Complementing Ham: 15 Tasty Meat Options to Serve Alongside a Holiday Ham

A beautifully glazed ham often takes center stage at holiday gatherings. But while ham makes a fabulous main dish, it goes even better with complementary meats. The cured, salty flavors of ham pair wonderfully with an array of proteins from succulent turkey to smoky venison.

Read on for 15 delicious meat options to serve alongside your holiday ham. With this guide, you’ll elevate your next ham-centric meal into a feast fit for any occasion

1. Roast Turkey

Is there any more iconic holiday duo than ham and turkey? Roast turkey is a no-brainer pairing, especially for festive meals The contrast of supple white turkey meat with salty cured ham is hard to beat For moist, evenly cooked turkey, spatchcocking is the way to go.

2. Roast Chicken

If turkey feels tired, go for roast chicken instead. The combination of chicken’s subtle flavor with the pronounced saltiness of ham makes for a stellar meal. For crispy skin, dry brine the bird before roasting.

3. Pork Tenderloin

Lean and tender pork tenderloin offers a lighter protein option alongside rich holiday ham. Enhance the pork with a glaze or marinade boasting sweet flavors like maple, honey, or orange to complement the ham.

4. Beef Tenderloin

For special gatherings, beef tenderloin is a prime choice. The buttery texture and mild beef flavor pairs wonderfully with salty ham. Add mushrooms, red wine reduction, or blue cheese cream sauce for even more decadence.

5. Prime Rib

Serve up serious wow-factor with prime rib and ham. The luxurious marbled meat is beyond flavorful, and the contrast of textures makes prime rib and ham a match made in heaven.

6. Leg of Lamb

For those bored of beef and poultry, leg of lamb is a stellar alternative. The mild gaminess of lamb complements cured ham beautifully. Roast lamb with plenty of garlic, rosemary and olive oil for full flavor.

7. Bacon

You really can’t go wrong with bacon! From rum-glazed bacon wrapped appetizers to cheesy potato casseroles with bacon crumbles, this pork product pairs perfectly with ham.

8. Sausage

Spice up your ham with Italian sausage, brats or chorizo links on the side. Different sausage varieties offer fun ways to incorporate complementary flavors like fennel, cheddar and chili powder.

9. Duck

For special occasions, consider beautifully bronzed roast duck alongside your ham centerpiece. Duck offers rich, complex flavor that enhances the ham. Serve duck with a tangy fruit sauce to cut through the fattiness.

10. Cornish Game Hen

Small but mighty, Cornish game hens offer concentrated flavor that stands up well next to bold holiday ham. Game hens shine with a citrus glaze or herbed compound butter tucked underneath the skin.

11. Venison

Venison makes a delicious gourmet pairing for ham. The lean meat takes well to marinades and spice rubs. Try venison loin chops or backstrap for tender cuts that complement ham’s texture.

12. Elk

Similar to venison, elk offers a mildly gamey flavor profile that pairs nicely with salty ham. Grill elk steaks or try shredded elk in tacos alongside ham for a fun, Southwest-inspired feast.

13. Bison

Lower in fat than beef, bison provides a light complement to rich holiday ham. Bison burgers and meatballs make excellent appetizers before slicing into the glazed ham.

14. Boar

For the adventurous eaters, wild boar is a unique ham pairing. Boar sausage, tenderloin or shoulder roast offer deep, rustic flavors that make ham shine.

15. Rabbit

Don’t knock rabbit till you’ve tried it! This lean, tender meat has a mild flavor that enhances ham’s boldness. Braise rabbit legs in red wine or turn them into empanadas for a gourmet pairing.

The options for meats to serve alongside holiday ham are practically endless. Focus on contrasting textures, flavors and preparation methods to complement the star of your meal—the ham. With an array of delicious proteins, your holiday spread will have something tempting for all your guests.