15 Ham Recipes for Delicious Meals and Fun Gatherings
Ham is a versatile ingredient that can elevate any meal, whether for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner. This article will help you discover a variety of delicious ham recipes that are easy to prepare and sure to please everyone at the table. From classic dishes to creative new ideas, there’s something here for every ham lover.
Using leftover ham can also reduce waste while saving you time in the kitchen. You will find several recipes that showcase how to turn excess ham into mouthwatering meals, giving you ideas for breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the week. Embrace the rich flavors and enjoy the cooking experience with these tasty ham recipes!
1) Classic Honey-Glazed Ham
Classic honey-glazed ham is a delicious choice for any special occasion. It has a sweet and savory flavor that everyone enjoys.
To prepare, you’ll need to score the ham with a knife to create a criss-cross pattern. This helps the glaze stick better and creates a nice look.
For the glaze, heat honey, brown sugar, and butter in a pot until it combines. Brush this mixture over your ham before baking. Cover it with foil and bake at 275°F (135°C) for 6 to 7 hours. Uncover the ham for the last 30 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
Let the ham rest for 20 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to settle, ensuring a moist and tasty dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 ham (6-7 pounds)
- 1 cup honey
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
- Score the ham with a knife.
- Mix honey, brown sugar, and butter in a pot.
- Brush the glaze on the ham.
- Cover with foil and bake for 6 to 7 hours.
- Remove foil during the last 30 minutes.
- Let it rest for 20 minutes before carving.
2) Ham and Cheese Croissants
Ham and cheese croissants make a tasty snack or meal. You can enjoy them for breakfast or brunch. The flaky pastry combined with savory ham and melted cheese is hard to resist.
These croissants are simple to put together. You can use store-bought croissants and fill them with your favorite ham and cheese. Bake them until warm for a delightful treat.
Leftovers can easily be stored in the fridge and reheated. They taste great when enjoyed warm.
Ingredients
- 4 croissants
- 4 slices of ham
- 4 slices of cheese (Swiss or cheddar)
- 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard (optional)
- Butter for brushing
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice each croissant in half.
- Spread Dijon mustard on the inside (if using).
- Layer ham and cheese inside each croissant.
- Place on a baking sheet and brush with butter.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until cheese is melted and croissants are golden.
3) Baked Pineapple Ham
Baked Pineapple Ham is a classic dish that brings a sweet and savory touch to any meal. The combination of ham with pineapples creates a delicious glaze that makes the meat juicy and flavorful.
To start, you will need to score the surface of the ham and place it in a roasting pan. This helps the glaze soak in better. You can then prepare your pineapple slices and place them on top for a lovely presentation.
For the glaze, mix brown sugar with some of the reserved pineapple juice to add a sticky sweetness. Bake the ham at 325°F (about 160°C) for 1.5 hours, basting occasionally.
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked ham
- Pineapple slices
- Brown sugar
- Pineapple juice
- Whole cloves
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Score the ham surface in a diamond pattern.
- Place cloves in the diamond cuts.
- Arrange pineapple slices on top.
- Mix brown sugar with pineapple juice and pour over the ham.
- Bake for 1.5 hours, basting periodically.
4) Slow-Cooker Maple Brown Sugar Ham
Cooking a ham in a slow cooker is an easy way to create a flavorful dish. The maple brown sugar glaze adds a sweet touch that everyone will love. You can use a spiral-cut ham, either bone-in or boneless, which makes it simple to prepare.
Start by rubbing dark brown sugar all over the ham. Then add pineapple juice, pure maple syrup, and spices like ground cinnamon and ginger. This combination creates a delicious glaze that seeps into the meat as it cooks.
Place the ham in your slow cooker and cook on low for about 2 to 3 hours. If you can, baste the ham every hour to keep it moist and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 1 (7-10 pound) spiral-cut ham
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
Cooking Instructions
- Rub brown sugar over the ham.
- Pour pineapple juice and maple syrup over the ham.
- Add spices.
- Place in slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 2-3 hours, basting hourly if possible.
5) Ham and Potato Casserole
Ham and potato casserole is a comforting dish that combines delicious flavors. You can easily use leftover ham for this recipe. It’s perfect for brunch or dinner.
