Ham Recipes Beyond Soup: Exploring Versatile and Delicious Options

When you think of ham, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? For many, it’s the classic ham and split pea soup. But let me tell you, ham is so much more versatile than that. Living in Nashville, I’ve had the chance to explore a variety of ham-centric dishes that go way beyond the comforting bowl of soup. So, let’s dive into the world of ham recipes and see what we can cook up.

I moved here from the Bay Area a few years back, and let me tell you, the food scene in Nashville is something else. It’s not just about the hot chicken (though that’s amazing too); it’s about the blend of traditional Southern comfort food and innovative culinary experiments. Ham, with its rich, smoky flavor, fits right into this mix. So, if you’re ready to expand your ham horizons, you’re in the right place.

In this article, we’ll explore 10 unique ham recipes that will make you forget all about soup (well, maybe not entirely, but you get the point). From breakfast to dinner, and even a snack or two, these recipes will show you just how versatile ham can be. Let’s get started!

Breakfast of Champions: Ham and Cheese Waffles

Let’s kick things off with the most important meal of the day: breakfast. You might be thinking, ‘Ham for breakfast? Really?’ But hear me out. Ham and cheese waffles are a game-changer. Imagine the crispy, golden exterior of a waffle, but instead of the usual sweet batter, you’ve got a savory mix of ham, cheese, and chives. It’s like a grilled cheese sandwich and a waffle had a beautiful baby.

To make these, you’ll need a waffle iron and a batch of savory waffle batter. You can use any basic waffle recipe, but replace the sugar with a pinch of salt and pepper, and add some chopped ham, shredded cheese, and chives to the mix. Cook them up in your waffle iron, and voila! Breakfast is served.

Now, I’m torn between serving these with a side of maple syrup or hot sauce. But ultimately, I think you can’t go wrong with either. The sweet and savory combo is a classic, but the heat from the hot sauce really complements the smoky ham.

Brunch Goals: Ham and Asparagus Quiche

Next up, we’ve got a classic brunch dish with a hammy twist. Quiche is one of those dishes that always impresses, but it’s actually super easy to make. For this version, we’re combining ham, asparagus, and a creamy custard filling in a flaky pie crust.

To make it, you’ll need:

• 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup diced ham
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 6 eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheese ( like cheddar or Gruyere)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Blind bake your pie crust at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream, salt, and pepper. Arrange the ham and asparagus in the pie crust, sprinkle the cheese over top, and pour the egg mixture over everything. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes, or until the quiche is set and the top is golden brown.

Is this the best approach? Let’s consider the alternatives. You could also add some sauteed onions or mushrooms to the mix, or swap out the asparagus for another veggie like spinach or bell peppers. But ultimately, I think the ham and asparagus combo is a winner.

Lunchtime Legend: The Cubano Sandwich

For lunch, we’re heading to Cuba (well, not literally, but you get the idea). The Cubano sandwich is a classic for a reason. It’s packed with ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, all pressed together in a crispy roll. It’s a sandwich that commands respect.

To make a Cubano at home, you’ll need a panini press or a couple of heavy skillets. Here’s what goes into it:

• 1 loaf Cuban bread (or a French baguette if you can’t find it)
• 1/2 pound sliced ham
• 1/2 pound roasted pork, sliced
• 1/2 pound Swiss cheese, sliced
• 1 cup dill pickle slices
• 1/4 cup yellow mustard
• Butter, for the bread

Slice the bread in half lengthwise and spread mustard on both sides. Layer the ham, pork, cheese, and pickles on one side, then top with the other half of the bread. Butter the outside of the sandwich and press it in your panini maker or between two hot skillets until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted.

Maybe I should clarify, this sandwich is not for the faint of heart. It’s a serious meal, so come hungry.

Snack Attack: Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

Alright, let’s talk snacks. When you need a little something to tide you over until dinner, these ham and cheese pinwheels are just the ticket. They’re easy to make, and they look super cute on a platter. Win-win!

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 pound thinly sliced ham
• 1 cup shredded cheese (like cheddar or Swiss)

Roll out the puff pastry and spread the cream cheese and mustard over the top. Layer the ham and cheese on top of that, then roll it all up tightly. Slice the roll into 1/2-inch pinwheels and arrange them on a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown.

If you’re feeling fancy, you can even make these with prosciutto instead of ham. But honestly, the ham version is just as delicious, and a lot more budget-friendly.

Dinner Time: Ham and Pineapple Fried Rice

For dinner, we’re taking a trip to the tropics with this ham and pineapple fried rice. It’s sweet, it’s savory, and it’s got a little bit of heat. What more could you ask for?

Here’s the ingredient lineup:

• 3 cups cooked jasmine rice
• 1 cup diced ham
• 1 cup diced pineapple
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Sriracha (or to taste)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish

In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper, and cook until softened. Add the ham and pineapple, and cook until heated through. Push everything to one side of the skillet and pour the beaten eggs into the other side. Scramble the eggs briefly, then mix everything together. Add the rice, soy sauce, and Sriracha, and stir-fry until everything is well combined and the rice is heated through. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.

I think the key to this dish is the balance of flavors. You’ve got the sweetness from the pineapple, the saltiness from the ham and soy sauce, and the heat from the Sriracha. It’s a party in your mouth!

