What to Serve with Cold Ham: 10 Delicious Side Dishes to Elevate Your Meal!

Updated on 
1 May, 2023

What To Serve With Cold Ham

Are you looking to spruce up your next meal featuring cold ham? You’re in luck! With a little creativity, you can prepare an innovative and delicious meal that everyone will love. From classic sides to creative upgrades, we’ve got all the inspiration you need for what to serve with cold ham.

A traditional side dish is always a great way to go when it comes to serving cold ham. Think of some of your favorite dishes- mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, sweet potatoes - and elevate them with unique spices or flavors.

For instance, try adding some garlic or rosemary for a savory twist on mashed potatoes. Or sprinkle some cinnamon onto sweet potatoes for a hint of sweetness. Get creative and have fun with it!

Traditional Sides

For those who are looking to serve a classic meal alongside cold ham, there are several traditional sides that can be added to the menu. Many of these dishes bring a hint of nostalgia with every bite and help to create an atmosphere of comfort and familiarity.

An ideal place to start is with potatoes, particularly mashed potatoes. These fluffy yet creamy morsels pair perfectly with the salty taste of cured ham, making them an excellent choice for those seeking something simple yet satisfying.

Another option is green beans cooked in a buttery garlic sauce. This delectable combination adds depth and flavor and helps to bring out the best qualities of the ham.

Finally, adding a grain dish such as pilaf or farro helps to round out the plate in both texture and nutrition. The nutty flavor pairs well with the meatiness of the ham providing a well balanced meal that guests will find hard not to love.

With these traditional sides added to the table, one can have confidence that their meal will be both delicious and memorable. Moving beyond tradition, salads and veggies can also add freshness and variety....

Salads And Veggies

Salads and veggies are the perfect accompaniment to cold ham.

A crisp green salad is a great way to bring texture and flavor to the plate. To add a bit of sweetness, top with sliced apples or pears. Or make a classic Waldorf salad with celery, apples, grapes, and walnuts for an extra crunch.

If you're looking for something heartier, roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, and cauliflower pair perfectly with ham. To elevate the dish even more, add some crumbled feta cheese or diced red onion for a punch of flavor.

For those who prefer lighter fare, try cucumber slices with red onion and cherry tomatoes dressed in olive oil and balsamic vinegar. A creamy potato salad is also a great option - combine boiled potatoes with mayonnaise, mustard, hard-boiled eggs, celery and dill pickles for an irresistible side dish that's sure to please everyone!

No matter what you choose to serve alongside your cold ham platter it'll be sure to impress your friends and family.

With so many options available it's easy to create an elegantly prepared yet simple meal that will wow guests every time!

Transitioning seamlessly into the next course of grains and pasta dishes offers an abundance of possibilities when it comes to pairing them with the salty cured meat.

Grains And Pasta

Following the salads and veggies, a great accompaniment to cold ham is grains and pasta.

For example, quinoa provides an excellent source of protein as well as being gluten-free. It has a nutty flavor that blends nicely with many dishes and can be cooked in a variety of ways. The options for grains are nearly endless:

  • Rice - white, brown, or wild
  • Barley - hulled or pearled
  • Farro - semi-pearled or whole grain
  • Bulgur wheat - cracked or steamed

Grains provide an ideal base for main dishes, side dishes, and salads. Cook them in vegetable stocks for added flavor and nutrition. Whether it’s boiled, simmered, or baked in the oven with herbs and spices, there's something to please everyone's palate.

For those looking to add some carbs to their mealtime experience, try one of the many types of pasta available today. From spaghetti to fusilli; penne to fettuccine; macaroni to rigatoni; and farfalle to rotini – there's plenty of choices that can be topped with sauces like pesto or alfredo.

In addition to being versatile ingredients for meals all year round, grains and pasta provide texture and flavor when paired with cold ham. With so much potential on the plate, it's no surprise they are such popular accompaniments!

To complete your mealtime masterpiece why not explore the world of baked goods and breads?

Baked Goods And Breads

Ah, cold ham! The old standby of every family gathering and holiday dinner. What could possibly complement this classic entree? Baked goods and breads, of course!

From the classic slice of white to the more daring artisanal sourdough, there's something for everyone — no matter what their taste buds crave.

Start off with a side dish of fluffy dinner rolls that are sure to please any crowd. Or serve up a basket full of warm pita or focaccia breads — ideal for dipping in succulent sauces or stuffing with creative fillings. If you want something a bit heartier, look no further than crunchy baguettes or hearty rye breads. And let's not forget those delicious slices of French toast or cinnamon swirls that pair perfectly with a dollop of butter.

