Your Easter ham called — it wants these 17 side dish recipes

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Your Easter ham called — it wants these 17 side dish recipes to round out the meal. Everyone knows that a great ham is the star of the show on Easter, but even the best main attraction needs a strong supporting cast. That’s where these side dishes come in — they’re the perfect match for your ham.

A baking sheet with garnished parmesan crusted potatoes on it.
Parmesan Crusted Potatoes. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Tomatoes stuffed with cheese and basil on a baking sheet.
Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Make these baked tomatoes for your Easter dinner. They’re simple to prepare — just slice up some tomatoes, layer on Parmesan and mozzarella cheese with herbs, drizzle olive oil over the top, then bake. Serve them hot, and you’ve got a memorable side that makes your dinner look and taste great without much effort. Plus, it’s a perfect way to use up extra tomatoes and cheese. Impress your guests with minimal prep by adding this flavorful dish to your Easter spread.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Bowl of creamy dill cucumber onion salad in a bowl with spoons.
Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a refreshing Easter side, try this Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad. Just grab some cucumbers, onions, sour cream, and mayo. Mix it all up and let it chill for a bit. It’s ready in 30 minutes and serves as a great, cool complement to heavier dishes. It’s super easy to make and packs a lot of flavor for a light side. This salad is also perfect for making ahead.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms on a serving tray.
Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Fill up some mushroom caps with a sausage stuffing, bake until golden, and you’ve got a fun, impressive side ready in under an hour. Want to make this ahead of time? Prepare the stuffed mushrooms as directed in the recipe. Once stuffed, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake. When it’s time to serve, simply preheat the oven, remove the stuffed mushrooms from the refrigerator, and bake them until they are golden brown and the filling is cooked through. It’s an easy way to add something new to your Easter spread without much work.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Roasted Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Roasted butternut squash with cauliflower and bacon and dollops of sour cream with a spoon.
Roasted Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This roasted butternut squash with cauliflower and bacon is pure comfort food as a side. Simple but ends up sweet, savory, and perfect alongside a roast ham, chicken or pork for Easter. If you want to prep in advance, store the prepared mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to roast it. When you’re ready to serve, spread the mixture onto a baking sheet and roast it until the vegetables are tender and caramelized, stirring occasionally for even cooking. Add cinnamon or nutmeg before roasting for extra flavor.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Baked Sliced Zucchini

Baked sliced zucchini with parmesan on a white plate.
Baked Sliced Zucchini. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Baked Sliced Zucchini is your go-to for an easy, crowd-pleasing side. Just grab some zucchini, Parmesan, and whatever seasonings you like. Bake for 20 minutes for a crispy, soft treat. This dish is perfect for rounding out your Easter dinner with a quick, healthy option. It’s so good that you’ll want to keep making it regularly. It’s also an effortless way to get another serving of veggies into your meal that even picky eaters will go for. The cheesy crunch elevates the humble zucchini into something truly craveable.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sliced Zucchini

Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Buttery whole roasted cauliflower on a baking sheet.
Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Add a great side to your Easter meal with Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower. All you need is a whole cauliflower, chicken stock, and some butter. Simmer the cauliflower in the stock, then roast until tender inside and crispy outside, about 30 minutes. This dish is budget-friendly and easy as can be. Presenting a whole roasted cauliflower makes an impressive vegetable centerpiece for your Easter table.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Twice baked potato casserole with bacon and green onions.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This twice baked potato casserole with bacon, sour cream, and cheddar is a crowd-pleaser you can make ahead of time. Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking it fully. After assembling the ingredients, cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Ensure that the casserole is well-sealed to prevent it from drying out. Before serving, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, bake it according to the recipe instructions until it’s heated through, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. It’s perfect for pairing with that Easter ham for that delicious holiday feast.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

A plate of parmesan crusted potatoes with a sauce on top.
Parmesan Crusted Potatoes. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes are a must-have for your Easter table. Grab some small potatoes, Parmesan, and your favorite herbs. Cut up the potatoes, toss with the cheese and herbs, and bake until crispy, about 45 minutes. They’re great fresh out of the oven with that crispy, flavorful bite. They go with pretty much any main dish, adding some hearty goodness to your meal. These potatoes aren’t just for Easter either; they make a great go-to side anytime. Definitely add them to your list of great recipes. The crunchy crust and herb flavors can turn the humble potato into an Easter stunner.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Cauliflower risotto in a pan.
Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Make your Easter dinner stand out with Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms. It’s creamy like regular risotto but way healthier. You just need some cauliflower, mushrooms, and a few basics from the pantry. Cook it all up in one pot, and in 30 minutes, you’ve got a flavorful, lighter dish. This risotto is an awesome way to sneak in some extra veggies while still impressing guests with loads of flavor. Plus, the one-pot method means less cleanup, so you have more time with family.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Halloumi Fries

