11 last minute casseroles that pair well with ham

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When ham is already on the table, the next question is what to serve with it that doesn’t take forever. I’ve put together 11 last-minute casseroles that make that part simple, especially if you’re short on time or just don’t feel like overthinking it. These are the kinds of ideas that come together quickly but still feel complete enough to sit next to something as hearty as ham.

A square slice of corn pudding casserole with eggs, red bell pepper, and chives sits on a white plate with a serving spoon underneath.
Classic Corn Pudding Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Baked Spanish Rice

Baked Spanish Rice in two black baking dishes.
Baked Spanish Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

On a night when ham is already taking up most of the spotlight, this Baked Spanish Rice quietly steps in and makes the plate feel complete. The warm, cozy flavors give that “real meal” feeling without needing anything fussy or fancy. I like how it balances a salty slice of ham with something lovely that still feels a little different from everyday rice.
Get the Recipe: Baked Spanish Rice

Sweet Potato Casserole

A close-up of Sweet Potato Casserole on a white dish.
Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

There’s something about this Sweet Potato Casserole that makes a ham dinner feel like a holiday, even when it’s not. The creamy, smooth texture and hint of sweetness make each bite of ham taste richer and more special. I always think of this as the dish that makes the plate look complete, the one that makes a simple meal into something you actually remember later.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole

Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli

A serving of Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli on a black plate.
Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Instead of throwing a plain veggie on the table, this Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli gives you something that feels lovely and still a little bright. The mix of rice and broccoli makes the whole plate feel more balanced next to that salty, rich ham. I like how it brings a cozy texture with just enough green to keep the meal from feeling heavy. It’s the kind of side that fits right in without trying too hard.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli

Tini’s Mac & Cheese with a Twist

A spoonful of Tini’s Mac & Cheese with a Twist is held above a square baking dish filled with the same dish.
Tini’s Mac & Cheese with a Twist. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Ham on the table instantly feels more fun when this Tini’s Mac & Cheese with a Twist shows up next to it. You get that familiar ease of mac and cheese, but there’s a little something extra going on that keeps it from being the same old thing. I love how it makes the meal feel a bit more playful while still being pure comfort food. It’s the kind of side that makes people quietly hope there’s enough for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Tini’s Mac & Cheese with a Twist

Chef Jenn’s Fully Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole

A white plate with loaded sweet potato casserole topped with sour cream, bacon, cheese, and green onions, set on a brown charger plate with a fork and cooking utensils in the background.
Chef Jenn’s Fully Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For those ham dinners that feel a bit special, this Chef Jenn’s Fully Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole brings that “wow, this is a feast” energy. The rich, layered flavors turn sweet potatoes into something that feels almost like a bonus main dish on the plate. I like how it gives each bite of ham a cozy, indulgent partner without needing any explanation.
Get the Recipe: Chef Jenn’s Fully Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole

Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole

A baked casserole topped with melted cheese, garnished with chopped chives and paprika, with a serving spoon and a portion missing from one corner.
Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Something about this Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole just feels like convenience you can see. Next to ham, it makes the plate into pure comfort food in the best way possible. I always think of this kind of dish as the “anchor” of the meal, the one that makes everything feel warm and familiar. It’s smooth, cozy, and exactly what most people hope to see alongside sliced ham.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole

Summer Squash Casserole

A spoon holds a serving of yellow squash casserole with a crumbly topping above a glass baking dish on a kitchen counter.
Summer Squash Casserole. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

When ham is on the menu, but you want the meal to feel a little lighter, this Summer Squash Casserole is a great way to do it. It brings a softer, gentler side to the plate that keeps things from feeling too heavy. I like how it adds color and a different texture, so the meal doesn’t become just meat and starch. It keeps the ham center stage while still making the whole plate more interesting.
Get the Recipe: Summer Squash Casserole

Twice-Baked Potato Casserole

A baked breakfast casserole topped with chopped green onions and bacon is being served from a square dish with a spatula.
Twice-Baked Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

A plate with ham and this Twice-Baked Potato Casserole feels like something straight out of a special occasion spread. You get that loaded, hearty potato ease in a way that feels a little extra, without being fancy or complicated. I think of this as the side that makes people slow down and really enjoy the meal. It stands up to the ham perfectly and makes an ordinary dinner into something that feels planned and thought out.
Get the Recipe: Twice-Baked Potato Casserole

3-Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

A close-up of a cheesy broccoli and egg casserole being lifted from a glass baking dish with a metal spatula.
3-Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

On nights when everything feels rushed, this 3-Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole keeps the ham dinner from feeling thrown together. It’s simple, cozy, and exactly the kind of side that makes the plate look complete with almost no effort. I like that it feels lovely without being heavy or complicated. It’s the kind of dish that fits right in next to ham, especially when you want something easy that still looks like you tried.
Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Cheesy Broccoli & Cauliflower Casserole with Crispy Bacon

A rectangular baking dish filled with baked casserole topped with a golden breadcrumb crust sits on a blue and white checkered cloth.
Cheesy Broccoli & Cauliflower Casserole with Crispy Bacon. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

A ham dinner instantly feels more special when this Cheesy Broccoli & Cauliflower Casserole with Crispy Bacon shows up beside it. The mix of veggies and rich, cheesy goodness gives every slice of ham a more interesting partner on the plate. I like how it manages to feel both cozy and a little bit bold at the same time. It’s the side that makes the whole meal look restaurant-level, without actually being fussy.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Broccoli & Cauliflower Casserole with Crispy Bacon

Classic Corn Pudding Casserole

A square slice of corn pudding casserole with eggs, red bell pepper, and chives sits on a white plate with a serving spoon underneath.
Classic Corn Pudding Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For that old-school calming vibe, this Classic Corn Pudding Casserole pairs with ham like they were meant for each other. The soft, slightly sweet bite plays so well with the salty ham that the plate feels instantly balanced. I always think of this kind of dish as the quiet star of the meal, the one that doesn’t shout but still gets remembered. It’s warm, homey, and perfect for rounding out a last-minute ham spread.
Get the Recipe: Classic Corn Pudding Casserole

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