If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make main course for your next family dinner or holiday gathering, look no further than cola ham.
This sweet and savory dish is a crowd-pleaser, but what should you serve with it to make it a complete meal? From classic sides like roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes to more unique options like an oriental broth or mac and cheese, there are plenty of delicious options to choose from.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best side dishes to serve with cola ham, so you can create a memorable meal that everyone will love.
So grab a fork and let’s dig in!
What To Serve With Cola Ham?
1. Roasted Vegetables: Cola ham pairs perfectly with roasted vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes. Simply toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven until tender and caramelized.
2. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that go well with almost any main course, including cola ham. Add some butter, milk, and your favorite seasonings for a comforting and satisfying side.
3. Mac and Cheese: For a more indulgent side dish, try serving cola ham with mac and cheese. The creamy and cheesy pasta pairs perfectly with the sweet and salty flavors of the ham.
4. Oriental Broth: If you’re looking for a unique side dish to serve with cola ham, try making an oriental broth. Simply chop up onions, garlic, chili peppers, and carrots, and cook them in the leftover cola ham juice with some stock and wine. Add some coriander roots and leaves for a fresh and flavorful finish.
5. Green Salad: A simple green salad is a refreshing side dish that can balance out the richness of the cola ham. Toss together some mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and your favorite dressing for a light and healthy option.
6. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or roasted corn on the cob is a classic summer side dish that pairs well with cola ham. Serve it with some butter and salt for a simple yet delicious addition to your meal.
7. Baked Beans: For a more traditional side dish, try serving cola ham with baked beans. The sweet and savory flavors of the beans complement the ham perfectly.
Classic Sides: Roasted Vegetables And Mashed Potatoes
When it comes to classic sides that pair perfectly with cola ham, roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes are two top contenders. Roasted vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes bring a caramelized sweetness that complements the salty and sweet flavors of the ham. Simply toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven until tender and caramelized.
Meanwhile, creamy mashed potatoes offer a comforting and satisfying side to balance out the bold flavors of the cola ham. Add some butter, milk, and your favorite seasonings for a deliciously creamy mash that’s sure to please everyone at the table. These two classic sides are easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser when served alongside cola ham.
Southern Favorites: Collard Greens And Cornbread
If you’re looking for a classic Southern side dish to serve with your cola ham, look no further than collard greens and cornbread. Collard greens are a staple in Southern cuisine, and they pair perfectly with the sweet and salty flavors of cola ham. Here’s how to make this delicious duo:
To make collard greens, start by washing and trimming the greens. Then, chop them into bite-sized pieces and set them aside. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook some smoked ham hocks or smoked turkey wings until they are browned and crispy. Add in some chopped onions, garlic, and chicken broth, and bring the mixture to a boil. Add in the collard greens, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for about an hour or until the greens are tender and flavorful.
While the collard greens are cooking, whip up a batch of cornbread. Cornbread is a staple in Southern cuisine, and it’s the perfect accompaniment to collard greens and cola ham. To make cornbread, combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, eggs, milk, and melted butter in a bowl. Mix until just combined, then pour the batter into a greased baking dish. Bake at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.
When it’s time to serve your meal, plate up some of the tender collard greens alongside a slice of warm cornbread and a serving of delicious cola ham. The combination of sweet and savory flavors is sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you feeling full and satisfied.
International Flavors: Oriental Broth And Rice Pilaf
For those looking to add an international twist to their cola ham meal, consider serving it with an oriental broth and rice pilaf. This dish combines the sweetness of the cola ham with the bold flavors of an Asian-inspired broth and pilaf.
To make the broth, start by chopping up onions, garlic, chili peppers, and carrots. Cook them in the leftover cola ham juice along with some stock and wine. Add some coriander roots and leaves for a fresh and flavorful finish. The result is a savory broth that pairs perfectly with the sweet and salty flavors of the cola ham.
To make the rice pilaf, start by using non-sticky rice and cooking it until it’s fluffy. Add in diced vegetables like carrots, peas, and onions for added texture and flavor. For an extra burst of flavor, add in some chopped barbecued pork, also known as Char Siu. The pork unleashes great flavors that make this fried rice recipe interesting and makes it a meal in itself.
The combination of the oriental broth and rice pilaf with the cola ham creates a unique and flavorful meal that will impress your guests. It’s a perfect way to add some international flair to your dinner table while still keeping it simple and delicious.
Cheesy Delights: Mac And Cheese And Cheesy Biscuits
If you’re looking for a cheesy side dish to serve with your cola ham, look no further than mac and cheese and cheesy biscuits. Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be made in a variety of ways, from stovetop to baked, and with different types of cheese. The creamy and cheesy pasta pairs perfectly with the sweet and salty flavors of the cola ham. Add some breadcrumbs or bacon bits on top for some extra crunch.
Cheesy biscuits are another great option to serve with your cola ham. These fluffy and buttery biscuits are filled with cheddar cheese, making them a perfect complement to the ham. They can be served warm or at room temperature, making them a great make-ahead option for entertaining. Try serving them split in half with a slice of ham in the middle for a delicious sandwich.
To make your own cheesy biscuits, combine flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and shredded cheddar cheese in a bowl. Cut in some cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, then add in some milk until the dough comes together. Roll out the dough and cut it into circles using a biscuit cutter, then bake them in the oven until golden brown.
Whether you choose mac and cheese or cheesy biscuits (or both!), these cheesy delights are sure to be a hit at your next meal.
Fresh And Light: Citrus Salad And Grilled Asparagus
For a fresh and light side dish to serve with cola ham, consider a citrus salad and grilled asparagus. This combination of tender-crisp asparagus and sweet-tart citrus is perfect for balancing out the rich flavors of the ham.
To make the grilled asparagus, simply toss it in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and grill it until it’s tender and slightly charred. For the citrus salad, whisk together lemon juice, orange juice, honey, mustard, and some salt to make a flavorful dressing. Toss watercress in the dressing and spread it on a platter. Arrange the grilled asparagus on top of the watercress and add some roasted tomatoes for a burst of sweetness. Drizzle the remaining dressing over the asparagus and tomatoes, and sprinkle with fresh dill.
This roasted asparagus salad is casually elegant and perfect for lunch, brunch, parties, or as a side dish for meat and fish. The combination of tangy citrus and savory grilled asparagus is sure to impress your guests while keeping the meal light and refreshing.
Sweet Endings: Pineapple Casserole And Sweet Potato Pie
No holiday meal is complete without a sweet ending, and pineapple casserole and sweet potato pie are two perfect options to serve with cola ham.
Pineapple casserole is a simple yet delicious side dish that features butter crackers, fresh pineapple, pineapple juice, and cheese. The combination of sweet and savory flavors perfectly complements the salty and rich taste of the cola ham. This easy-to-make casserole will quickly become a favorite among your guests.
Sweet potato pie is another classic dessert that pairs well with cola ham. This Southern favorite is made with mashed sweet potatoes, butter, sugar, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The creamy filling is baked in a flaky pie crust until golden brown. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate sweet ending to your meal.
Both pineapple casserole and sweet potato pie are great options for those who prefer a sweeter side dish or dessert. They add a touch of sweetness to balance out the saltiness of the ham, making for a perfectly balanced meal. Your guests will surely be impressed with these tasty and unique options.
