Ham appears at both the Christmas and Easter dinner tables, but it’s also a kitchen staple that sits at that coveted intersection of easy to make and delicious. It’s that perfect food that you can make look restaurant-perfect, while behind the scenes it’s an easy prep-and-cook process. The meat is tasty by nature, so it doesn’t need a whole lot of dressing up. It’s no wonder it’s such a popular holiday food.
Lamb acts the same way and becomes more flavorful with further additions. You’ll see it in special occasion meals and it often becomes a symbol during Easter time.
Why Do We Eat Ham on Easter?
The tradition of eating ham on Easter partially comes from practicality. If you were curing meats all winter, they were ready by the time Easter came around. Pigs are also symbols of prosperity and decadence—after a long Lenten season, eating ham on Easter is a way to indulge. If you’re looking to ham it up this Easter, try these ham recipes, but also keep them in your back pocket as easy but gourmet meals for any time of year.
Why Do we Eat Lamb on Easter?
Many Christians eat lamb at Easter because it symbolizes sacrifice, redemption, and new life. The tradition has deep roots in the Jewish festival of Passover, when a lamb was sacrificed and its blood marked on doorposts as a sign of protection in the biblical book of Exodus. Early Christians connected this imagery to Jesus Christ, who is often called the “Lamb of God” because his death and resurrection are seen as a sacrifice that brings salvation. Not to mention, the luxury of lamb was perfect for a special occasion.
Ham and Lamb Recipes for Easter and Beyond
Easter Dinner Ham Recipes
Ham, Beans, and Greens
Things are classics for a reason, like a good old beans and greens recipe. This makes a great appetizer for an Easter meal or a quick-and-easy weeknight dinner with English mustard and crusty bread on the side. If you’re not in the mood for a full on glazed ham, ham with beans and greens is a great alternative.
Ham with Blueberry and Yuzu Glaze
This is a traditional Easter ham with a twist. The glaze on this ham uses yuzu-cha which can can be found in Asian markets. Yuzu-cha is a marmalade-like product that you can combine with water to make delicious tea (“cha” means tea), but for this recipe, it adds a tartness to the blueberry glaze on the ham. A hint of bourbon mixes with the blueberry, yuzu, and brown sugar to create (we think) one of the most delicious hams out there.
Apple Cider Glazed Ham from Food and Wine
If you miss the flavors of fall, an apple cider glaze can add some of that savory spice to your ham. This Food & Wine recipe can be for any holiday and make even the pickiest of ham skeptics want to try it. The mouthwatering apple cider glaze is just the right amount of sweetness with a full-bodied, savory taste that brings back memories of pumpkin spice season. Garnishing with oranges makes a nice complement, too.
Sous Vide City Ham wiith Balsamic Brown Sugar Glaze from Serious Eats
Sous vide cooking is a fun way to spruce up your ham technique. For this recipe from Serious Eats, you’ll need to submerge the ham in the sous vide cooker for 3-8 hours—perfect if you have a busy day and want a no-fussing, no-frills route to deliciousness. As a note, if the ham you buy doesn’t come in packaging, you will want to put vacuum-sealed packaging around it for it to retain moisture while it’s in the sous vide cooker.
Ham, Bacon, and Cheddar Breakfast Pastry Puffs
Start the celebration early. These Ham, Bacon, and Cheddar Breakfast Pastry Puffs are a fast-and-easy morning meal. These puffs also could make an adorable breakfast to give the kids with their Easter basket to make the day extra special.
Easter Dinner Lamb Recipes
Spring Lamb Chops
A bright and fresh take, our Spring Lamb Chops bring together juicy, farm-raised lamb chops seared to perfection with a vibrant mint chimichurri, silky leek purée, and caramelized radishes. Market produce and herbaceous accents make this dish a standout.
Bourbon Glazed Lamb Chops
Sweet meets smoky. These Bourbon Glazed Lamb Chops, take grilled chops and brush them with a rich bourbon-honey and white wine vinegar glaze. Then, it’s all finished with a sprinkle of bright fresh mint for bold, finger-licking flavor.
Burgundy Braised Lamb Shank Dinner
Looking for a way to make lamb chops even more elegant? This Burgundy Braised Lamb Shank Dinner sinks fall-off-the-bone tender lamb shanks in a burgundy-infused sauce. We’re pairing this main with a medley of roasted root vegetables and bright caper-tarragon gribiche.
Santa Maria-Style Dry Rub Lamb
Since the weather is starting to warm up, why not take your lamb to the grill? A peppery, herb-spiked dry rub forms a spicy, garlicky crust as your lamb leg roasts and finishes on the grill. Not to mention, it complements any side you desire.
Crown Roast of Lamb with Mint Sauce
We’re big fans of making an impact and in case you need to show up and out this Easter, this is the dish for you. The next time your parents complain about something in your life, remind them of this beautiful Crown Roast of Lamb with Mint Sauce you succeeded in making.
Story by Kylie Thomas
Subscribe to TABLE Magazine’s print edition.
