Ham dishes can be elevated with just the right condiment or side dish accompaniment.
If you’re hosting a holiday or special occasion meal that includes ham, it’s essential to pair it with the right condiments to make your dish shine.
Not only do they help enhance the flavor of the ham, but they also add texture and color to your plate. Here are some of the most excellent condiments for your Thanksgiving ham.
A Quick List on Best Condiments to serve with Ham in Mustard and Ham, Chutney, Pickles fruits and vegetables, fruit sauces and relishes, BBQ Sauce, Honey, Applesauce, Jam, Cream Cheese, and Mustard-Mayonnaise spread.
10 Best Go-to Condiments to Serve with Ham
1. Mustard and Ham
Mustard is one of the most classic condiments for serving with ham, adding a tangy flavor that helps cut through the meat’s richness.
Whether used as a spread or used in sauces and glazes. From traditional yellow mustard to something more adventurous like a Dijon variety, this flavorful side dish is sure to please.
Mustard adds an extra kick of flavor and gives your guests something to slather on their slices of ham before digging in. Dijon mustard, you get an intense richness that pairs well with honey-glazed ham.
Stone-ground mustard is an excellent choice because its milder taste won’t overpower your ham dish.
2. Chutney
Chutney is another excellent option for spicing up your holiday ham. Chutneys are sweet and savory condiments made with fruits, vegetables, and spices. They pair well with ham to add an extra layer of flavor to your dish.
Many different types are available, from sweet-and-sour mango chutney to spicy tamarind chutney. It’s also easy to make at home if you want to experiment with your blend!
3. Pickled Fruits and Vegetables
Pickled fruits and vegetables are a delicious way to add extra crunch and acidity to your plate.
Try pickling pears or apples in apple cider vinegar and adding them alongside your sliced ham—they can be served either hot or cold, depending on your preference!
For added flavor, you can also pickle vegetables like onions or peppers in white wine vinegar. Cucumber pickles work well with any type of ham dish, but if you want something more unique, try making some pickled beets or radishes instead.
Pickled fruits and vegetables will add an exciting twist to your presentation. They will definitely be a hit at any dinner table!
Also, consider pairing them with other acidic ingredients, such as garlic cloves or capers, for even more flavor options!
4. Fruit Sauces and Relishes
The sweet and tart flavors found in most fruits are ideal for cutting through the saltiness of the ham.
A simple fruit sauce made from apples, cranberries, figs, or apricots with spices like ginger and cinnamon can provide enough acidity to balance your plate while adding color and texture.
Sweet pickle relish is another popular choice for serving with ham. Its sweetness helps balance out the saltiness of the meat, while its crunchy texture also adds a delicious contrast in texture!
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5. BBQ Sauce
Whether serving a grilled ham steak or a slow-cooked roast, BBQ sauce is always a great choice. It adds a smoky flavor that goes well with the char marks from grilling, as well as some sweetness to help balance out the saltiness of the meat.
6. Honey
A generous drizzle of honey can add a hint of sweetness to ham dishes. It also makes an excellent glaze when combined with other ingredients like mustard and brown sugar.
7. Applesauce
Applesauce pairs wonderfully with ham, especially when served warm alongside roasted vegetables. Its sweet flavor helps cut through the meat’s richness while adding moisture too!
8. Jam
Jam may sound weird, but Jams are a great way to add a bit of fruity flavor to your ham dishes. Apricot, raspberry, and blackberry jams are all excellent choices for serving with ham.
9. Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is another delicious accompaniment to serve with ham. Its mild flavor helps to bring out the saltiness of the meat and provides some creaminess too!
10. Mustard-Mayonnaise Spread
This simple combination of mustard and mayonnaise is an easy way to dress up any sandwich or wrap featuring ham. It adds a zesty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the rich taste of the meat.
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Wrap Up on- Condiments to Pair with Ham
Mustards make an excellent partner due to their tangy bite that cuts through richer meats like ham — while fruit sauces can provide a sweet counterpoint if desired.
For those looking for something extra special on their plate, pickled vegetables offer crunchy texture along with vibrant colors that will delight guests at any gathering!
With these condiments in mind, creating perfect pairings for your next meal doesn’t have to be difficult — serve up some deliciousness today!
So, Which condiments do you recommend serving with ham? Do you have any tips for cooking or serving ham? Let me know.
FAQs
What can I add to ham for flavor?
There are many ways to add flavor to ham. For a savory flavor, you can add herbs and spices like rosemary, sage, thyme, nutmeg, garlic powder, or paprika.
You can also make a glaze for the ham by combining honey or brown sugar with mustard, maple syrup, or apple cider vinegar.
Try adding orange or pineapple juice to the glaze for an extra tangy flavor. You can also use apricot jam or preserve it for a sweeter flavor.
Suppose you’re up for something more creative. Why not experiment with different herbs, spices, and sauces like barbeque sauce or teriyaki sauce? Whatever your taste, there are lots of ways to add flavor to your ham.
What spice is good on ham?
The best spices to use on ham are garlic powder, black pepper, cumin, paprika, onion powder, and thyme.
You can also try experimenting with different combinations of these spices for different flavor profiles. For example, you could mix garlic powder and paprika together for a smoky flavor or add some brown sugar for a sweeter flavor.
Additionally, you could mix in some cayenne pepper for a kick of heat.
To make sure that the spices are evenly distributed across the surface of the ham, it’s best to rub them into the meat before cooking.
You can also make a spice rub by combining all the spices together in a bowl and adding some olive oil or butter to create a paste. This will help the spices stick to the surface of the ham and provide maximum flavor.