10 Country Ham Pairings to Elevate Your Home-Cooked Meals

Diving into the world of country ham can take your home-cooked meals from simple to extraordinary. With a few smart pairings, you can complement, contrast, or elevate your dishes, unlocking flavors that’ll leave everyone asking for seconds.

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Choosing the Right Side Dishes

When it comes to rounding out your country ham meal, picking the perfect side dishes is key to creating a balanced and delicious dining experience. Let’s dive into the best vegetable and carb-heavy companions that complement this savory star.

Vegetables That Complement Country Ham

• Sautéed Green Beans: A classic choice, their crisp and light flavor can cut through the saltiness of the ham.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: With their caramelized edges and earthy taste, they add a robust texture contrast.
• Steamed Asparagus: Lightly seasoned and steamed to perfection, asparagus brings a tender crispness that pairs beautifully.
• Glazed Carrots: Their natural sweetness and vibrant color make glazed carrots an attractive and tasty counterpoint.
• Collard Greens: Slow-cooked with a touch of vinegar, this Southern staple matches the ham’s intensity with its own hearty, tangy profile.
• Buttery Mashed Potatoes: Smooth, creamy, and subtly flavored, they serve as a comforting backdrop to the ham’s boldness.
• Scalloped Potatoes: Layers of potatoes in a creamy sauce offer a rich and indulgent option that stands up well to the ham’s savory depth.
• Sweet Potato Casserole: For a touch of sweetness, this casserole, sometimes topped with pecans, balances the saltiness of the ham.
• Buttermilk Biscuits: Light, fluffy, and perfect for sopping up any sauce or gravy, biscuits are a must-have on your table.
• Cornbread: A Southern classic, its slight sweetness and crumbly texture make it an ideal counterpart to the salty and smoky flavors of country ham.

By choosing sides that complement and balance the strong flavor profile of country ham, you’ll ensure your meal is harmonious and memorable. Whether you lean towards the freshness of greens or the heartiness of carbs, the right accompaniments can transform your country ham into a feast for the senses.

Creative Salad Choices

Elevate your country ham meals with these creative salad choices. Fresh greens and the unexpected sweet contrast of fruits and nuts can take your dish from good to unforgettable.

Incorporating Fresh Greens

Start with a base of mixed greens, like arugula, spinach, and watercress. Their peppery flavor profiles stand up well against the saltiness of country ham. Tossing these greens with a light vinaigrette adds just the right amount of acidity to balance the rich ham. For an upgraded twist, consider grilling the romaine lettuce for a smoky flavor that complements the ham perfectly.

Fruit and Nut Additions for a Sweet Contrast

Adding fruits and nuts to your salad introduces a delightfully sweet and crunchy contrast that pairs wonderfully with the savory ham. Thinly sliced apples, pears, or peaches offer a crisp sweetness, while dried cranberries or cherries bring a chewy texture and tangy flavor to the mix. Walnuts, pecans, and almonds contribute a toasty richness that round the salad. Sprinkle these ingredients over your greens, and watch how they transform the dish into a balanced, flavor-packed meal.

Classic Country Ham Pairings

Building on the art of selecting sides that complement the strong flavors of country ham, it’s essential to dive into classics that have stood the test of time. These pairings are not only traditional but ensure a harmonious balance between the salty, rich taste of ham and the sides that accompany it.

Biscuits and Gravy: A Southern Staple

Nothing says Southern comfort quite like fluffy, buttery biscuits paired with rich, creamy gravy. When country ham takes center stage, incorporating it into or serving it alongside biscuits and gravy can elevate this classic pairing to new heights. Consider dicing your country ham into small bits and mixing it into the gravy for a savory twist that adds depth and texture. The saltiness of the ham contrasts beautifully with the mild, creamy gravy, creating a palate-pleasing experience that’s hard to beat. This pairing isn’t just a meal – it’s a reflection of Southern culinary heritage at its best.

The Role of Cheesy Delights

Cheese offers a versatile and decadent way to complement the intense flavor profile of country ham. Be it a cheese grits casserole, cheesy scalloped potatoes, or a simple platter featuring a selection of artisan cheeses, the richness of cheese works wonders with the salt-cured nuances of the ham. For a standout side, try incorporating a sharp cheddar or a smooth Gruyère into your dishes. These types of cheese can balance the saltiness of the ham with their creamy and nutty flavors. Additionally, serving a cheese board with slices of country ham allows for an interactive eating experience where guests can discover their favorite ham and cheese combinations. This approach not only caters to the taste buds but also adds an element of elegance and sophistication to your meal.

