What to Eat With Honey Baked Ham? A Culinary Companion
Honey Baked Ham is a centerpiece worthy of a celebratory feast. The best accompaniments offer a delightful contrast in textures and flavors, balancing the ham’s sweetness and salty profile. Ultimately, sides that provide acidity, freshness, and warmth complement Honey Baked Ham most effectively.
The Majesty of Honey Baked Ham: A Brief Overview
Honey Baked Ham has become synonymous with holidays and special occasions. The perfectly caramelized, subtly sweet glaze and tender, smoky meat make it a crowd-pleaser. However, a truly memorable Honey Baked Ham meal extends beyond the ham itself; it relies on thoughtfully selected side dishes that enhance and complement its unique flavor profile.
Balancing Sweetness with Savory and Acidic Notes
The key to a successful Honey Baked Ham feast lies in balance. The ham is undeniably sweet, so choosing sides that offer savory, acidic, and even slightly bitter flavors is essential. This prevents the meal from becoming overly cloying and allows each element to shine.
The Essential Sides: A Curated Selection
Here’s a breakdown of side dishes that pair beautifully with Honey Baked Ham, categorized for easier planning:
Classic Comfort:
- Scalloped Potatoes: Creamy, cheesy, and comforting, scalloped potatoes provide a rich counterpoint to the ham.
- Macaroni and Cheese: A perennial favorite, mac and cheese offers a satisfying, cheesy indulgence.
- Green Bean Casserole: A traditional option with a creamy mushroom sauce and crispy fried onions for added texture.
Bright and Fresh:
- Asparagus with Lemon Butter: The bright acidity of lemon and the slight bitterness of asparagus cut through the ham’s sweetness.
- Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce is a classic complement to ham. Opt for homemade for a more nuanced flavor.
- Broccoli Salad: Crunchy broccoli, crisp bacon, and sweet cranberries create a textural and flavorful masterpiece.
Hearty and Rustic:
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze: The caramelized Brussels sprouts and tangy balsamic vinegar offer a complex and delicious flavor combination.
- Sweet Potato Casserole: While sweet, the earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes paired with pecans or marshmallows adds a different dimension of flavor.
- Cornbread: A crumbly, slightly sweet cornbread is perfect for soaking up the ham’s juices.
Unexpected Delights:
- Pineapple Salsa: The tropical sweetness and slight heat of pineapple salsa create a refreshing and unexpected pairing.
- Deviled Eggs: Creamy and tangy deviled eggs provide a satisfying and protein-rich addition.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw, whether creamy or vinegar-based, provides a refreshing crunch.
Serving Suggestions and Tips
- Temperature Matters: Serve the ham warm or at room temperature. Ensure side dishes are served at their optimal temperatures (hot dishes hot, cold dishes cold).
- Presentation is Key: Arrange the food attractively on platters and in serving bowls.
- Don’t Overdo It: Offer a variety of sides, but avoid overwhelming your guests with too many choices. 4-6 sides is generally sufficient.
- Consider Dietary Restrictions: Be mindful of any dietary restrictions or allergies among your guests. Offer vegetarian, gluten-free, or dairy-free options as needed.
- Drinks Pairings: Complement the meal with appropriate beverages. Iced tea, lemonade, sparkling cider, and light-bodied red wines are all excellent choices.
A Visual Guide to Pairing Sides
| Side Dish | Flavor Profile | Why it Works Well with Honey Baked Ham |
|---|---|---|
| Scalloped Potatoes | Creamy, Cheesy | Richness contrasts with ham’s sweetness. |
| Asparagus w/ Lemon | Bright, Acidic, Slightly Bitter | Cuts through sweetness, provides a refreshing element. |
| Cranberry Sauce | Tart, Sweet | Classic pairing; tartness balances sweetness. |
| Roasted Brussels Sprouts | Earthy, Slightly Bitter | The bitterness and caramelized flavors complement the ham’s smoky notes. |
| Sweet Potato Casserole | Earthy, Sweet | Adds a different type of sweetness; pecans add texture and nutty flavor. |
| Pineapple Salsa | Sweet, Tangy, Spicy | Unexpected and refreshing; tropical flavors complement the ham. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it better to serve hot or cold sides with Honey Baked Ham?
It’s best to offer a mix of hot and cold sides. Hot sides like scalloped potatoes and roasted vegetables provide comfort and warmth, while cold sides like coleslaw and cranberry sauce offer a refreshing contrast to the richness of the ham.
What are some good vegetarian side dishes to serve with Honey Baked Ham?
Excellent vegetarian options include asparagus with lemon butter, roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole (if made with vegetarian cream of mushroom soup), broccoli salad, and corn on the cob. Always verify ingredient labels.
How can I prevent my Honey Baked Ham meal from being too sweet?
Focus on sides with acidic, bitter, and savory flavors. Options like asparagus with lemon, cranberry sauce, coleslaw, and roasted Brussels sprouts can help balance the sweetness. Don’t add extra sugar to your side dishes.
What are some quick and easy side dishes to prepare for a Honey Baked Ham meal?
Simple options include a bagged salad with a vinaigrette dressing, canned cranberry sauce, steamed green beans with lemon juice, or a store-bought coleslaw. Preparation is key if time is an issue.
What type of bread pairs well with Honey Baked Ham?
Soft rolls, croissants, and cornbread are all excellent choices. The slightly sweet nature of cornbread complements the ham beautifully.
Can I serve salad with Honey Baked Ham?
Absolutely! A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing and palate-cleansing element. Consider adding fruits like apples or pears for added flavor and texture.
What are some good dessert options to serve after a Honey Baked Ham meal?
Pies with fruit-based fillings, such as apple pie, cherry pie, or peach pie, are classic choices. Chocolate desserts can also work well, but consider something lighter like a chocolate mousse.
How far in advance can I prepare side dishes for a Honey Baked Ham meal?
Many side dishes, such as scalloped potatoes, sweet potato casserole, and cranberry sauce, can be prepared a day or two in advance. Store them properly in the refrigerator until ready to reheat or serve.
What’s a good way to reheat leftover Honey Baked Ham?
Gently reheat the ham in a low oven (250-300°F), wrapped in foil, to prevent it from drying out. You can also reheat individual slices in a skillet or microwave.
What wines pair well with Honey Baked Ham?
Light-bodied red wines like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais are good choices. White wines with a touch of sweetness, like Riesling or Gewürztraminer, can also complement the ham’s flavor.
Are there any specific regional side dishes that pair especially well with Honey Baked Ham?
This depends on your regional preferences! In the South, collard greens and macaroni and cheese are popular choices. In the Midwest, potato salad and corn on the cob are common.
How do I choose the right amount of side dishes to serve for a large gathering?
A good rule of thumb is to plan for approximately 1/2 cup to 1 cup of each side dish per person. Offer a variety of options to accommodate different tastes and preferences. Remember to consider the number of guests and their appetite levels.