Halloumi fries with dill dip on a plate.
Halloumi Fries. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Add some excitement to your Easter spread with Halloumi Fries. Bake for 25 minutes for a perfectly crispy side. They’re a delicious, no-stress way to shake things up and bring a new flavor and texture to your meal. These fries make for a fun talking point too. And their quick, easy prep is a lifesaver for any last-minute hosting duties. Halloumi fries are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but if you have leftovers, just store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat them in the oven or toaster oven to get that crispness back before serving again. The salty, cheesy crunch livens up the Easter menu in a big way.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Fries

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

A pan full of bacon and cabbage with a wooden spoon.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a fast, flavorful side, try fried cabbage with bacon. Sauté cabbage, bacon, and onions together and in 25 minutes, you’ve got a hearty green side to complement any main dish. Add some apple cider vinegar or red pepper for extra kick. It’s a simple crowd-pleaser that adds richness to your meal. If you want to make this ahead, cook the mixture until the cabbage is tender but still retains some crispness. Allow the fried cabbage with bacon to cool completely after cooking. Transfer the cooled mixture to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Store the container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Loaded Zucchini Boats

Three loaded zucchini boats on a plate.
Loaded Zucchini Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Loaded zucchini boats stuffed with cheese and bacon make for a fun, lighter veggie side option for Easter dinner. It takes about 50 minutes, but you can mix up the fillings however you want to fit different diet lifestyles. To prep ahead, place the filled zucchini boats on a baking dish and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Before serving, remove the plastic wrap and bake the zucchini boats until the cheese is melted and bubbly. These adorable edible boats are a creative way to get some veggies on the table this Easter.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Zucchini Boats

Golden Baked Jicama Fries

Jicama fries on a plate with parsley.
Golden Baked Jicama Fries. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Shake things up with Golden Baked Jicama Fries. Grab a jicama, peel and slice it up, then give it a quick boil. Season however you like and bake for about an hour until nice and crispy. These fries are a healthier spin on a classic and a delicious way to get some extra veggies in. Serve them up crispy and savory on the side. They take a little while, but they’re worth the wait. A fun change from regular fries, this dish is also a great conversation starter to make your meal more memorable. Swapping out potatoes for jicama gives you all the crispy fry satisfaction with more nutrition.
Get the Recipe: Golden Baked Jicama Fries

Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

A bowl of cilantro lime cauliflower rice.
Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Brighten up your Easter meal with this fresh cilantro lime cauliflower rice. Prepare the cauliflower rice by chopping the cauliflower and mixing it with cilantro, lime juice, and any additional ingredients. Store the cauliflower rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. It’s a quick, lighter alternative to regular rice that pairs really well with your holiday protein.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

7 Layer Salad

A salad bowl filled with vegetables and peas.
7 Layer Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Serve this 7 Layer Salad next to your Easter ham for a fresh twist. It’s a showstopper with layers of crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and crunchy shallots, all tied together with a delicious dressing. It’s a side that’s big on flavor and nutrition, and you can toss in your favorite veggies to mix it up. It’s a breeze to put together, too — a few steps, and you’ve got a dish that looks as good as it tastes. Plus, it’s vegetarian-friendly, so everyone can dig in.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad

Cauliflower Steaks

Cauliflower steaks with pomegranate and pistachios on a plate.
Cauliflower Steaks. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Pair your Easter ham with these hearty cauliflower steaks for a side that’s full of flavor and a cinch to make. They’re a solid pick for rounding out your meal and a great way to turn a simple veggie into a standout dish that complements the main event.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Steaks

Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

In FDL library.
Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In just 25 minutes, you can whip up this creamy broccoli with sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor and color on your plate. It’s nutritious but also rich enough to feel like a real treat with grilled meats. Add toasted pine nuts for extra crunch. Make your Easter veggies the star with this decadent yet healthy crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

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