What Fruit Goes With Ham? Sweet Pairings That Elevate Your Ham Dishes

Ham is a beloved staple that shows up everywhere from holiday feasts to cozy sandwiches. But while ham is tasty on its own the right fruit pairing can take it to a whole new level of flavor. Sweet, tart fruits complement ham’s salty savoriness perfectly.

If you’re looking to liven up your ham with fruit but aren’t sure where to start, this guide has you covered. Below I’ll share my favorite fruit and ham combinations, from classic pairings to unexpected delights. Read on to discover amazing new meal ideas!

Why Pair Fruit with Ham?

Before jumping into the pairings let’s look at why fruit works so well with ham

• Balances flavors – The sweetness of fruit offsets ham’s saltiness for a balanced taste.

• Adds texture – Fruit’s juicy crunch contrasts nicely with ham’s tenderness.

• Provides color – Vibrant fruit hues brighten up a ham platter.

• Enhances presentation – Fruit garnishes dress up a ham visually.

• Allows versatility – Fruit can be baked, grilled, pureed, or fresh.

With so many benefits, fruit is a slam dunk pairing for ham. Now let’s explore some winning combinations.

Classic Fruit and Ham Pairings

Some fruit and ham mixes are tried and true. These classic combos never go out of style:

• Pineapple – The sweet tropical flavor complements ham’s saltiness perfectly. Goes great baked or grilled with ham.

• Apples – Tart apples cut through ham’s rich fattiness. Bake ham with apple wedges or serve with apple sauce.

• Cranberries – Brilliant tartness offsets ham’s savory flavor. Make a chutney or sauce, or add dried cranberries.

• Peaches – Sweet summery flavor is a crowd pleaser with ham. Grill peaches with ham or make a peach salsa.

• Figs – Subtle sweetness pairs wonderfully with cured hams like prosciutto. Wrap in prosciutto and bake, or make a fig jam glaze.

These pairings have stood the test of time. Rely on them for foolproof ham flavor.

Unexpected Fruit and Ham Combos

Looking to live on the edge? Try these surprising fruit and ham pairings:

• Mango – Exotic sweetness complements ham’s saltiness for a unique combo. Dice mango into a ham salad.

• Blueberries – Bursts of tartness cut through ham’s richness. Toss blueberries in a ham salad.

• Pears – Subtle sweetness matches nicely with ham, especially in fall/winter. Bake ham with pear wedges.

• Grapes – Juicy grapes pair surprisingly well with sliced ham. Add to ham sandwiches or salads.

• Melon – Refreshing melon is delicious with prosciutto. Make melon wrapped in prosciutto skewers.

Feeling adventurous? Give these unorthodox pairings a shot for exciting new ham flavors.

Tips for Selecting Fruit for Ham

When shopping for fruit to pair with ham, keep these tips in mind:

• Pick ripe fruit – Fruit should be sweet and juicy, not underripe.

• Complement ham type – Milder fruits pair well with assertive cured ham. Sweeter fruits match nicely with baked ham.

• Consider texture – Firm fruits hold up to roasting better. Berries work for garnishes or sauces.

• Account for season – Use what’s fresh and in season for the best flavor.

• Watch acidity – Very acidic fruits can overwhelm milder ham flavors. Go easy with citrus.

• Mind the sweetness – Very sugary fruits may overpower ham’s saltiness – balance is key.

With the right fruit selections, you’re guaranteed ham success!

Delicious Recipes with Fruit and Ham

Ready to put fruit and ham pairings into action? Here are some tasty recipes to try:

Baked Ham with Pineapple Salsa

• Ingredients: Diced pineapple, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, cooked ham
• Instructions: Combine salsa ingredients. Bake ham and serve salsa on top or alongside.

Prosciutto Wrapped Cantaloupe

• Ingredients: Cantaloupe wedges, prosciutto slices
• Instructions: Wrap cantaloupe wedges with prosciutto and secure with toothpicks.

Cranberry Glazed Ham

• Ingredients: Whole berry cranberry sauce, brown sugar, mustard, orange juice, baked ham
• Instructions: Simmer glaze ingredients together. Brush over cooked ham and bake to caramelize.

Grilled Peaches and Ham Salad

• Ingredients: Ham, peaches, mixed greens, blue cheese crumbles, balsamic vinaigrette
• Instructions: Grill peach halves. Toss salad ingredients together and top with peaches and ham.

Apple Ham Sandwiches

• Ingredients: Ham, apple slices, whole grain bread, lettuce, mustard
• Instructions: Construct sandwiches layered with ham, apple slices, lettuce and mustard.

The possibilities are endless! Use these recipes as inspiration to create your own tasty fruit and ham dishes.

Key Takeaways for Pairing Fruit with Ham

Ham and fruit simply belong together – the combinations are endless. Here are the key tips to remember:

• Classic pairings like pineapple and cranberries are safe bets for balanced flavor.

• Get creative with unexpected fruits like mango and grapes for unique taste experiences.

• Let what’s fresh and in season guide your fruit selections.

• Bake, grill, puree or serve fruit raw – versatility is key.

• Sweet fruits complement cured hams nicely while tart fruits pair better with baked ham.

• Mind fruit texture and acidity levels to avoid overpowering the ham.

Now that you’re armed with expert fruit and ham knowledge, it’s time to get cooking! Surprise your family with delicious new pairings.