Christmas Dinner Sides in Malaysia: 8 Ideas to Serve with Holiday Ham
A Christmas main course becomes a real celebration when the sides work together. If Holiday Ham is on the menu, aim for a mix of something creamy, something fresh, something colourful and something that can soak up the delicious juices.
Here are eight sides to serve with Holiday Ham in Malaysia, with practical ways to keep the cooking manageable.
1. Garlic mashed potatoes
Creamy mash balances savoury cured meat. Boil the potatoes on the hob, then finish with butter, milk or cream and cooked garlic to taste. Keep safely hot until serving.
2. Crispy roast potatoes
A Christmas favourite. Parboil, drain, rough up the edges and roast until golden. If oven space is limited, schedule them around the ham instead of trying to cook everything at once.
3. Honey-roasted carrots
Carrots add colour and gentle sweetness. Season them lightly so they complement rather than compete with a honey-glazed ham.
4. Green beans with garlic
A stovetop side that doesn't fight for oven space. Blanch or cook the beans, then toss with garlic and a little butter or oil.
5. Crisp cucumber and lettuce salad
Malaysia's warm weather makes a cold, crunchy side especially welcome. Keep the dressing separate until it's time to eat, and refrigerate prepared ingredients appropriately.
6. Soft bread rolls
Warm rolls are ideal for guests who like building little ham sandwiches. Set out mustard or another condiment if you like.
7. Macaroni and cheese
Comforting and popular with families. Make it part of the spread rather than the only side: ham and mac-and-cheese are both rich, so add vegetables too.
8. Garlic or egg fried rice
For a local twist, include a simple fried rice. It's familiar, filling and easy to serve buffet-style; avoid overcrowding the menu with too many starches.
A simple menu for 10–15 guests
Choose Lily’s Holiday Ham, one potato dish, one green vegetable, a fresh salad, bread rolls and a dessert. Add extra food if ham is your only main course or your guests prefer larger helpings.
Lily’s Holiday Ham weighs approximately 1.5–1.7 kg before cooking and is recommended for 10–15 people only when part of a bigger festive spread. It is traditionally cured whole-muscle pork, comes uncooked, and includes a mini pot of honey glaze.
A note about your guests
Holiday Ham is a pork product. Check your guests' dietary requirements and provide an alternative main dish where necessary. Keep separate serving utensils for different foods.
Start with the main course
Lily’s Holiday Ham 2026 pre-orders are open, with delivery from 18 November onwards, subject to coverage and selected dates. Explore the Holiday Ham product details and order here.
