31 Amazing Side Dishes For Ham With Sweet & Smoky Flavor

Ham is one of the most popular foods in the world, and for a good reason! It’s satisfying and healthy.

Paired with a delicious array of side dishes that can be made with canned or frozen ingredients, getting your ram on doesn’t have to take as long as you think.

Take a quick at the different Ham side dishes, their preparation time, and the calorie content per serving.

Ham Side Dishes: Quick Table

Recipe	Calories (Per Serving)	Preparation Time
Cauliflower Rice	74	18 Minutes
Creamed Spinach	274	15 Minutes
Cornbread With Honey Butter	160	1 Hour
Deviled Eggs	80	20 Minutes
Creamy Cucumber Salad	109	1 Hour 5 Minutes
Eggplant Roll-Ups	141	1 Hour 30 Minutes
Chicken Wings	243	1 Hour 30 Minutes
Ramen	470	30 Minutes
Fried Plantains	68	15 Minutes
Pumpkin Pie	206	1 Hour
Baked potato	321	1 Hour 5 Minutes
Mashed potatoes	88	35 Minutes
Green beans	47	20 Minutes
Broccoli	31	15 Minutes
Rice Pilaf	359	45 Minutes
Potato Skins	248	1 Hour 30 Minutes
Onion Rings	275	30 Minutes
Potato Salad	662	1 Hour 40 Minutes
Tater Tots	68	40 Minutes
Braised Beef Short Ribs	305	8 Hours 15 Minutes
Pita Bread	280	2 Hours 15 Minutes
Creamy Macaroni and Cheese	642	1 Hour
Roasted Green Beans	71	30 Minutes
Baked Beans	155	20 Minutes
Vegetable Medley	203	40 Minutes
Sautéed Greens	143	10 Minutes
Quinoa	160	20 Minutes
Fried Okra	183	20 Minutes
Cornbread Stuffing	504	12 Hours 30 Minutes
Mashed Sweet Potatoes	267	25 Minutes
Dinner Rolls	310	3 Hours 40 Minutes

Dinner is the most important meal of the day, and it’s always nice to have some side dishes to go with your entrée. You might be a little bit too busy to spend time cooking up a full-course meal, so these are great options for an easy side dish.

Soups, salads, and other side dishes take time, but they’re worth it as they make even the simplest entrée something special.

It’s time to prepare your appetite with these 31 ham side dishes!

1. Cauliflower Rice 

This dish is one of the best ham side dishes because it contains so many nutrients! 

You can choose to add chicken, pork, or shrimp to the dish with some vegetables or just enjoy it on its own as an appetizer!

Calories Per Serving: 74

Preparation Time: 18 Minutes

2. Creamed Spinach 

This may seem strange, but it is one of the best ham side dishes. The entire dish is rich and creamy, but you will hardly notice that it has spinach in it. 

It is often eaten with meats and goes great with any kind of meat you choose. Enjoy your dinner with this.

Calories Per Serving: 274

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

3. Cornbread With Honey Butter 

One of the simpler dishes on this list. Cornbread with honey butter is a popular side dish for any meal. 

The bread can be found at almost any grocery store and comes in a variety of flavors, but having honey butter on top makes the dish even better! You will want to put some on top every time you enjoy this fantastic dish!

Calories Per Serving: 160

Preparation Time: 1 Hour

4. Deviled Eggs 

These eggs may look like they are challenging to make, but they can be made quickly. They are suitable for almost any meal and contain a spicy flavor that will leave your mouth watering for more! 

This delicious dish can be easily prepared in under 30 minutes and looks great on a plate with another side dish and meat. Do not forget to add some hot sauce!

Calories Per Serving: 80

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

5. Creamy Cucumber Salad 

Cucumbers are one of the most common vegetables in the world, but this dish is quite uncommon. 

It is made with cucumbers and then mixed with sour cream to create a wonderful taste. This side dish can be eaten any time during the day and looks great on any plate!

Calories Per Serving: 109

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 5 Minutes

6. Eggplant Roll-Ups 

These roll-ups are a very popular dish because of their appearance. They can be found in nearly every store and look amazing! 

The combination of ingredients found in these rolls is delicious, but the fact that they are rolled up makes it even better. They have a unique taste that you have to try!

Calories Per Serving: 141

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 30 Minutes

RELATED: 15 Outstanding Honey Baked Ham Recipes

7. Chicken Wings 

These little chicken drumsticks come with tangy sauces that add flavor to an otherwise underappreciated part of the chicken. 

Chicken wings are perfect for parties and watching sports. There are also spicy flavors that might tickle your tongue a little bit, and they’re an excellent source of vitamin A and vitamin B.

Calories Per Serving: 243

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 20 Minutes

8. Ramen 

Ramen is found in Asian restaurants across the country and can be a hearty meal to warm you right up on a cold day. 

