A Classic Holiday Side Is The Perfect Pairing For Ham

If ham — which, believe it or not, is classified as red meat — has a place on your holiday table, you may be wondering what side to pair with it to make your feast unforgettable. Foodie spoke with Tim Ziga, Culinary Expert for The Honey Baked Ham Company, regarding the best dish to serve alongside a juicy, salty-sweet ham for the ideal special occasion dinner.

"I'm partial to mac and cheese as one of my favorite sides for ham," Ziga confesses, noting that creamy mac is "the perfect holiday comfort food" to serve in a season of togetherness and joy. Understandably, Ziga says he is fond of Honey Baked Ham's own Heat & Serve Double Cheddar Mac & Cheese, which he dubs "truly amazing," but, obviously, your own favorite recipe will do the trick beautifully. You can even spruce up some ordinary boxed mac and cheese with cream cheese to make an effortless yet scrumptious accompaniment to your ham.

Interestingly enough, Ziga's pro tip was not to scrimp on the sides when serving a holiday feast for loved ones. Mac and cheese might be the perfect side, but hosting is definitely a case where, the more side dishes you have, the merrier everyone will likely be.

How many side dishes should you prepare alongside your holiday ham? "Depending on the size of your gathering," Ziga tells us, "I find it's ideal to pick up around four side options so there's something for everyone at the table." A generous mix of starches and veggies helps to ensure that every guest will have a side that suits their tastes. Along with the perfect wine to pair with your ham, make sure that you go all out on those cheesy, buttery, rich holiday sides to round out your spread.

Ziga already suggested Honey Baked Ham's mac and cheese, but he mentions some of the company's staples that perfectly compliment their hams: "Maple Sweet Potato Souffle, Tuscan-Style Broccoli, Cheesy Potatoes Au Gratin, and Green Bean Casserole." Naturally, you also can't go wrong with creamy, dreamy mashed potatoes awash in gravy, baked spuds with your guests' choice of toppings, honey glazed carrots, or even a savory rice pilaf. Holidays are a great time to flex your culinary creative muscles and go all out on indulgent recipes that you've stockpiled throughout the year.