic flavor, while Gruyère, Gouda, Parmesan, or Monterey Jack can make the dish more distinctive.

Because macaroni and cheese is substantial, pair it with lighter vegetables such as green beans, Brussels sprouts, or salad.

🍞 Dinner Rolls

Warm dinner rolls belong naturally beside Christmas ham.

They are useful for soaking up sauces and also provide the beginnings of excellent little ham sandwiches.

Serve the rolls warm with butter.

If you expect plenty of leftover ham, consider making or buying a few extra rolls for sandwiches the next day.

🧈 Herb Butter Rolls

Ordinary dinner rolls can feel more festive with a simple herb butter.

Mix melted butter with garlic, parsley, rosemary, thyme, or chives and brush it over warm rolls.

A small sprinkle of flaky salt finishes them nicely.

🍍 Pineapple

Pineapple and ham are an old-fashioned pairing that still works.

The fruit’s sweetness and acidity balance the salty meat.

Pineapple can be incorporated into the ham glaze, served as roasted pineapple rings, or added to a fruit-based relish.

If the ham itself already has a strong pineapple glaze, there is usually no need to serve additional pineapple as a side.

🍎 Applesauce

Apples and pork naturally complement one another, and ham is no exception.

Serve homemade or good-quality applesauce alongside ham, particularly if the glaze is more savory than sweet.

Cinnamon or other warm spices can make the applesauce feel more seasonal.

🍒 Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce is usually associated with turkey, but its tart-sweet flavor can also work beautifully with ham.

Orange zest, cinnamon, apple, or maple syrup can add Christmas flavor.

A small spoonful of cranberry sauce provides brightness against a rich ham-and-potato dinner.

🍯 Mustard Sauce

Mustard is one of the best condiments for ham.

Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard, honey mustard, or a creamy mustard sauce can provide acidity and heat that cut through the richness of the meat.

A honey-mustard sauce works particularly well with a less-sweet ham, while Dijon or whole-grain mustard can balance a heavily glazed one.

🍍 Pineapple Sauce

A pineapple-based sauce can reinforce a tropical or old-fashioned glazed ham.

Use pineapple juice, pineapple pieces, brown sugar, mustard, or spices to create a sweet-and-tangy accompaniment.

Serve it sparingly so the sauce complements the ham rather than overwhelming it.

🥗 Winter Green Salad

A crisp salad can be one of the most useful additions to a Christmas ham dinner.

Mixed greens, apples or pears, dried cranberries, pecans, walnuts, goat cheese, feta, or blue cheese all work nicely.

Finish the salad with a cider, maple, balsamic, or citrus vinaigrette.

The acidity helps balance rich potatoes, cheese dishes, and glazed ham.

🍎 Apple Walnut Salad

Apples and ham are particularly compatible, making an apple salad a natural choice.

Combine greens with sliced apples, walnuts or pecans, dried cranberries, and a mild cheese.

A cider vinaigrette keeps the salad fresh and tangy.

This is especially good if your menu includes several creamy side dishes.

🍐 Pear and Pecan Salad

Pears provide gentle sweetness without making the meal feel dessert-like.

Pair sliced pears with greens, pecans, goat cheese or blue cheese, and a light vinaigrette.

This salad works particularly well for a slightly more elegant ham dinner.

🥗 Broccoli Salad

Cold broccoli salad can provide crunch alongside tender ham and creamy potatoes.

Broccoli can be combined with dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, nuts, onion, cheese, or bacon, depending on your preferred version.

A tangy dressing keeps the dish bright.

Because it can be prepared ahead, it is also convenient for entertaining.

🧀 Christmas Appetizers Before Ham Dinner

If ham is the centerpiece of a substantial Christmas dinner, appetizers should generally stay relatively light.

A small cheese board, shrimp cocktail, vegetables and dip, baked brie, deviled eggs, or a few crostini are usually enough.

You do not need to serve an entire second meal before the ham arrives.

If dinner will be served several hours after guests arrive, add something more substantial such as meatballs or stuffed mushrooms.

🍷 Drinks to Serve With Christmas Ham

Ham works well with both sweet and tart holiday drinks.

Cranberry punch, sparkling apple cider, citrus punch, pomegranate spritzers, iced tea, sparkling water, or apple cider can all work.

For a warm option, spiced apple cider is particularly festive.

Choose drinks with enough freshness or acidity to complement the salty richness of the meat.

🍰 Desserts to Serve After Christmas Ham

After a rich ham dinner, almost any traditional Christmas dessert can work.

Apple pie, pecan pie, cheesecake, bread pudding, gingerbread cake, trifle, Christmas pudding, chocolate cake, or Christmas cookies are all natural choices.

