Hosting a barbecue can be a fun and exciting experience, but it requires some planning and forethought.
While you may have spent hours perfecting your ham barbecue sandwiches, don’t forget about the sides! They deserve just as much TLC as the meat.
In this article, we’ll explore some delicious and easy-to-make side dishes that will complement your sandwiches perfectly. From crispy potato chips to savory slaw, we’ve got you covered.
So, fire up the grill and get ready to impress your guests with these mouth-watering barbecue sides.
What To Serve With Ham Barbecue Sandwiches?
When it comes to serving ham barbecue sandwiches, there are a variety of side dishes that can complement the flavors and textures of the meat. Here are some ideas to get you started:
1. Parmesan Rosemary Potato Chips: These homemade chips are crispy, flavorful, and easy to make. Simply slice potatoes thinly, toss them with olive oil, parmesan cheese, and rosemary, and bake until golden brown.
2. Purple Cabbage Slaw: Slaw is a classic side dish for barbecue sandwiches, and this purple cabbage version adds both crunch and color to your plate. Plus, it can also be used as a topping for your sandwich.
3. Rum Baked Beans: These sweet and savory baked beans are a crowd-pleaser and can be made ahead of time. Simply mix together canned beans, brown sugar, rum, and spices, and bake until bubbly.
4. Grilled Jalapeño-Lime Corn on the Cob: This spicy and tangy corn on the cob is a perfect side dish for barbecue sandwiches. Grill the corn until charred, then brush with a mixture of melted butter, lime juice, and jalapeño.
5. Crispy Andouille Hush Puppies: These bite-sized hush puppies are packed with flavor thanks to spicy andouille sausage. They’re perfect for a fork-free barbecue meal.
Crispy Potato Chips: The Classic Side Dish
No barbecue meal is complete without a side of crispy potato chips. These classic chips are a crowd-pleaser and can be easily made at home. Simply slice potatoes thinly, fry them until golden brown, and season with your favorite spices such as salt, pepper, and paprika.
For a twist on the classic recipe, try making loaded baked potato chips. These roasted spuds are topped with bacon, cheese, sour cream, and chives for a delicious and indulgent side dish. Serve them on the baking sheet for minimal mess.
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to traditional potato chips, try making frozen sweet potato fries in the air fryer. This method gives you perfectly seasoned fries every time, with 90% of the work done by the air fryer itself. Another healthy option is garlic parmesan air fryer zucchini fries. These fries are crispy on the outside, moist and tender inside, and full of flavor.
No matter which recipe you choose, crispy potato chips are sure to be a hit at any barbecue meal.
Creamy Coleslaw: A Refreshing Accompaniment
One classic side dish that pairs well with ham barbecue sandwiches is creamy coleslaw. This refreshing and crunchy slaw is a great complement to the savory and smoky flavors of the ham. To make it, start with a package of shredded cabbage and carrots, and mix it with a simple dressing made from mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and seasonings. Chill the coleslaw in the fridge for a few hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. This creamy coleslaw can also be used as a topping for your sandwich, adding an extra layer of texture and flavor. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just looking for a quick and easy meal, creamy coleslaw is a must-have side dish to serve with your ham barbecue sandwiches.
Baked Beans: A Hearty And Flavorful Option
Baked beans are a classic and hearty side dish that pairs perfectly with ham barbecue sandwiches. These flavorful beans are usually made with barbecue sauce, brown sugar, onions, jalapenos, and bacon, and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. They are also easy to prepare, making them a great choice for a quick and satisfying meal.
One of the reasons baked beans go so well with ham barbecue sandwiches is that they provide a contrasting texture and flavor. The soft and savory meat is balanced out by the sweet and slightly crunchy beans. Additionally, the smoky flavor of the barbecue sauce in the beans complements the smoky flavor of the ham.
There are many variations of baked beans that you can try to mix things up. For example, you can add different types of beans such as black beans or kidney beans, or switch up the seasoning by adding chili powder or cumin. You can also make them spicy by adding more jalapenos or hot sauce.
In addition to being a great side dish for ham barbecue sandwiches, baked beans also pair well with other dishes such as hot dogs, hamburgers, and grilled meats. They are also versatile enough to be served as a main dish on their own or as a topping for baked potatoes.
Grilled Corn On The Cob: A Summer Favorite
Another great side dish to serve with ham barbecue sandwiches is grilled corn on the cob. This summer favorite is easy to prepare and adds a deliciously sweet and smoky flavor to your meal. To grill corn on the cob, simply remove the husks and silk from the corn and brush with melted butter or olive oil. Place the corn directly on the grill over medium-high heat and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are tender and slightly charred. For extra flavor, you can sprinkle the corn with salt, pepper, or your favorite seasoning blend before grilling. Grilled corn on the cob pairs well with a variety of barbecue meats and is a great way to add some seasonal flair to your meal.
Sweet Potato Fries: A Tasty Twist On A Classic
If you’re looking for a fun and tasty twist on a classic side dish, sweet potato fries are a great option to serve with your ham barbecue sandwiches. Not only do they add a pop of color to your plate, but they also provide a sweet and savory flavor that complements the smoky taste of the ham.
To make sweet potato fries, simply slice sweet potatoes into thin strips and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bake them in the oven until crispy and golden brown. For an extra crunch, you can also sprinkle breadcrumbs on top before baking.
But what should you serve with sweet potato fries? Here are some ideas:
1. Turkey Burgers: Sweet potato fries pair well with turkey burgers, which are a healthier alternative to beef burgers. Top your burger with avocado and caramelized onions for a delicious meal.
2. Broccoli Salad: A light and refreshing broccoli salad is a great side dish to serve alongside sweet potato fries. The crunchiness of the broccoli complements the texture of the fries, and the tangy dressing adds a burst of flavor.
3. Tomato Salad: A bright and zesty tomato salad is another great option to serve with sweet potato fries. The acidity of the tomatoes cuts through the sweetness of the fries, creating a balanced flavor.
4. Baked Beans: As mentioned earlier, baked beans have a similar flavor profile to sweet potato fries and can be served as a side dish. They’re also easy to make ahead of time, making them perfect for large gatherings.
5. Ailoi Dipping Sauce: To add an extra layer of flavor to your sweet potato fries, try serving them with ailoi dipping sauce. This garlic-infused sauce pairs well with the sweet and savory taste of the fries.
Macaroni Salad: A Creamy And Comforting Side
Macaroni salad is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with ham barbecue sandwiches. Creamy and comforting, it’s a crowd-pleaser that can be made ahead of time and chilled until ready to serve. To make this dish, cook macaroni according to package instructions and rinse with cold water. In a separate bowl, mix together mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper to make the dressing. Add diced celery, onion, and bell pepper to the dressing, then mix in the cooked macaroni. Cover and chill for at least an hour before serving. For added flavor and texture, you can also add chopped hard-boiled eggs or diced ham to the salad. This classic side dish is sure to please everyone at your next barbecue gathering.