For something even sweeter, why not try some fresh-baked cookies or scones? Or whip up some delectable muffins or crumb cakes to satisfy even the sweetest tooth.

Whatever you choose, it’s sure to be a hit at your table — elevating each bite of cold ham into an unforgettable meal experience. With these delectable baked goods and breads by your side, you can bring your next gathering to life in no time!

Time now to explore unique toppings and sauces that will take this already amazing dish over the top…

Unique Toppings And Sauces

For a unique twist on cold ham, try out some interesting topping and sauces. From sweet to savory, here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

  • Sweet Toppings
  • Honey or maple syrup
  • Jam or marmalade
  • Chutney or caramelized onions
  • Savory Toppings
  • Mustard or horseradish sauce
  • Crushed red pepper flakes or Tabasco sauce
  • Aioli, pesto, or any type of spreadable cheese
  • Sauces
  • BBQ sauce or teriyaki glaze
  • Cranberry sauce or apple butter
  • Ketchup, mayonnaise, ranch dressing, etc.

If you combine a few of these ingredients together for a delicious marinade before serving the cold ham, you'll be sure to have an unforgettable meal! Experiment with different flavors and create something that everyone will love.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Types Of Vegetables Are Best Paired With Cold Ham?

The perfect pairing for cold ham is one that creates a symphony of flavors.
Roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, and sweet carrots are the ideal vegetables to bring out the subtle nuances in the ham. The vibrant colors of these vegetables will tantalize your taste buds and make your mouth water.
Roast the asparagus with a little olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice for an added zing. Steam the broccoli until it's tender and pair it with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. Finally, top off the plate with slices of sweet carrots cooked to perfection in butter or coconut oil.
Together, this combination of flavors will create a dish that will have your guests clamoring for more!

What Is The Best Type Of Grain Or Pasta Dish To Serve With Cold Ham?

When it comes to pairing cold ham with a grain or pasta dish, there are plenty of options!
Consider a classic macaroni and cheese, which adds a creamy, cheesy flavor to the salty ham.
Alternatively, try making a risotto with mushrooms and herbs for an earthy combination.
Or for something light and refreshing, mix up some couscous with fresh vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers.
Whichever dish you choose, you'll be sure to have the perfect accompaniment for your cold ham!

How Can I Add A Unique Flavor To My Cold Ham Dish?

Are you looking to add a unique flavor to your cold ham dish? Spice it up with some unexpected ingredients and take it up a notch!
Here are a few ideas that will bring out the flavor of your dish and tantalize the taste buds: try adding some fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme; stir in some spicy mustard for an extra kick; or top off your dish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
With these delicious ingredients, you can create an unforgettable cold ham dish that everyone will love.

Are There Any Special Baking Instructions For Baking Goods With Cold Ham?

Baking with cold ham is a great way to add a unique flavor to your dish.
When baking with cold ham, it's important that you keep the temperature low and be mindful of the cooking time.
Since cold ham can often be salty, you'll want to use less salt in your recipe than usual.
Additionally, take into account that pre-cooked meats have already been cooked, so aim for a lower baking temperature and reduce the baking time accordingly.
With these tips in mind, you can easily incorporate cold ham into your favorite baked goods for an innovative flavor!

What Are Some Creative Topping And Sauce Ideas For Cold Ham?

Are you looking for something more than the classic mustard topping or cold ham sandwiches?
Spice up your next dish with some creative topping and sauce ideas! From a zesty olive tapenade to a tart cranberry glaze, these flavors will bring out the boldness of your cold ham.
Turn it into a gourmet experience with a creamy garlic-lemon sauce or an herby pesto dressing. With just a few simple ingredients, you can transform ordinary cold ham into a delicious culinary delight.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cold ham is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways.

It's great served with vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and asparagus, or grains and pasta dishes like couscous or macaroni salad.

To add a unique flavor, you could marinate the ham in a sweet-and-sour sauce or top it with pesto for a Mediterranean twist.

For baking goods like quiches or tarts, make sure to pre-bake the crust before adding the filling.

Finally, consider adding creative toppings such as mango salsa or honey mustard dressing to give your cold ham dish an exciting flavor profile.

So why not try something new and get creative with your next cold ham dinner?

Jennifer
Jennifer is a certified nutritionist and weight loss coach with a Master's in Nutrition from Cambridge. With over 10 years experience, she shares healthy recipes and science-backed slimming tips on SheCooksSheEats to help people reach their wellness goals. Jennifer stays up-to-date by regularly attending conferences and continuing her nutrition education. She aims to provide research-backed advice to inspire balanced, happy living.
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