If you’re wondering what to serve with ham, the main course is the easy part. You score it, glaze it, roast it, and suddenly it looks like it belongs on a magazine cover. The sides, though—that’s where the real competition begins. If you want a main you can’t go wrong with, try the Southern Coca Cola Glazed Ham.
The sides are where Aunt Linda elbows someone for the last scoop of cheesy potatoes, where rolls vanish before you sit down, and where a cousin thinks it’s acceptable to “just taste” the pineapple casserole straight from the dish. This collection is full of the casseroles, vegetables, and breads that make ham dinners memorable: creamy, nostalgic potluck classics; sweet sides that draw people like seagulls at a picnic; and warm rolls that disappear faster than you can say “leftovers.”
Many of these dishes can be made ahead or save oven space, so you won’t have to turn into a stressed-out kitchen goblin. Choose a few, build your plate, and get ready for friendly disputes over who gets the last piece of ham.
Here are favorite side dishes that work beautifully with ham—for holiday dinners, family gatherings, or any Sunday when a big ham shows up on the table.
1. Creamy Potatoes au Gratin
Cheesy, rich, and indulgent, creamy potatoes au gratin are a natural foil for salty ham. Thinly layered potatoes bake in a silky sauce until tender, topped with a golden, slightly crisp crust that diners can’t resist picking at. Add this to the table and watch it disappear fast.
2. Bacon Ranch Crack Green Bean Casserole
This isn’t the meek church-basement green bean casserole—this loaded version features bacon, ranch seasoning, cheddar, and a crunchy onion topping. It’s bold, comforting, and the kind of dish that sparks a buffet free-for-all next to the ham.
3. Pineapple Casserole
Sweet, salty, and slightly crunchy, pineapple casserole is a beloved Southern surprise. Cubes of pineapple pair with sharp cheddar and a buttery cracker topping to create a flavor contrast that complements ham beautifully. Expect curious second helpings.
4. Southern Sweet Onion Casserole
Soft, caramelized onions bake into a creamy, cheesy filling with a buttery cracker topping that browns perfectly. Southern sweet onion casserole feels special enough for holiday tables, but is simple to prepare ahead—exactly the kind of dish that keeps the host calm and guests happy.
5. Maple Glazed Carrots
Maple-roasted carrots bring a sticky-sweet glaze and a hint of spice that balance salty ham. They look elegant but are effortless to prepare—an impressive, low-effort vegetable side.
6. Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Quick, savory, and satisfying, fried cabbage with bacon brings smoky flavor and tender greens to the plate. It cooks in about twenty minutes and adds a hearty, homey element to any ham dinner.
7. Potluck Pea Salad with Cashews
This nostalgic pea salad mixes creamy dressing, crunchy cashews and water chestnuts, and a touch of sweetness. It’s a cooling, make-ahead salad that contrasts nicely with warm ham and heavy casseroles.
8. Broccoli Cauliflower Salad with Cranberries & Bacon
Crisp florets, salty bacon, and tart dried cranberries combine in a creamy dressing for a crunchy salad that balances richer plates. It holds up well and often tastes even better the next day.
9. Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole
Rich sweet potatoes with a pecan-praline topping and a hint of bourbon make this casserole feel celebratory. The crunchy topping contrasts the silky filling, creating a decadent side that pairs beautifully with ham.
10. Asparagus Casserole With Ritz Crackers
Creamy, cheesy asparagus baked under a buttery Ritz cracker topping is quick to assemble and always disappears fast. It’s a simple crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prep ahead and bake when guests arrive.
11. Cauliflower Casserole
Creamy cauliflower with sharp cheddar, sautéed peppers, and a cornbread-and-onion topping bakes into a golden, crunchy side that wins over skeptics and reheats beautifully—perfect for feeding a crowd.
12. Jiffy Cornbread Casserole
Quick and comforting, a Jiffy cornbread casserole is soft, slightly sweet, and excellent for soaking up ham juices. It’s maximum comfort with minimal effort—ideal when you want something homey and fast.
13. Old Fashioned Cloverleaf Rolls
Soft, buttery cloverleaf rolls are made for soaking up gravy and building epic leftover sandwiches. They pull apart perfectly and bring that classic, nostalgic touch to any ham dinner.
14. Easy Southern Buttermilk Biscuits
Tall, flaky buttermilk biscuits brushed with butter are irresistible coming out of the oven. They’re perfect for stuffing with ham or mopping up sauces—an essential component of a Southern-style ham meal.
15. 30-Minute Dinner Rolls
If you forget the bread while the ham is roasting, 30-minute dinner rolls are the perfect rescue. Quick to make and delightfully fluffy, they give your table that fresh-baked warmth in no time.
Ham may be the centerpiece, but the sides are where dinner becomes memorable. Mix and match a few casseroles, vegetables, and breads from this list and you’ll have a spread that keeps people circling back for seconds.
Planning a holiday table? Consider adding a few of these Southern-style sides for casseroles, vegetables, and breads that pair beautifully with ham.