Ham doesn’t just belong at holiday dinners, it’s a year-round ingredient that works across meals, cooking styles, and flavor profiles. This list highlights how versatile it can be, from sweet glazes that caramelize in the oven to hands-off slow cooker preparations that leave the meat fork-tender. You’ll find classic spiral hams, air-fried ham steaks, breakfast bakes, hearty soups, and quick-fix leftovers like fried rice. Some lean bold with bourbon, mustard, or pomegranate, while others stick to creamy or savory comfort. Whether you’re planning ahead for a family gathering or need a fast weeknight idea for leftovers, these ham recipes bring more to the table than just sliced meat.
Bourbon Glazed Ham
A ham roast or spiral cut ham gets coated in a glaze of bourbon, brown sugar, mustard, and maybe a touch of citrus. It bakes until the glaze caramelizes on the edges, giving you crackly, sweet highlights over tender meat. The bourbon’s depth offsets the sweetness. Slice it thick and serve with sides that can soak up the glaze.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Glazed Ham
Cherry and Pomegranate Glazed Ham
This version uses cherry preserves or juice and pomegranate molasses or juice in the glaze, giving the ham a deep red sheen and tangy brightness. As it bakes, the sugars reduce and cling to the ham’s surface. The fruit flavors cut through the richness. Serve with roasted vegetables or greens to balance.
Get the Recipe: Cherry and Pomegranate Glazed Ham
Best Crock Pot Ham
Ham cooks low and slow in the crock pot with a bit of liquid, aromatics, and glaze ingredients (honey, mustard, brown sugar, etc.). As it warms, flavors penetrate deeply. You’re left with moist, tender ham ready to glaze or slice. Easy and fuss-free for hands-off cooking.
Get the Recipe: Best Crock Pot Ham
Dijon Glazed Ham
A glaze made with Dijon mustard, honey or maple, garlic, and herbs coats the ham before baking. The mustard gives tang and bite. As the ham heats, the glaze thickens and becomes savory-sweet. The result is layered flavor that pairs well with roasted potatoes or green sides.
Get the Recipe: Dijon Glazed Ham
Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup
Ham chunks simmer with potatoes, broth, onions, cream (or milk), and seasoning until everything is tender. The ham infuses the broth with smoky flavor, and the potatoes thicken the soup. You get a hearty bowl with minimal hands-on work. Serve with crusty bread or crackers.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup
Cheddar Ham Breakfast Pizza
Ham pieces go on a pizza crust or flatbread with cheddar, eggs (optional), and other breakfast toppings like onions or peppers. Bake until cheese melts and crust is crisp. You get the comfort of pizza and breakfast in one. Great for brunch gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Ham Breakfast Pizza
Air Fryer Ham Steak
Ham slices (thick cut) get a quick toss in glaze or seasoning, then cook in the air fryer until warm and slightly caramelized on the edges. The air fryer crisps the edges while keeping the interior juicy. Serve with eggs, greens, or vegetables. Quick, easy, and flavor-forward.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ham Steak
Ham Fried Rice
Leftover ham gets diced and stir-fried with rice, vegetables, egg, soy sauce, and aromatics. The ham adds smoky, salty meatiness to fried rice. Use day-old rice for best texture. Serve as a main or side. A great way to use leftover meat quickly.
Get the Recipe: Ham Fried Rice
Air Fryer Ham Steaks
A repeat of ham steak in the air fryer (if meant as separate flavor or technique). The ham steaks turn golden edged and warm through quickly. Brush with glaze or seasoning either before or halfway. Serve with sides like vegetables or grain.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ham Steaks
Crock Pot Spiral Ham
A spiraled ham roast cooks slowly with glaze ingredients and perhaps pineapple or brown sugar. The spiral cut helps the glaze infiltrate more deeply. After cooking it low, finish under a broiler to caramelize top edges. You end up with slices that carry flavor throughout.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Spiral Ham
