Pairings and Sides to Serve with Coca-Cola Ham

Coca-Cola ham, sometimes called cola ham, is a unique take on cooking ham that results in a juicy, flavorful main dish. While the sweet and salty ham is delicious on its own, the right accompaniments can take it to the next level. In this article, we’ll explore amazing side dishes and sauces to serve alongside cola ham.

Bright, Crisp Side Salads

Cola ham has a distinct sweet molasses-like flavor. To balance this out, pair it with bright acidic salads with a little crunch. Some good options include

• Arugula salad with shaved Parmesan lemon and olive oil

• Kale salad with cranberries, pecans, and a red wine vinaigrette

• Wedge salad with creamy blue cheese dressing and crispy bacon pieces

• Broccoli salad with raisins, sunflower seeds, red onion and a sweet dressing

The sharp flavors of the lemon juice, cheeses, and vinaigrettes pair perfectly with the rich cola ham. The crunchy textures also provide a nice contrast.

Crowd-Pleasing Potato Dishes

You can never go wrong bringing a hearty potato side dish to serve with ham. Potatoes complement the salty meat perfectly. Consider these easy recipes:

• Loaded mashed potatoes with cheddar, bacon, scallions and sour cream

• Hasselback potatoes sliced and roasted with garlic, olive oil and Parmesan

• Scalloped potatoes layered with cheese and baked until bubbly and browned

• Roasted sweet potato wedges tossed in maple syrup

• Twice baked potatoes scooped out and stuffed with cheese, bacon and scallions

Pick your favorite way to prepare potatoes, and it’s sure to be a winning accompaniment for cola ham.

Tangy Barbecue Baked Beans

No ham dinner is complete without a side of barbecue baked beans! The sweet, tomato-based sauce is an ideal match for cola ham. To make:

• Sauté onion, garlic, mustard and spices

• Add beans, barbecue sauce, ketchup and brown sugar

• Bake until thickened and beans are tender

• Stir in crispy cooked bacon at the end

The subtle smoky flavors and touch of vinegar in good baked beans perfectly accent the ham.

Sautéed Greens for a Nutritious Side

For a healthier accompaniment, try sautéing some greens in olive oil, garlic and red pepper flakes. Collard greens, kale, spinach and Swiss chard all pair wonderfully with ham. The slight bitterness balances the sweetness. Squeeze fresh lemon over the greens before serving.

Coleslaw with Crunch

A crispy, vinegar-based coleslaw is a classic for good reason. The crunch of the cabbage and carrots combined with the zing from cider vinegar or red wine vinegar provides the perfect foil for rich sliced ham.

• For the best coleslaw, thinly shred cabbage and let sit with salt to draw out moisture. Rinse and drain well before dressing.

Light and Fluffy Dinner Rolls

Warm, flaky dinner rolls can round out the meal nicely. Good options include:

• Buttery, golden brown Parker House rolls

• Soft and fluffy Hawaiian rolls

• Cloverleaf rolls baked in muffin tins

• Onion and poppy seed yeast rolls

• Classic buttermilk biscuits

A bowl of rolls gives guests something to sop up any delicious pan juices from the ham.

Saucy Glazes and Condiments

While classic yellow mustard is always an option for ham, get creative with sauces and glazes too.

• For a sweet glaze, brush on warmed apricot jam, peach preserves or orange marmalade.

• Spicy mustard or whole grain Dijon lend a pleasant kick.

• Add intrigue with chimichurri, pesto or chutney on the side.

• Drizzle with a balsamic reduction for rich flavor.

Gravies and Sauces

Cola ham creates an impressively rich and flavorful broth. For special occasions, you can strain and use this liquid as the base for a delicious gravy or sauce.

• Make a classic gravy by adding broth to a butter-flour roux. Finish with a splash of cream.

• For an easy cheese sauce, add cola ham broth to a creamy cheese like cheddar or fontina. Serve over cauliflower or broccoli.

• Simmer broth with diced tomatoes, garlic and chipotle peppers for a spicy Mexican red sauce.

With the right side dishes and sauces, your cola ham will be perfectly accompanied. Play with sweet and tangy flavors and add some crunch and comfort with potato and slaw sides. Bake some biscuits or rolls and you have an easy, delicious ham dinner.