What Side Dish Goes with Honey Baked Ham?

You’ve got the ham. That sweet, caramelized glaze is ready to steal the show. But what side dish goes with honey baked ham to make the whole meal come together?

Getting this right matters more than most people think. The wrong sides either compete with the ham’s sweetness or just sit there doing nothing on the plate.

After years of cooking holiday ham dinners for Easter, Christmas, and Thanksgiving, I’ve landed on a list of sides that actually work. Creamy potatoes, roasted vegetables, cheesy casseroles, and fresh salads that balance the honey glazed ham without overpowering it.

Below, you’ll find the best side dishes for honey baked ham, with ingredients, quick instructions, and tips on when to serve each one. Whether you’re feeding four people on a Sunday supper or thirty at a holiday dinner party, there’s something here for every table.

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Scalloped Potatoes

Why It Works with Honey Baked Ham

The creamy, rich texture of scalloped potatoes balances the sweet crunchy glaze on a spiral ham perfectly. You get that starchy comfort alongside the salty, smoky meat.

Took me years to figure out why this pairing works so well. It comes down to contrast. The honey glazed ham brings sweetness, and the potatoes bring buttery richness that rounds out the whole plate.

Ingredients You Need

• 3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2.5 cups whole milk
• 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 medium onion, diced
• Salt, pepper, and fresh thyme

How to Make It

Cook the onion in melted butter until soft. Stir in flour and cook for about a minute, then slowly whisk in the milk until the sauce thickens.

Layer sliced potatoes in a greased 9×13 baking dish. Pour half the sauce over the first layer, repeat, then top with cheese.

Cover with foil and bake at 375F for 35 minutes. Uncover and bake another 25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let it rest 10 minutes before serving.

Flavor and Texture Balance

Creamy, cheesy, and slightly tangy from the sharp cheddar. The au gratin potatoes add richness that pairs with the honey baked ham’s sweet glaze without competing for attention.

Best Occasion to Serve It

Easter dinner, Christmas ham dinner, Thanksgiving. Really, any holiday dinner menu where ham is the main course. It also works great at a Sunday supper or a potluck.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Assemble the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate. Pull it out 30 minutes before baking. Leftovers keep for up to 5 days in the fridge, and you can freeze the whole thing for about a month.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a simple green salad or some roasted asparagus to cut through the richness. If you’re building a full side dish spread with ham and scalloped potatoes, keep the other sides lighter.

Green Bean Casserole

Why It Works with Honey Baked Ham

Green beans and ham go together like, well… green beans and ham. The crispy fried onion topping and creamy mushroom sauce add layers of texture that stand up to a sweet glazed ham.

There’s a reason this shows up at every holiday ham dinner. It just works.

Ingredients You Need

• 1.5 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1 can (10.5 oz) Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 container French’s fried onions
• Salt, pepper, and garlic powder

How to Make It

Blanch the green beans in boiling salted water for about 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Mix the mushroom soup, milk, and seasonings. Fold in the green beans and half the fried onions. Transfer to a baking dish.

Bake at 350F for 25 minutes. Top with remaining fried onions and bake 5 more minutes until crispy on top.

Flavor and Texture Balance

You get that crunch from the fried onions, creaminess from the sauce, and a fresh snap from the beans. Against the sweetness of honey ham, the savory mushroom base keeps things grounded.

Best Occasion to Serve It

Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas dinner, Easter. Honestly, any large gathering where you need a crowd-pleasing vegetable side that takes minimal effort. This is a holiday ham classic for a reason.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Assemble everything except the fried onion topping up to 2 days ahead. Refrigerate covered. Add onions right before baking. Leftovers keep 2 to 3 days in the fridge.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside mashed potatoes and dinner rolls for a complete traditional holiday spread. If you’re doing a similar approach with pot roast sides, green bean casserole works there too.

Macaroni and Cheese

Why It Works with Honey Baked Ham

Ham and mac and cheese is one of those combinations that feels like it was always meant to be. The salty smokiness of the ham meets that gooey, cheesy pasta and something clicks.

At least in my experience, this is the side that disappears first at any ham dinner party.

Ingredients You Need

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
• Salt, pepper, dry mustard, paprika

How to Make It

Cook the pasta to al dente. Drain.

Make a roux with butter and flour, then slowly add milk while whisking. Once thickened, stir in the cheese until smooth. Season with dry mustard, salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika.

