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.
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.