Guide

The Best Appetizers For A Ham Dinner: Mouthwatering Recipes To Start Your Meal

Chef Emily Clark is the editor-in-chief and leading culinary expert at Cookupexperts.com. She has over 20 years of professional cooking experience, including working as a private chef for celebrities and heads of state. Emily holds a master's degree in Culinary Arts from the Culinary Institute of America. In addition to...

What To Know

  • Sure, a beautifully glazed ham is the centerpiece of the meal, but the appetizers are what really set the tone.
  • So, if you want to impress your guests, it would be best if you took the time to find the best appetizers to serve.
  • A green salad is a light and refreshing side dish that goes well with ham appetizers.

Ham dinners are a classic choice for holiday meals and special occasions. But what makes a perfect ham dinner? In our opinion, it’s all in the side dishes. Sure, a beautifully glazed ham is the centerpiece of the meal, but the appetizers are what really set the tone. From creamy dips to hearty soups, we’ve rounded up the best appetizers to serve at your ham dinner. These dishes are easy to make and will impress your guests. So, let’s get cooking!

Best Appetizers For Ham Dinner

Arrange your ham dinner with ease!

Besides decorating your dining room, preparing drinks, and arranging the main course, one crucial thing you shouldn’t forget to prepare is appetizers. Appetizers are important because they will whet your guests’ appetite before the main course.

Also, appetizers help set the tone for the rest of the meal. So, if you want to impress your guests, it would be best if you took the time to find the best appetizers to serve.

In this article, you will find the best appetizers to serve for a ham dinner.

1. Cucumber Sandwiches

Cucumber sandwiches are light and delightful. These appetizers are easy to make, and they are perfect for summer dinners.

To make cucumber sandwiches, you will need:

* Cucumbers

* Bread

* Cream cheese

* Salt and pepper

First, peel and slice the cucumbers. Then, spread cream cheese on the bread, and top it with cucumber slices. Finally, sprinkle salt and pepper on top.

2. Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are a classic appetizer. They are easy to make, and they taste delicious.

To make deviled eggs, you will need:

* Eggs

* Mayonnaise

* Mustard

First, hard-boil the eggs. Then, remove the egg yolks, and mash them in a bowl. Add mayonnaise, mustard, and salt and pepper to taste. Finally, spoon the mixture back into the egg whites.

3. Baked Brie

Baked brie is a rich and decadent appetizer. It is easy to make, and it is sure to impress your guests.

To make baked brie, you will need:

* Brie cheese

* Honey

First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, place the brie cheese on a baking sheet, and drizzle it with honey. Finally, bake the cheese for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.

Serve the baked brie with bread or crackers.

4. Shrimp Cocktail

Shrimp cocktail is a classic appetizer. It is easy to make, and it is sure to impress your guests.

What Are The Best Appetizers To Serve With A Ham Dinner?

  • Serve a variety of appetizers, such as cheese plates, shrimp cocktail, and bruschetta.
  • Consider serving a light appetizer, such as deviled eggs or caprese skewers, before the ham dinner.
  • Choose appetizers that complement the flavors of your ham dinner, such as fruit and cheese plates or vegetable platters.
  • Serve appetizers that are easy to prepare, such as dips and spreads, or that can be assembled ahead of time, such as antipasto skewers.
  • Consider serving appetizers that can be made in bulk, such as vegetable platters or cheese plates, to accommodate larger groups.

What Side Dishes Go Well With Ham Appetizers?

Ham appetizers are a delicious and versatile addition to any meal. But with so many side dishes to choose from, it can be hard to decide what to serve with them. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Roasted Vegetables: This classic side dish pairs well with ham appetizers. Try roasting carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

2. Baked Beans: Baked beans are a classic accompaniment to ham. They add a touch of sweetness and texture to the meal.

3. Potato Salad: Potato salad is a delicious and hearty side dish that goes well with ham appetizers. Try adding chopped hard-boiled eggs, celery, and pickles for a little extra flavor.

