Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and if you’re planning to serve smoked ham as your centerpiece, you’re going to need some stellar side dishes to accompany it. After all, a ham without sides is like a turkey without gravy—unthinkable. So, let’s dive into some delicious side dish ideas that will not only complement your ham but might just steal the show.
The creamy contenders
- Mashed Potatoes: The classic choice. These creamy clouds of buttery goodness are the perfect partner for your ham. They’re like the Ross to your Rachel, the peanut butter to your jelly. Just make sure you make enough because these will disappear faster than you can say “Thanksgiving nap”.
The best and creamiest mashed potatoes (Ahead of Thyme)
The best mashed potatoes (Gimme Some Oven)
12 delicious ways to update your mashed potatoes (Country Living)
- Scalloped Potatoes: If you want to get fancy, scalloped potatoes are the way to go. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes swimming in a sea of cream and cheese—it’s basically a potato lasagna, and who wouldn’t want that? Just be careful if you are using a mandolin to slice your potatoes, nobody wants to make a trip to the hospital on Thanksgiving.
Cheesy scalloped potatoes (I Am Baker)
The BEST scalloped potatoes (Chef Savvy)
Veggie victors
- Green Bean Casserole: This dish is so quintessentially Thanksgiving that it might as well have its own float in the parade. With its creamy mushroom sauce and crispy onion topping, it’s a crowd-pleaser that even your picky cousin Larry will eat.
Make modern green bean casserole from scratch (I am a food blog)
Ultimate green bean casserole (Good wives blog)
Homemade green bean casserole (The salt & stone) - Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts: Brussels sprouts get a bad rap, but when you add maple syrup and bacon, they transform into little green nuggets of joy. Plus, bacon makes everything better, right?
Maple bacon brussel sprouts (Erin o’ Brien)
Maple bacon brussel sprouts gluten-free (Whole kitchen sink) - Honey Roasted Carrots: Sweet and savory, these carrots are like nature’s candy. They’re perfect for those moments when you want to pretend you’re eating healthy while actually indulging in sugary goodness.
Honey Roasted Carrots – (Dinner at the Zoo)
Honey Roasted Carrots – (Jo Cooks)
Honey Brown Sugar Roasted Carrots – (Creme De La Crumb)
Bread basket bonanza
- Rosemary Cornbread: This isn’t just any cornbread; it’s cornbread with an attitude. The rosemary adds a touch of sophistication—because who says carbs can’t be classy?
Rosemary Cornbread – (Ahead of Thyme)
Rosemary Cornbread – (Countryside Cravings)
Easy Cornbread with Corn, Rosemary, and Cheddar – (Kate’s Best Recipes) - Cheesy Garlic Dinner Rolls: Soft, fluffy, and oozing with cheese and garlic, these rolls are like little pillows of happiness. Just try not to eat them all before dinner starts.
Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Bread Rolls – (Munchin’ With Maddie)
Cheesy Garlic Bread Rolls – (Gayathri’s Cook Spot)
Cheesy Garlic Butterflake Rolls – (Spiced Blog)
Salad stars
- Classic Coleslaw: A crisp coleslaw can cut through the richness of ham like a knife through butter (or like your aunt cutting through family drama at the dinner table). It’s refreshing and adds that needed crunch to your plate.
Hill Country Coleslaw – (Sweet and Saucy)
Classic Coleslaw – (Lauren’s Latest)
Creamy Coleslaw Recipe – (Love and Lemons) - Mexican Street Corn Salad: Add some zest to your meal with this vibrant salad. It’s got corn, cheese, and all the flavors of a fiesta—perfect for when you want your Thanksgiving dinner to have a little extra spice.
Mexican Street Corn Salad – (Lexi’s Clean Kitchen)
Healthy Mexican Street Corn Salad – (Erin Lives Whole)
Mexican Street Corn and Sausage Salad – (A Day in the Life on the Farm)
Sweet endings
- Candied Sweet Potatoes: These are sweet potatoes on steroids—coated in sugar and spice and everything nice (like marshmallows). They’re basically dessert disguised as a side dish, which is why we love them.
Glazed Sweet Potatoes – (Taste of Home)
Best Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows – (Delish) - Homemade Applesauce: If you’re looking for something simple yet satisfying, applesauce is your answer. It pairs beautifully with ham and adds a touch of sweetness without stealing the spotlight.
Easy Homemade Applesauce Recipe – (Natasha’s Kitchen)
Perfect Homemade Applesauce Recipe – (Inspired Taste)
Classic Homemade Applesauce Recipe – (Pinch of Yum)
Remember, Thanksgiving is all about balance—balancing flavours on your plate and balancing how many times you can go back for seconds without judgment from Grandma.
So there you have it. A lineup of side dishes that will make your smoked ham sing (or at least hum contentedly). Whether you’re going for creamy comfort or vibrant veggies, these sides are sure to please everyone at the table—and maybe even inspire some new family traditions.
Now go forth and conquer Thanksgiving dinner with confidence! Just don’t forget to save room for pie… because let’s be honest, that’s why we’re all really here.
