5 Delicious Ham Dinner Recipes for a Cozy Feast

There's something undeniably comforting about the rich, savory flavors of ham that make it perfect for a cozy feast. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, enjoying a family gathering, or just looking for a hearty meal to enjoy after a long week, ham can transform your dinner into a culinary event. Here are five delicious ham dinner recipes that are sure to please everyone at the table.

1. Glazed Ham with Maple and Mustard

Nothing beats the classic combination of sweet and tangy flavors. Here’s how to make a Maple Mustard Glazed Ham:

• 1 whole bone-in ham (10-12 pounds)
• 1 cup of pure maple syrup
• ¹⁄₄ cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Here’s how you do it:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Place the ham cut side down in a roasting pan.
3. Whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, cloves, and vinegar to make the glaze.
4. Brush about half of the glaze over the ham.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour 30 minutes.
6. Remove foil, brush with remaining glaze, and bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes or until the glaze is caramelized.

💡 Note: For a smokier flavor, add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the glaze.

2. Ham and Pineapple Skewers

Looking for something a bit lighter yet equally delectable? These Ham and Pineapple Skewers are a playful and easy dish:

• 2 pounds of ham, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch chunks
• 2 bell peppers, cut into 1-inch pieces
• ¹⁄₄ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Steps to follow:

1. Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
2. Mix soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil for a marinade.
3. Thread ham, pineapple, and bell peppers onto skewers.
4. Brush skewers with the marinade.
5. Grill or broil until the pineapple edges are caramelized, about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally.

3. Slow-Cooker Ham with Cherry Glaze

This slow-cooker recipe is perfect for those who want to set it and forget it:

• 1 boneless ham, about 4 pounds
• 1 can of cherry pie filling
• ¹⁄₄ cup light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons apple juice or cider
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Preparation method:

1. In a slow cooker, mix cherry pie filling, brown sugar, apple juice, and lemon juice.
2. Place the ham in the cooker and coat it well with the cherry mixture.
3. Cook on low for 5-6 hours or until the ham is heated through and tender.
4. Remove the ham and let it rest before slicing.
5. Serve the cherry sauce as a side or drizzle over slices.

4. Ham and Cheese Stuffed Bread

Turn your ham dinner into a star attraction with this savory stuffed bread:

• 1 large round bread loaf
• 1 pound cooked ham, diced
• 2 cups shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese
• ¹⁄₂ cup mayonnaise
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Hollow out the bread loaf, leaving about a ¹⁄₂-inch border.
3. Mix ham, cheese, mayonnaise, onions, and mustard in a bowl.
4. Stuff the mixture into the bread.
5. Wrap the stuffed bread in foil and bake for about 30 minutes until the cheese is melted.

📌 Note: You can use other cheese varieties like cheddar or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.

5. Ham and Potato Casserole

Comfort food at its finest, this casserole combines ham with the humble potato:

• 3 pounds potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 cups ham, diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Here’s the method:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a greased casserole dish, layer potatoes, ham, and onions.
3. Mix cream, cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; pour over the layers.
4. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
5. Uncover, and bake for another 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.

These ham dinner recipes offer a variety of flavors and textures that cater to different tastes and culinary styles. From the succulent sweetness of the Glazed Ham to the comforting warmth of the Ham and Potato Casserole, each dish brings something unique to the table. Not only are these recipes delicious, but they also make use of common ingredients, making them accessible for home cooks looking to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

What is the best way to choose ham for cooking?

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Look for ham with a good balance of fat for moisture and flavor, and always ensure it’s from a reputable source to guarantee quality.

Can these recipes be made ahead of time?

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Yes, dishes like the Glazed Ham and Ham and Potato Casserole can be prepared in advance and reheated or served cold, which can be very convenient for holiday meals or large gatherings.

Are there vegetarian alternatives for these ham dishes?

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For a vegetarian twist, you can use mushrooms or seitan instead of ham, adjusting the flavors to match the recipe’s original taste profile.