Why Ham Always Has a Place at My Table
In my family, we have several traditions for family gatherings, and one of the must-make dishes is ham. Ham for Easter and the holidays is one of those traditions that always feels right at the table. It’s comforting, most everyone loves it, and is just as good the next day as it is fresh from the oven. In my family, ham is one of those must-make dishes for Easter brunch, family dinners, and easy entertaining when I want something that feels special without a lot of fuss.
I’ve rounded up five of my go-to ham recipes that are easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect whether you’re hosting a big holiday meal or just want a main dish that will give you great leftovers. If you’re planning an Easter menu, these recipes make it simple to choose a ham that fits your time, your budget, and your style.
Enjoy!
What Kind of Ham to Buy
I usually go with a spiral-cut, bone-in ham—it’s full of flavor and easy to serve. Bone-in hams stay juicier while cooking, but boneless works just fine if you want something easier to slice.
For the best results, choose a fully cooked ham, so all you’re really doing is warming it through and adding flavor. That keeps the process simple and gives you more room to focus on the sides, desserts, and the rest of your Easter table.
How Much Ham Do I Need Per Person?
A good rule of thumb is about ¾ pound per person if it’s bone-in, or ½ pound for boneless. A little extra never hurts—leftovers are the best part! If you’re serving a big spread with plenty of sides, you may not need quite as much per person. But if ham is the star of the meal, plan generously so everyone gets a good slice.
5 Easy Delicious Ham Recipes
Here are five easy ham recipes that work beautifully for Easter, Sunday dinner, or any holiday meal when you want something delicious and dependable.
Brown Sugar Mustard Baked Ham
This brown sugar mustard baked ham is sweet, tangy, and glossy with a caramelized finish. It’s an easy holiday ham that looks beautiful on the table and delivers big flavor with very little fuss.
Copycat Honey Baked Ham Recipe
This copycat Honey Baked Ham has that classic, sweet, sticky glaze everyone loves. It’s perfect when you want a special-occasion ham without paying restaurant prices. It’s a festive, crowd-pleasing choice for Easter dinner or any special family meal.
Crock Pot Sweet and Savory Ham
This slow cooker ham is tender, hands-off, and perfect when your oven is already full. It makes holiday prep easier while still giving you plenty of flavor. This recipe is even easier with the right equipment! Discover my top slow cooker recommendations and make your cooking effortless.
Orange and Pepper Jelly Glazed Ham
This ham has a bright, sweet-savory flavor and a shiny glaze that feels perfect for spring. It’s a nice choice when you want something a little different on the holiday table.
Citrus Molasses Glazed Ham
This brown sugar cola ham is rich, cozy, and full of old-fashioned Southern flavor. The glaze gives it a tender, caramelized finish that works beautifully for a crowd.
How To Store And Save Leftovers
Ham is great for leftovers and can even be frozen to enjoy months after you cook it. The key is to store it properly. Here are a few helpful tips:
- Allow the ham to cool completely, then cut it into small pieces for easy storage.
- Store the ham in an airtight container, ziplock bag, or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Don’t forget to label it with the recipe name and date.
- Store the ham in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
- You can freeze the ham for up to 3 months by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
The Best Recipes For Leftover Ham
Southern Ham Salad
Scalloped Potatoes And Ham
More ways to use leftover ham:
- Ham Jam Sandwich
- Ham And Cheese Strata
- Crock Pot Ham And Potato Soup
- Ham And Cheese Quiché
- Slow Cooker Ham And White Bean Soup
Frequently Asked Questions About Ham
Select a ham that’s fully cooked, bone-in ham with a good layer of fat. This will help keep the meat moist, tender, and juicy during cooking.
Bake the ham for about 15–18 minutes per pound at 325 °F, basting every 30 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ham, which should reach 140 °F.
Basting a ham keeps it moist while baking. It’s easy to do with a basting bulb or large spoon.
Once the ham is baked, make sure to let it rest for 15-30 minutes before slicing. Using a shape knife, remove any unwanted fat. Place the ham flat side down on a cutting board and cut the ham into slices until you reach the bone.
Tools To Help Make These Recipes
Using the correct kitchen tools for a recipe makes life easy and cooking more enjoyable. These items are ones that I use to make cooking, baking, and glazing a ham easy.
