When it comes to special occasions or holiday gatherings, a Honey Baked Ham is often the centerpiece of the meal. The sweet, sticky glaze and tender meat are a crowd-pleaser, but the sides can make or break the overall dining experience. In this article, we’ll explore the best Honey Baked Ham sides to complement your main course and impress your guests.
Classic Sides that Pair Perfectly with Honey Baked Ham
Some sides are timeless and always a hit when served alongside a Honey Baked Ham. These classic options are easy to prepare and offer a delicious contrast to the rich, sweet ham.
Pineapple-Raisin Sauce-Glazed Carrots
A sweet and sticky side dish that complements the Honey Baked Ham’s glaze, these carrots are easy to make and add a pop of color to the table. Simply toss carrot sticks with a mixture of pineapple juice, brown sugar, and raisins, then roast in the oven until tender and caramelized.
Green Bean Casserole
A classic American side dish, green bean casserole is a staple at many holiday gatherings. Made with green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions, this casserole is an easy and crowd-pleasing option that pairs well with the savory flavor of the ham.
Scalloped Potatoes
Thinly sliced potatoes, cream, and cheese come together in a rich and satisfying side dish that’s sure to become a new favorite. Scalloped potatoes are easy to make and offer a comforting contrast to the sweet, sticky ham.
Modern Twists on Traditional Sides
If you’re looking to mix things up and offer something new and exciting alongside your Honey Baked Ham, consider these modern twists on traditional sides.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
A far cry from the boiled, mushy Brussels sprouts of yesteryear, these roasted sprouts are tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roasted to perfection in the oven. A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a tangy, sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the ham.
Sweet Potato Mash with Crispy Shallots
Sweet potatoes are a natural pairing with Honey Baked Ham, and adding crispy shallots takes this side dish to the next level. Simply boil or bake diced sweet potatoes until tender, then mash with butter and milk. Top with crispy fried shallots for a satisfying crunch.
Maple-Glazed Parsnips
Parsnips are a delicious and underrated side dish that pairs perfectly with the sweet, sticky glaze of the Honey Baked Ham. Simply toss parsnip sticks with a mixture of maple syrup, olive oil, and thyme, then roast in the oven until tender and caramelized.
Salads and Lighter Options
If you’re looking for a lighter option to balance out the richness of the Honey Baked Ham, consider these salads and sides.
Winter Fruit Salad
A refreshing and light side dish, this winter fruit salad is made with a mix of seasonal fruits such as cranberries, apples, and pineapple. A tangy dressing made with apple cider vinegar and honey adds a delicious flavor that pairs perfectly with the ham.
Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese
A sweet and earthy side dish, this roasted beet salad is made with roasted beets, crumbled goat cheese, and a tangy dressing. The creamy cheese and sweet beets offer a delicious contrast to the savory flavor of the ham.
Garlic and Herb Quinoa
A flavorful and nutritious side dish, this garlic and herb quinoa is made with cooked quinoa, garlic, and a mix of fresh herbs such as parsley and thyme. A squeeze of lemon juice adds a bright, citrusy flavor that pairs perfectly with the ham.
Make-Ahead Sides for a Stress-Free Meal
One of the best things about serving a Honey Baked Ham is that it’s easy to prepare ahead of time. These make-ahead sides offer the same convenience, allowing you to focus on enjoying your meal with your guests.
Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
A classic side dish that’s easy to make ahead, these mashed potatoes can be prepared up to a day in advance and refrigerated or frozen until ready to serve. Simply reheat in the oven or on the stovetop until warm and creamy.
Green Bean Almandine
A delicious and easy-to-make side dish, this green bean almandine can be prepared up to a day in advance and refrigerated until ready to serve. Simply sauté green beans with sliced almonds and a squeeze of lemon juice, then serve hot.
Cranberry-Orange Relish
A tangy and refreshing side dish, this cranberry-orange relish can be made up to a week in advance and refrigerated until ready to serve. Simply mix together fresh cranberries, orange zest, and a squeeze of orange juice, then serve chilled.
Conclusion
A Honey Baked Ham is a delicious and impressive centerpiece for any meal, but the sides can make or break the overall dining experience. Whether you’re looking for classic options, modern twists, or make-ahead convenience, there’s a side dish on this list that’s sure to please. So go ahead, get creative, and elevate your meal with one (or more!) of these delicious Honey Baked Ham sides.
| Sides | Description |
|---|---|
| Pineapple-Raisin Sauce-Glazed Carrots | Sweet and sticky carrots glazed with pineapple juice, brown sugar, and raisins |
| Green Bean Casserole | Classic American side dish made with green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions |
| Scalloped Potatoes | Rich and satisfying side dish made with thinly sliced potatoes, cream, and cheese |
| Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze | Roasted Brussels sprouts tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then drizzled with balsamic glaze |
| Sweet Potato Mash with Crispy Shallots | Sweet potatoes mashed with butter and milk, then topped with crispy fried shallots |
| Maple-Glazed Parsnips | Parsnips tossed with a mixture of maple syrup, olive oil, and thyme, then roasted until tender and caramelized |
| Winter Fruit Salad | Refreshing and light side dish made with a mix of seasonal fruits and a tangy dressing |
| Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese | Sweet and earthy side dish made with roasted beets, crumbled goat cheese, and a tangy dressing |
| Garlic and Herb Quinoa | Flavorful and nutritious side dish made with cooked quinoa, garlic, and a mix of fresh herbs |
| Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes | Classic side dish that can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen until ready to serve |
| Green Bean Almandine | Delicious and easy-to-make side dish that can be prepared up to a day in advance |
| Cranberry-Orange Relish | Tangy and refreshing side dish that can be made up to a week in advance |
By incorporating one or more of these delicious sides into your meal, you’ll be sure to impress your guests and create a memorable dining experience. Whether you’re a fan of classic options or modern twists, there’s something on this list for everyone. So go ahead, get creative, and make your Honey Baked Ham meal one to remember!
