20 Delicious Side Dishes to Serve with Ham Balls

Ham balls are a classic comfort food that never seems to go out of style. They are easy to make, budget-friendly, and pair well with a variety of sides. But if you find yourself asking “What should I serve with ham balls?” – you’ve come to the right place!

In this article, I’ll suggest 20 of the best side dishes to complement your homemade or store-bought ham balls. From hearty potatoes to fresh salads, you’ll find plenty of ideas to make your ham ball dinner complete.

Best Starchy Sides for Ham Balls

Ham balls are fairly rich on their own with their mix of ground pork and ham. You’ll want something starchy alongside to soak up the delicious gravy or sauce. Potatoes and pasta make excellent pairings.

1. Brown Sugar Baked Beans

Sweet, sticky baked beans are a classic for good reason. The brown sugar gives them a lovely caramelized flavor that pairs perfectly with ham balls. Spoon these beans right over your ham balls for finger-licking goodness.

2. Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes are simple but oh-so-satisfying, especially when made in the slow cooker. Set them early in the day so they’re ready when your ham balls come out of the oven. For extra indulgence, stir in sour cream and lots of butter.

3. Potatoes Anna

This impressive looking baked potato cake takes a bit more effort but looks beautiful sliced up alongside saucy ham balls. The potatoes fan out in concentric circles for a textured, crispy exterior and fluffy interior.

4. Baked Sweet Potato Fries

If you want a lower carb option, baked sweet potato fries are gently sweet with a satisfying crispness. Drizzle them with a honey mustard dressing for the perfect match to your ham balls.

5. Thanksgiving Herb Stuffing

What’s a holiday table without stuffing? This sage and thyme seasoned stuffing tastes like Thanksgiving any time of year The spices and aromatics pair wonderfully with the salty, smoky flavors of ham.

6. Garlic Bread

Buttery garlic bread is irresistible with ham balls in gravy. The rich, warming garlic flavor soaks into each slice of crusty loaf. It’s great for dunking and soaking up every last bit of sauce.

Fresh Vegetable Sides for Ham Balls

Don’t forget your veggies! Bright, fresh vegetables help cut through the richness of ham balls. They also add nutrition and come in endless variety. Here are some stellar veggie pairings.

7. Roasted Vegetables with Balsamic Glaze

A medley of roasted vegetables blanketed in sweet balsamic glaze is a crowd-pleaser. Try roasting carrots, parsnips, Brussels sprouts, and shallots for a delicious mix of flavors and textures.

8. Creamed Spinach

Creamed spinach is rich, filling and delicious. The creamy spinach pairs perfectly with ham’s salty flavor. Add some nutmeg and parmesan cheese for even more flavor.

9. Spaghetti Squash with Tomatoes and Ricotta

For a lighter option, try this spaghetti squash side. Roast the squash until tender, then toss it with fresh tomatoes, basil, and ricotta cheese. It’s fresh, summery, and lower carb.

10. Zucchini with Parmesan

Sauteed or grilled zucchini gets an upgrade with grated parmesan garlic, and herbs. The bright flavor cuts through the richness of the ham balls beautifully.

Easy Baked Sides for Ham Balls

Casseroles and other baked sides require minimal effort but deliver maximum comfort food appeal alongside ham balls. Pop them in the oven alongside your ham balls for easy one-pan meals.

11. Broccoli Cheese Casserole

This classic green bean casserole recipe has cream of mushroom soup, French’s crispy onions, and of course, lots of gooey cheese. It’s holiday comfort in a single dish.

12. Green Bean Casserole

Broccoli and cheese are a match made in heaven, especially when baked up casserole-style. The bright green veggie pairs perfectly with the rich, cheesy sauce.

13. Pumpkin Cornbread

Cornbread gets a seasonal autumn twist with the addition of pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and fall spices. It’s slightly sweet with a cakey texture ideal for ham ball dinners.

14. Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

Glazed carrots are simple but have a beautiful glistening sheen and candied sweetness from brown sugar and butter. They pair nicely with the sweet, salty ham.

Fresh and Fast Ham Ball Side Salads

Cool, crunchy salads are great for balancing the richness of ham balls. Whip up one of these quick salad recipes to round out your meal.

15. Caesar Salad

A classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine, parmesan, croutons, and creamy dressing can’t be beat. The bright, tangy flavors complement ham balls perfectly.

16. Coleslaw

For something lighter, try this quick apple coleslaw with shredded cabbage, apples, vinegar and olive oil. It’s fresh and zippy with lots of crunchy texture.

17. Creamy Cucumber Salad

Cool sliced cucumbers in a Greek yogurt and dill dressing make a refreshing salad pairing for ham balls. The creamy dressing offsets the ham’s saltiness deliciously.

18. Macaroni Salad

Macaroni salad is a quintessential summer picnic food, but it’s great in any season. The pasta soaks up the zesty dressing for a tangy, crunchy bite.

More Unique Ham Ball Side Pairings

Beyond the classics, try one of these more unique side dishes to liven up your ham ball dinner routine.

19. Cranberry Sauce

While we’re used to eating cranberry sauce at Thanksgiving, it can add a delicious tart, fruity note to ham balls any time of year.

20. Honey Mustard Sauce

Whip up a quick honey mustard sauce to drizzle over your ham balls or use as a veggie dip. The sweet and tangy flavors are simply made for ham.

Time to Dig In!

With so many fantastic sides to choose from, you’ll never get bored serving up ham balls for dinner. From hearty casseroles to fresh salads and more, you’re sure to find the perfect match. Just mix and match to suit your tastes and appetite. Now grab your fork—your ham ball dinner awaits!