Hearty Sides To Serve With Ham And Cheese Sliders

Ham and cheese sliders are a scrumptious, make-ahead, quick, and easy meal. They are a great option for a weeknight dinner or as a party food. But what should you serve with them?

A popular option is to serve them with a side salad, such as a Caesar salad, and a bowl of soup, such as tomato basil soup. You could also serve them with a pasta salad, such as an Italian pasta salad or a potato salad.

If you're looking for something more substantial, you could try pairing them with macaroni and cheese, baked beans, or roasted broccoli.

For a sweet and refreshing contrast to the savoury sliders, you could serve a fruit salad.

Salads: Caesar, spinach, Italian chopped, or a simple veggie platter

Salads are a great way to round out a meal of ham and cheese sliders, keeping things light and refreshing. Here are some salad options that will perfectly complement the sliders:

Caesar Salad

A classic Caesar salad is a simple yet delicious option that everyone will love. This salad typically includes romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and a creamy Caesar dressing. You can make it even more special by adding some crunchy homemade croutons and a sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives.

Spinach Salad

A spinach salad is a great way to add some extra nutrients to your meal. This salad is simple yet tasty, with spinach as the star ingredient. You can add some red onions and croutons for texture and flavor. A light vinaigrette or balsamic dressing would go well with this salad.

Italian Chopped Salad

An Italian chopped salad is a hearty and delicious option with a zesty Italian dressing. This salad typically includes a variety of chopped vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers, along with salami, pepperoni, or other cured meats, and cheese such as mozzarella or provolone. It's a flavorful and satisfying option that pairs well with the sliders.

Veggie Platter

If you want to keep things simple, a veggie platter is a great option. Include an assortment of crisp, fresh vegetables such as carrots, celery, cucumber, bell peppers, cauliflower, and broccoli. You can serve this with a tangy dip, such as hummus or a creamy herb dip, on the side. This option is healthy, colorful, and sure to please a variety of tastes.

Pasta: Italian pasta salad, macaroni, or ramen noodle salad

Pasta salads are a great side dish to serve with ham and cheese sliders. They are filling and nutritious, and can be made in advance, making them perfect for feeding a crowd. Here are some delicious pasta salad options to consider:

Italian Pasta Salad

This salad is far from dull and bland! Loaded with pasta, veggies, cheese, nuts, and meats, it is vibrant and refreshing, making it the perfect side dish for summer gatherings. You can also add your choice of dressing to make it even more exciting.

Macaroni Salad

Macaroni salad is a classic and crowd-pleasing dish that is super easy to make. It is a creamy and tasty blend of macaroni, mayonnaise, mustard, eggs, and cilantro. You can also add colorful vegetables to make it more nutritious. This salad is best served chilled, so it's an excellent option for making in advance and serving on the day of your gathering.

Ramen Noodle Salad

This unique pasta salad is made with budget-friendly ramen noodles and a variety of fresh ingredients, including mandarin oranges, almonds, and bell peppers. It's a fun and irresistible twist on traditional pasta salad that your guests will surely enjoy!

Herbed Summer Corn Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is perfect for summer! It combines fresh herbs, sweet sautéed corn kernels, and feta cheese, resulting in a scrumptious and refreshing dish that can be prepared in under 30 minutes.

When serving ham and cheese sliders, you can also offer a variety of other side dishes, such as grilled pineapple, potato casseroles, chips and dips, and fruit salads. But if you're looking for a hearty and satisfying option to complement the sliders, any of these pasta salads are sure to be a hit!

Potatoes: Chips, roasted, or a cheesy casserole

Ham and cheese sliders are a delicious, easy-to-make meal, perfect for feeding a crowd. To make them even more satisfying, serve them with a side of potatoes. Here are some mouth-watering potato options to choose from:

Potato Chips

For a classic side dish, you can't go wrong with potato chips. But instead of grabbing a bag from the store, why not make your own? Try making them in an air fryer for the crispiest, most flavorful chips you'll ever taste. It's a great way to impress your guests and elevate your sliders to the next level.

Roasted Potatoes

If you're looking for a heartier option, roasted potatoes are a perfect choice. Try making Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes, which are sliced to hold all the delicious flavor. Or, for a spicy-sweet twist, try Roasted Sweet Potato Salad with a tangy maple syrup dressing and a hint of jalapeno.

