Ham: 8 Surprisingly Good Ways to Eat It (Even at 2 AM)

Hungry at 2 AM? From honey-brown glazed roast to fridge-cold slices and even rum-glazed flair, here are 8 surprisingly tasty ways to eat ham — plus a lightning-fast 2-minute glaze to level up any bite.

Cozy late-night collage of ham dishes on a rustic table.
Eight delicious ways to enjoy ham, even at 2 AM.
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Ham 8 Surprisingly Good Ways to Eat
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So what’s the best way to eat ham?

Short answer: however it makes you happy. But if you want ideas that actually taste good (and maybe a little bold), here are some favorites that range from fancy to gloriously lazy.


Ways to enjoy ham

  • Honey or brown-sugar glazed and roasted: Classic holiday move. Roast until caramelized and slice thick. Slap a piece on fresh white bread and you’ve got comfort in a bite.
  • Cold straight from the fridge: No shame. Thin slices make a perfect midnight snack. Easy, salty, satisfying.
  • On pizza with pineapple: Controversial, but sweet-and-salty lovers, this combo works. Ham + pineapple + warm cheese = sunshine on a slice.
  • Soaked in rum (or flambéed): For a boozy glaze or dramatic finish. Use sparingly — it’s more about flavor than soaking the meat in alcohol.
  • With eggs or potatoes: Think hearty breakfasts — ham pairs beautifully with fried eggs or smashed potatoes for a very grown-up fry-up.
  • Just take a bite: Sometimes the simplest option is best. High-quality dry-cured ham (like prosciutto) can be eaten raw and needs nothing else.
  • Get playful: Eat it anywhere — on a train, in a tree, in a house — eating ham can be delightfully silly and cozy at once.

Quick honey-brown sugar glaze (2-minute idea)

Mix 1/2 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, and a splash of orange juice. Brush over ham and roast at 350°F (about 175°C) until sticky and browned. Slice and serve on fresh bread.


Quick tips & a tiny reality check

  • Know your ham: Some hams are dry-cured and ready to eat (prosciutto, jamón), others are wet-cured or smoked and may need cooking. If in doubt, check the packaging or ask your butcher. For a deep dive, see Ham on Wikipedia.
  • Pairings: Cheese, crusty bread, pineapple, mustard, eggs, or a little fruit preserve all work well.
  • Don’t overcomplicate it: Good ham needs little. Salt, fat, and smoke do most of the work.

So, is there one best way? Nope. Try a few. Some are fancy, some are silly, but all are worth tasting.

Now go, get yourself some ham and make it your way.