5 Simple Ham Recipes for Easy Cooking

In today's fast-paced world, finding time to cook a delicious, nutritious meal can be a challenge. Yet, there's something special about enjoying a home-cooked meal, especially when it involves a versatile ingredient like ham. Ham, with its rich flavor and ease of preparation, can be the star of many simple yet tasty dishes. Here, we delve into 5 simple ham recipes that not only make cooking easy but also ensure your meals are packed with flavor. Let's explore these recipes that will help you turn ham into a delightful centerpiece for your dinner table.

1. Glazed Ham with Pineapple and Honey

One of the most iconic pairings for ham is pineapple, and when you add honey into the mix, you get a dish that’s both sweet and savory.

• Ingredients:
• 1 bone-in ham, approximately 10-12 pounds
• 1 can (20 ounces) pineapple slices
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Whole cloves for decoration

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Score the ham’s surface diagonally and place cloves in the intersections of the cuts.
3. In a saucepan, combine the pineapple juice from the can (reserve the slices), honey, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
4. Place the ham in a roasting pan, brush some of the glaze over it, and bake for 1 hour.

   🍳 Note: Baste the ham every 20 minutes with the glaze for even flavor distribution.

5. After an hour, place pineapple slices on top, securing them with toothpicks. Bake for an additional 45 minutes, basting occasionally.

2. Ham and Cheese Frittata

For a quick, nutritious breakfast or an effortless dinner, this frittata is a versatile option that makes use of leftover ham or ham you've specifically bought for the purpose.

• Ingredients:
• 12 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup diced ham
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Swiss work well)
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• 1 tablespoon butter

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
3. In an ovenproof skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the ham and cook until slightly browned.
4. Add the green onions and cook for another 2 minutes.
5. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet, sprinkle with cheese, and cook until the edges start to set.
6. Transfer to the oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until the center is set.

   🥚 Note: The frittata will continue to cook slightly after removal from the oven due to residual heat.

3. Ham and Potato Soup

A comforting, hearty meal perfect for any day, especially during cooler weather.

• Ingredients:
• 3 1/2 cups peeled and diced potatoes
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 cup diced cooked ham
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk or heavy cream
• 1/4 cup flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. In a large pot, combine potatoes, celery, onions, and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
2. Whisk together the milk and flour until smooth, then add this mixture to the pot, stirring continuously.
3. Add the ham, salt, and pepper. Simmer for another 10 minutes until thickened.

   🌱 Note: For a thicker soup, you can use instant potato flakes to adjust the consistency.

4. Ham and Pineapple Fried Rice

Fried rice gets a sweet and savory twist with the addition of ham and pineapple, making it a fun and tasty meal or side dish.

• Ingredients:
• 2 cups cooked, cooled white rice
• 1 cup diced ham
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (canned, drained)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 beaten eggs
• 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Scramble the eggs, then remove from the skillet.
2. Add more oil if necessary, then sauté garlic and green onions until fragrant.
3. Add ham and cook until heated through. Add peas, carrots, and pineapple chunks.
4. Increase heat, add rice, and stir-fry until rice is hot. Mix in soy sauce, eggs, and season to taste.

   🍚 Note: Day-old rice works best for fried rice as it's drier and less sticky.

5. Mustard-Glazed Ham Steaks

This recipe offers a quick way to enjoy ham in individual servings, perfect for a weekday meal.

• Ingredients:
• 4 ham steaks (about 1 inch thick)
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Steps:

1. In a small bowl, combine mustard, honey, brown sugar, and vinegar to make the glaze.
2. Preheat your grill or broiler. Brush the ham steaks generously with the glaze.
3. Grill or broil for 4-5 minutes on each side, basting with more glaze as needed.

   🍔 Note: The glaze can also be used as a dipping sauce.

Ham can truly shine in a variety of dishes, proving its versatility in the kitchen. From the sweetness of pineapple and honey to the creamy comfort of a ham and potato soup, these recipes cater to different tastes and occasions. Cooking with ham doesn't just bring out its flavors but also allows for quick preparation times, making it an ideal choice for both novice cooks and those short on time. With these simple ham recipes, you’re equipped to prepare delicious, crowd-pleasing meals effortlessly. Not only do they provide a delightful dining experience, but they also illustrate how a single ingredient can be transformed into various dishes, showcasing culinary creativity.

Can I use different types of ham for these recipes?

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Absolutely! The recipes are versatile enough to work with ham slices, ham steaks, or a whole ham. Just adjust the cooking time and temperature based on the thickness and size of the ham piece you’re using.

What can I substitute for pineapple in the recipes?

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If pineapple isn’t to your taste or you’re looking for a different flavor, consider using other fruits like mango, peaches, or even apples for a different sweet and savory combination.

How can I store leftover ham?

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Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Remember to thaw in the refrigerator before using.

Are there any vegetarian alternatives for these ham recipes?

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Yes, you can substitute ham with roasted tofu, tempeh, or seitan. These plant-based proteins can absorb flavors well, making them a great choice for dishes requiring a meat substitute.