Dinner with a Kick: Spicy Honey Glazed Ham

Sticking with the dinner theme, let’s talk about this spicy honey glazed ham. This is not your average holiday ham. It’s got a serious kick from a healthy dose of cayenne pepper, balanced out with some sweet honey. It’s a showstopper, for sure.

To make it, you’ll need:

• 1 bone-in ham (about 8 pounds)
• 1 cup honey
• 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Score the ham in a diamond pattern and place it in a roasting pan. In a bowl, whisk together the honey, mustard, vinegar, cayenne, and black pepper. Brush the glaze over the ham, coating it evenly.

Bake the ham for about 15 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Every 20 minutes or so, baste the ham with more glaze. Once it’s done, let it rest for about 15 minutes before carving.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. ‘Sammy, that sounds amazing, but I don’t have a fancy roasting pan.’ Don’t worry, friend. You can use a disposable aluminum pan, or even make your own out of foil. It’s all about the flavor, and this ham has plenty of it.

The Ultimate Comfort Food: Ham and Cheese Casserole

Alright, let’s talk comfort food. This ham and cheese casserole is like a big, warm hug on a cold day. It’s creamy, it’s cheesy, and it’s got a crispy topping that’ll make you swoon.

Here’s what goes into it:

• 3 cups cooked pasta (like elbow macaroni)
• 2 cups diced ham
• 2 cups shredded cheese (like cheddar or Gouda)
• 2 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about a minute. Gradually whisk in the milk, and cook until the sauce thickens. Stir in the mustard, salt, and pepper. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, ham, cheese, and sauce. Mix well and transfer to a greased baking dish. In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs and Parmesan. Sprinkle the mixture over the top of the casserole. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.

If you’re feeling extra indulgent, you can even add some bacon to this. Because, let’s face it, everything’s better with bacon.

Game Day Favorite: Ham and Cheese Sliders

Whether you’re tailgating or just watching the game from your couch, these ham and cheese sliders are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re mini, they’re savory, and they’ve got a poppy seed twist that’ll keep ’em coming back for more.

Here’s the lineup:

• 1 package (12 count) Hawaiian rolls
• 1/2 pound thinly sliced ham
• 1/2 pound thinly sliced Swiss cheese
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the rolls in half lengthwise and spread the mayo on both sides. Layer the ham and cheese on the bottom half, then put the top half back on. In a bowl, mix together the poppy seeds, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, butter, onion powder, and garlic powder. Brush the mixture over the top of the rolls. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.

These sliders are seriously addictive. Is this the best approach? Let’s consider the alternatives. You could make them with different types of cheese, or even add some pickles or hot sauce. But ultimately, I think the classic ham and Swiss combo is where it’s at.

Elevate Your Salad Game: Ham and Melon Salad

Who said salads have to be boring? This ham and melon salad is the perfect blend of sweet and savory, and it’s a great way to use up any leftover ham you might have.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 small melon (like cantaloupe or honeydew), cubed
• 1 cup diced ham
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

In a large bowl, combine the melon, ham, feta, red onion, and mint. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.

This salad is all about fresh, bright flavors. The sweet melon, the salty ham, the tangy feta – it’s a symphony in your mouth!

A Southern Classic: Ham and Collard Greens

Last but not least, we’ve got a Southern classic with a hammy twist. Collard greens are a staple down here in Nashville, and cooking them with ham just makes sense. The smoky, salty flavor of the ham infuses the greens and takes them to a whole new level.

Here’s what goes into it:

• 1 large bunch collard greens, washed and chopped
• 1/2 pound diced ham
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

In a large pot, combine the collard greens, ham, onion, garlic, vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add enough water to just cover the greens. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the greens are tender. If you’re like me and you’re setting up a new kitchen, consider suppliers like Chef’s Deal for a comprehensive kitchen design and equipment solutions. They offer free kitchen design services, professional installation services, expert consultation and support, and competitive pricing and financing options.

These greens are the perfect side dish for any Southern-inspired meal. And the best part? They’re even better the next day, after the flavors have had a chance to meld together.

Beyond the Soup: Embrace the Versatility of Ham

And there you have it, folks. 10 ham recipes that go way beyond the classic soup. From breakfast to dinner, and even a snack or two, these dishes showcase the versatility of ham and prove that it deserves a place in your culinary rotation.

So, are you ready to embrace the ham? I challenge you to try out one (or all!) of these recipes and see for yourself just how delicious ham can be. And who knows? Maybe you’ll even come up with your own unique ham creation. The possibilities are endless!

FAQ

Q: Can I use leftover ham in these recipes?
A: Absolutely! Leftover ham is perfect for most of these recipes. Just make sure it’s stored properly in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.

Q: Can I freeze ham?
A: Yes, you can freeze ham. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and it should keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before using.

Q: What’s the best way to store ham?
A: The best way to store ham is in the fridge, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It should keep for up to a week.

Q: Can I make these recipes ahead of time?
A: Some of these recipes can be made ahead of time, but it depends on the dish. Casseroles and salads can usually be made a day ahead, but sandwiches and sliders are best assembled right before serving.

@article{ham-recipes-beyond-soup-exploring-versatile-and-delicious-options,
    title   = {Ham Recipes Beyond Soup: Exploring Versatile and Delicious Options},
    author  = {Chef's icon},
    year    = {2025},
    journal = {Chef's Icon},
    url     = {https://chefsicon.com/ham-recipes-beyond-soup/}
}