Ham Recipes

Ham is a versatile and flavorful ingredient that can be the star of any meal. Whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or a show-stopping dinner, ham has got you covered. In this blog post, we’ll explore some delicious ham recipes that are sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests.

1. Classic Baked Ham

A classic baked ham is perfect for holidays and special occasions. It’s simple to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 10 pounds)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Place the ham in a roasting pan and score the surface in a diamond pattern.
3. In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, honey, mustard, vinegar, and cloves.
4. Brush the glaze over the ham, making sure to get it into the scored cuts.
5. Cover the ham with foil and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, basting with the glaze every 30 minutes.
6. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized and the ham is heated through.
7. Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

2. Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole

This hearty breakfast casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd and can be prepared the night before for a stress-free morning.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups cubed bread (preferably day-old)
• 2 cups diced ham
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the cubed bread evenly in the dish.
2. Sprinkle the diced ham and cheeses over the bread.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, dry mustard, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the egg mixture over the bread, ham, and cheese.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Bake the casserole for 45-50 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.
8. Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.

3. Ham and Bean Soup

This comforting ham and bean soup is perfect for chilly days and makes for great leftovers.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound dried navy beans, soaked overnight and drained
• 1 meaty ham bone
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine the soaked beans, ham bone, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, chicken broth, bay leaves, and thyme.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the beans are tender.
3. Remove the ham bone and let it cool slightly. Remove the meat from the bone, chop it, and return it to the pot.
4. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot with crusty bread.

4. Ham and Pineapple Pizza

Add a sweet and savory twist to your pizza night with this delicious ham and pineapple pizza.

Ingredients:

• 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup diced ham
• 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
• 1/4 cup sliced red onion
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat up.
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
3. Spread the pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
5. Top with diced ham, pineapple chunks, and red onion slices.
6. Sprinkle with dried oregano and red pepper flakes, if using.
7. Transfer the pizza to the preheated stone or baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
8. Slice and serve hot.

5. Ham and Cheese Sliders

These ham and cheese sliders are perfect for parties and gatherings. They’re quick to assemble and always a hit.

Ingredients:

• 12 slider buns
• 12 slices of ham
• 12 slices of Swiss cheese
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Slice the slider buns in half and place the bottom halves in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Layer the ham and cheese slices over the buns.
4. Place the top halves of the buns over the ham and cheese.
5. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, dried minced onion, and Worcestershire sauce.
6. Brush the butter mixture over the tops of the sliders.
7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
9. Serve warm.

These ham recipes are sure to become favorites in your household. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday feast or just looking for a delicious meal to enjoy with your family, these dishes showcase the versatility and wonderful flavor of ham. Enjoy!