Start by cooking onions in butter until they are tender. Then, add flour and whisk in milk for a creamy base. Combine this with cooked potatoes and diced ham.
Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until golden and bubbly. This dish is sure to please your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced cooked ham
- 4 cups diced potatoes
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups milk
- 3 tablespoons flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cheese (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Cook the onion until tender.
- Stir in flour, then gradually whisk in milk.
- Mix in ham and cooked potatoes.
- Pour into a casserole dish and bake for 30-40 minutes.
6) Ham Tetrazzini
Ham Tetrazzini is a comforting pasta dish that’s perfect for using up leftover ham. It combines pasta, ham, and a creamy sauce for a hearty meal.
To make this dish, start with cooked pasta. You’ll want to cook it a bit less than the package suggests to keep it firm.
Next, sauté some diced ham in butter until golden. Then, mix in your favorite vegetables, like mushrooms and peas. Combine everything with a creamy sauce, and bake until bubbly.
This recipe is simple and satisfying, making it great for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup peas
- 1 cup cream
- 1 cup cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Sauté the ham until golden, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add mushrooms and cook until softened.
- Combine the pasta, ham mixture, peas, cream, and cheese.
- Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
7) Spicy Jerk Ham
Spicy jerk ham is a flavorful twist on the traditional ham. The jerk seasoning gives it a nice kick. You can enjoy it for a holiday meal or any special occasion.
To prepare your ham, make small slits in the skin. Rub jerk seasoning generously into these cuts to ensure the flavor seeps in. Marinate the ham overnight in the refrigerator for the best taste.
When it’s time to cook, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the ham in a roasting pan with some water. Cover it with foil for the first part of cooking to keep it moist.
For the last few minutes, uncover the ham to allow it to brown nicely. Using a honey glaze can add some sweetness to balance the heat.
Ingredients:
- Fresh ham
- Jerk seasoning
- Honey (optional)
- Water
Cooking Instructions:
- Make slits in the ham skin.
- Rub jerk seasoning into the slits.
- Marinate overnight in the fridge.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Place ham in a roasting pan with water.
- Cover with foil and bake.
- Uncover for the last 10-15 minutes for browning.
8) Honey Mustard Spiral Ham
Honey Mustard Spiral Ham makes a delicious main dish for any holiday meal. Its sweet and tangy glaze adds flavor to the tender, juicy slices of ham. This recipe is simple and sure to impress your guests.
To make this dish, you will need a spiral-cut ham, honey, mustard, and brown sugar. The glaze combines all these ingredients for a rich flavor that enhances the ham’s natural taste.
Ingredients:
- 1 (4- to 8-pound) spiral-cut ham
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Place the ham in a roasting pan.
- Mix honey, brown sugar, and mustard in a bowl.
- Spread the glaze over the ham.
- Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, basting occasionally.
9) Ham and Split Pea Soup
Ham and split pea soup is a comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly days. It combines savory ham with the earthy flavor of split peas. This dish is easy to make and very satisfying.
To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll need diced ham, dried split peas, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, chicken stock, and some seasonings.
First, sauté the ham and vegetables in a pot until everything is slightly soft. Then, add the split peas, stock, and seasonings. Bring it to a boil and then let it simmer until the peas are tender.
Enjoy a warm bowl of this delicious soup!
Ingredients
- 1 lb diced ham
- 1 cup dried split peas
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken stock
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- In a large pot, sauté the ham over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook until soft.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add split peas, chicken stock, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour.
10) Ham and Egg Breakfast Casserole
This Ham and Egg Breakfast Casserole is a perfect start to your day. It’s easy to prepare and great for feeding a crowd. You can even make it the night before and bake it in the morning.
You’ll mix ham, eggs, cheese, and bread in a baking dish. Other ingredients like bell peppers and onions can add flavor and color. It’s baked at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes.
Let the casserole cool for a little while before cutting it into squares. This dish is filling and tasty, making it a breakfast favorite.
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups diced ham
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 4 cups cubed bread
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
- Add ham, cheese, bread, peppers, and onions.