What are some classic side dish ideas that pair well with honey baked ham?
When it comes to classic side dish ideas that pair well with honey baked ham, there are several options to consider. Some popular choices include roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or carrots, which complement the sweetness of the ham with their earthy flavors. Another option is a simple green salad, which provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the ham. Additionally, sides like mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, or corn on the cob are also popular choices that pair well with honey baked ham.
These classic side dishes are great options because they are easy to prepare and offer a variety of textures and flavors that complement the ham. They also allow the natural flavors of the ham to shine, rather than overpowering it with bold or competing flavors. By choosing one or more of these classic side dishes, you can create a well-rounded and satisfying meal that is sure to please your guests.
How can I add some excitement to my honey baked ham sides with international flavors?
If you’re looking to add some excitement to your honey baked ham sides with international flavors, there are many options to consider. One idea is to incorporate Asian-inspired flavors, such as soy sauce or ginger, into your side dishes. For example, you could try making a stir-fry with your favorite vegetables and serving it alongside the ham. Another option is to add some Latin flair with dishes like Mexican street corn or Cuban-style black beans.
International flavors can add a unique and exciting twist to your honey baked ham sides. By incorporating flavors and ingredients from around the world, you can create a meal that is both familiar and exotic. This can be especially fun if you’re hosting a dinner party or special occasion where you want to impress your guests. Just be sure to balance your international flavors with some more traditional options to ensure that there’s something for everyone.
What are some healthy side dish options that I can serve with honey baked ham?
If you’re looking for healthy side dish options to serve with honey baked ham, there are many delicious and nutritious choices to consider. One idea is to focus on roasted or grilled vegetables, such as asparagus or bell peppers, which are low in calories and rich in vitamins and minerals. Another option is to make a salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette dressing.
Healthy side dishes can provide a nice contrast to the richness of the honey baked ham. By choosing options that are low in calories and high in nutrients, you can create a meal that is both satisfying and good for you. Some other healthy side dish options to consider include quinoa or brown rice, steamed broccoli, or sautéed spinach with garlic and lemon.
Can I make my honey baked ham sides ahead of time to save time during the meal prep?
Yes, many honey baked ham sides can be made ahead of time to save time during meal prep. In fact, some side dishes, such as casseroles or roasted vegetables, are often better when made ahead of time and reheated before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the ingredients to absorb the seasonings.
When making your honey baked ham sides ahead of time, be sure to follow safe food handling practices to ensure that your food remains fresh and safe to eat. This includes refrigerating or freezing your side dishes at the correct temperature and reheating them to the correct internal temperature before serving. By making your sides ahead of time, you can save time and reduce stress during meal prep, allowing you to focus on enjoying your meal with your guests.
What are some popular side dish ideas for a honey baked ham dinner that can be made in under 30 minutes?
If you’re short on time, there are many popular side dish ideas for a honey baked ham dinner that can be made in under 30 minutes. One idea is to make a simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette dressing. Another option is to sauté some spinach or green beans with garlic and lemon, which can be ready in just a few minutes.
Quick and easy side dishes can be a lifesaver when you’re short on time. By choosing options that can be made in under 30 minutes, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal without sacrificing flavor or quality. Some other quick and easy side dish options to consider include roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts, or a simple side of corn on the cob.
How can I incorporate fresh herbs into my honey baked ham sides for added flavor?
Fresh herbs can add a bright and refreshing flavor to your honey baked ham sides. One idea is to incorporate herbs like parsley, rosemary, or thyme into your side dishes. For example, you could try making a parsley and lemon sauce to serve over your roasted vegetables or add some chopped rosemary to your mashed potatoes.
When using fresh herbs, be sure to choose herbs that complement the flavors of your honey baked ham and side dishes. You can also experiment with different herb combinations to create unique and delicious flavors. Some other ways to incorporate fresh herbs into your sides include making a herb butter to serve with your bread or adding some chopped herbs to your green salad.
What are some creative ways to repurpose leftover honey baked ham sides?
There are many creative ways to repurpose leftover honey baked ham sides. One idea is to use leftover vegetables to make a hearty soup or stew. Another option is to transform leftover mashed potatoes into potato pancakes or croquettes.
Repurposing leftover sides can be a great way to reduce food waste and get creative in the kitchen. By thinking outside the box and coming up with new and innovative ways to use your leftovers, you can create delicious and satisfying meals that are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or lunch on-the-go. Some other ideas for repurposing leftover sides include making a frittata with leftover vegetables or using leftover rice to make a tasty fried rice dish.