The combination of Easter ham and cheddar is a timeless pairing that brings warmth and comfort to any holiday table. The smoky, slightly sweet flavor of the ham beautifully complements the sharp, creamy richness of the cheddar, creating a delightful contrast that is hard to resist. As the ham cooks, its juices mingle with the cheese, forming a savory, melt-in-your-mouth bite that’s as satisfying as it is indulgent. When you slice into it, the cheese tends to ooze, creating little pockets of gooey goodness that make every bite a little bit of magic. If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, the ham and cheddar sandwich the next day is something you’ll crave for days to come, with the flavors only deepening overnight. There’s just something about the pairing that feels like a cozy hug from the inside out. If you’ve never tried adding a drizzle of honey or a bit of mustard to the mix, trust me, it elevates the whole experience and takes your Easter feast to the next level.
Key Ingredients in Easter Ham and Cheddar
The beauty of this dish lies in its simple, yet impactful ingredients. Each one plays a unique role in enhancing the overall flavor profile, from the savory richness of the ham to the sweet and tangy notes that bring everything together. Here’s a breakdown of what makes this recipe shine:
* Ham
The star of the dish, ham provides a smoky, savory base that pairs perfectly with the sharpness of cheddar. Its natural juices help create a flavorful sauce that envelopes the cheese, making every bite a comforting experience.
* Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Rich, creamy, and slightly tangy, cheddar cheese melts beautifully over the ham, forming those irresistible pockets of gooey goodness. It adds depth and richness, taking the dish from good to unforgettable.
* Brown Sugar
Brown sugar brings a touch of sweetness to balance out the saltiness of the ham. It helps create a caramelized glaze that enhances the flavor of the ham and the cheese, giving the dish a subtle sweetness without overpowering the savory elements.
* Dijon Mustard
Dijon mustard adds a layer of tang and complexity, cutting through the richness of the ham and cheese. Its mild heat complements the sweetness of the brown sugar and honey, making it the perfect condiment for this flavorful pairing.
* Honey
Honey brings a natural sweetness to the mix, harmonizing with the brown sugar and Dijon mustard. It helps to create that glossy, sticky glaze on the ham that’s both sweet and savory, adding to the dish’s overall richness.
* Ground Black Pepper
A simple yet essential seasoning, black pepper adds a touch of warmth and subtle spice. It balances the sweetness of the brown sugar and honey while enhancing the natural flavors of the ham and cheese.
* Olive Oil
Olive oil is used to cook the ham, providing a bit of richness and helping to develop a beautifully golden, crispy exterior. It also acts as a base for creating the sauce that will eventually coat the ham and cheese.
* Water
Water helps to thin out the glaze and create the right consistency for a smooth, pourable sauce. It ensures that the ham is juicy and that the glaze evenly coats every inch of the meat.
* Cornstarch
Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent for the glaze. It helps achieve that perfect, syrupy consistency that sticks to the ham and cheese, making each bite more satisfying and indulgent.
* Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar adds a much-needed tang to balance the sweetness and richness of the dish. It helps cut through the fattiness of the ham while brightening up the overall flavor profile with its crisp acidity.
How to Make Easter Ham and Cheddar
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place the ham on a roasting pan, ensuring the cut side is facing down.
3. Drizzle the olive oil over the top of the ham, massaging it gently into the surface to coat it evenly.
4. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to keep it moist during cooking.
5. Place the roasting pan with the ham in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the ham is heated through.
6. While the ham is baking, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey, and black pepper.
7. Set the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture begins to simmer.
8. In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with the water until smooth, then slowly whisk the cornstarch mixture into the simmering glaze.
9. Continue to cook the glaze, whisking constantly, until it thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
10. Once the glaze has thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in the apple cider vinegar. Set the glaze aside.
11. After the ham has baked for 1 hour, remove it from the oven and discard the aluminum foil.
12. Brush the glaze generously over the surface of the ham, ensuring it is evenly coated.
13. Return the ham to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, basting with more glaze every 5 minutes.
14. During the last few minutes of baking, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the ham.
15. Continue to bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 5-7 minutes.
16. Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
17. Serve the ham with the remaining glaze on the side for dipping.
Serving Suggestions for Easter Ham and Cheddar
– Roasted Vegetables
Pair your Easter Ham and Cheddar with some roasted vegetables for a colorful and hearty side dish. Think caramelized carrots, parmesan-crusted Brussels sprouts, or roasted sweet potatoes. The slight sweetness of the veggies complements the salty richness of the ham and the creamy cheddar perfectly, making each bite even more satisfying.