Combine pasta and cheese sauce. Pour into a greased baking dish. Top with extra cheese and breadcrumbs if you want that crust. Bake at 350F for about 25 minutes.

Flavor and Texture Balance

Rich, creamy, and sharp from the cheddar. The double cheddar macaroni and cheese brings a savory depth that complements the sweetness of a honey glaze beautifully.

Best Occasion to Serve It

Any holiday dinner, potluck, or Southern ham dinner. Kids love it too, so it’s a safe bet when feeding a crowd with mixed ages. Works for Christmas ham sides or a casual Sunday supper.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Prepare and refrigerate unbaked for up to a day. Add 10 extra minutes to bake time if going straight from the fridge. Freeze baked mac and cheese for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions

Keep the rest of the plate green. Pair with roasted broccoli or a light Caesar salad. For those planning a full mac and cheese dinner menu, the sides should stay simple.

Sweet Potato Casserole

Why It Works with Honey Baked Ham

Sweet meets sweet, and it shouldn’t work. But it does. The maple sweet potato casserole has an earthy depth that the honey glaze on the ham just amplifies.

Your mileage may vary on the marshmallow topping debate. Personally, I go pecan streusel every time.

Ingredients You Need

• 4 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cinnamon, pinch of nutmeg
• Pecan streusel topping (or marshmallows, your call)

How to Make It

Boil sweet potatoes until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash until smooth.

Mix in butter, brown sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla, and spices. Transfer to a greased baking dish.

Top with pecan streusel (pecans, brown sugar, flour, melted butter mixed together) and bake at 350F for 30 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Flavor and Texture Balance

Warm spices, natural sweetness from the potatoes, and that crunchy pecan topping. It creates a sweet and savory bridge between the ham and the rest of the holiday table.

Best Occasion to Serve It

Thanksgiving ham sides, Christmas dinner, Easter brunch. This is one of those make-ahead holiday dishes that actually tastes better the next day. Also perfect for feeding a large crowd.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Prepare the base up to 2 days ahead. Store covered in the fridge. Add the topping right before baking. Leftovers stay good for 4 days refrigerated.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with something savory like roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans to balance the sweetness. A simple fruit salad with cranberry sauce on the side works too.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Why It Works with Honey Baked Ham

Brussels sprouts roasted at high heat get caramelized and slightly bitter on the edges. That bitterness cuts right through the sweetness of a honey baked ham like nothing else can.

If you think you hate Brussels sprouts, you probably haven’t had them roasted properly. 425F. Cut side down. Trust me.

Ingredients You Need

• 1.5 lbs Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

How to Make It

Toss halved sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread cut-side down on a lined baking sheet. Give them space. Crowding means steaming, not roasting.

Roast at 425F for 20 to 25 minutes until the edges are golden brown and crispy. Toss with balsamic vinegar and Parmesan if you want to take it up a level.

Flavor and Texture Balance

Crispy outer leaves, tender center, and that caramelized edge that gives a nutty sweetness. The slight bitterness is exactly what a honey glazed ham dinner needs on the plate.

Best Occasion to Serve It

Christmas ham dinner, Thanksgiving, or any weeknight where you just want a quick roasted vegetable side. Takes less than 30 minutes total.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Prep and halve sprouts up to a day ahead. Store in a bag in the fridge. Roast fresh for the best texture. Leftovers keep up to 5 days but lose their crispiness.

Serving Suggestions

Drizzle with a honey balsamic glaze or toss with dried cranberries and pecans for a holiday twist. These go great alongside mashed potatoes and pork tenderloin sides too.

Creamed Spinach

Why It Works with Honey Baked Ham

Rich, creamy, and packed with garlic. Creamed spinach brings a savory counterpoint to the honey baked ham’s sweet glaze. It’s the kind of steakhouse side that makes any holiday dinner feel a bit more special.

Ingredients You Need

• 2 lbs fresh spinach (or 20 oz frozen, thawed and drained)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg

How to Make It

Wilt the spinach in a large pan. Drain well and squeeze out excess moisture. This step is not optional. Watery spinach ruins the whole thing.

In the same pan, melt butter, cook garlic for about 30 seconds. Add cream cheese and heavy cream, stir until smooth. Fold in the spinach and Parmesan. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

Flavor and Texture Balance

Velvety smooth with that garlicky kick. The creamed spinach adds richness without heaviness, and the nutmeg quietly ties it to the warm spice profile of the ham.