Innovative Pairings with Country Ham

Elevating your country ham meal to a gourmet experience means thinking outside the box. Let’s dive into some fresh, innovative pairings that will surprise your palate and impress your guests.

Introducing International Flavors

Bringing global tastes to your table not only diversifies your menu but also harmonizes beautifully with the rich, savory profile of country ham. Here’s how you can infuse international flair into your country ham pairings:

• Asian Fusion: Consider wrapping thin slices of country ham around sushi rice balls and securing them with a strip of nori. This fusion creates a delightful blend of salty ham with the subtle sweetness of sushi rice.
• Italian Elegance: Layer slices of country ham on a classic bruschetta topped with ricotta, fig jam, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The saltiness of the ham contrasts perfectly with the sweet figs and creamy ricotta.
• Mexican Twist: Use country ham as a filling for quesadillas, combining it with Monterrey Jack cheese, sliced jalapeños, and a touch of cilantro. Serve with guacamole and sour cream to complete the fiesta.
• French Chic: Add country ham to a traditional Quiche Lorraine, giving the classic French dish a distinct, smoky flavor that complements the creamy custard and Gruyère cheese perfectly.

Vegetarian Options That Shine

Who says country ham can’t be part of a vegetarian-friendly dish? Here are ideas that spotlight vegetables while incorporating the distinct taste of ham:

• Stuffed Bell Peppers: Fill halved bell peppers with a mixture of quinoa, diced tomatoes, spinach, small pieces of country ham, and top with shredded mozzarella. This combination offers a satisfying, protein-rich dish that’s colorful and flavorful.
• Savory Tarts: Create mini tarts using puff pastry, layering in caramelized onions, chopped asparagus, pieces of country ham, and goat cheese. Each bite delivers a burst of flavor, with the ham adding a savory note to the veggie-centric tart.
• Elevated Avocado Toast: Smash avocados on whole-grain toast, topped with slices of country ham and poached eggs. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and a squeeze of lemon for a balanced, nutritious start to the day.
• Ham-Wrapped Asparagus: Wrap asparagus spears with thin slices of ham and roast until the asparagus is tender and the ham crispy. This simple yet elegant side dish or appetizer allows the natural flavors of the ham to enhance the fresh, green taste of the asparagus.

Each of these ideas showcases how country ham can be the star ingredient in dishes that are both innovative and incredibly tasty. Whether you’re introducing international flavors or looking for vegetarian options that shine, country ham offers versatility that can elevate any meal.

Cooking Techniques That Matter

Mastering the art of cooking country ham not only enhances its flavor but also ensures it melds well with your side dishes. Let’s dive into some techniques that will elevate your home-cooked meals to the next level.

Best Practices for Cooking Country Ham

Soaking and Simmering are key. Start by soaking your country ham slices in lukewarm water or milk for 24 hours. This process mitigates the ham’s saltiness. After soaking, pat the ham dry with paper towels. To cook, slowly simmer the ham slices in a skillet with a touch of bacon grease or butter. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes until they turn a perfect golden brown. These steps ensure your country ham retains moisture, softening its texture while keeping its rich flavor intact.

Deglazing for Gravy. After frying, don’t wash that skillet just yet. Add black coffee to deglaze, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom. This mixture acts as the base for the iconic Southern red-eye gravy. Simmer with water and a dash of black pepper for about 5 minutes. This gravy not only complements the ham but can also add a savory touch to your chosen sides.

Experimenting with Cooking Methods for Sides

Pairing with Vegetables. When thinking of side dishes, roasted Brussels sprouts and sautéed green beans naturally come to mind. But don’t stop there. Experiment with asparagus bundles wrapped in puff pastry for a dish that combines creamy, crispy, and savory in one bite. Adding brie or prosciutto to these bundles introduces a complex flavor profile that compliments the saltiness of the ham.

Innovating with Sweet Glazes. For a sweet counterpart to the savory ham, consider glazing your vegetables or fruits. A brown sugar glaze with a hint of cinnamon provides a sweet and spicy balance. Whether you’re working with carrots, sweet potatoes, or even pineapples, this glaze can transform your sides into something special.

Remember, when pairing your country ham with sides or experimenting with glazes, the goal is to either complement, contrast, or elevate the flavors. Each side dish should not only stand on its own but also enhance the overall meal, creating a harmonious dinner that’s satisfying and memorable. By following these cooking techniques and principles, you’re well on your way to mastering country ham pairings in your home kitchen.