– Crispy Potato Wedges
You can’t go wrong with a side of crispy potato wedges dusted with a bit of sea salt and rosemary. The crispy, golden crust and fluffy interior of the potatoes balance out the juicy ham and gooey cheese, creating a comforting, almost rustic vibe to your Easter meal.
– Tangy Coleslaw
For a refreshing contrast, a bowl of tangy coleslaw makes a fantastic side. The crunch and bright, zesty flavors from the coleslaw bring a burst of freshness that helps cut through the richness of the ham and cheddar. Bonus points if you add a bit of apple cider vinegar in the slaw to echo the tangy note in the glaze!
Each of these sides complements the Easter Ham and Cheddar in a different way, ensuring your meal is balanced and bursting with flavor. Happy cooking!
How to Store Easter Ham and Cheddar
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers from your Easter feast (or if you just made extra to enjoy later), you’ll want to store them properly to keep that delicious flavor intact. Here are a few tips to ensure your Easter Ham and Cheddar stays fresh and flavorful:
– Refrigerate for up to 4 days
Store any leftover ham and cheddar in an airtight container in the fridge. This will keep the flavors locked in and prevent it from drying out. Just be sure to slice the ham into smaller pieces to make it easier to reheat!
– Freeze for longer storage
If you want to keep your ham and cheddar for longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven until bubbly and delicious.
– Reheat properly
To reheat the ham and cheddar without losing that gooey, melty goodness, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out. If you’re short on time, a microwave works, but the texture won’t be quite as perfect as when reheated in the oven.
With these storage tips, your Easter Ham and Cheddar can keep delivering that cozy comfort long after the holiday!
Conclusion
And there you have it! Your Easter Ham and Cheddar is all set to shine as the star of your holiday feast. From that irresistible gooey cheddar to the sweet and smoky ham, every bite is an experience that feels just like home. The balance of flavors, the tender ham, and the melty cheese will surely have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds!). Whether you’re enjoying it right away or savoring leftovers, this dish promises to deliver comfort and joy long after the holiday.
Feel free to save this recipe for your next celebration or when you’re simply craving something warm, indulgent, and utterly satisfying. If you decide to give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Leave me a comment with your thoughts, questions, or any feedback – I’m here to help! Whether you’re tweaking the recipe or just chatting about how it went, I’d love to hear from you. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen be filled with delicious smells and lots of smiles!
Easter Ham and Cheddar
Description
A succulent, tender ham glazed to perfection, paired with rich, melt-in-your-mouth cheddar cheese. The savory ham and sharp, creamy cheese create a mouthwatering harmony of flavors, perfect for a festive Easter feast. It’s a comforting classic!
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
-
Place the ham on a roasting pan, ensuring the cut side is facing down.
-
Drizzle the olive oil over the top of the ham, massaging it gently into the surface.
-
Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to keep it moist during cooking.
-
Place the roasting pan with the ham in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the ham is heated through.
-
While the ham is baking, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey, and black pepper.
-
Set the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture begins to simmer.
-
In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with the water until smooth, then slowly whisk the cornstarch mixture into the simmering glaze.
-
Continue to cook the glaze, whisking constantly, until it thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
-
Once the glaze has thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in the apple cider vinegar. Set the glaze aside.
-
After the ham has baked for 1 hour, remove it from the oven and discard the aluminum foil.
-
Brush the glaze generously over the surface of the ham, ensuring it is evenly coated.
-
Return the ham to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, basting with more glaze every 5 minutes.
-
During the last few minutes of baking, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the ham.
-
Continue to bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 5-7 minutes.
-
Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
-
Serve the ham with the remaining glaze on the side for dipping.
Note
- For an extra crispy glaze, you can broil the ham for 1-2 minutes after adding the cheddar cheese.
- Make sure to stir the glaze continuously to prevent the sugar from burning.
- Feel free to add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the glaze for a hint of spice.
- If using a larger ham, adjust cooking time accordingly and ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
- Let the ham rest before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender slices.