- Pour the mixture into the greased dish.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until set.
- Let cool for 15 minutes before serving.
11) Ham and Cheese Waffles
Ham and cheese waffles are a tasty twist on a breakfast favorite. They are crispy on the outside and filled with gooey cheese and savory ham. These waffles make a great option for breakfast, brunch, or even a fun dinner.
To make them, you simply mix together flour, baking powder, eggs, milk, and melted butter. Then, fold in chopped ham and cheese for extra flavor.
You can serve these waffles with syrup, or enjoy them as is. They are perfect for using up leftover ham too!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your waffle iron to medium heat (about 375°F or 190°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in eggs, milk, and melted butter until just combined.
- Fold in diced ham and shredded cheese.
- Pour batter into the preheated waffle iron.
- Cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
12) Root Beer Glazed Ham
Root Beer Glazed Ham is a tasty way to enjoy a classic dish. The sweet and tangy glaze adds a unique flavor that friends and family will love.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Score the ham in a diamond pattern and place it in a roasting pan. This allows the glaze to soak in better.
For the glaze, mix root beer, brown sugar, mustard, and a bit of vinegar in a saucepan. Heat this mixture until it’s bubbly and slightly thickened, about 30 minutes.
Brush the glaze over the ham while it bakes. Cook for about 2 hours, occasionally adding more glaze. Check the internal temperature, which should reach 140°F (60°C).
Enjoy your delicious Root Beer Glazed Ham!
Ingredients:
- Whole ham
- Root beer
- Brown sugar
- Mustard
- Vinegar
Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Score the surface of the ham.
- Mix root beer, brown sugar, mustard, and vinegar in a saucepan.
- Heat the mixture until bubbly.
- Brush the glaze on the ham.
- Bake for about 2 hours, glazing occasionally.
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
13) Hawaiian Ham Sandwiches
Hawaiian ham sandwiches are a tasty treat for any gathering. They combine sweet rolls with savory ham and cheese for a perfect mix of flavors. These sandwiches are easy to make and are sure to please a crowd.
To start, gather your ingredients. You can use King’s Hawaiian rolls for that classic sweet taste. Layer slices of ham and Swiss cheese between the rolls.
Don’t forget to add a flavorful sauce. A mix of butter, Dijon mustard, and poppy seeds gives the sandwiches a nice kick. Bake them at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown.
Ingredients
- 12 King’s Hawaiian rolls
- 24 slices of deli ham
- 6 slices of Swiss cheese
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the rolls in half and place the bottom half in a baking dish.
- Layer the ham and cheese on top.
- Mix mayonnaise, mustard, and poppy seeds in a bowl. Spread on the top half of the rolls.
- Place the top half on the sandwiches and brush with melted butter.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden. Enjoy!
14) Ham and Bean Stew
Ham and bean stew is a comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly days. It’s made with tender ham, hearty beans, and aromatic vegetables. The combination creates a filling and tasty meal.
To make this stew, you can use leftover ham combined with navy beans or great northern beans. This recipe is both budget-friendly and satisfying.
You will find that cooking the stew slowly allows the flavors to blend beautifully. The addition of garlic and onions gives it a wonderful aroma. Enjoy this dish with some crusty bread for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped ham
- 1 cup dried navy beans (or great northern beans)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Rinse the beans and soak them overnight.
- In a pot, cook the ham, onion, and garlic until fragrant.
- Add the soaked beans and chicken broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Simmer for about 1.5 hours or until beans are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
15) Ham and Broccoli Quiche
Ham and broccoli quiche is a delicious dish that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch. It’s easy to make and combines flavorful ham with fresh broccoli.
You start with a crust, which can be homemade or store-bought. Then, mix eggs, milk, and seasonings to create a creamy filling.
Once your ingredients are ready, pour the egg mixture over the ham and broccoli in the crust. Bake it until golden brown and set. It’s delightful served warm or at room temperature.
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup broccoli, chopped
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the pie crust in a quiche pan.
- Spread the diced ham and chopped broccoli on the crust.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture over the ham and broccoli.
- Sprinkle cheese on top, if desired.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until set.
- Let the quiche cool, then slice and serve.