15 Delicious Ham Dinner Recipes to Try Tonight
Discover the ultimate selection of 15 mouthwatering ham dinner recipes—perfect for gatherings, holidays, or easy weeknight meals.
Ham has long been a centerpiece of festive meals and family dinners, thanks to its savory flavor and versatility in various cuisines. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or looking for a comforting dinner after a busy day, ham offers endless possibilities. This curated guide brings together 15 delectable ham dinner recipes, each highlighting unique flavors, cooking methods, and classic pairings. Dive in to discover crowd-pleasing glazed hams, creative casseroles, easy slow-cooked meals, and more—each dish designed to make your dinner planning seamless and delicious.
Why Choose Ham for Dinner?
- Versatility: Ham pairs effortlessly with a wide range of sides, sauces, and preparations, fitting every cuisine and occasion.
- Ease of Cooking: Many ham recipes require minimal prep and deliver impressive results with simple ingredients.
- Flavorful Results: Ham’s natural sweetness and smokiness make it a favorite for glazes, rubs, and infusions.
Let’s explore the best ham dinner recipes you can try tonight.
1. Classic Glazed Ham
This quintessential recipe features a spiral-sliced ham brushed generously with a sweet, sticky glaze. The magic lies in the blend of brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and honey, yielding a caramelized crust with tender, juicy slices inside. Serve with roasted potatoes and steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 1.5–2 hours
- Popular glazes: Brown sugar, honey mustard, pineapple juice, maple syrup
2. Slow Cooker Ham with Pineapple
Perfect for busy evenings, this recipe uses a slow cooker to infuse ham with pineapple’s sweetness and aromatic cloves. Simply layer pineapple rings over a half ham, sprinkle with brown sugar, and let the slow cooker work its magic. The result? A succulent ham with tropical notes, best served with rice or mashed sweet potatoes.
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 4–6 hours (slow cooker)
- Pairings: Steamed white rice, spinach salad
3. Ham and Potato Casserole
This comforting casserole combines diced ham, potatoes, cheddar cheese, and a creamy sauce, delivering hearty flavors ideal for potlucks or family-style dinners. Prep is easy—toss everything in a baking dish and bake until bubbly and golden.
- Best cheese options: Cheddar, Swiss, Gruyere
- Make-ahead: Assemble in advance and refrigerate before baking.
4. Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
Thinly sliced potatoes layered with chunks of savory ham and baked in a rich, creamy sauce. Often enriched with onions and shredded cheese, the dish emerges with a gorgeously golden crust—an excellent side or main for any ham lover.
- Tips: Use waxy potatoes for best texture
- Cheese: Parmesan, Gruyere, cheddar
5. Baked Ham with Maple Mustard Glaze
This elevated recipe features a boneless ham baked with a glaze of pure maple syrup and spicy Dijon mustard. The sweet and tangy combination complements ham’s saltiness, offering dynamic flavors that pair well with roasted root vegetables or a fresh garden salad.
- Serving ideas: Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts
- Optional add-ins: A splash of apple cider vinegar for acidity
6. Ham and Cheese Sliders
These bite-sized sandwiches are perfect for parties, game nights, or quick weeknight dinners. Layer thin slices of ham and Swiss cheese between soft rolls, brush with a butter-mustard glaze, and bake until warm and melty. Serve with pickles or coleslaw for a satisfying meal.
- Best rolls: Hawaiian rolls, dinner rolls
- Glaze: Melted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds
7. Ham and Split Pea Soup
Use leftover ham to create a hearty, nourishing soup featuring split peas, carrots, celery, and aromatic herbs. This slow-cooked soup is perfect for chilly nights and freezes well for future meals.
- Cooking method: Stovetop or slow cooker
- Serving suggestion: Crusty bread, garlic toast
8. Ham Fried Rice
A speedy, Asian-inspired dish that tosses diced ham, vegetables, and cooked rice in savory soy sauce. Customize with peas, carrots, green onions, and scrambled eggs to suit your taste. Excellent for using up ham leftovers and ready in under 30 minutes.
- Flavor boosters: Sesame oil, ginger, garlic
- Vegetable ideas: Bell peppers, edamame, corn
9. Ham and Pasta Bake
Combine cooked pasta with diced ham, a creamy béchamel or tomato sauce, and a sprinkle of cheese, then bake until bubbling. This dish reheats beautifully and is perfect for weeknight family dinners.