Ramen is a delicious noodle soup that’s seasoned and flavored in many different ways. It’s an excellent dish for those who are looking for a cheap dinner option or are looking to experience something new.

Calories Per Serving: 470

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

9. Fried Plantains 

Fried anything is appetizing, but plantains are one of the most delicious foods on the face of this earth. 

They’re starchy, sweet and savory – what more could you want in food? I recommend making a quick caramel sauce with extra sugar to pour on top. It’s easy to make and delicious as well!

Calories Per Serving: 68

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

10. Pumpkin Pie 

This is an unusual choice for South Asian cuisine, but it works well! The curry spices, along with the meaty texture of pumpkin, make for a hearty dish that’s almost desert-like. 

You can serve it with a bit of whipped cream or ice cream if you want. They will make your taste buds happy.

Calories Per Serving: 206

Preparation Time: 1 Hour

11. Baked Potato 

Inexpensive and delicious, baked potatoes are naturally low in calories. Cooked in their skins, they are an excellent source of fiber and contain vitamin C as well. 

They can be twisted into playful shapes that kids will love and are famous for parties because they can be served buffet-style. It doesn’t get much better than this popular side dish!

Calories  Per Serving: 321

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 5 Minutes

12. Mashed Potatoes 

The ultimate comfort food, mashed potatoes are a favorite ham side dish at Denny’s and a staple of many Americans’ diets. 

These spuds have a creamy texture and make any entrée more filling and hearty. They are a low-calorie dish and can be prepared with butter and milk to make them extra creamy.

Calories Per Serving: 88

Preparation Time: 35 Minutes

RELATED: 21 Delicious Leftover Ham Recipes — No More Food Waste!

13. Green Beans 

Frying doesn’t necessarily have to be so bad. Steamed green beans are a healthier alternative to deep-fried vegetables. 

Green beans are very low in calories and saturated fat and high in dietary fiber. If you’re looking for something lighter, try cooking them with bacon instead of bacon grease!

Calories Per Serving: 47

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

14. Broccoli 

Broccoli is rich in calcium, folate, and Vitamin C and can be prepared in many different ways. Sautéed, steamed, or baked, broccoli is a delicious vegetable side dish. 

And if you’re watching your calorie intake, consider ordering it grilled instead of sautéed – you’ll save yourself nearly 100 calories per serving!

Calories Per Serving: 31

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

15. Rice Pilaf 

Rice pilaf is another versatile ham side dish option, coming in steamed and baked varieties.

Boiling your rice before cooking ensures that there are no added fats or preservatives present when cooking the rice with chicken broth, onions, and seasonings. 

This dish is an excellent source of manganese and selenium, both of which are essential for good health.

Calories Per Serving: 359

Preparation Time: 45 Minutes

16. Potato Skins 

Potato skins pair well with all the other ham side dishes, but they are especially tasty with French fries! Loaded with salt and butter, this item is high in saturated fat. 

But the high caloric content is balanced out by the low fat and fiber contents of this side dish, making it a healthy choice.

Calories Per Serving: 248

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 30 Minutes

17. Onion Rings 

Onions are an excellent source of fiber and potassium and a good source of manganese, vitamin B6 and folate. 

Onions are also high in potassium, which is a key food that is essential for normal blood pressure. Onions contain over twice the amount of vitamin B6 as bananas do, making this a healthier alternative to French fries.

Calories Per Serving: 275

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

18. Potato Salad 

Potato salad makes a great side dish with all the other ham side dishes on the menu—and it’s inexpensive, too! Potato salad is packed with two grams of fiber per serving and 1 gram of fat or less per serving. 

The best part about this recipe is that it can be prepared buffalo style, which adds much-needed flavor to your meal without being too heavy or greasy!

Calories Per Serving: 663

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 40 Minutes

RELATED: How Do You Cook A Bone In A Ham?

19. Tater Tots 

Tater tots are fried potatoes cut into small pieces and served with ketchup or sour cream on the side or dipped in it (if you ask for it). 

Tater tots can be fried on a griddle, deep-fried in oil at home, or grilled. Tater tot nuggets also make for another tasty ham side dish!

Calories Per Serving: 68

Preparation Time: 40 Minutes

20. Braised Beef Short Ribs 

Braised short ribs are delicious and so filling that you’ll want two! This dish is chock-full of vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals that help to lower cholesterol, reduce your risk of cancer and boost your immune system function. 

Beef short ribs are also high in protein and low in fat, making them a healthy alternative to other ham side dishes.

Calories Per Serving: 305

Preparation Time: 8 Hours 15 Minutes

21. Pita Bread 

This versatile bread is an essential part of the Middle East’s cuisine, and many argue that it is the most delicious of all wheat-based flatbreads. 

