7 Ham Recipes That Make Weeknight Dinners Feel Like a Special Occasion

A weeknight dinner can feel more special when you have 7 reliable ideas ready to use. On busy days, it helps to know there are options that don’t require extra planning. Ham recipes fit that space well without adding stress. Even one recipe from the list can bring a little lift to the meal.

Close-up of seasoned and roasted meat with crispy edges. — Copycat Honey Baked Ham. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Sweet Brown Sugar and Pineapple Ham

Glazed ham layered with pineapple slices and a hint of brown sugar, garnished with rosemary sprigs. — Sweet Brown Sugar and Pineapple Ham. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Every slice of this Sweet Brown Sugar and Pineapple Ham turns a simple dinner into something memorable. The blend of sweetness paired with savory ham hits all the right notes. This recipe feels indulgent without being complicated, making weekday dinners feel festive. Trust me, it’s something guests always ask about.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Brown Sugar and Pineapple Ham

Melty Ham and Swiss Sliders

Three ham and cheese sliders on seeded buns are placed on parchment paper. Bright green parsley is visible in the background. — Melty Ham and Swiss Sliders. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

The moment you bite into this Melty Ham and Swiss Sliders, you’ll understand why they’re always the star at casual gatherings. Perfectly handheld and bursting with cheesy goodness, they’re easy to make for any weeknight. People often come back for seconds, so you’ll want to make extra!
Get the Recipe: Melty Ham and Swiss Sliders

Comforting Ham and Potato Casserole

A wooden spoon lifts a serving of cheesy casserole with chunks of ham and potatoes from a baking dish. — Comforting Ham and Potato Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Warm and filling, this Comforting Ham and Potato Casserole is the dish you’ll crave on chilly evenings. Rich layers of ham and potatoes create a cozy, fulfilling dinner that feels welcoming. It’s the kind of meal that fills the house with irresistible aromas and invites everyone to the table.
Get the Recipe: Comforting Ham and Potato Casserole

Hearty Ham and Bean Soup

A bowl of white bean soup with pieces of ham, garnished with chopped parsley, and a spoon resting in the bowl. — Hearty Ham and Bean Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Perfect for cooler nights, this Hearty Ham and Bean Soup is the definition of comfort in a bowl. The slow-cooked flavors make it worth every minute, with tender ham and beans creating the perfect pairing. Serve it with crusty bread for a simple yet soothing dinner everyone loves.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Ham and Bean Soup

Sweet Brown Sugar Ham and Veggies

A baked dish with slices of glazed ham, roasted sweet potato cubes, and green beans, garnished with rosemary sprigs. — Sweet Brown Sugar Ham and Veggies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

This Sweet Brown Sugar Ham and Veggies is the ultimate one-pan pleaser that saves time without compromising flavor. The natural sweetness of the ham melts into vibrant veggies, creating a colorful and satisfying dish. It’s a go-to when you need something homestyle with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Brown Sugar Ham and Veggies

Melty Ham and Cheese Sliders

Close-up of four ham and cheese sliders on sesame seed buns, arranged in two stacks. The cheese is melting and oozing out of the sides, making these Ham and Cheese Sliders irresistible. — Melty Ham and Cheese Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bite-sized yet packed with flavor, this Melty Ham and Cheese Sliders turns weeknight dinners into fun, no-fuss affairs. Layers of gooey cheese and savory ham come together in addictive little sandwiches. Whether for solo dining nights or feeding a crowd, these sliders always impress.
Get the Recipe: Melty Ham and Cheese Sliders

Copycat Honey Baked Ham

Bring home the magic of your favorite holiday ham with this Copycat Honey Baked Ham recipe. Its sweet glaze and caramelized edges give you all the celebration feels, any day of the week. You don’t need a special occasion to enjoy this, it’s perfect for whenever you want some treat-yourself vibes!
Get the Recipe: Copycat Honey Baked Ham

About the Author

A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.