Best Christmas Dinner Sides for Ham

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Ham might grab the spotlight, but the sides are what people actually remember. Creamy potatoes, cozy casseroles, and colorful veggie bakes do the heavy lifting, filling plates and starting conversations. These recipes bring all the festive vibes with smart shortcuts and dependable results, so you are not stuck juggling timers all day. Let’s finish that Christmas Dinner Menu strong.

honey baked ham 2


 

When planning Christmas dinner sides for ham, think balance. Ham brings salt, richness, and sometimes sweetness—so aim for variety. Creamy potatoes? Yes. Roasted veggies? Definitely. A fresh, crunchy salad or something tangy like cranberry sauce cuts through all that richness and keeps the plate interesting. Don’t be afraid to double up on the favorites—people will go back for seconds. If your oven space is limited (because, same), go for slow cooker or stovetop-friendly recipes like mashed potatoes or corn casserole. Bonus points if something can be made ahead—deviled eggs, rolls, and some casseroles hold up great with a little prep.

Best Christmas Dinner Sides For Ham

1
scalloped potatoes
Scalloped Potatoes
This easy recipe for Scalloped Potatoes is one you will make again and again. Extremely creamy and cheesy potato perfection!
Check out this recipe
2
Funeral Potatoes
Best Funeral Potatoes
Funeral Potatoes… everyone has a recipe for this popular casserole! Here is my creamy and oniony version!
Check out this recipe
3
A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with chopped chives, black pepper, and a pat of butter, with a spoon in the bowl.
Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes
Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes are smooth, buttery, and extra rich thanks to a generous dose of cream cheese. This recipe gives you perfectly fluffy potatoes every time with just the right balance of salt, butter, and creaminess.
Check out this recipe
4
Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes 7
Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
Crockpot Mashed Potatoes are smooth, silky, and extra creamy. Perfect make-ahead mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving or Christmas! My version is made without chicken broth.
Check out this recipe
5
bowl of garlic mashed potatoes
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
What could make Mashed Potatoes even better? GARLIC! Garlic Mashed Potatoes are so buttery, creamy, and more importantly garlicky.
Check out this recipe
6
potato rolls in a basket
Perfect Potato Rolls
These potato rolls are fluffy, soft, slightly sweet and nearly perfect in every way! Plus, if you have leftover mashed potatoes, this is a great way to get rid of them! Holla! I love carbs.
Check out this recipe
7
A round pull-apart bread wreath topped with cherry tomatoes and rosemary, arranged around a bowl of marinara sauce on a white wooden table with herbs and decorations.
Cheesy Pull-Apart Dinner Roll Wreath
You’ll want this Cheesy Pull-Apart Dinner Roll Wreath on your Christmas table because it delivers big holiday magic with almost no effort. The secret is frozen rolls, which let you shape a gorgeous, golden wreath without mixing or kneading a thing. It bakes into a fluffy ring with melty mozzarella and a glossy garlic butter finish.
Check out this recipe
8
Classic deviled eggs
Easy Deviled Eggs
A classic Deviled Eggs Recipe, just in time for Easter! This is the quintessential appetizer that everyone seems to love. 
Check out this recipe
9
Maple glazed carrots
Maple Glazed Carrots Recipe
Maple Glazed Carrots are the perfect, least fussy side dish for any holiday or Sunday supper. Delicious on their own, or fabulous with ham or turkey, these glazed carrots won't be forgotten anytime soon. Only one pan required!
Check out this recipe
10
oven roasted brussel sprouts on a parchment paper lined baking sheet
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
This super easy Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe is a delicious vegetable side dish. Perfectly golden and tender in the middle.
Check out this recipe
11
Baked Asparagus
Roasted Asparagus
Simple and quick this Oven Roasted Asparagus Recipe is the perfect vegetable side dish! Easily prepared while your main dish is cooking.
Check out this recipe
12
roasted green beans on baking tray
Roasted Green Beans
Roasted Green Beans are a quick and easy side dish to make that is packed full of flavor and nutrients! I could make this every night!
