Ham is a versatile and delicious centerpiece for any gathering, from holiday feasts to casual weeknight dinners. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, there’s a ham recipe out there for you. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
1. Classic Baked Ham with Glaze
This is the quintessential ham recipe, perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients:
1 bone-in ham (about 10-12 pounds)
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
Score the ham in a diamond pattern.
In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey, orange juice, and whole-grain mustard.
Place ham in a roasting pan and pour glaze over the top.
Bake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
Let the ham rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips: For extra flavor, add cloves to the score marks on the ham. You can also add a cup of water to the bottom of the roasting pan to create steam and keep the ham moist.
2. Honey Glazed Ham with Pineapple
Glazed Baked Ham
This recipe adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess to your ham.
Ingredients:
1 bone-in ham (about 8-10 pounds)
1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple in juice
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
Place ham in a roasting pan.
In a small bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, honey, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard.
Pour glaze over the ham and top with pineapple rings.
Bake for 1-1 1/2 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
Let the ham rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips: For extra flavor, add a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme to the roasting pan. You can also use fresh pineapple instead of canned.
3. Slow Cooker Ham with Apricots
This hands-off recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients:
1 bone-in ham (about 4-6 pounds)
1 (15-ounce) can apricot preserves
1/4 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions:
Place ham in the slow cooker.
In a small bowl, whisk together apricot preserves, orange juice, Dijon mustard, and ground ginger.
Pour glaze over the ham.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until ham is tender and heated through.
Let the ham rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips: You can add a few cloves of garlic to the slow cooker for extra flavor. Serve the ham with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.
4. Grilled Ham with Mango Salsa
This recipe is perfect for summer entertaining.
Ingredients:
1 boneless ham steak (about 1 inch thick)
1 mango, diced
1/2 red onion, diced
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
In a small bowl, combine mango, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and olive oil.
Season ham steak with salt and pepper.
Grill ham steak for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
Top with mango salsa and serve immediately.
Tips: You can use other fruits in your salsa, such as pineapple, papaya, or avocado. Serve the ham with grilled vegetables or a simple salad.
5. Ham and Cheese Sandwiches
This is a classic and easy way to use leftover ham.
Ingredients:
Leftover ham, sliced
Bread of your choice
Cheese slices (such as Swiss, cheddar, or provolone)
Mustard, mayonnaise, or your favorite spread
Lettuce and tomato (optional)
Instructions:
Spread mustard, mayonnaise, or your favorite spread on bread slices.
Add ham and cheese slices.
Top with lettuce and tomato, if desired.
Close sandwich and enjoy.
Tips: Get creative with your fillings! Try adding avocado, bacon, or a fried egg to your sandwich.
6. Ham and Bean Soup
This hearty soup is perfect for a cold winter day.
Ingredients:
1 pound dried Great Northern beans
1 pound smoked ham hock
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Rinse and pick over beans.
In a large pot, combine beans, ham hock, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaf, and 8 cups water.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1-1 1/2 hours, or until beans are tender.
Remove ham hock from pot and let cool.
Shred meat from ham hock and return to pot.
Season soup with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot with crusty bread.
Tips: You can add other vegetables to your soup, such as potatoes, kale, or spinach. You can also use canned beans for a quicker meal.
7. Ham and Cheese Quiche
This is a delicious and elegant brunch or dinner option.
Ingredients:
1 (9-inch) pie crust
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup milk
4 eggs
1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup diced ham
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Roll out pie crust and press into a 9-inch pie plate.
Prick bottom of crust with a fork and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden.
In a large bowl, whisk together heavy cream, milk, eggs, Gruyère cheese, chives, salt, and pepper.
Stir in ham.
Pour egg mixture into pie crust.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until set.
Let cool slightly before serving.
Tips: You can add other vegetables to your quiche, such as spinach, mushrooms, or onions. You can also use a store-bought pie crust to save time.
8. Ham and Pineapple Fritters
These are a fun and easy appetizer or snack.
Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1 egg
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup diced ham
1/4 cup diced pineapple
Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk together milk and egg.
Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Stir in parsley, ham, and pineapple.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Drop batter by spoonfuls into hot oil.
Cook until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Remove fritters from oil and drain on paper towels.
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips: You can use different vegetables in your fritters, such as onions, peppers, or zucchini. Serve the fritters with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as honey mustard, marinara sauce, or ranch dressing.
