What To Serve With Coca-Cola Ham: 8 BEST Sides!
When it comes to serving a delicious and unique main course, Coca-Cola ham is such an excellent choice for gatherings and special occasions.
Made popular by Nigella Lawson, it’s the perfect combination of sweet and savoury flavours, and it always makes for an impressive centrepiece for the dinner table.
But what exactly should you serve with Coca-Cola ham?
Here, we’re going to answer that exact question…
What to serve with Coca-Cola ham
In a hurry? Here’s the quick answer…
Some of the tastiest sides for Coca-Cola ham include comforting dishes like classic mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, roasted sprouts, and sweet potato casserole.
If you prefer, you can keep things light by serving your ham with fresh and vibrant salads such as apple walnut salad, and cranberry almond slaw.
Round off your meal with a traditional dessert like pumpkin pie or apple crisp.
Let’s take a look at some more ideas for what to serve with Coca-Cola ham, plus easy recipes for you to try at home.
1. Classic Mashed Potatoes
Smooth, creamy, and ever so satisfying, classic mashed potatoes are a must-have on any dinner table, especially when paired with a hearty Coca Cola ham.
Made from boiled and mashed potatoes combined with butter, milk or cream, and seasoning, this classic dish is easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
2. Green Bean Casserole
A staple in many households, green bean casserole is a delectable combination of tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and crunchy fried onions.
This dish offers the perfect balance of flavours and textures to enhance the taste of your Coca-Cola ham.
It’s also a great way to get veggie dodgers to try more of the green stuff… The sauce and the crunchy onions make it a real treat, whilst also offering something towards your 5-a-day!
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
For a healthy and flavoursome addition to your meal, consider serving roasted Brussels sprouts with your Coca-Cola ham.
Tossed in olive oil, seasoned with salt and pepper, and oven-baked until tender and slightly crisp, these little green gems will add bursts of nutrients and colour to your plate.
Pair them with your ham to bring out the savoury goodness of both dishes.
Sprouts often have a bit of a bad reputation, but this often comes from memories of them being over boiled into an unpleasant mush.
Many people find that roasted sprouts are completely different, and can be a really enjoyable side dish, so do give them another chance!
4. Sweet Potato Casserole
If you’re looking to add a touch of sweetness to your meal, a sweet potato casserole might be the ideal choice.
Made from a base of mashed sweet potatoes, this dish is typically topped with a mixture of butter, sugar, and pecans, creating a delectable sweet-meets-savoury sensation.
Combining this side with your Coca-Cola ham creates a delicious contrast that will have your guests asking for seconds.
5. Apple Walnut Salad
This bright and crunchy salad combines the sweetness of apples with the earthy flavour of walnuts. The tangy dressing ties everything together, balancing the sweetness of the ham.
To make apple walnut salad, you’ll need:
- 2 large apples, sliced
- 1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
For the dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Combine salad ingredients in a large bowl.
In a separate container, whisk together dressing ingredients, and season with salt and pepper.
Drizzle dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
6. Cranberry Almond Slaw
A colourful, tangy slaw with a hint of sweetness from dried cranberries is a tasty choice for what to serve with Coca-Cola ham.
The almonds add crunch and contrast to the tender cabbage.
For cranberry almond slaw, you’ll need:
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
For the dressing:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar or honey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Combine the slaw ingredients in a large bowl.
In a separate container, whisk together dressing ingredients and season with salt and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss to coat.
Allow the mix to sit for 15 minutes to allow the flavours to meld before serving.
Desserts to Complement Coca-Cola Ham
While Coca-Cola ham is a delicious and satisfying main dish, it’s essential to choose desserts that complement the flavours present in your meal.
Two excellent options to consider are pumpkin pie and apple crisp.
7. Pumpkin Pie
As a classic American dessert, pumpkin pie is widely enjoyed during festive occasions.
The sweetness and warmth of the spices used in pumpkin pie complement the sweetness and tanginess of Coca-Cola ham.
It’s also relatively easy to make:
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F).
- Combine pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves in a large bowl.
- Pour the mixture into a pastry-lined pie plate.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then lower the oven temperature to 180°C (350°F) and bake for an additional 40 to 50 minutes, until a knife inserted in the centre comes out clean.
- Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before serving.
Top your pumpkin pie with whipped cream to round off the flavours and add a touch of elegance to your dessert.
8. Apple Crisp
Apple crisp is another dessert that pairs well with Coca-Cola ham due to its sweet, warm, and comforting flavours.
To make an apple crisp:
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Peel, core, and slice apples and place them in a baking dish.
- Combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl. Add butter and mix until a crumbly texture forms.
- Sprinkle the crumbly mixture over the sliced apples.
- Bake for 45 minutes to an hour, until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
Serve your apple crisp warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent dessert experience.
What to do With Leftover Coca-Cola Ham
When you have a delicious Coca-Cola ham, there is no need to let any leftovers go to waste.
In fact, you can use the remaining ham to create some mouth-watering dishes.
In this section, we will explore two scrumptious ideas for using your Coca-Cola ham leftovers…
Ham and Cheese Panini
A classic option for repurposing your delicious Coca-Cola ham is a ham and cheese panini.
This easy-to-make meal combines tender ham, melted cheese, and crispy bread to create the perfect lunchtime treat.
To make a ham and cheese panini, follow these simple steps:
- Start with two slices of your favourite bread (we recommend sourdough or focaccia).
- Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on one side of each slice.
- Layer leftover Coca-Cola ham and your favourite cheese (like cheddar or Swiss) on one slice of bread, then top with the other slice.
- Butter the outer sides of the sandwich and place it on a hot panini press or grill pan.
- Cook until the bread is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted and gooey.
Enjoy your delicious ham and cheese panini with a side salad or your favourite soup for a satisfying meal.
Eggs Benedict with Ham
Another delectable leftover idea is eggs Benedict with ham.
This classic brunch dish combines poached eggs, toasted English muffins, savoury ham, and velvety Hollandaise sauce.
Follow these steps:
- Poach eggs in simmering water with a splash of white vinegar.
- While the eggs are poaching, toast English muffin halves and heat up your leftover Coca Cola ham.
- Place slices of warmed ham on top of the toasted English muffin halves.
- Gently place a poached egg on top of the ham.
- Spoon a generous amount of Hollandaise sauce over the eggs.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives and a sprinkle of paprika for added flavour.
Serve your eggs Benedict with your leftover Cola ham alongside fresh fruit, breakfast potatoes, or a simple green salad for a truly indulgent meal.
What’s your favourite side for Coca-Cola ham?
Leave a comment and share your favourite ideas!
What To Serve With Coca-Cola Ham
Ingredients
- 1 serving Coca-Cola ham
Instructions
- Prepare your Coca-Cola ham according to your favourite recipe.
- Choose and prepare your sides. Popular choices include creamy mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, apple and walnut salad, cranberry almond slaw, and roasted sprouts.
- Serve, and enjoy!
- Be sure to use your leftovers - ham and cheese panini sandwiches and eggs benedict with ham are delicious!