Check out this recipe
13
cooked roasted root vegetables on platter with spoon
Roasted Root Vegetables
Roasted Root Vegetables are what I crave with the first hint of that crisp Autumn air. Move over salad…make room for earthy, hearty, caramelized deliciousness in the form of oven roasted root vegetables. Measurements do not have to be exact…this is more of a technique than an exact recipe.
Check out this recipe
14
kale pomegranate and bacon salad with warm maple bacon dressing
Pomegranate Salad with Warm Maple Bacon Dressing
This Pomegranate Salad served with warm maple bacon dressing, is delicious all year round. Made with bacon, toasted almonds, and kale!
Check out this recipe
15
spooning cranberry sauce
Cranberry Sauce
This made from scratch Cranberry Sauce is perfect with Thanksgiving turkey and leftovers. It's easier to make than you think and so flavorful!
Check out this recipe
16
cornbread dressing on white plate
Cornbread Sausage Dressing
Cornbread Sausage Dressing is the perfect bread stuffing addition to your Thanksgiving spread!
Check out this recipe
17
Close up of green bean casserole
Green Bean Casserole with Bacon
This creamy, crispy Green Bean Casserole is everything you need and more for a perfect Thanksgiving meal. It's simply the best recipe!
Check out this recipe
18
Sweet potato casserole
Sweet Potato Casserole
Eaten as a side dish or a dessert this Sweet Potato Casserole is a classic Thanksgiving dish. Topped with a crumbly pecan streusel!
Check out this recipe
19
baked cauliflower au gratin
Cauliflower Au Gratin Recipe
Creamy, flavorful Cauliflower Au Gratin uses only a few simple ingredients and is an easy side dish perfect for Thanksgiving or any other day!
Check out this recipe
20
Spoonful of Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and Cheese
Nothing better than Macaroni and Cheese! Get this simple, classic, cheesy recipe for Macaroni and Cheese featuring three cheeses and a crispy, salty topping.
Check out this recipe
21
Corn casserole
Buttery Corn Casserole
Is there anything more comforting than a corn casserole? This slightly sweet and savory side dish is a 1-bowl, quick, fix it and forget it wonder that is perfect to serve at Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas or any weeknight.
Check out this recipe
22
A bowl filled with glazed meatballs sits on a table near a crockpot, toothpicks, and sprigs of fresh thyme.
Crockpot Cranberry Turkey Meatballs
If you’re looking for an easy, make-ahead appetizer that looks fancy but takes almost zero effort, these Crockpot Cranberry Turkey Meatballs are it. Juicy, herbed turkey meatballs simmer in a sweet and tangy cranberry-orange sauce that’s equal parts cozy and crowd-pleasing.
Check out this recipe
23
bite taken out of sausage-stuffed-mushrooms on plate
Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
These Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms are filled with a delicious sausage, two kinds of cheese, panko and herb mixture and baked to golden bubbly perfection. Fancy enough for a dinner party, but will fly off your casual party table as well.
Check out this recipe

Christmas ham is great—but the sides are what people talk about. These recipes bring the flavor, the comfort, and the “can I get that recipe?” energy to your holiday table. Mix and match your favorites and call it done.

How many side dishes should I serve with Christmas ham?

Plan on 3 to 5 side dishes, depending on your guest count. Aim for a mix: one potato dish, a vegetable or two, something fresh like a salad, and a bread or casserole. You want variety, but not chaos.

What sides can I make ahead and reheat without drying out?

Corn casserole, sweet potato casserole, funeral potatoes, and deviled eggs all hold up well when made a day ahead. Cover tightly and reheat low and slow to keep them moist and flavorful.

Do I need a salad with Christmas dinner?

It’s not required, but it helps. A fresh, crisp salad like the pomegranate one in this roundup adds color and cuts through the richness of ham and creamy sides. It’s a smart way to balance the plate.

If you make these recipes, I would really appreciate it if you would give them a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.

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Hi, I'm Katie, a professional recipe developer who spends countless hours perfecting recipes so you can know with confidence that what you see is exactly what you’ll get.

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