- Nonstick Roasting Pan
- Instant Read Thermometer
- Oven Mitts And Potholders
- Butchers Carving Knife
- Granite Ware Covered Roaster
- Liquid Baster With Brush
- Ham And Meat Lifting Forks
- Large Cutting Board
What To Serve With Holiday Ham
Southern Pineapple Casserole
Pineapple Casserole has become a classic, southern dish, and for good reason. It's sweet, savory, and has a buttery topping that makes it totally addictive!
Roasted Asparagus with Lemon, Panko and Feta
Elevate your asparagus game with this delicious roasted asparagus with lemon panko and feta recipe!
Crock Pot Creamed Corn
Rich, creamy Crock Pot Creamed Corn, with a hint of sweetness, might be the ultimate side dish. It's easy to make since the slow cooker does all the work! Free up your stove top or oven space during the holidays or busy weeknights with the Crock Pot.
Southern Style Green Beans
Get ready to dive into the heart of comfort food with this simple Southern Green Beans recipe. Tender, flavorful, and steeped in tradition, green beans Southern style are a down-home delight you won't want to miss! Fresh green beans cooked with bacon and just the right amount of seasoning is the perfect side dish for any meal.
Classic Cornbread Pudding With Cheese
If you’re looking for the perfect blend of cornbread and creamy, custardy goodness, this Southern Cornbread Pudding is your answer. Rich with two types of corn, this dish has a touch of sweetness, a bit of savory, and a soft, fluffy texture that makes it an irresistible side for any weeknight or holiday dinner.
Honey Glazed Carrots
Beautiful, glazed carrots with honey and butter are easy to make yet special enough to make a statement on any holiday table! They are so hard to resist, you'll make them all year round.
Classic Waldorf Salad (Crunchy And Fresh)
This Classic Waldorf Salad combines crisp apples, juicy grapes, crunchy celery, and toasted walnuts in a smooth, creamy dressing perfect for serving any time of the year. Whether you're making it for lunch, as a side dish, sharing it at a potluck, or during the holidays, this traditional recipe is always a favorite.
Boursin Mashed Potatoes
These Boursin Mashed Potatoes take simple ingredients and turn them into the creamiest, most flavorful side dish. Warm butter, cream, and melty Boursin blend into Yukon Golds for rich, herby potatoes that work for everything from weeknight dinners to holiday gatherings.
Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes
Sweet Potatoes cooked to perfection in the Air Fryer is a side dish that takes very little effort to make yet yields amazing results! They're tender and creamy on the inside with crispy skin on the outside for sweet potatoes that you'll be craving time and time again.
Slow Cooker Cheese Grits
With just 10 minutes of prep, these Crock Pot Cheese Grits turn out rich, creamy, and full of cheesy flavor. They’re a Southern favorite for breakfast with eggs and bacon, and just as delicious as a side for shrimp, BBQ, or any family meal.
Best Creamed Spinach Recipe: Fresh and Easy
Creamed Spinach is a quick, comforting, and absolutely delicious homemade side dish. It's easy to make with simple ingredients, whether pulling together a last-minute weeknight meal or hosting unexpected guests. This recipe brings out the classic, rich flavors of creamed spinach in a lighter, fresher way and is perfect for adding a little extra flair to any meal!
Grape Salad
Delicious Grape Salad is amazingly fresh, sweet, and creamy with a crunchy topping that’s irresistible! Served as a side dish or a dessert, this easy-to-make recipe is always a favorite at the holidays, potluck suppers, or when you’re entertaining.
Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
Candied yams are a classic holiday side dish that's an outstanding addition to Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, but they are also terrific to serve year-round. Sweet potatoes cooked with brown sugar, butter, and warm spices are the star of the show and downright irresistible!
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Super crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are out of this world delicious! With just four simple ingredients and the magic of the air fryer, this easy to make recipe will be your new favorite way to cook this yummy veggie.
Easy Pimento Cheese Grits
Two Southern classics are combined to make creamy, luscious Pimento Cheese Grits, and the result is outstanding! This recipe is simple, versatile, and perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a must for any holiday brunch.
My New eBook!
Top 25 Viral Recipes
Whether you’re cooking for two, feeding a busy family, or filling your home with friends, I’m cheering you on from my kitchen. I hope this eBook brings you comfort, creativity, and plenty of delicious moments around your table.
Southern Traditions: Timeless Recipes to Make, Share, and Love!
GET THIS FREE GUIDE: Southern dishes with easy prep and timeless flavor in every bite.
