What to Serve with a Spiral Ham?
A spiral ham is a show-stopping centerpiece, but its success hinges on the supporting cast. The best pairings offer a balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors to complement the ham’s inherent richness and often sugary glaze, leading to a complete and memorable meal.
A Classic Ham Dinner: The Supporting Cast
A spiral ham is a holiday staple for a reason: it’s relatively easy to prepare and incredibly flavorful. However, a ham alone does not a meal make. Selecting the right sides is crucial to create a balanced and satisfying dining experience. We’re talking about creating a symphony of flavors and textures, not just throwing some random dishes on the table. So, let’s explore the perfect accompaniments for your spiral ham!
Sweet & Savory: Balancing the Scales
The inherent sweetness of a spiral ham, often amplified by a glaze, demands a counterpoint. Savory side dishes cut through the richness and prevent the meal from becoming cloying. Consider roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or even a hearty bread stuffing. The goal is to find that harmonious balance that makes each bite exciting.
Color & Texture: A Feast for the Eyes
Beyond taste, presentation is key. Think about the visual appeal of your spread. A vibrant green bean casserole, bright orange sweet potato casserole, or a crisp green salad can add visual interest to the predominantly pink and brown palette of the ham. Similarly, consider textures. Creamy mashed potatoes alongside a crunchy green bean almondine and a soft dinner roll offer a delightful sensory experience.
Vegetable Power: A Healthy Counterpart
Don’t underestimate the power of vegetables! They provide essential nutrients, add color and texture, and help balance the richness of the ham. Roasted Brussels sprouts, glazed carrots, and asparagus are all excellent choices. Consider preparing them in a way that complements the ham’s flavor profile, such as adding a touch of maple syrup or balsamic glaze.
Starchy Staples: Filling the Plate
Potatoes, sweet potatoes, rice, and pasta all make excellent side dishes for spiral ham. Consider your audience’s preferences and the overall flavor profile of the meal. Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic choice, while scalloped potatoes add a touch of elegance. Sweet potato casserole offers a sweet and savory option, and a simple rice pilaf can be a versatile accompaniment.
Breads & Rolls: Sopping Up the Goodness
Soft dinner rolls, crusty bread, or even cornbread are essential for mopping up the delicious sauces and drippings from the ham. A good quality bread can also provide a textural contrast to the softer side dishes. Consider offering a variety of options to cater to different preferences.
Sauces & Condiments: The Finishing Touch
While the ham itself is often glazed, consider offering additional sauces and condiments to enhance the flavor. A horseradish cream sauce adds a tangy kick, while a pineapple chutney provides a sweet and savory complement. Apple sauce is another classic choice that pairs well with ham.
Serving Suggestions: Pulling it All Together
When planning your meal, consider the number of guests and their dietary needs. Offer a variety of side dishes to cater to different tastes and preferences. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavor combinations. And most importantly, enjoy the process of creating a memorable meal for your loved ones.
Wine Pairings: Completing the Feast
A spiral ham, with its rich, often sweet and savory profile, pairs well with a variety of wines. Consider a fruity rosé, a light-bodied red like Pinot Noir, or a crisp white like Riesling. These wines offer enough acidity to cut through the richness of the ham, while also complementing its sweetness. Avoid heavy, tannic reds, which can overpower the ham’s delicate flavors.
Make-Ahead Magic: Stress-Free Hosting
One of the keys to stress-free holiday hosting is to prepare as much as possible in advance. Many side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, casseroles, and sauces, can be made a day or two ahead of time and reheated before serving. This allows you to focus on the ham and enjoy the company of your guests.
Recipe Ideas: Inspiration for Your Menu
Here are some quick recipe ideas to spark your creativity:
- Honey-Glazed Carrots: Roast carrots with honey, butter, and a pinch of thyme.
- Green Bean Almondine: Sauté green beans with butter, almonds, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Scalloped Potatoes: Layer thinly sliced potatoes with cream, cheese, and onions, then bake until golden brown.
- Pineapple Stuffing: Combine bread, pineapple, celery, and spices for a tropical twist on classic stuffing.
- Deviled Eggs: A classic appetizer that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Sample Menu: A Perfectly Balanced Ham Dinner
Here’s a sample menu for a classic spiral ham dinner:
- Main Course: Spiral Ham with Honey-Mustard Glaze
- Side Dishes:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- Green Bean Almondine
- Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel
- Dinner Rolls
- Cranberry Sauce
- Dessert: Apple Pie with Vanilla Ice Cream
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best glaze for a spiral ham?
There’s no single “best” glaze; it depends on your taste! However, honey-mustard, brown sugar-maple, and pineapple-ginger glazes are popular choices. Experiment with different flavors to find your perfect match.
How do I keep my spiral ham from drying out?
To prevent a dry ham, avoid overcooking it. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the recommended internal temperature. You can also tent the ham with foil during the last part of the cooking process to retain moisture. Basting the ham with its juices throughout cooking is another great strategy.
What kind of potatoes go best with ham?
Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing, but scalloped potatoes and roasted potatoes are also excellent choices. Consider the overall flavor profile of your meal and choose a potato dish that complements the ham’s sweetness.
What vegetables pair well with ham?
Roasted Brussels sprouts, glazed carrots, asparagus, and green beans are all excellent vegetable choices. Look for vegetables that offer a balance of sweetness, bitterness, and acidity to complement the ham.
Should I serve a salad with spiral ham?
Yes! A crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the ham. Consider adding fruit or nuts for extra flavor and texture. A salad can also offer a bright, visual counterpoint to the other heavier dishes.
What kind of bread should I serve with ham?
Soft dinner rolls are a classic choice, but crusty bread or cornbread are also great options. Choose a bread that will soak up the delicious sauces and drippings from the ham.
What kind of cranberry sauce goes best with ham?
Both jellied and whole-berry cranberry sauce pair well with ham. However, some people find that jellied cranberry sauce’s smooth texture contrasts nicely with the meat, while others prefer the tangy bursts of whole berries.
What desserts pair well with ham?
Apple pie, pecan pie, and pumpkin pie are all classic dessert choices that pair well with ham. Look for desserts that offer a balance of sweetness and spice. A lighter dessert, such as a fruit salad, can also be a refreshing option.
Can I prepare side dishes ahead of time?
Absolutely! Many side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, casseroles, and sauces, can be made a day or two ahead of time and reheated before serving. This can save you time and stress on the day of your meal.
What if I have leftover ham?
Leftover ham is incredibly versatile! Use it in sandwiches, omelets, quiches, or soups. You can also freeze leftover ham for later use.
What is the best way to reheat spiral ham?
The best way to reheat a spiral ham is to bake it in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Cover the ham with foil to prevent it from drying out.
Is spiral ham healthy?
Spiral ham can be part of a balanced diet, but it is high in sodium and fat. Choose lean cuts of ham and trim off any excess fat. Pair it with plenty of vegetables and whole grains to create a healthy and satisfying meal. Moderation is key!