Meat | Keto Low Carb

Ham

Sus scrofa domesticus (cured thigh) Allergen-Free
ham

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family N/A (Animal product)
  • Primary Cuisine European, North American
  • Seasonality Year-Round (especially holiday seasons)
  • Source Pork

The Forktionary Angle

"Explore the diverse world of ham, from traditional curing methods to modern culinary innovations, and elevate your pork dishes."

Definition

Cured and often smoked meat from a pig's hind leg, renowned for its savory, salty, and sometimes sweet flavor profile, versatile in many cuisines.

Sensory Profile

TasteSalty, savory, umami, smoky, sometimes sweet
TextureFirm, tender, sometimes chewy
AromaPorky, smoky, cured meat
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Global Usage

Widespread in various cuisines

Protein Content (per 100g)

~18-22g

Storage (Sliced, Refrigerated)

3-5 days

Nutrition Facts

Per 85g (3 oz)
Calories145 kcal
Total Fat6g
Saturated Fat2g
Trans Fat0g
Cholesterol53mg
Protein21g
Total Carbohydrate1g
Dietary Fiber0g
Total Sugars1g
Calcium10mg
Iron1mg
Potassium350mg

Chef’s Secret

To prevent ham from drying out during baking, cover it loosely with foil for most of the cooking time, removing it only for the last glaze application.

Substitutions

Best Match

Smoked Turkey

1:1

A leaner poultry alternative, offers a similar savory, smoky flavor and texture for sandwiches and salads.

Prosciutto

1:1

Dry-cured Italian ham, thinner slice, more intense savory flavor, excellent for charcuterie or wrapping.

Bacon

1:1

Offers similar savory, smoky, salty notes but with a crispier texture after cooking, higher fat.

Canadian Bacon

1:1

Pork loin, leaner than regular ham or bacon, similar cured pork flavor profile for breakfast.

Buying Guide

Look for ham with good marbling and a rich color. Check labels for sodium content and curing methods.

Flavor Pairings

Eggs cheese pineapple mustard peas potatoes green beans cabbage.

Recipes Using Ham

Appetizers Inexpensive 15 Minutes Or Less Appetizers

1 Minute Stromboli

Craving stromboli but short on time? This recipe transforms leftover ingredients into a quick and delicious microwaveable snack! Perfect for busy mornings or a satisfying late-night treat. Get ready to enjoy warm, cheesy goodness in under 2 minutes!

See Complete Recipe
Stove Top 60 Minutes Or Less Meat Pork

1 Hour Ham And Bean Soup

Enjoy a hearty, homemade ham and bean soup in just one hour! This recipe skips the soaking time for dry beans, using canned beans for ultimate convenience. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a satisfying weekend lunch. Savory ham, tender vegetables, and a smooth, flavorful bean puree combine for a delicious soup the whole family will love.

See Complete Recipe
Preparation 5 Ingredients Or Less Snacks Inexpensive

2 Minute Noodles For Two With Ham Cheese

Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe elevates classic 2-minute noodles into a satisfying meal for two or a light snack for four! Creamy cheese, savory ham, and perfectly cooked eggs complement the flavorful noodles for a quick and delicious dinner solution. Perfect for busy weeknights!

See Complete Recipe
Low Fat Low Sodium Low Saturated Fat 3 Steps Or Less

Amazing Ham Glaze

Elevate your holiday ham or weeknight dinner with this incredibly easy and flavorful glaze! This zesty sweet recipe is perfect for a 5-7 lb ham and takes only minutes to prepare. Get ready for rave reviews – it's unbelievably delicious! Developed for rsc 10.

See Complete Recipe
Taste Mood Main Dish Pasta Rice And Grains Comfort Food

Amish Baked Noodles With Ham

Indulge in this insanely delicious Amish Baked Noodles with Ham recipe! Creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory ham and peas, this classic casserole is the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for a family dinner or potluck, this easy-to-make dish will be a new favorite.

See Complete Recipe
Preparation Pork Presentation Apples

Apple Wrap Sandwich

A quick and easy recipe for a delicious Apple Wrap Sandwich! Sweet apples, savory ham and cheese, all wrapped up in a convenient tortilla. Perfect for a light lunch, quick snack, or even a fun appetizer. Get ready to impress your tastebuds with this simple yet satisfying recipe from recipesource.com!

See Complete Recipe
Main Dish Meat Cheese Main Ingredient

Aussie Swiss Chicken

A classic recipe with a gourmet twist! This Aussie Swiss Chicken recipe, inspired by an old Australian Women's Weekly cookbook, gets a delicious upgrade with prosciutto. Tender chicken breasts are pan-fried, simmered in wine, then topped with savory prosciutto and melted Swiss cheese. A creamy shallot and mustard sauce completes this unforgettable dish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!

