Are you tired of serving the same old ham dishes at your holiday gatherings? Do you want to add some variety to your meat options?
Look no further! In this article, we will explore different types of meat that pair perfectly with ham. From roast turkey to grilled venison loin, we have options that will impress your guests and elevate your dining experience.
And don’t forget about the sides! We’ll also provide some delicious side dish ideas to complement your ham and meat dishes.
Get ready to take your holiday meals to the next level with these mouth-watering options.
What Other Meat Goes With Ham?
When it comes to pairing meat with ham, the options are endless. One popular choice, especially during the holiday season, is roast turkey. The combination of tender ham and juicy turkey is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Another great option is roast chicken or roast pork, which both pair well with the salty and savory flavors of ham.
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider incorporating other meats like beef, bacon, duck, or veal. These meats offer unique flavors and textures that can complement the sweetness of ham. For a protein-heavy meal, try serving baked beans with ground beef and bacon as a satisfying side dish.
And if you’re looking to break from tradition and try something outside-the-box, opt for grilled venison loin or roasted capon. These options are sure to impress your guests and add a touch of elegance to your holiday meal.
Roast Turkey: The Classic Pairing
Roast turkey is a classic pairing for ham and is often served during holiday meals. However, cooking a turkey can be a daunting task, especially when trying to get the dark meat fully cooked without drying out the white meat. This is where spatchcocking comes in handy, as it allows for even cooking and juicy, crispy skin.
In addition to being a delicious pairing with ham, roast turkey also offers a range of flavors that can complement the vegetal-potato scent found in potatoes, as well as other ingredients commonly used in stuffing such as bread, chorizo, and butternut squash. The green-grassy notes in roast turkey also serve as an aromatic link to other ingredients like bell peppers, tomatoes, and pumpkin.
For those who are tired of traditional roast turkey or looking for an alternative main dish, there are plenty of other options to consider. Roast chicken or pork pair well with ham and offer a similar savory flavor profile. Beef, bacon, duck, or veal can also be incorporated for unique flavors and textures.
For a protein-heavy meal, baked beans with ground beef and bacon make for a satisfying side dish. And for those who want to break from tradition and try something different, grilled venison loin or roasted capon can add a touch of elegance to the holiday meal.
Grilled Venison Loin: A Unique And Delicious Option
If you’re looking for a unique and delicious option to pair with ham, consider grilled venison loin. Venison is a lean and healthy protein that is packed with vitamins and minerals. Grilling the loin adds a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the saltiness of ham.
To prepare the venison loin, start by marinating it in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and thyme for at least 2 hours. Then, grill the loin over medium-high heat for about 8-10 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
To serve, slice the venison loin into thin pieces and arrange it on a platter alongside the ham. You can also add a side of roasted vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts to complete the meal.
Grilled venison loin is a unique and delicious option that is sure to impress your guests. It’s also a great way to incorporate more wild game into your diet and try something new. So next time you’re planning a holiday meal, consider pairing ham with grilled venison loin for a truly unforgettable dining experience.
Slow-Cooked Beef Brisket: Perfect For Feeding A Crowd
Slow-cooked beef brisket is another excellent option for feeding a crowd. This dish is perfect for large gatherings, such as family reunions, tailgating parties, or backyard barbecues. Brisket is a tough cut of meat that requires low and slow cooking to achieve that signature soft, melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. The result is a succulent beef that’s bursting with flavor and guaranteed to satisfy even the hungriest guests.
To prepare slow-cooked beef brisket, you can choose from a variety of methods. Some people prefer to smoke the brisket, while others prefer to slow-braise it. Either way, the key is to give the meat ample time to cook to achieve that perfect texture and flavor.
While brisket can be enjoyed on its own, it’s also great when served alongside some savory side dishes. Some classic options include creamy coleslaw, baked beans, corn pudding, and scalloped potatoes. These sides will transform your brisket into a savory feast and create a well-rounded meal for your guests.
When selecting your brisket, it’s important to note that there are different cuts available. You can choose from the flat or point cuts, with the latter being more tender, flavorful, and juicy due to its higher marbling content. If you’re cooking for a smaller group, you can opt for a Hunk O’ Flat (HOF) weighing between three to four pounds.
Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin: Double The Pork, Double The Flavor
One delicious and impressive way to incorporate pork into your ham-centric meal is with a bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin. This dish doubles down on porky goodness, with the salty bacon enhancing the sweet and savory flavors of the tenderloin.
To make this dish, start by rubbing the tenderloin with flavorful ingredients like olive oil, garlic, and herbs. Then, wrap the tenderloin in bacon and roast it in the oven until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F. The bacon not only adds flavor but also helps keep the tenderloin moist during cooking.
For a complete meal, serve the bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin with roasted vegetables like sliced delicata squash, bite-sized potatoes, or sliced parsnips. The vegetables will absorb the bacon drippings as they roast, adding even more flavor to the dish.
This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner that feels a little fancier than usual. It’s easy to make but looks incredibly impressive, making it a great option for entertaining guests or impressing your family. Plus, any leftovers make excellent sandwiches or wraps with garlic mayo.
Sides That Complement Your Ham And Meat Dishes: Ideas To Impress Your Guests
No holiday meal is complete without a few supporting sides to complement your ham and meat dishes. Here are some ideas to help you impress your guests:
1. Roasted Asparagus: Super simple to make and one of the best sides to go with ham, roasted asparagus is a must-try. Its tender texture and slightly nutty flavor make it a perfect pairing for the salty and savory flavors of ham.
2. Potato Salad: A southern classic and one of the best side dishes, potato salad is hearty, tasty, and versatile. It also happens to complement ham nicely. This easy recipe is the classic potato salad we know and love, with tips on how to perfectly cook potatoes.
3. Sweet Potato Gratin: This sweet potato recipe makes for a hearty side dish and a nice presentation. When it comes to meat, you can’t go wrong with a side dish of potatoes, and this is certainly no exception. Instead of mozzarella, use a smoked cheese to complement the smoked ham!
4. Potato Gratin: These are the most incredible potatoes au gratin! Easy to make and they complement ham, turkey, and beef extremely well. You can even make them ahead.
5. Baked Beans with Ground Beef and Bacon: For a protein-heavy meal, try serving baked beans with ground beef and bacon as a satisfying side dish. The smoky flavors of bacon and beef pair well with the saltiness of ham.
By incorporating these delicious sides into your holiday meal, you’ll be sure to impress your guests and create a truly memorable dining experience.