11 Ham Ideas People Rely On During the Lead-Up to Christmas

Families looking to simplify holiday dinners often turn to 11 ham ideas people rely on during the lead-up to Christmas. Tasty options can make busy weeks a little more manageable. A solid ham recipe takes care of both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Go through the list to add something stress-free to your menu.

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.

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.

Holiday tables never look quite as festive without this Sweet Brown Sugar and Pineapple Ham at the center. The blend of sweet and savory flavors always gets people reaching for seconds. I find that even those who aren’t usually into ham want a small slice just to see what the fuss is about. A glazed finish brings instant cheer.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Brown Sugar and Pineapple Ham

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 memories instantly come to mind when trays of these Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls appear among appetizers. Soft, golden pastry and gooey layers give everyone something to talk about. These rolls disappear faster than you’d expect at any gathering. There’s a reason they remain a go-to during the holiday rush.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls

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.

A change of pace on busy mornings is always welcome, especially with this Savory Egg Prosciutto Bagel close by. The combination feels special yet easy, making breakfast feel like an event. People notice how these keep them fueled and content long after the meal. Mornings seem brighter with one in hand.
Get the Recipe: Savory Egg Prosciutto Bagel

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.

On chilly days, pulling this Comforting Ham and Potato Casserole from the oven makes everything feel cozier in an instant. Bubbling layers warm up the whole room, bringing people to the table sooner than usual. I always hear guests guessing what’s inside as they go back for more. There’s comfort in every single bite.
Get the Recipe: Comforting Ham and Potato Casserole

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.

Steaming bowls of this Ham and Split Pea Soup have a way of making winter evenings feel calm and relaxed. There’s something extra comforting as rich warmth surrounds each spoonful. Time seems to slow down while everyone enjoys a hot serving. Even people who rarely eat soup scoop up every last drop.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Split Pea Soup

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.

Game nights suddenly feel more exciting with a tray full of these Melty Ham and Cheese Sliders on the coffee table. People are always eager to grab one before they’re gone. Each bite feels playful, cheesy, and just right for any age. You’re likely to see these vanish before anything else.
Get the Recipe: Melty Ham and Cheese Sliders

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.

Frosty weather often calls for big bowls of comfort, and this Hearty Ham and Bean Soup knows how to deliver that feeling. The amazing aroma travels through the whole house as it cooks. Guests ask for a second bowl, hoping there’s more left. Even on the busiest days, this soup makes things feel easier.
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.

Special occasions seem brighter when this Sweet Brown Sugar Ham and Veggies show up among the lineup. That hint of sweetness pairs so well with the savory touch, people often tell stories about similar meals from past holidays. I always notice these colors just pop on a winter table. The combination never goes unnoticed.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Brown Sugar Ham and Veggies

Ham and Potato Soup

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.

Simplicity shines through in this Ham and Potato Soup every time, making it a regular choice for chilly evenings. Comfort comes in every spoonful, especially after a busy day. People pause to appreciate that familiar, home-cooked feeling. There’s a quiet joy in sharing a pot of this classic favorite.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Potato Soup

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.

Brunch spreads always get a little more exciting with this Ham and Cheese Quiche in the mix. Every slice offers something both filling and light, perfect for starting the day on a cheerful note. Guests find themselves reaching for an extra piece more often than not. I love how it brings everyone together with ease.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Quiche

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.

Bringing these Melty Ham and Swiss Sliders to any get-together sparks instant buzz at the serving table. That combination of flavors and the warm, melty center never lasts long. As people take a bite, you can tell they’re pleasantly surprised. These little sandwiches are simply made for sharing and laughter.
Get the Recipe: Melty Ham and Swiss Sliders

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.

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