During the Easter holiday, the attention can go to baskets full of candy and other sweet treats. After the bunny delivers those items, savory food takes center stage for the big meal. The Honey Baked Ham Company provides hosts with a delicious and easy meal. When that perfect spiral cut ham hits the table, everyone will be craving another serving.
Certain foods are often associated with a particular holiday. While turkey is a Thanksgiving favorite, ham is the traditional Easter meal. A versatile protein, ham can be served at brunch, lunch, or a hearty dinner.
The Honey Baked Ham Company has been a part of family’s holiday traditions. People can trust that unwrapping that golden foil comes with a promise that a delicious ham will get a round of applause from everyone at the table.
Recently, FoodSided spoke with Chef Tim Ziga, Culinary Expert at The Honey Baked Ham Company. Although ham seems like a relatively easy dish to prepare for Easter, a few tips and tricks can make that traditional favorite even more enjoyable for guests. From the holiday meal, itself, to leftovers, that single food purchase has a multitude of uses.
Cristine Struble: Ham is a popular Easter choice. Why do you think that this meal is such a crowd pleaser?
Chef Tim Ziga: That's right; our research found that ham is the most sought-after dish on families' Easter tables, with more than 80% of U.S. households serving the classic centerpiece. For generations, families have gathered around our delicious Honey Baked Ham, leaning into tradition, bringing that timeless taste of celebration that families look forward to when making memories each year. Not only is it a crowd-pleaser but it’s a host-pleaser too, as it’s pre-sliced and pre-cooked for utmost ease of serving.
CS: Many people order their ham size based on having leftovers? In today's cost conscious world, what are some guidelines to ensure that everyone has their fill yet there is some left for a second meal?
TZ: Yes, many people eagerly look forward to leftovers and they’re one of my favorite parts of the holidays. 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.
CS: One of the best parts of Easter ham is the leftovers. Instead of just another sandwich are there some recipes that you recommend which can make for a creative and delicious second or third dinner?
TZ: For those looking for more adventurous uses for ham leftovers, HoneyBaked.com/Recipes is full of recipes for everything from pasta to breakfast casseroles.
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.
I’m biased, but I always crave hot ham and cheese sliders, too. When picking up your ham at any HoneyBaked store, I recommend grabbing a pack or two of rolls and a bottle of one of our signature sauces, like our 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.
CS: For those who get a bone-in ham, what would you recommend doing with the bone?
TZ: For those who get a Bone-In Ham, I always recommend saving it to make a comforting soup. For utmost ease, you can grab a bag of Soup Mix when you pick up your ham in-store. Otherwise, our Honey Baked Ham Bean and Greens Soup recipe is another delicious, nutritious and filling option.
CS: At Thanksgiving, everyone is focused on the sides as much as the main protein. What side dishes do you recommend serving with the ham for Easter?
TZ: Because ham brings sweet and savory flavors, there are a range of sides that pair well so there’s no right or wrong here. If you’re low on time to prep for Easter, Thanksgiving or any holiday, our Signature Ham Meal comes with a choice of three Heat & Serve sides such as Maple Sweet Potato Souffle, Double Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese,
Other good options are Cheesy Potatoes Au Gratin, or Baked Cinnamon Apples.
CS: While food trends often make a splash, many people prefer traditional, comfort food fare at a holiday. Is there a way to appease both ends of the food spectrum with the ham?
TZ: While Easter and the other major holidays are generally more about tradition and less about trends, it can sometimes be fun to add a twist here and there to keep things interesting. One of my favorite things about ham is its versatility as an ingredient. It’s a lot like bacon, in that it tends to make everything better. You can add it to just about any side dish or salad for a big pop of flavor and texture.
CS: What is the biggest mistake to avoid when serving ham for Easter?
TZ: One of the best things about buying a Honey Baked Ham is 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.
This Easter, The Honey Baked Ham Company can provide the star protein for an epic meal. From there, the home cook can bring in some holiday traditions, flavor innovations, and other surprises to the table. Hungry for a slice of that delicious food?