Best Occasion to Serve It

Holiday ham dinner, Easter brunch, or any dinner party where you want an impressive vegetable side that takes about 15 minutes. Great for a roast beef dinner as well.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Make it fully ahead and reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream. Stores well for 3 days in the fridge. Don’t freeze it, though. The texture goes weird.

Serving Suggestions

Serve in a warm dish alongside scalloped potatoes and dinner rolls. It’s a natural fit for any Southern ham dinner spread.

Glazed Carrots

Why It Works with Honey Baked Ham

Glazed carrots bring a natural sweetness that mirrors the ham’s honey coating. But they also add a pop of color to your plate that potatoes and casseroles just can’t provide.

Simple, quick, and always a crowd-pleaser. I keep coming back to this one because it takes almost no effort.

Ingredients You Need

• 2 lbs carrots, peeled and cut on the bias
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It

Simmer carrots in salted water until just tender, about 8 minutes. Drain.

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add honey and thyme. Toss in the carrots and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they’re coated in that sticky glaze and slightly caramelized.

Flavor and Texture Balance

Sweet, buttery, and slightly herbal from the thyme. The carrots keep a bit of bite, which adds texture alongside softer sides like mashed potatoes and casseroles.

Best Occasion to Serve It

Easter dinner, Christmas ham meal, Thanksgiving. Also a solid weeknight side when you’ve got leftover ham. Ready in under 20 minutes.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Blanch carrots ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Glaze them fresh right before serving for the best texture. Leftovers last about 4 days.

Serving Suggestions

Plate alongside roasted asparagus and cornbread stuffing for a balanced holiday dinner menu. Works perfectly next to any baked chicken spread too.

Cornbread Stuffing

Why It Works with Honey Baked Ham

Cornbread stuffing brings a slightly sweet, crumbly texture that soaks up all the juices from the ham. It’s a Southern ham dinner staple that bridges the gap between bread and a proper side dish.

Ingredients You Need

• 1 batch Jiffy corn muffin mix (or homemade cornbread), crumbled
• 4 cups cubed white bread, toasted
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 1 cup onion, diced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 tsp dried sage, salt, and pepper

How to Make It

Saute celery and onion in butter until tender. In a large bowl, combine crumbled cornbread, toasted bread cubes, sauteed vegetables, sage, salt, and pepper.

Pour in the broth and eggs. Mix until just combined. Don’t overmix.

Transfer to a greased baking dish and bake at 350F for 35 to 40 minutes until the top is golden and the center is set.

Flavor and Texture Balance

Slightly sweet from the cornbread, savory from the sage and broth. The crispy top and moist center give you contrasting textures that feel right at home next to a holiday ham.

Best Occasion to Serve It

Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas feast, Easter. Any holiday where you’re carving a spiral ham. Cornbread stuffing disappears fast, so make extra.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Assemble the stuffing a day before and refrigerate unbaked. Add 10 minutes to bake time. Stores for 4 days in the fridge. Freezes well for up to 2 months.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with cranberry sauce and roasted vegetables. If you’re also serving ham sides beyond what’s on this list, cornbread stuffing gives the meal a real Southern feel.

Mashed Potatoes

Why It Works with Honey Baked Ham

Look, mashed potatoes go with everything. But with honey baked ham specifically, the buttery smoothness of the potatoes acts like a blank canvas that lets the ham’s glaze take center stage.

There’s a reason every holiday dinner table has a bowl of these.

Ingredients You Need

• 3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream, warmed
• Salt and white pepper
• Chives for garnish (optional)

How to Make It

Boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain well.

Mash with butter first, then gradually add the warm milk. Season generously. The key? Don’t overwork them. Nobody wants gluey potatoes.

Flavor and Texture Balance

Silky, buttery, and comforting. Loaded mashed potatoes with cheese, bacon, and chives work too if you want to go all out. But even the basic version holds its own against a sweet ham.

Best Occasion to Serve It

Every single holiday dinner. Every Sunday supper. Every potluck. Mashed potatoes are the side dish that never goes out of style alongside meatloaf or ham alike.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Make them ahead and keep warm in a slow cooker on low with a bit of extra butter. Or prepare a day ahead and reheat in the oven at 350F, covered, adding a splash of cream to loosen them up. Stores for 4 days.

Serving Suggestions

Top with gravy if you’re serving turkey alongside the ham. Pair with any roasted vegetable side for a balanced plate. These work alongside virtually any main course.

