11 Ham Ideas Hosts Use for December Evenings With Guests Coming In

December always brings a mix of planned parties and unexpected guests. Discover 11 ham ideas that work whether you’re hosting a formal dinner or a relaxed evening with friends. Great dishes don’t need complicated prep to impress. Variety at the table lets everyone find a favorite to come back for seconds.

A bowl of creamy chicken and vegetable soup with potatoes, corn, carrots, and fresh parsley, served with a metal spoon. — Ham and Potato Soup. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Ham and Split Pea Soup

A bowl of split pea soup with chunks of ham, diced carrots, and herbs, with a spoon resting inside. — Ham and Split Pea Soup. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Chilly December evenings call for this Ham and Split Pea Soup to warm guests from the inside out. Aromas drifting from the kitchen set everyone lingering longer than planned. Quiet laughter often fills the room as bowls are passed around. Those comforting flavors spark conversation throughout the gathering.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Split Pea Soup

Savory Egg Prosciutto Bagel

Close-up of a savory pastry topped with a sunny-side-up egg, sliced ham, yellow bell pepper, and garnished with chopped parsley, served on a sesame seed bun. — Savory Egg Prosciutto Bagel. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Holiday-time guests look twice at this Savory Egg Prosciutto Bagel on a platter. The hearty layers promise something special beyond the usual breakfast. A cozy evening can begin with a tray of these so no one leaves hungry. Conversations tend to last until every last bite disappears.
Get the Recipe: Savory Egg Prosciutto Bagel

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.

Finger foods get attention when these Melty Ham and Swiss Sliders show up at get-togethers. A golden tray often disappears quickly as hands reach for second servings. Warm cheese and savory ham draw out nostalgic smiles. Hosts see guests linger a little longer around the snack table.
Get the Recipe: Melty Ham and Swiss Sliders

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.

During December, the sweet aroma from this Sweet Brown Sugar and Pineapple Ham signals something memorable is about to be served. Gleaming slices tempt guests to gather close to the serving dish. Each forkful invites smiles and happy comments. Holiday gatherings become richer when this centerpiece is shared.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Brown Sugar and Pineapple Ham

Ham and Cheese Quiche

A close-up of a slice of quiche on a plate, with a fork beside it. The quiche has a golden crust and a creamy, egg-filled interior. — Ham and Cheese Quiche. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Festive evenings brighten up with this Ham and Cheese Quiche on the menu. Golden edges and savory bites encourage guests to linger for casual chats. It’s easy to serve and works well for crowds needing something substantial. Laughter and good conversation fill the room once plates are passed around.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Quiche

Copycat Honey Baked Ham

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

Aromas from this Copycat Honey Baked Ham fill the kitchen long before guests arrive. Crispy glazed slices have a way of drawing people to the table for a closer look. Warm comments get passed around after everyone tries a piece. The holiday spirit feels alive when everyone helps themselves to a second slice.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Honey Baked Ham

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.

Savory flavors and gooey cheese make this Melty Ham and Cheese Sliders an easy favorite at December get-togethers. Baskets of these bite-sized treats never last very long once placed out. Lively conversations happen around the snack table as everyone keeps reaching for more. Every gathering feels warmer.
Get the Recipe: Melty Ham and Cheese 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.

Chill in the air makes this Comforting Ham and Potato Casserole a welcome sight for evening guests. Heartiness keeps everyone full while sparks of laughter roll through the room. Passing the baking dish brings hands together and sets a cheerful mood. Sharing brings out the best of the season.
Get the Recipe: Comforting Ham and Potato Casserole

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.

Roasted sweetness finds a new home in this Sweet Brown Sugar Ham and Veggies, feeding both crowds and quiet evenings. Guests tend to pause, smelling the rich flavors before serving themselves. Colorful platters create a cheerful, festive table. Everyone feels welcome when such comfort food is present.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Brown Sugar Ham and Veggies

Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls

A plate of baked crescent rolls filled with slices of ham and melted cheese, topped with black sesame seeds and garnished with parsley. — Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Warm crescent rolls filled with ham and cheese leave guests reaching eagerly for this Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls recipe. Aromatic trays set out near the door welcome friends inside during December. These bite-sized treats work well for mingling and sharing stories. Plates come back empty every single time.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls

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.

Slow-cooked comfort brings people together with this Hearty Ham and Bean Soup on chilly nights. Rich flavors invite even the quietest guests to take another serving. Bowls of soup are passed around, warming hands and spurring friendly conversation. Sharing meals like this truly shows the spirit of the season.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Ham and Bean Soup

About the Author

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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.