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

5 Ingredients Or Less Occasion Cheese Easy

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!

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15 Minutes Or Less Tomatoes Onions Preparation

All American Sub

Create the ultimate All-American Sub sandwich! This recipe is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Learn how to build the perfect sub with juicy meats, melty cheese, and crisp veggies. Perfect for a casual lunch or a satisfying dinner.

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Main Ingredient Taste Mood Comfort Food Dietary

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.

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Brunch Finger Food Meat Served Cold

Antipasto Wraps

A vibrant and flavorful twist on classic antipasto! These easy-to-make wraps are perfect for a quick lunch, appetizer, or light dinner. Customizable to your liking, you can add meat or keep it vegetarian – the delicious cream cheese basil spread is the star! Inspired by a Pampered Chef recipe.

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Pasta Rice And Grains Rice Dietary Main Ingredient

Arroz Con Pollo Cuban Chicken

Experience the vibrant flavors of Cuba with this Arroz con Pollo recipe! This dish bursts with savory chicken, fragrant rice, and a medley of colorful vegetables. Easy to follow instructions guide you to a delicious, authentic Cuban meal in under an hour. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Inexpensive Ham Presentation Main Ingredient

Artichoke And Ham Strata

Prepare for rave reviews! This Artichoke and Ham Strata is a make-ahead brunch masterpiece. The creamy custard base, studded with savory ham and tender artichoke hearts, bakes to golden perfection. Feel free to customize with your favorite cheeses (I love adding Havarti!) and other ingredients like mushrooms. Best of all? It requires minimal effort the morning of, thanks to an overnight chill. Plan ahead (at least 8 hours chilling time!) and impress your guests with this elegant and flavorful strata.

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Course Comfort Food Whole Chicken Caribbean

Asopao De Pollo Caribbean Chicken And Rice

Escape to the Caribbean with this vibrant Asopao de Pollo! This one-pot wonder combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a medley of savory spices, stewed tomatoes, capers, olives, ham, garlic, and peas for a truly unforgettable flavor explosion. A hearty and satisfying meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Serve it as a complete one-dish meal or alongside a refreshing salad. Inspired by a Betty Crocker international recipe, this Asopao de Pollo is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

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Main Ingredient Main Dish Sandwiches Occasion

Asparagus Grill Sandwiches

Elevate your weeknight meal with these irresistible Asparagus Grill Sandwiches! This treasured family recipe, reminiscent of elegant gatherings, delivers a delightful combination of savory ham, juicy tomato, crisp asparagus, and melty cheese, all nestled between perfectly golden-brown grilled bread and drizzled with a creamy cheese sauce. A guaranteed comfort food hit that's surprisingly easy to make!

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15 Minutes Or Less Meat 15 Minutes Or Less Sandwiches

Avocado And Ham Sandwiches

Elevate your lunch game with these gourmet Avocado & Ham Baguette Sandwiches! Creamy avocado replaces traditional Swiss cheese, but we've kept the option to add it for extra richness. A zesty mayonnaise-mustard spread complements the savory ham and buttery avocado perfectly. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

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Pasta Rice And Grains One Dish Meal Pasta Rice And Grains Main Dish

Baked Cavatappi With Smoked Ham And Fontina

Elevate your weeknight meal with this upscale baked cavatappi, featuring smoky ham and rich Fontina cheese. A gourmet twist on classic mac and cheese, this recipe is surprisingly easy and guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Inspired by Antonio's pasta – get ready for cheesy, comforting deliciousness!

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Course 4 Hours Or Less Occasion Meat

Baked Glazed Virginia Ham

Impress your family with this easy and delicious glazed Virginia ham recipe! Perfectly sweet and savory, this show-stopping centerpiece is ready in under 2 hours. Get ready for melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and a glaze that's simply irresistible.

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Preparation Pork Pasta Rice And Grains Occasion

Baked Ham Noodle Supper

Comfort food at its finest! This easy baked ham noodle casserole is creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. Get ready for a flavor explosion in just under an hour!

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Sandwiches Time To Make High Protein Lunch

Baked Ham And Cheese Sandwiches

These aren't your average ham and cheese sandwiches! A family favorite for over 30 years, this recipe delivers gooey, cheesy perfection. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a nostalgic camping trip, these baked sandwiches are easy to prep ahead and bake to golden-brown deliciousness. Get ready for a taste of childhood adventure!

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Holiday Event High In Something Pork American

Baked Ham With Horseradish Glaze

Elevate your holiday or special occasion meal with this irresistible Baked Ham recipe! A luscious, creamy horseradish glaze adds a zesty kick to perfectly baked ham. This recipe is easy to follow and yields a show-stopping centerpiece your guests will rave about. Impress your family and friends with this unforgettable flavor combination.

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Italian Pork Easy Course

Baked Rigatoni With Ham And Feta

This cheesy, baked rigatoni recipe is a flavor explosion! Creamy half-and-half, savory ham, tangy feta, and sweet tomatoes create a comforting and irresistible dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. Get ready for a taste sensation that will have you coming back for seconds!

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Time To Make Time To Make Easy Dietary

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.

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One Dish Meal Canadian One Dish Meal Comfort Food

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!

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Time To Make Dutch 60 Minutes Or Less European

Bami Goreng Indonesian Stir Fried Noodles

Unlock the secrets of authentic Indonesian Bami Goreng, a beloved dish with roots in Holland! This recipe is surprisingly easy – prep ahead for company or a quick weeknight meal. Customize the spice level with sambal to your liking. Get ready to savor the vibrant flavors of stir-fried noodles, tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and a medley of crisp vegetables. Garnish with refreshing lychees and crunchy kroepoek for a truly unforgettable experience.

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