Cheesy Potato Casserole

For all the cheese lovers out there, a potato casserole is a dream come true. This dish is loaded with hash browns, cornflakes, and lots of cheese. It's super easy to make—just throw all the ingredients in a pan, bake, and enjoy. You can also try a hash brown casserole, which is full of shredded potatoes infused and topped with cheese.

Baked or Fried Potato Options

For a fun twist on traditional potatoes, try Loaded Tater Tots, also known as "tachos." These are a tasty side dish or appetizer loaded with all your favorite nacho toppings. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, make some Louisiana Voodoo Fries, cheesy Cajun French fries that you can make in just 30 minutes.

So, the next time you're serving ham and cheese sliders, don't forget the potatoes! Whether you choose chips, roasted potatoes, or a cheesy casserole, your guests are sure to be delighted.

Soups: Tomato basil or a creamy chowder

Ham and cheese sliders are a great dish to serve at parties or for a quick lunch or dinner. They are even better when served with a bowl of soup. Here are some ideas for soups that go well with ham and cheese sliders:

Tomato Basil Soup

Tomato soup is a classic choice that can be easily elevated with the addition of basil. The sweetness of the tomatoes pairs well with the savoury and salty flavours of the ham and cheese sliders. Adding basil brings a fresh herbal note to the soup, making it a refreshing choice to balance out the richness of the sliders. This soup option is also a great way to add a pop of colour to your meal, as the bright red of the tomatoes contrasts nicely with the browns and yellows of the sliders.

Creamy Broccoli Soup

For a comforting and hearty option, creamy broccoli soup is an excellent choice to pair with ham and cheese sliders. The creaminess of the soup echoes the creaminess of the cheese in the sliders, creating a cohesive and indulgent meal. Broccoli also adds a nice touch of green to your dish, making it visually appealing. This soup is a great way to add some extra vegetables to your meal while still keeping things tasty and enjoyable.

Potato Soup

For a truly indulgent and satisfying meal, pair your ham and cheese sliders with a bowl of potato soup. Potato soup is thick and creamy, making it a great comfort food option. The starchy potatoes also help to balance out the saltiness of the ham and the richness of the cheese. If you're looking for a truly decadent option, you can even make a loaded baked potato soup, adding toppings like bacon, cheese, and green onions to take the flavour to the next level.

Summer Corn Chowder

If you're looking for something a little different, summer corn chowder is a great option to pair with ham and cheese sliders. The sweetness of the corn complements the savoury flavours of the sliders, and the chowder's creamy texture makes it a satisfying choice. This soup is a great way to add some seasonal ingredients to your meal and take advantage of fresh summer corn. You can also easily adjust the spice level of this soup to suit your taste preferences.

Fruits: A fresh salad or grilled pineapple

Ham and cheese sliders are a delicious treat, but they can be even better when served with a fresh fruit salad or grilled pineapple. Here are some ideas on how to incorporate these fruity options into your meal:

Fresh Fruit Salad

A fruit salad is a simple yet refreshing option to pair with your ham and cheese sliders. The sweetness of the fruit provides a nice contrast to the savoury sliders, and it can be a healthy addition to your meal. Here are some tips for creating a delicious fruit salad:

• Fruits to Include: Grapes, watermelon, berries, and kiwi are all great options for a fruit salad. You can also get creative and add your favourite fruits or whatever is in season. The more variety in colour and texture, the better!
• Enhance the Flavour: Consider coating the fruit with Greek yoghurt for a tangy twist. For a sweeter salad, drizzle honey or maple syrup over the fruit.
• Make it Refreshing: Fruit salads are perfect for a summer meal as they are vibrant and refreshing.

Grilled Pineapple

Grilled pineapple is a sweet and juicy addition to your ham and cheese sliders. The grilling process adds a unique flavour and texture to the pineapple, making it a tasty treat. Here are some tips for preparing grilled pineapple:

• Preparation: Cut fresh pineapple into thin slices, or use canned pineapple rings. You can also brush the pineapple with a marinade, such as a soy and ginger mixture, before grilling to add extra flavour.
• Grilling Process: Place the pineapple slices on a hot grill for about one minute on each side, or until grill marks appear. This will give the pineapple a slightly charred flavour and a beautiful caramelisation.
• Presentation: Layer the grilled pineapple on top of the ham and cheese sliders, or serve it on the side. You can also cut the grilled pineapple into smaller pieces and add them directly to the sliders.

Whether you choose a fresh fruit salad or grilled pineapple, these fruity options will add a burst of flavour and a healthy component to your ham and cheese sliders. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations and serving suggestions!

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