From tomato soup and macaroni salad to crunchy coleslaw, here are some of my all-time favorites. To me, ham is synonymous with the holidays. Growing up, it was the star of the show! There’s nothing like spending time with my family while enjoying slices of this sweet and savory meat. After the holiday feast is over, we make ham sandwiches our go-to breakfast (and lunch… and dinner)! And no one complains because we serve the sandwiches with different side dishes every day to keep everyone coming back for more. Today, I’m sharing 15 hearty sides that pair perfectly with ham sandwiches. There’s no need to wait for the holiday season. Get ready for the most unforgettable, spectacular meal that can be enjoyed all year round!
1. Easy Creamy Tomato Soup
Soup and sandwiches always make a great combo. With tomato soup, grilled cheese has always been the best pairing. But it couldn’t hurt to experiment a little! How about a ham sandwich for a change? The great thing about this duo is that you get a contrast of flavors – sweet, savory, tangy – that are sure to tickle the tastebuds! And did you know that with only three ingredients, you can make a spectacular tomato soup? Yup, just some tomatoes, onions, and butter are all you need!
2. Potato Soup
If you want something richer than tomato soup, opt for potato soup instead! Potatoes are all about starch, so you’ll get something satisfying when you serve potato soup with ham sandwiches. And the flavor? The creaminess of the milk, cheese, and sour cream, the saltiness of the bacon, and the richness of the potato makes this soup so heavenly. Together with a ham sandwich, it becomes a truly magical meal.
3. New England Clam Chowder
Speaking of rich and hearty, here’s another option for you: clam chowder! It’s the perfect side dish for colder weather. With its scrumptious ingredients: potatoes, clams, bacon, milk, and butter, this chowder is comfort food at its finest. And if you pair it with a ham sandwich, you’ll get a beautiful harmony of flavors and textures.
4. Potato Salad
Do you have red potatoes, dijon dressing, and dill on hand? If you do, make a potato salad. This delectable summer side is a must for your ham sandwich! Apart from being super easy to make, the flavors of this salad are so on point. If you think that potatoes and a sandwich might be too heavy, think again! Thanks to the dressing and the dill, this one tastes lighter than most potato salads. You’ll get a tasty dish that’s the perfect balance for your meal.
5. Coleslaw
If you love pairing something crisp with a tender dish, then coleslaw is the way to go. The cabbage and carrots offer that awesome crunch that will break the monotony of the ham and the bread! And, it’s also yummy, to boot! Aside from the usual ingredients, I also like to add raisins and walnuts to my coleslaw. Think that combo is odd? Give it a try! I guarantee you’ll love it.
6. Parmesan Rosemary Potato Chips
Add a textural contrast to your tender sandwich by pairing it with potato chips. They’re crisp, salty, and add a fun dimension to your meal. And when you make your own? Well, they’re downright addictive! Have you tried putting chips in your sandwich? It’s my favorite thing to do.
7. Deviled Eggs
If you’re reading this around Easter, then you most likely already have a ton of hard-boiled eggs lying around the kitchen. Want to put them to good use after the egg-hunting fun? Make deviled eggs out of them! I mean, why not? They’re delicious, easy to make, and taste great with ham sandwiches!
8. Egg Salad
Here’s something else you can do with eggs: make a mean egg salad. Oh, how I love this rich and creamy concoction! I particularly love it with ham sandwiches. I even add it to the sandwich itself! You can’t go wrong with a ham and egg salad sandwich. It’s the perfect food pairing, ladies and gents!
9. Fresh Fruit Salad
If you want to highlight a ham sandwich as the star of your meal, then pair it with any sliced fruit, and call it a day! Sure, it may be a simple addition, but the meal won’t be lacking in flavor. In fact, I love how the lightness and crispness of fruits complement the richness of a ham sandwich. I prefer serving mine with watermelon because the sweetness and juiciness in every bite are just divine. But this recipe with pie filling is seriously to die for! The added juices really make it pop! That said, apples and cheese work well, too! The crispness of the apples plus the saltiness from the cheese makes it such a fantastic side to a ham sandwich.
10. Macaroni Salad
Creamy, savory, and hearty: nothing beats the classic macaroni salad. This timeless salad has everything anyone can ask for in a side dish. Complete with pasta, eggs, pickles, onion, bell pepper, mayo, and mustard, it has all the works! Serve macaroni salad with a ham sandwich and you’ll have the most satisfying meal! This combo is hearty, though, so I suggest you bring your appetite!
11. Easy Refrigerator Pickles
Sometimes, all you need is a simple ingredient to make a meal complete. With a ham sandwich, all it takes is a sweet and tangy pickle! Apart from the flavor contrasts, a pickle also adds that lovely crunch that you won’t find in a ham sandwich. Together, a ham sandwich and a pickle make a humble yet delicious meal. And guess what? They’re crazy-easy to make at home!
12. Twice Baked Potato Casserole
I love potatoes. Anything made with potatoes is heaven to me. But this baked potato casserole is in a league of its own. Complete with cheddar cheese, bacon, and garlic, you cannot ask for a creamier, cheesier, more drool-worthy side dish! And it’s incredibly easy to whip up, too! With the help of the good-old potato masher, your baked potato casserole will come together in no time.
13. Scalloped Potatoes
Speaking of potatoes, here’s another idea for ya: scalloped potatoes. Do you know what I love about this casserole? It tastes divine with absolutely any entrée, and a ham sandwich is no exception. How can anybody say no to thinly sliced potatoes loaded with cheese and dressed in an ultra-creamy sauce? Making scalloped potatoes doesn’t take much effort. All you need is a mandolin, and you’ll be able to slice those potatoes in a jiffy! Then, all that’s left is topping them with cheese and sauce and baking them to perfection.
14. Mac & Cheese
Mac and cheese is, and forever will be, a favorite of mine. I love it so much; I don’t even consider it a side dish, but an entrée! And of course, it pairs well with a ham sandwich, too. The richness of the dish plus the sweetness of the ham makes one heck of an awesome combination. Want to make your mac and cheese even more delightful? Flavor it with garlic powder and white pepper. You’ll thank me later.
15. Baked Beans
Last on our list is another comfort food that will take your ham sandwich meal to the next level. Baked beans are a phenomenal side that goes well with anything, ham sandwiches included. There’s nothing like hearty beans flavored with barbecue sauce, brown sugar, onions, jalapenos, and bacon. Add ham to that equation, and you’ll have the perfect meal! Click on a star to rate it!
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