What Goes With a Ham Dinner for Christmas? Creating the Perfect Holiday Feast
A Christmas ham dinner is more than just the ham itself; it’s a symphony of flavors and textures. The best accompanying dishes complement the ham’s richness and sweetness, offering a balanced and memorable culinary experience, including both savory and sweet components.
The Enduring Appeal of a Christmas Ham
A glazed ham has long been a centerpiece of Christmas feasts for several compelling reasons. It’s a crowd-pleaser, relatively easy to prepare compared to other large roasts, and offers beautiful presentation. Its savory-sweet profile also creates an ideal canvas for a variety of side dishes, allowing home cooks to customize the meal to their family’s preferences.
Balancing Flavors: The Key to a Successful Ham Dinner
The inherent sweetness of most hams, especially those with a glaze, demands a counterpoint. Dishes that offer acidity, bitterness, or savory depth are crucial for balancing the palate and preventing flavor fatigue. Think of it as a culinary seesaw: the ham provides the sweetness, while the sides provide the anchor of other flavors.
Essential Side Dishes: A Categorical Breakdown
To assemble a truly memorable Christmas ham dinner, consider incorporating dishes from the following categories:
- Starches: These provide substance and absorb the savory juices from the ham.
- Mashed Potatoes (garlic, cheddar, or traditional)
- Scalloped Potatoes
- Sweet Potato Casserole
- Stuffing (traditional bread stuffing or wild rice stuffing)
- Vegetables: Bright, colorful vegetables add nutritional value and visual appeal.
- Green Bean Casserole
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
- Honey-Glazed Carrots
- Creamed Spinach
- Sweet & Tangy: These complement the ham’s sweetness and provide a refreshing contrast.
- Cranberry Sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Apple Sauce
- Pineapple Casserole
- Breads: A simple addition that elevates the meal.
- Dinner Rolls
- Cornbread
- Biscuits
Glaze Considerations & Side Dish Pairings
The glaze on your ham significantly impacts the ideal side dish pairings. Here’s a quick guide:
| Glaze Type | Best Side Dish Pairings |
|---|---|
| Brown Sugar Glaze | Mashed sweet potatoes, Green Bean Casserole, Creamed Spinach, Cornbread |
| Maple Glaze | Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Apple Sauce, Scalloped Potatoes, Dinner Rolls |
| Pineapple Glaze | Sweet Potato Casserole, Cranberry Sauce, Wild Rice Stuffing, Biscuits |
| Honey Glaze | Honey-Glazed Carrots, Creamed Spinach, Mashed Potatoes, Dinner Rolls |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While a ham dinner is relatively straightforward, there are a few common pitfalls to sidestep:
- Overdoing the Sweetness: Too many sweet side dishes can lead to a cloying and unpleasant experience.
- Neglecting Texture: Ensure a variety of textures – creamy, crunchy, soft – to keep things interesting.
- Lack of Acidity: Forgetting a tangy element like cranberry sauce or a vinegar-based side.
- Not Enough Variety: Offering too many similar dishes will lead to plate boredom.
Beyond the Basics: Elevating Your Ham Dinner
Consider these additions to take your ham dinner to the next level:
- A Charcuterie Board: Before the main course, offer a selection of cheeses, cured meats, and olives.
- A Signature Cocktail: Craft a festive cocktail to pair with the meal.
- Elegant Table Setting: Pay attention to the presentation of your table to create a celebratory atmosphere.
- Homemade Desserts: Beyond the side dishes, a delicious dessert is the perfect ending.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I prepare side dishes ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it’s highly recommended to prepare as much as possible in advance. Many side dishes, such as cranberry sauce, sweet potato casserole, and scalloped potatoes, can be made a day or two ahead of time. This reduces stress on Christmas Day and allows you to focus on enjoying the holiday. Just be sure to store them properly in the refrigerator.
2. What’s the best way to reheat side dishes?
The best method depends on the dish. For mashed potatoes, add a splash of milk or cream and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Casseroles are best reheated in the oven at a low temperature (300°F) to prevent them from drying out. For bread items, a quick warming in the oven will restore some of their original texture.
3. How do I avoid a dry ham?
The key is to not overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 140°F for pre-cooked hams or 145°F for fresh hams. Basting the ham with its own juices or the glaze during the last hour of cooking will also help keep it moist.
4. What kind of wine pairs well with ham?
The best wine pairing depends on the glaze. For a sweeter glaze, try a Riesling or Gewürztraminer. For a savory ham, consider a Pinot Noir or a light-bodied red. Rosé is also a versatile option that pairs well with various flavors.
5. Can I use leftovers to make other meals?
Definitely! Ham leftovers are incredibly versatile. Use them in sandwiches, soups, omelets, casseroles, or even pizzas. You can also freeze leftover ham for later use. Ham bone soup is a classic way to utilize the bone.
6. What about vegetarian guests? What can I offer besides the ham?
It’s essential to have a dedicated vegetarian option. Consider a hearty lentil loaf, a vegetable Wellington, or a rich butternut squash risotto. Be sure to highlight these options so your vegetarian guests feel included.
7. How much ham should I buy per person?
Generally, plan for about 1/2 pound of bone-in ham per person or 1/3 pound of boneless ham per person. This allows for generous portions and leftovers.
8. How do I make a homemade cranberry sauce?
It’s surprisingly easy! Simply combine fresh cranberries, water, sugar, and a splash of orange juice in a saucepan. Simmer until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. You can add other ingredients like cinnamon sticks, cloves, or orange zest for extra flavor.
9. What’s a good way to make green bean casserole healthier?
Try using fresh green beans instead of canned. You can also make your own mushroom sauce using fresh mushrooms and a lighter cream. Top with toasted almonds instead of fried onions for a healthier crunch.
10. Can I roast other vegetables alongside the ham?
Absolutely! Root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and potatoes roast beautifully alongside a ham. The ham’s juices will flavor the vegetables, creating a delicious and convenient side dish.
11. Is it better to buy a bone-in or boneless ham?
Bone-in hams are generally considered to have more flavor and moisture, but they can be more difficult to carve. Boneless hams are easier to slice and serve, making them a convenient option for larger gatherings.
12. What desserts are best served after a ham dinner?
A lighter dessert is often preferable after a rich ham dinner. Consider a fruit tart, pumpkin pie, or a chocolate peppermint bark. These desserts provide a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors of the main course.