If the dinner contains several sweet glazed dishes, consider a dessert that is rich rather than extremely sugary, such as cheesecake or dark chocolate cake.

For a large gathering, a dessert table with cookies, fudge, peppermint bark, pie, and candy allows guests to choose smaller portions.

🎄 Classic Christmas Ham Menu

For a traditional menu, serve glazed Christmas ham with scalloped potatoes, green beans, glazed carrots, dinner rolls, and a winter salad.

Add mustard or cranberry sauce at the table.

Finish with apple pie, pecan pie, or Christmas cookies.

This menu provides plenty of familiar holiday flavors without requiring an excessive number of dishes.

✨ Elegant Christmas Ham Menu

For a more polished Christmas dinner, pair ham with potatoes au gratin, green beans with almonds, roasted Brussels sprouts with cranberries and pecans, and a pear-and-pecan winter salad.

Serve warm herb rolls and whole-grain mustard alongside the ham.

Finish with cheesecake, trifle, or a chocolate dessert.

❤️ Easy Christmas Ham Menu

For an easier celebration, begin with a fully cooked glazed ham.

Serve it with make-ahead mashed potatoes, roasted green beans or Brussels sprouts, warm store-bought dinner rolls, and a simple salad.

Put mustard and cranberry sauce on the table and serve Christmas cookies or a make-ahead dessert afterward.

This gives you a complete Christmas dinner without spending the entire day cooking.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Christmas Ham Dinner for a Crowd

Ham is particularly useful for feeding a crowd because it is easy to slice, serve, and keep warm.

Pair it with dishes that scale well, such as mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, green bean casserole, roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, corn pudding, salad, and rolls.

Serve everything buffet-style so guests can choose their favorites.

A large platter of sliced ham also makes it much easier for people to return for seconds without requiring anyone to carve meat throughout the meal.

🕯️ Christmas Ham Dinner for a Small Family

A smaller Christmas dinner does not require ten side dishes.

Choose two or three favorites.

For example, serve ham with scalloped potatoes, green beans, and warm rolls.

Or pair it with mashed potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and salad.

A smaller menu allows each dish to receive more attention and produces fewer leftovers—unless leftovers are exactly what you want.

🍽️ How Many Sides Should You Serve With Ham?

For a small Christmas dinner, two or three sides are usually enough.

For a larger traditional meal, four to six sides can provide more variety.

A simple formula is to choose one potato or other hearty side, one green vegetable, one colorful vegetable or salad, and bread.

Add another casserole or family favorite if you want a more abundant table.

There is no need to serve mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, macaroni and cheese, sweet potato casserole, stuffing, and three kinds of bread unless those dishes are genuinely important to your family.

⚖️ Balance Sweet Christmas Ham With Savory Sides

Many Christmas hams are coated with sweet glazes containing brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, pineapple, or fruit preserves.

When that is the case, avoid making every side sweet as well.

Savory mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans, garlic potatoes, mustard sauce, or a vinaigrette-dressed salad can balance the glaze.

If the ham is less sweet, you have more room for maple carrots, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, or corn pudding.

Thinking about this balance can make the entire Christmas plate taste better.

⏰ Make Side Dishes Ahead

Ham is relatively forgiving compared with some Christmas roasts, so take advantage of that by choosing equally convenient sides.

Scalloped potatoes, potato casseroles, macaroni and cheese, cranberry sauce, braised cabbage, and many desserts can be prepared partly or completely ahead.

Vegetables can be cleaned and cut the day before, while salads can be assembled quickly before dinner.

The more you accomplish before Christmas Day, the easier it is to enjoy the actual holiday.

❄️ Don’t Forget the Leftovers

Christmas ham leftovers are exceptionally useful.

Ham can become sandwiches, sliders, omelets, breakfast casseroles, quiche, soup, macaroni and cheese, bean dishes, or scalloped potatoes.

Leftover rolls can become ham sandwiches, while leftover potatoes and vegetables can round out another meal.

Planning for leftovers can even influence your Christmas menu. A few extra rolls, for example, are never a bad idea when ham is involved.

❤️ Building the Perfect Christmas Ham Dinner

Christmas ham is wonderfully flexible.

If you want a traditional meal, surround it with scalloped potatoes, green beans, carrots, and rolls.

If you prefer something richer, add potatoes au gratin and macaroni and cheese.

For a fresher menu, pair the ham with roasted potatoes, Brussels sprouts, green beans, and winter salad.

The important thing is not to include every possible side dish.

Choose a few foods that complement the ham and one another, balance rich dishes with fresher ones, and make sure at least some of the menu can be prepared ahead.

Then put the ham in the center of the table and let Christmas dinner take care of the rest.