- Pasta choices: Penne, rotini, macaroni
- Cheese: Mozzarella, cheddar, feta
10. Ham and Vegetable Quiche
A crusted quiche filled with diced ham, spinach, mushrooms, and cheese is a versatile brunch-to-dinner favorite. The egg-based filling is enhanced by the smoky flavor of the ham, making each slice a savory treat.
- Vegetable add-ins: Broccoli, peppers, zucchini
- Crust: Premade or homemade flaky pastry
11. Honey-Baked Ham
This recipe features a bone-in ham coated with a thick honey glaze and baked low and slow for maximum flavor. The caramelized exterior adds an irresistible sweetness while keeping the meat juicy.
- Glaze variation: Add orange zest or ground cloves
- Carving tip: Allow ham to rest before slicing
12. Ham Tetrazzini
This creamy pasta casserole combines diced ham, mushrooms, and peas with spaghetti, all baked together in a luxurious sauce. The dish is crowned with breadcrumbs and cheese for the perfect finish.
- Topping: Toasted breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan
- Make it ahead: Prepare and refrigerate before baking
13. Ham and Bean Stew
A slow-simmered stew featuring chunks of ham, white beans, tomatoes, and aromatic vegetables. This protein-rich dish is ideal for chilly nights, offering comfort and hearty nourishment.
- Beans: Great Northern, cannellini, navy beans
- Optional vegetables: Carrots, celery, onions
14. Brown Sugar and Pineapple Ham Steak
A quick dish, perfect for smaller families, featuring ham steaks pan-seared and finished with brown sugar and pineapple sauce. The sweet and savory glaze caramelizes beautifully, making each bite perfectly balanced.
- Serving ideas: Steamed rice, sautéed green beans
- Cooking tip: Do not overcook to avoid toughness
15. Ham Cobb Salad
This composed salad highlights cubes of ham, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, blue cheese, tomatoes, and crisp greens. A drizzle of tangy vinaigrette completes the dish, perfect for lighter dinners or lunch.
- Greens: Romaine, mixed greens, spinach
- Dressing: Red wine vinaigrette, ranch, honey mustard
Tips for Choosing the Right Ham
- Bone-in vs. Boneless: Bone-in hams often have richer flavor and juiciness, while boneless are easier to carve.
- Spiral-cut: Convenient slicing and elegant presentation—ideal for holidays.
- Smoked or unsmoked: Smoked hams have deeper flavor; unsmoked provide mild, classic taste.
Perfect Sides to Pair with Ham Dinners
- Roasted or mashed potatoes
- Creamed spinach
- Glazed carrots
- Green beans almondine
- Fresh fruit salad
- Buttered cornbread
Table: Key Ingredients for Classic Ham Recipes
| Recipe | Main Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Classic Glazed Ham | Spiral-sliced ham, brown sugar, mustard, honey |
| Ham and Potato Casserole | Diced ham, potatoes, cheddar cheese, cream |
| Ham Fried Rice | Diced ham, cooked rice, soy sauce, vegetables |
| Ham Tetrazzini | Diced ham, spaghetti, mushrooms, cream sauce |
| Ham Cobb Salad | Cubed ham, greens, hard-boiled eggs, avocado |
Ham Dinner FAQs
Q: How do I store leftover ham?
A: Cool ham within two hours, wrap tightly in foil or plastic, and refrigerate for up to 4–5 days. Freeze for longer storage.
Q: What’s the best glaze for ham?
A: Popular glazes use brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, or fruit juices like pineapple or orange.
Q: How do I keep ham moist when baking?
A: Cover ham loosely with foil while baking and baste with glaze periodically.
Q: Are these recipes suitable for party planning?
A: Absolutely! Ham dishes are crowd-pleasers and often yield large servings, perfect for gatherings and holidays.
Q: Can I use leftover ham in these recipes?
A: Yes, leftover ham works beautifully in casseroles, soups, pasta bakes, fried rice, and salads.
Conclusion: Bring Ham to Your Dinner Table
Ham’s irresistible taste and versatility make it a perfect choice for dinner any night or for special occasions. These 15 delicious ham dinner recipes cover everything from impressive holiday roasts to quick weeknight meals and cozy casseroles. Whether you opt for classic glazed ham, a creamy casserole, or an inventive twist like ham fried rice or ham Cobb salad, each dish brings warmth and satisfaction to your table. Let these recipes inspire your next dinner, gathering, or celebration for truly unforgettable meals.