Traditionally, pita is dipped in olive oil and sometimes garlic and served as a side dish at many meat meals. It’s also used as a wrap for more adventurous foods like kibbeh and falafel.

Calories Per Serving: 280

Preparation Time: 2 Hours 15 Minutes

22. Creamy Macaroni And Cheese 

This dish is one of the best ham side dishes because it is so simple and easy to make! While it may come off as a little boring, this can easily be turned into a meal by adding steak and vegetables. 

You can also use it as an appetizer by adding shrimp or chicken to the top.

Calories Per Serving: 642

Preparation Time: 1 Hour

23. Roasted Green Beans 

This is another simple dish that is often overlooked, but it is one of the best ham side dishes to add to any meal. 

Most green beans are served in a delicious butter and salt combination but can also be served with other toppings if you prefer. Add some chicken or a baked potato, and you have a meal!

Calories Per Serving: 71

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

24. Baked Beans 

This is another one of the best ham side dishes to try. This dish is great by itself, but adding some vegetables or even a piece of chicken will make it even better! 

The beans are usually covered in sauce and can be eaten with cornbread or crackers as well.

Calories Per Serving: 155

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

RELATED: Can You Eat A Ham That Has Been Frozen For 2 Years?

25. Vegetable Medley 

This is one of the best ham side dishes because it is so healthy! This dish comes in various varieties but often contains broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower. 

These vegetables are combined with a tasty sauce and can be added to any meat to make it even better. You can also eat it by itself or with some cauliflower rice for an appetizer.

Calories Per Serving: 203

Preparation Time: 40 Minutes

26. Sautéed Greens 

This is another one of the best ham side dishes because you can add anything to it! Sautéed greens are delicious when eaten as a side dish or entree if you add a protein such as a steak or chicken. 

You can also add potatoes and onions if you want! You can also try sautéing it with some diced tomatoes and garlic for a great pizza topping as well.

Calories Per Serving: 143

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

27. Quinoa 

Quinoa is a grain that was invented by the Inca over 2000 years ago and has recently been brought back into popularity. It is one of the best ham side dishes because it has so many nutrients and can be served with a variety of meats. 

This grain is not for picky eaters, but once you get past the texture and taste, you will find that you love it!

Calories Per Serving: 160

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

28. Fried Okra 

This may seem strange to put on a list of the best ham side dishes, but it is a popular dish to add to any meal. 

It can be added as an appetizer or as a side dish, depending on what kind of meat you are serving and how much time you have before dinner is ready.

Calories Per Serving: 183

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

29. Cornbread Stuffing 

The best part about this dish is that no one will tell you the ingredients, and you are free to use your ingredients to create the perfect mixture for your meal. You can make this dish up ahead of time and put it in a bowl before serving it. 

This will not only help you make the meal quicker; it is also one of the best ham side dishes because no one has to know how you made it or what is in it!

Calories Per Serving: 504

Preparation Time: 12 Hours 30 Minutes

30. Mashed Sweet Potatoes 

This dish is one of the best ham side dishes because it can be made in so many different ways. It can be served alone, added to a meat or vegetable dish, and is even great as a side dish. 

If you are looking for something different, try adding a little bit of butter or cream cheese to your mashed potatoes!

Calories Per Serving: 267

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes

RELATED: How Long Does Cured Ham Last In The Fridge (And Freezer)

31. Dinner Rolls 

This may seem like an odd choice for this list, but the dinner roll is more common than most realize. 

It can be served as an appetizer or added to any other dish to give it a bit of extra flavor and class. The dinner roll is one of the best ham side dishes because it adds so much to any meal.

Calories Per Serving: 310

Preparation Time: 3 Hours 40 Minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is A Typical Menu For A Side Dish Of Ham?

There are many different approaches to planning a side dish menu of ham based on the season. In wintertime, it is common to serve soup with ham.

For example, split pea soup goes well with ham that has been slow-cooked for a few hours in the crock pot.

In the spring, summer, and fall, side dishes for ham might include a garden salad with tomatoes and cucumbers. A variety of beans are another possibility.

What Are Some Popular Side Dishes?

Side dishes are an essential part of every great meal! 

The following side dishes would make a wonderful side dish at your next family dinner, including fresh green beans, sautéed zucchini and squash, fruit salad, roasted vegetables, garden salad, mashed potatoes, and white rice. 

What Goes Well With Ham And Beans? 

Butternut squash is a good accompaniment to Ham and Beans.

Served with ham and bean soup, it makes a tasty accompaniment. If you are thinking about serving ham and bean soup, sweet potato fries, garlic spaghetti, applesauce, green chili cornbread, biscuits, and coconut rice, coleslaw is a great choice.