Ah, Christmas dinner! It’s that magical time of year when families gather around the table, and the smell of a beautifully glazed ham fills the air. But let’s be real—what’s a ham dinner without those delicious sides? I’ve always believed that the sides for ham dinner at Christmas are just as important as the star of the show. They add color, flavor, and a bit of tradition to the meal. Growing up, my family always included green beans, buttery mashed potatoes, and sweet cranberry sauce. Each bite was a celebration of flavors, and oh, how they complemented the savory ham! If you’re looking to create a memorable holiday feast, these sides will surely elevate your dinner and make it a feast to remember!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delightful sides for your ham dinner at Christmas. I love how everything comes together so perfectly! Make sure to have these ingredients on hand:
- 2 cups of fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup of diced carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup of creamy mashed potatoes, made from scratch or store-bought
- 1 cup of tart cranberry sauce, for that perfect sweet contrast
- 2 cups of stuffing mix, your choice—herbed or classic
- 1 cup of sweet corn, frozen or canned
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil, for sautéing
- Salt and pepper to taste, because we all love a bit of seasoning!
How to Prepare Sides for Ham Dinner Christmas
Getting everything ready for your ham dinner is part of the fun! Let’s dive into preparing these delicious sides. I promise it’s easier than you think, and the flavors will make your holiday table shine!
Preparing the Stuffing
First up, the stuffing! I usually start by checking the package instructions, as they can vary a bit. Typically, you’ll want to bring some water or broth to a boil, then stir in the stuffing mix, cover it, and let it sit for about 5 minutes. It’s so simple! Just fluff it with a fork once it’s ready. If you want to add a personal touch, toss in some sautéed onions or herbs while it’s soaking—trust me, it makes a difference!
Cooking the Vegetables
Next, let’s get those colorful veggies ready! Begin by trimming the ends off the green beans and chopping the carrots into bite-sized pieces. Once that’s done, bring a pot of water to a boil and add the veggies. Boil them for about 5 minutes until they’re tender but still bright and vibrant. Then, drain them and heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a pan. Sauté the green beans and carrots together for an extra flavor boost—oh, the aroma is heavenly!
Making Mashed Potatoes
Now for the mashed potatoes, which are often my favorite! If you’re making them from scratch, peel and chop your potatoes into even chunks. Boil them in salted water for about 15-20 minutes until they’re fork-tender. Drain them and return to the pot. Add in butter, a splash of milk, and season generously with salt and pepper. Mash them up until creamy and smooth. For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding some garlic or sour cream—yum!
Heating the Corn
For the corn, it’s super straightforward! If you’re using frozen corn, just toss it in a pot with a little water and heat it over medium until warmed through, about 5 minutes. If you’re using canned corn, drain it and heat it in the pot for just a couple of minutes. You can dress it up with a pat of butter and a sprinkle of salt for extra richness!
Serving Suggestions
Finally, let’s make your presentation shine! Grab a large serving platter and arrange your stuffing, sautéed green beans and carrots, fluffy mashed potatoes, and sweet corn in sections. I like to place the cranberry sauce in a small bowl on the side. Not only does it look inviting, but it also allows everyone to take as much as they want. Trust me, your guests will be impressed, and it’ll make your holiday table look festive and delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—get everything ready in just over an hour!
- Delicious flavors that perfectly complement the savory ham.
- Colorful and vibrant sides that add a festive touch to your table.
- Simple ingredients that are easy to find, making it accessible for everyone.
- These sides are not only tasty but also make for great leftovers!
Tips for Success
Let’s make sure your sides for ham dinner at Christmas turn out perfectly! First off, timing is key—start the stuffing first since it needs to rest after cooking. While that’s happening, you can prep the veggies and potatoes simultaneously. This way, you won’t feel rushed, and everything will be warm when you serve.
Also, don’t skimp on seasoning! A good pinch of salt and pepper can elevate the flavors dramatically, so taste as you go. If you’re worried about the mashed potatoes being too lumpy, make sure to mash them while they’re still hot—this helps achieve that creamy texture we all love. Lastly, if you have leftovers, store them in airtight containers to keep them fresh. You could even mix them together for a delicious hash the next day! Enjoy the cooking process, and have fun with it!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional data for each serving of these delightful sides for ham dinner at Christmas. Per serving, you can expect about 250 calories, 10g of fat, 6g of protein, and 35g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients used!
FAQ Section
Let’s tackle some common questions about preparing sides for ham dinner at Christmas! It can be a busy time, so I’m here to help make it easier.
Can I make these sides ahead of time?
Absolutely! Many of these sides can be prepped a day in advance. You can make the mashed potatoes and stuffing ahead of time and simply reheat them before serving. Just remember to store them in airtight containers in the fridge!
What can I substitute for stuffing?
If you want to switch things up, try using cornbread or even a quinoa mix as a base. Both options offer a unique flavor and texture that can complement the ham beautifully.
How do I keep the vegetables crisp?
To maintain the vibrant color and crispness of the green beans and carrots, avoid overcooking them. Just a quick boil followed by sautéing is all they need to shine on your holiday table!
Can I add more vegetables?
Of course! Feel free to get creative. Roasted Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, or even a mix of seasonal veggies can add a lovely touch to your sides for ham dinner Christmas.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
To reheat your delicious sides, use the oven for best results. Cover them with foil and heat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This keeps the texture nice and avoids sogginess!
Sides for Ham Dinner Christmas: 5 Festive Flavors to Try
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious sides to complement your ham dinner for Christmas.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of green beans
- 1 cup of diced carrots
- 1 cup of mashed potatoes
- 1 cup of cranberry sauce
- 2 cups of stuffing mix
- 1 cup of corn
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the stuffing according to package instructions.
- Trim and wash the green beans and carrots.
- Boil the green beans and carrots for 5 minutes until tender.
- In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté green beans and carrots for additional flavor.
- Prepare mashed potatoes and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve cranberry sauce alongside the ham.
- Heat corn in a pot until warmed through.
- Arrange all sides on a serving platter.
Notes
- You can add herbs to the vegetables for extra flavor.
- Prepare stuffing a day in advance for convenience.
- Ensure all sides are served warm.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking and Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: sides for ham dinner christmas