Roasted Asparagus

Why It Works with Honey Baked Ham

Asparagus brings a bright, slightly grassy flavor that cuts through the richness of all those creamy casseroles on the table. It’s the green, fresh thing your holiday plate actually needs.

Plus, it takes about 12 minutes to roast. That’s it.

Ingredients You Need

• 2 bunches asparagus, trimmed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Lemon juice (optional)
• Shaved Parmesan (optional)

How to Make It

Toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet.

Roast at 400F for 10 to 12 minutes until tender with slightly crispy tips. Finish with a squeeze of lemon and shaved Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy.

Flavor and Texture Balance

Bright, earthy, and slightly nutty when roasted. The roasted asparagus with lemon and Dijon mustard variation adds a tangy punch that pairs beautifully with honey baked ham’s sweet profile.

Best Occasion to Serve It

Easter dinner, spring holiday meals, or any ham dinner where you want something light. Asparagus is in peak season during spring, which lines up perfectly with Easter ham season.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Trim and prep asparagus ahead of time, but roast it fresh. It goes limp fast. Leftovers store for about 3 days but won’t have that crispy snap.

Serving Suggestions

Wrap spears in prosciutto for an appetizer twist. Or serve alongside lobster tails if you’re doing a surf-and-turf holiday spread with the ham.

FAQ on What Side Dish Goes With Honey Baked Ham

What are the best side dishes for honey baked ham?

Scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole, macaroni and cheese, roasted Brussels sprouts, and sweet potato casserole top the list. These classics balance the sweet glaze with savory, creamy, or roasted flavors that round out any holiday dinner.

What vegetables go well with honey baked ham?

Roasted asparagus, glazed carrots, Brussels sprouts, and creamed spinach all pair well. The key is picking vegetables that add brightness or a slight bitterness to contrast the ham’s honey glaze.

What potato dish goes best with ham?

Scalloped potatoes and mashed potatoes are the top picks. Au gratin potatoes with sharp cheddar work great too. Yukon Gold potatoes have a naturally buttery flavor that complements the sweetness of the ham.

Can I make side dishes ahead of time for a ham dinner?

Yes. Most casseroles, including sweet potato casserole and cornbread stuffing, can be assembled a day or two ahead. Refrigerate covered and bake fresh. Roasted vegetables should be prepped ahead but cooked right before serving.

What bread goes with honey baked ham?

Dinner rolls, cornbread, and Hawaiian rolls are the most popular choices. King’s Hawaiian Rolls are a crowd favorite because their slight sweetness echoes the ham’s glaze without overwhelming the plate.

What side dishes work for Easter ham dinner?

Roasted asparagus, deviled eggs, scalloped potatoes, and a light fruit salad are classic Easter picks. Spring vegetables are in season, so lean into fresh sides that keep the Easter dinner feeling bright.

What side dish balances the sweetness of honey baked ham?

Savory options like creamed spinach, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a tangy coleslaw work best. Anything with a bit of acidity, garlic, or bitterness creates the right contrast against the sweet ham glaze.

What casserole goes with honey baked ham?

Green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, broccoli casserole, and corn pudding are all solid options. Cheesy potatoes au gratin is another go-to. These hold well on a buffet and feed a crowd easily.

How many side dishes should I serve with ham?

Plan for three to five sides depending on your crowd size. A good mix includes one starch, one vegetable, one salad or fruit, and a bread. That covers most tastes at any holiday dinner table.

What salad pairs well with honey baked ham?

A Caesar salad, simple spinach salad with cranberries and pecans, or a classic potato salad all work. Something with a vinaigrette-based dressing cuts through the richness of the ham and heavier sides nicely.

Conclusion

Picking what side dish goes with honey baked ham doesn’t need to be complicated. You just need a few dishes that balance sweet, savory, and fresh flavors on the same plate.

Stick with tried-and-true options like scalloped potatoes, cornbread stuffing, and roasted vegetables for your holiday table. Add a creamy casserole or two. Throw in a bright salad.

The best holiday ham dinners aren’t about one perfect side. They’re about variety. A mix of starches, greens, and something with a little crunch gives everyone at the table something to reach for.

Most of these easy sides for ham dinner can be prepped ahead, which saves you time on Christmas morning or Easter Sunday. Plan your menu early, prep what you can, and enjoy the meal with your people.