13 Ham Ideas That Help Anchor Pre-Christmas Dinner Plans

Pre-Christmas dinners deserve warm, reliable dishes that bring everyone together without a lot of fuss. In this lineup, 13 ways to serve ham make prepping for those busy nights much simpler. These ideas bring a little tradition to the table during the holiday rush. Sometimes, sticking with what works can make everyone feel right at home.

Ham Salad

Crowd-pleasing moments seem to follow this Ham Salad wherever it’s served, especially at holiday gatherings. Guests like to scoop extra, enjoying a fresh change from heavier options. This dish shows how simple flavors work well before a big December dinner. I use it as a go-to when I need a quick way to add something familiar to the spread.
Get the Recipe: Ham Salad

Sweet Brown Sugar and Pineapple Ham

Plates fill quickly when this Sweet Brown Sugar and Pineapple Ham hits the table, drawing everyone in with its festive look. People get curious about the glaze and comment on how cheerful it feels during pre-Christmas celebrations. Bites of this ham tend to bring smiles and second helpings. Sharing it signals the season is finally picking up speed.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Brown Sugar and Pineapple Ham

Savory Egg Prosciutto Bagel

A busy evening feels much smoother once this Savory Egg Prosciutto Bagel is brought to the dinner table. There’s always a sense of surprise when something this simple ends up being so memorable. I turn to these bagels when I want a casual but satisfying meal before the bigger holiday feasts. Every bite helps people settle in and enjoy those slower December nights.
Get the Recipe: Savory Egg Prosciutto Bagel

Ham and Split Pea Soup

Steaming bowls of this Ham and Split Pea Soup fit right into chilly December afternoons leading up to Christmas. People cozy up, welcoming a familiar classic that stays popular year after year. Guests often linger, wanting seconds and sharing stories between spoonfuls. Serving it makes any pre-holiday gathering feel complete.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Split Pea Soup

Copycat Honey Baked Ham

Bright holiday tables always benefit from this Copycat Honey Baked Ham, especially when guests crave something familiar. Buzz rises as folks chat about how close it feels to the restaurant favorite. Extra slices never seem to linger long, especially when celebrations are just around the corner. I rely on this recipe when traditions matter most.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Honey Baked Ham

Comforting Ham and Potato Casserole

Some pre-holiday dinners call out for comfort, which is why I rely on this Comforting Ham and Potato Casserole. The creamy layers make people feel right at home, surrounded by laughter and warmth. Plates clear quickly, hinting that guests appreciate straightforward, hearty dishes. Familiar food like this keeps everyone grounded before the Christmas rush.
Get the Recipe: Comforting Ham and Potato Casserole

Ham and Cheese Quiche

Dinner at holiday time gets a boost when this Ham and Cheese Quiche appears on the table. Guests settle in and enjoy every bite as the warm, savory flavors create a sense of comfort on chilly evenings. I serve it for a simple dinner that still feels festive and welcoming. When schedules are busy, this quiche makes sitting down together easy.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Quiche

Sweet Brown Sugar Ham and Veggies

Holiday tables get a whole lot cozier with this Sweet Brown Sugar Ham and Veggies. People notice the rich, sweet appeal as soon as the serving dish lands on the table. I reach for this pairing after seeing how well it fits any festive season. Families and guests always sneak another helping before starting on main courses.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Brown Sugar Ham and Veggies

Ham and Potato Soup

Bowls of this Ham and Potato Soup help bring everyone together, especially when the holiday rush starts building. The comfort it brings stays steady through the pre-Christmas buzz. People often ask if there’s enough for seconds after the first round. Serving this soup sets a friendly, easy tone before the bigger feasts begin.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Potato Soup

Melty Ham and Swiss Sliders

Everyone seems to crowd around the tray as soon as this Melty Ham and Swiss Sliders appear. Warm, cheesy bites fill the room with anticipation between main meals. These little sandwiches vanish in record time with hands reaching for seconds without hesitation. Quick, savory snacks like this keep celebrations rolling smoothly.
Get the Recipe: Melty Ham and Swiss Sliders

Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls

Pass-around appetizers always feel special with these Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls offered before Christmas dinner. Friends remark on their soft, warm bite and reach for seconds before the meal starts. Crescent rolls help bridge the gap between lunch and evening festivities. I like to prepare extras since they rarely last long once the tray arrives.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls

Melty Ham and Cheese Sliders

Few dishes create so much buzz as these Melty Ham and Cheese Sliders when presented to a hungry party. Friendly conversations start right after someone takes their first warm, gooey bite. I stack these high, prepared for even the busiest crowds. Quick comfort foods like this connect people during hectic holiday plans.
Get the Recipe: Melty Ham and Cheese Sliders

Hearty Ham and Bean Soup

Classic soups earn a place at every pre-Christmas get-together, especially this Hearty Ham and Bean Soup. Guests enjoy how each bowl keeps them warm and satisfied as colder days roll in. The rich depth in every bite makes folks pause and appreciate simple holiday comfort. I find it’s an anchor dish for evenings leading up to Christmas.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Ham and Bean Soup