Sweet and Savory Starches

• Mashed simply with butter and cream, sliced thinly and baked with layers of gooey cheese, or roasted with olive oil and herbs, starchy potatoes provide a savory counterpoint to sweet glazed ham. Or pair sweet against sweet with a lovely sweet potato side dish. Prepare with fresh herbs and cheese to give your sweet potatoes a savory edge. Potato salad -- made from either starchy or sweet potatoes -- makes leftover ham a great picnic lunch.

Vivacious Veggies

• Fresh vegetables offer a healthy and flavorful counterpart to sweet glazed ham, and each can be prepared in a variety of ways. Carrots can be roasted or steamed, and given a savory slant by tossing with butter and fresh herbs or taken a sweet direction with a brown sugar glaze. Create a hearty casserole out of green beans and cream of mushroom soup, or whip up a batch of baked beans on the stove top. Steamed asparagus and brussel sprouts offer a delightful crunch, and boiled cauliflower or broccoli smothered in cheese sauce will get hesitant young diners to eat their vegetables.

Bodacious Bread

• Buttered and served on the side or used to create a simple ham sandwich, bread provides a delightful sidekick to hearty ham. Go back to basics and pair with a slice of white bread, add a wholesome accompaniment with a multi-grain slice, or get creative and serve with a crisp flat bread. There are a variety of different types of bread to choose from that will not only let the ham be the star but allow the server to give the meal a definite direction. And a leftover ham sandwich makes for a great lunch the next day.

Remarkable Rice

• From wild to white, orzo to risotto, rice makes a great companion dish to juicy ham. Fresh herbs such as basil, oregano and rosemary add a heady taste and aroma to freshly steamed rice, and hints of citrus such as lemon juice and zest add a bite of acidity. Take your meal on a Midwestern trek with a hearty side of wild rice soup, or go Italian with a savory risotto coated with freshly grated Parmesan. Go nuts and add a sprinkle of your crushed favorites such as hazelnuts, pecans or walnuts for a complementary crunch.