A beautifully glazed ham fresh from the oven is often the star of Easter Sunday, but what you serve with it can make or break the meal. Round out any celebratory menu with these dishes that complement the distinctively smoky, savory flavor of ham. Our tasty twists on the usual suspects, like roasted vegetables, potatoes, and salad, make these crowd-pleasing recipes anything but ordinary. Whether crunchy and raw, sauced with some heat, or stuffed with extra cheese, these spectacular side dishes for ham turn a main course into a complete, memorable meal.
Loaded Hasselback Potatoes
This take on baked potatoes starts with a simple slicing technique known as hasselbacking, which creates crisp edges and crevices to catch all your favorite toppings. Versatile enough to pair with ham or any roasted meat, these spuds loaded with bacon, cheese, sour cream, and chives might become your new go-to ‘tater.
Get the recipe: Loaded Hasselback Potatoes
Roasted Vegetables with Tarragon Vinaigrette
Tender, roasted veggies and rich, savory ham are a classic combination. This version goes to the next level with a flavorful homemade dressing and crunchy garnish. Fennel adds mild, earthy sweetness to a mix of springtime asparagus, carrots, and fingerling potatoes finished with a tarragon-shallot vinaigrette and chopped walnuts.
Get the recipe: Roasted Vegetables with Tarragon Vinaigrette
Smashed Carrots with Dill-Yogurt Sauce
This recipe smashes the idea that cooked carrots are a bland and predictable companion for holiday ham. Parmesan and everything bagel seasoning add savory depth to boiled carrots that are smashed, roasted, and caramelized in the oven. A tangy yogurt dipping sauce with fresh dill and capers provides a cool, creamy contrast.
Get the recipe: Smashed Carrots with Dill-Yogurt Sauce
Caesar Wedge Salad
Always popular Caesar salad turns special occasion-worthy in this goes-with-everything side inspired by the steakhouse. Halved Romaine hearts take the place of chopped lettuce drizzled with a classic garlic and Parmesan dressing and finished with crunchy croutons.
Get the recipe: Caesar Wedge Salad
Creamed Peas
In just 20 minutes, this vibrant side dish is ready to co-star with ham at your springtime gathering. Tender peas swimming in a luscious cream sauce get a pop of bright, seasonal flavor from fresh mint and lemon.
Get the recipe: Creamed Peas
Roasted Baby Potatoes with Dill
Potatoes are a no-brainer for serving alongside ham, but this recipe makes them truly memorable. A preheated sheet pan is the key to roasted spuds with crackling-crisp edges and tender centers, finished with a zingy, dill-flecked vinaigrette.
Get the recipe: Roasted Baby Potatoes with Dill
Asparagus with Brown Butter Capers and Thyme
Four ingredients add up to one spotlight-stealing side in this 15-minute recipe. Nutty brown butter, capers, and fresh thyme crank up the flavor on a classic ham companion, roasted asparagus.
Get the recipe: Asparagus with Brown Butter Capers and Thyme
Broiled Cheese Stuffed Tomatoes
Go ahead and give the ham an extra coat of glaze while this easy but impressive side mostly takes care of itself in the slow cooker. A quick stint under the broiler adds a golden-brown finish to slow-cooked tomatoes stuffed with fresh herbs, breadcrumbs, and three kinds of cheese.
Get the recipe: Broiled Cheese Stuffed Tomatoes
Carrot-Fennel Slaw
This 20-minute side brings maximum color and crunch to the holiday table with zero cooking required. Tangy green apple and fresh fennel counterbalance rich, meaty ham in this light but satisfying slaw made easy with pre-shredded cabbage mix and bottled raspberry vinaigrette.
Get the recipe: Carrot-Fennel Slaw
Hot Honey Roasted Carrots
Turn up the heat on traditional Easter carrots with this spicy-sweet version that pairs perfectly with savory ham. A drizzle of honey, a splash of hot sauce, and two kinds of fresh herbs give the seasonal veggie new dimensions of flavor.
Get the recipe: Hot Honey Roasted Carrots
Broccoli and Quinoa Salad
You might want to make a double batch of this fridge-friendly salad that’s versatile enough to pair with ham and hearty enough for a stand-alone meal. Microwave-ready quinoa saves space on the stovetop in this grain salad with broccoli and cheddar tossed in homemade Dijon vinaigrette.
Get the recipe: Broccoli and Quinoa Salad
Easy Carrot Souffles
These light and airy, individual souffles always rise to the occasion. Ginger, cinnamon, and fresh orange add warm flavor and aroma to this savory-sweet side that preps in five minutes using canned carrots.
Get the recipe: Easy Carrot Souffles
Savory Bread Pudding with Mushrooms and Leeks
You don’t have to wait until Thanksgiving to tuck into this satisfying riff on stuffing. Fresh mushrooms and leeks add savoriness to cubes of bread baked casserole-style with herbs and a generous helping of cheese. It tastes even better the next day, so you can skip making sandwiches and enjoy it alongside leftover ham.
Get the recipe: Savory Bread Pudding with Mushrooms and Leeks
Sugar Snap Pea and Radish Salad
If ham is center stage on your Easter table, this eye-catching salad brimming with springtime veggies is the perfect supporting player. Creamy goat cheese is the finishing touch for a mix of radish slices, snap peas, and fresh mint in a honey-spiked dressing that looks as good as it tastes.
Get the recipe: Sugar Snap Pea and Radish Salad
Spring Green Salad with French Beans and Radishes
This tangy, refreshing salad offers just the right amount of bite to cut through rich, fatty ham. The key is a lemon-shallot vinaigrette, which can be made up to a day ahead. Microwave-ready green beans and fresh radish slices can also be prepped in advance, then tossed with spring mix and Parmesan just before serving.
Get the recipe: Spring Green Salad with French Beans and Radishes
Roasted Asparagus over Herbed Couscous
This two-in-one side dish that comes together with 10 minutes of prep doubles as a light springtime lunch. Roasted asparagus takes an unexpected turn served over couscous and finished with crunchy cashews, feta, and two kinds of fresh herbs.
Get the recipe: Roasted Asparagus over Herbed Couscous