See Complete Recipe
Course Preparation Rice Main Ingredient

Authentic Puerto Rican Rice And Beans

This recipe transports you straight to Aguada, Puerto Rico, with the vibrant flavors of traditional rice and beans. My family's recipe, simplified for ease without sacrificing that authentic taste! This quick and easy recipe serves 4 (or 2 hearty eaters!). Experience the deliciousness – ¡Muy rico, como en la isla!

See Complete Recipe
3 Steps Or Less Course Potatoes Occasion

Awesome Ham Pea And Potato Soup

This incredibly easy slow cooker recipe delivers a heartwarming and flavorful ham, pea, and potato soup. Perfect for a chilly evening, this recipe requires minimal prep and yields a deeply satisfying and comforting bowl of deliciousness! Get ready for a taste sensation!

See Complete Recipe
Time To Make Easy Dietary Comfort Food

Baked Cheesy Ham And Spaghetti Casserole

Transform leftover ham into a creamy, comforting masterpiece! This Baked Cheesy Ham and Spaghetti Casserole is the perfect weeknight meal, brimming with cheesy goodness and tender pasta. Using a blend of Parmesan and white cheddar (or Monterey Jack), this recipe is a budget-friendly way to enjoy a classic comfort food. Say goodbye to holiday-only ham and hello to easy, delicious meals any time of year! Get ready for a cheesy, satisfying experience that will become a family favorite.

See Complete Recipe
One Dish Meal Easy Eggs Dairy One Dish Meal

Baked Ham And Cheese Omelet Roll

Revolutionize your breakfast routine with this incredibly easy Baked Ham and Cheese Omelet Roll! Say goodbye to tedious stovetop cooking and hello to a perfectly golden, cheesy omelet baked to fluffy perfection. This recipe is incredibly versatile – customize it with your favorite breakfast meats like bacon, sausage, onions, or peppers. A crowd-pleasing dish that's perfect for a quick weeknight breakfast or a fun weekend brunch! Prepare to be amazed by how simple and delicious this baked omelet is.

See Complete Recipe
Taste Mood Meat 4 Hours Or Less Ham

Baked Honey Mustard Ham

Experience the magic of Christmas with this irresistible Baked Honey Mustard Ham! A beloved Trinidadian tradition, this recipe brings the flavors of the islands to your holiday table. Perfect for Christmas Eve breakfast alongside freshly baked bread and chow chow (picalli sauce), or served with festive pastelles. This simple yet elegant recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, creating a deliciously sweet and savory ham that's easy to make and unforgettable to taste. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this year's show-stopping centerpiece!

See Complete Recipe
Preparation Preparation One Dish Meal Elbow Macaroni

Baked Macaroni Ala The Joy Of Cooking

This Baked Macaroni recipe is a perennial family favorite, perfected over years of deliciousness! Kids adore it, and leftover ham elevates it to another level of yummy. Get ready for creamy, cheesy macaroni and a comforting casserole perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks. Leftovers are amazing the next day, too! This recipe uses increased ingredient amounts for a larger serving size, perfect for ensuring you have plenty of leftovers.

See Complete Recipe
Equipment Course Pasta Rice And Grains 60 Minutes Or Less

Baked Macaroni And Cheese With Ham

Comfort food at its finest! This creamy, cheesy Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Ham is a family favorite, perfect for busy weeknights. Made with a rich white sauce and savory ham, this recipe is easily freezable for future meals. Enjoy a delicious, homemade dinner in under an hour – even straight from the freezer!

See Complete Recipe
Vegetarian 3 Steps Or Less Tomatoes Course

Baked Tomato Nests

Indulge in these delightful Baked Tomato Nests, a sensational tapas-inspired brunch recipe! Perfectly baked tomato shells cradle creamy eggs and melted cheese, creating a savory and satisfying dish. Serve with crusty bread and a slice of ham for a complete and unforgettable meal. Easily adaptable – use Parmesan if Manchego cheese isn't available.

See Complete Recipe
Equipment Ontario Soups Stews Winter

Baked Bean Style Bean Soup

This hearty Baked Bean Style Bean Soup is the ultimate comfort food for a chilly winter day! The split peas magically melt into a luxuriously creamy texture, while the baked beans and ham create a rich, savory flavor. This slow-cooked masterpiece will warm your kitchen and your soul. Get ready for a bowl of pure deliciousness!

See Complete Recipe
Cuisine Dinner Party Casseroles Valentines Day

Ballindalloch Chicken

Indulge in the flavors of the Scottish Highlands with this Ballindalloch Chicken recipe! This creamy, cheesy delight features tender chicken breasts, savory ham, and rich tomato cream sauce. A simple yet elegant dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready to transport your taste buds to the breathtaking Spey Valley!

See Complete Recipe
Eggs Cheese North American 30 Minutes Or Less

Breakfast Burritos Oamc

Whip up these incredibly tasty and easy-to-make breakfast burritos! Perfect for a quick and satisfying morning meal, this recipe is optimized for time-conscious cooks. Get ready for a flavor explosion in under 30 minutes!

See Complete Recipe