Easter is almost here and that means meal planning is likely underway for many of us. For a lot of us, the protein of choice for Easter dinner is none other than ham. And thanks to The Honey Baked Ham Company, many of us are going to be eating well.
The thing about a perfectly cooked ham, is that it goes well with a number of sides and it tends to be very versatile. Ham doesn't just have to be enjoyed sliced with sides, as it can also be a perfect addition to so many recipes, including bakes, casseroles, and even a quiche.
In an effort to get more insight into the magic of ham, we had the chance to ask the culinary expert from The Honey Baked Ham Company, Tim Ziga, a few questions. So if you are looking for some Easter inspiration when it comes to your ham, then you are in the right place.
Tim Ziga of The Honey Baked Ham Company offers his ham knowledge for Easter (and beyond)
Guilty Eats: What is the best way to prepare an already cooked ham to keep it flavorful and juicy?
Tim Ziga: "One of the best things about buying a Honey Baked Ham is that it’s already cooked. You don’t need to do anything other than set it out 30 minutes prior to serving if you prefer serving it at room temperature (recommended). But if you prefer your ham warmed, it's important to avoid overcooking it. To warm your ham, preheat the oven (ideally without the convection setting on) to 275F. Remove the gold foil and cover the entire ham (or just the slices desired) in aluminum foil. Place covered ham on a baking sheet and warm for 10 minutes per pound."
Guilty Eats: How much ham should we have on hand when trying to feed multiple people at a gathering?
Tim Ziga: "Our signature Bone-In Half Ham options range from 7 pounds all the way up to 12 pounds. To ensure everyone has their fill with some left over, we recommend ordering 1/3 to 1/2 pounds of ham per person, plus an extra pound or two. For example, if you’re serving 12 people (including yourself), we’d suggest a 9-10 pound ham for ample leftovers."
Guilty Eats: What are some suggestions for ways to enjoy leftover ham?
Tim Ziga: "HoneyBaked.com/Recipes is full of recipes for leftovers, for everything from pasta to breakfast casseroles. I’m biased, but I always crave hot ham & cheese sliders, too. When picking up your ham, I recommend grabbing a pack or two of rolls and a bottle of one of our signature sauces, like HoneyBaked’s Hickory Honey Mustard. Add your choice of cheese, a condiment or two, and brush on a little butter and seasoning before toasting them in the oven. We actually have pre-made ham and turkey sliders available to pick up in all of our stores if you don’t feel like doing the work yourself.
I will add that one of my favorite ways to cook leftover ham is to throw it in a pan with a little butter and fry it up. The ham crisps up on the edges and the flavor really pops. It's a completely different experience - great for breakfast with some eggs and toast, or in an omelet that would rival that of your favorite breakfast haunt."
Guilty Eats: What are some suggestions for unusual/unexpected sides to enjoy with a ham?
Tim Ziga: "Many people go for classic options like Double Cheddar Mac & Cheese, but sweet sides are just as delicious to complement a savory ham and its sweet, crunchy glaze. I recommend trying the Baked Cinnamon Apples, which is one of our premade Heat & Serve slides that you can pick up with your ham to make serving a delicious Easter spread feel effortless. They also make a fantastic dessert when topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or some whipped cream."