The holiday ham often serves as the centerpiece of the Christmas dinner table, its rich, savory flavor and sweet glaze defining the celebratory meal. Selecting the right accompaniments is important for creating a balanced and memorable dining experience. The goal is to choose side dishes that complement the ham’s inherent richness without overwhelming the palate. A thoughtful selection of starches, vegetables, and contrasting flavors ensures every element of the meal works in harmony.
Essential Starch and Vegetable Sides
Scalloped potatoes, also known as potatoes au gratin, offer a creamy, decadent counterpoint to the ham’s saltiness. The slow baking process allows the starch to thicken the cream and cheese sauce. Alternatively, simple roasted potatoes, tossed in herbs like rosemary and thyme, provide a crisp exterior and fluffy interior. This textural contrast is a welcome break from the soft texture of the ham.
Sweet potatoes are a traditional pairing, often prepared as a casserole topped with marshmallows or pecans. This preparation leans into the ham’s glaze, amplifying the sweet and savory profile. For a less sugary option, roasting sweet potato wedges with cinnamon and nutmeg allows their natural sweetness to emerge. The beta-carotene content provides a vibrant color and an earthy flavor.
Green bean casserole remains a classic choice, providing a creamy texture and the satisfying crunch of fried onions. The mild flavor of the green beans cuts through the richness of the ham and the creamy sauce. For a brighter vegetable flavor, roasted Brussels sprouts or glazed carrots are excellent options. Roasting Brussels sprouts caramelizes their natural sugars, reducing their bitterness and adding a desirable char.
Glazed carrots, often prepared with butter and brown sugar, echo the sweetness of the ham’s glaze. The firm texture provides a necessary textural element against the softer components of the meal. These traditional preparations ensure the meal feels complete and celebratory.
Flavor-Balancing Sauces and Relishes
The sharp flavor of mustard cuts through the high fat and salt content of cured ham. Dijon mustard, with its wine-based acidity, provides a clean, bright contrast that resets the palate between bites. Whole grain mustard offers a milder heat and a pleasant pop of texture from the crushed seeds.
Honey mustard combines acidity and sweetness, mirroring the ham’s glaze but adding complexity. The acetic acid helps to emulsify the fats, making the overall dish feel less heavy. Offering a variety of mustards allows guests to customize their flavor experience.
Fruit-based accompaniments introduce a sweet-tart balance. A Cranberry-Orange Relish provides high acidity, which cleanses the palate after the rich, savory meat. The bright citrus notes enhance the overall aroma of the plate.
Apple Chutney or a fresh Pineapple Salsa introduces malic and citric acids, which counteract the perception of saltiness. The enzymes in fresh pineapple, such as bromelain, also contribute a slight tenderizing effect on the palate. Utilizing the ham’s own pan juices, deglazed with wine or broth, creates a simple, savory sauce that ties the flavors of the meat and sides together.
Lighter Sides and Breads
A simple, bright winter salad is a welcome addition to break from the meal’s richness. A mix of tender greens, such as butter lettuce or baby spinach, tossed in a light vinaigrette, offers a refreshing, cool temperature contrast. Incorporating elements like sliced citrus segments or pomegranate seeds adds bursts of acidity and color.
The vinaigrette, typically made with a high ratio of oil to vinegar, provides a light coating. This fresh component helps to balance the density of the starches and the intensity of the ham. The greens also act as a palate cleanser.
Simple breads serve the purpose of soaking up the flavorful pan juices and sauces. Soft, yeasted dinner rolls or flaky buttermilk biscuits are traditional choices. Cornbread offers a crumbly texture and a subtle sweetness that pairs well with the savory ham. These carbohydrates provide a neutral base that complements the complex flavors of the meal.
Dessert Pairings
The conclusion of a rich ham dinner calls for desserts that are satisfying but not overly heavy. Classic holiday flavors provide a comforting end to the meal. Pies featuring apples or pecans offer a balance of sweetness and texture, with the tartness of apples providing a final cleansing note.
Pumpkin pie or spice cakes, utilizing warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, echo the festive aromas of the season. These desserts are generally less intensely sweet than chocolate-based options, ensuring a smooth transition from the savory main course. The savory notes of the ham are complemented by the earthy, spiced profiles of these traditional holiday sweets.