5 Ways To Make Fantastic Ham

With the holiday season right around the corner, tis the season for that salty sweet meat. You guessed it, ham is back on the menu and it is up to us to make it pop this season. Are you like me and are tired of the traditional baked and over salted ham? Fear no more! Here are 5 ways to make fantastic ham.

This recipe makes for a perfect bite sized snack.

1. Ham And Cheese Potato Dippers

Are you looking for a way to liven up your ham game this season but don’t know where to start? This recipe is perfect for feeding families and get-togethers while making your ham a bite sized snack, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

5 pounds of potatoes, peeled and cooked
2 cups of cheddar cheese, shredded
4 oz cream cheese
1 packet of bacon, cooked and crumbled
4 scallions, sliced
1 pinch salt
1 pinch pepper
1 pinch onion powder
20 oz of ham, sliced
1 quart canola oil
1 block of cheddar cheese, sliced into squares
2 cups flour
8 eggs, beaten
4 cups breadcrumbs
¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese
2 tbsp parsley, chopped

Directions

Begin by taking a large bowl and mashing your potatoes, ensuring there are no lumps. Next, add in your cheddar cheese, bacon, scallions, cream cheese, onion powder, salt and pepper. Stir until smooth. Transfer your mixture to a baking sheet and smooth out into an even layer. Lay a layer of cheddar cheese in the center of a slice of ham. Fold the edges and make a tight square. Repeat the process. Press your squares into the potato mixture. Make sure you leave 1 inch space on all sides. Smooth out again and seal the top of the ham squares. Freeze for 30 minutes until each square has ham in the middle. Next, place your flour, eggs and breadcrumbs in 3 separate bowls. Dip your squares into the flour, shaking off the excess before dredging in eggs and then through the bread crumbs. Repeat the process. Next, heat up a large pot with oil. Wait until your oil reaches 350F. Fry your ham and cheese potato squares for 4 to 5 minutes or until golden brown. Set them on a paper towel layered plate. Garnish with your parmesan cheese and parsley. Serve and enjoy.

This recipe is great for catering to parties.

2. Baked Ham and Cheese Ring

If you still crave that sweet salt of baked ham, but are looking for an unorthodox way of baking it this season, this recipe is a must try. This sweet tender ham is perfectly coupled with melted cheese, pepperoncinis and much more! Get a little slice of ham heaven with this recipe.

Ingredients

2 cans of crescent dinner rolls
1 cup of mozzarella cheese
½ cup pepperoncinis
⅓ pound of salami
¼ cup fresh basil
⅓ pound of ham
¼ pound prosciutto
8 slices of provolone cheese, halved
1 pinch salt
1 pinch pepper
Balsamic vinaigrette, optional for dipping

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375F. Unroll your cans of dough and separate into triangles. On a large baking sheet, place a bowl in the center, and arrange your triangles around the bowl. The dough should slightly overlap. Next, layer your basil, salami, ham prosciutto, provolone and pepperoncinis on each triangle that is closest to the ring. Season with your salt and pepper. Bring the top of your triangle over the filling and tuck the edges under the bottom layer of the dough. Repeat this until you have a fully enclosed dough ring. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Prepare with your balsamic. Let cool for 10 minutes. Serve and enjoy.

This recipe is perfect for livening up your holiday dinners.

3. Ham And Cheese Chicken Roll Ups

This salty delight is perfect for when you want to impress your guests and change the way you look at ham forever. This ham is turned from a tired old holiday meal, to something salty, sweet and lively. When you’re looking to change your entire outlook on ham, try this recipe out.

Ingredients

2 boneless and skinless chicken breasts
1 pinch salt, for the chicken
1 pinch pepper, for the chicken
1 pinch garlic powder
4 slices of ham
4 slices of provolone cheese
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup flour
3 cups of broccoli floret
4 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper

Directions

Preheat your oven to 400F. Cut your ¾ of the way through your chicken horizontally so it opens flat. Lay a baking sheet with plastic wrap on top of the chicken and pound it flat with a pot or a heavy pan. Remove from the plastic wrap. Season with your salt, pepper and garlic powder. Making sure to rub the seasoning evenly throughout the chicken. Next, lay 2 to 3 slices of ham over the chicken, followed by 4 slices of your provolone cheese. Carefully roll up your chicken. Add your flour, eggs and breadcrumbs to three separate bowls. Dip your chicken through flour before dredging it through the egg and breadcrumbs. Place on a baking sheet. Add your broccoli to the baking sheet and mix it well with some olive oil, salt and pepper. Make sure you save some oil to drizzle over the chicken. Bake for 20 minutes. Serve and enjoy.

This recipe is perfect when you’re in need of a light fluffy side dish.

4. Ham And Cheese Scramble

This recipe is perfect for when you’re craving something light and fluffy to put with your ham. And while this recipe is mostly associated with breakfast, it can make a perfect ham side dish for any meal.

Ingredients

3 tbsp butter
1 small onion, chopped
1 small green bell pepper, chopped
12 eggs, beaten
3 tbsp water
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1 pinch salt
1 pinch pepper

Directions

Melt your butter in a medium skillet over medium high heat until lightly sizzling. Add in your onion and peppers. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until soft before adding in your ham. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium. Add in your beaten eggs and water. Pour over the veggies and ham in the skillet and cook, stirring constantly for 3 to 4 minutes. Sprinkle lightly with cheese and add in your salt and pepper. Let stand for 1 minute. Serve and enjoy.

This recipe is perfect when you’re looking to make some tasty holiday leftovers.

5. Ham Sandwich With Gravy

Looking for a way to take advantage of those holiday leftovers? This recipe is perfect for making a sweet salty lunch while also making full use of leftovers at home. This seasonal delight is perfect for any ham lover.

Ingredients

2 slices of bread ( I found white works best)
½ cup leftover ham
¼ cup leftover gravy
Toppings of your choice

Directions

Begin by lightly toasting your bread. Note, you can sprinkle some garlic salt on it for that extra little kick or lightly toast it with some seasoned butter from previous recipes. Next, reheat your gravy using a microwave or small pot on low. Layer your gravy lightly over your slices of bread, add the cheese of your choice before layering your ham in the middle before sealing the sandwich. Serve hot. Enjoy.