4. Rice Pilaf: Rice pilaf is a simple and versatile side dish that goes well with ham appetizers. Try adding dried cranberries, chopped nuts, or fresh herbs for a little extra flavor.

5. Green Salad: A green salad is a light and refreshing side dish that goes well with ham appetizers. Try adding chopped vegetables, nuts, and a light vinaigrette dressing.

No matter what side dishes you choose to serve with ham appetizers, be sure to complement them with delicious ham.

What Are Some Easy Ham Appetizer Recipes?

While ham is a delicious main course, it’s also great for appetizers. Here are 3 great recipes:

* Baked Ham & Swiss Pinwheels: You’ll need 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, 1 cup chopped cooked ham, 1/2 cup chopped green onions, 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper, 1 (8 oz) package refrigerated crescent rolls, and 1 (8 oz) package Swiss cheese. Mix the cream cheese, ham, green onions, and red pepper; spread on the crescent rolls. Top with cheese. Roll up and cut into 1 inch slices. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes.

What Are Some Unique Ham Appetizer Ideas?

1. Honey Glazed Ham Bites: Slice the ham into bite-sized pieces, then coat them with a mixture of honey, mustard, and a touch of brown sugar. Bake them in the oven until they’re crispy, and serve them with a honey mustard dipping sauce.

2. Ham and Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms: Clean and de-stem some mushrooms, then stuff them with a mixture of ham, cheese, and spices. Bake them in the oven until the mushrooms are tender and the cheese is melted, and serve them with a garnish of chopped parsley.

3. Ham and Pineapple Skewers: Thread chunks of ham and pineapple onto skewers, then brush them with a honey glaze. Grill them until the ham is crispy and the pineapple is tender, and serve them with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.

4. Ham and Swiss Sliders: Use small dinner rolls or slider buns, and layer them with ham, Swiss cheese, and a spread of Dijon mustard. Bake them in the oven until the cheese is melted and the buns are toasty, and serve them with a garnish of chopped chives.

Are There Any Special Ingredients Or Techniques Needed For Ham Appetizers?

Ham appetizers are a popular and delicious choice for parties and gatherings. However, making the perfect ham appetizer does require some skill and technique.

One of the most important ingredients for ham appetizers is high-quality ham. Make sure to choose ham that is fresh and flavorful. You can also use different types of ham, such as smoked or cured, to add variety to your appetizers.

Another important ingredient is cheese. Cheese pairs well with ham and adds a touch of richness and flavor to your appetizers. You can use different types of cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyere, to add variety to your appetizers.

When it comes to technique, the key to making delicious ham appetizers is to cook the ham properly. Make sure to cook the ham until it is fully cooked and no longer pink. You can also bake or fry the ham to add flavor and texture to your appetizers.

In addition to cooking the ham, you can also add other ingredients to your appetizers. For example, you can add vegetables, such as mushrooms or bell peppers, to your appetizers for added flavor and texture. You can also add sauces, such as honey mustard or barbecue sauce, to your appetizers for added flavor.

Overall, making delicious ham appetizers requires high-quality ham, cheese, and a variety of other ingredients.

Recommendations

In conclusion, the best appetizers for a ham dinner are those that are light, flavorful, and complement the rich, savory flavors of the ham. Whether you’re looking for a classic dish or something a bit more creative, there’s sure to be an appetizer on this list that fits the bill.

Chef Emily Clark

Chef Emily Clark is the editor-in-chief and leading culinary expert at Cookupexperts.com. She has over 20 years of professional cooking experience, including working as a private chef for celebrities and heads of state. Emily holds a master's degree in Culinary Arts from the Culinary Institute of America. In addition to directing the content at Cookupexperts, she writes recipes and product reviews for major food publications. Emily is dedicated to teaching home cooks how to achieve restaurant-quality results through meticulous testing and step-by-step instructions. Her engaging writing style and passion for food shine through in all of her work. When not in the test kitchen, Emily enjoys traveling the world in search of new culinary inspirations.
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