Creative Ways to Use Up Ham Fat and Skin

The holidays often leave us with a delicious ham bone, some leftover ham fat, and skin. While some may see these as waste products to throw away, they can actually be transformed into tasty treats with a little creativity! In this article, we’ll explore ingenious ways to use up ham fat and skin so these nutritious parts don’t go to waste.

Snack on Crispy Ham Skin

One of the simplest ways to use ham skin is to turn it into a savory, crispy snack! Here’s how:

• Preheat oven to 300°F Line a baking sheet with parchment paper

• Cut the skin into strips or small pieces. Place in a single layer on the baking sheet.

• Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika or cayenne pepper

• Bake for 1-2 hours until completely dried out and crispy

The result is a crunchy, salty snack that makes a flavorful topping for salads and pastas too. For extra crunch, fry the baked ham skin in hot oil for 1-2 minutes. Drain on paper towels and season further if desired.

Whip Up Creamy Ham Fat

Don’t throw out that creamy ham fat! Whip it into a spreadable consistency to use like butter. Here’s how:

• Remove any meat or debris from fat and place in a cold saucepan.

• Cook over low heat until completely melted. Drain through a cheesecloth-lined strainer.

• Place strained fat in the fridge overnight. The fat will separate into a firm white layer on top and a watery layer below. Scrape off and discard the watery part.

• Whip the chilled fat until light and spreadable, like butter. Use within 3-4 days.

Slather this “ham butter” on biscuits, toast or baked potatoes for a savory flavor boost!

Enhance Soups and Beans

Ham fat and skin make flavorful additions to soups, stews and beans. Here are some tips:

• Simmer ham skin or cubes of fat in the broth for an hour or two to infuse it with smoky flavor before removing.

• For a heartier texture, chop skin into small bits and add to the pot.

• Beans love ham! Add chopped skin or fat while beans cook to impart delicious smoky ham flavor.

The natural gelatin in the skin helps thicken and enrich soups and bean dishes too.

Elevate Veggies

Looking to add some smoky flavor to your veggies? Use ham fat!

• Sauté greens, Brussels sprouts, onions or other veggies in a little melted ham fat.

• Roast potatoes or root veggies with chopped ham skin or lardons for flavor and crunch.

• Stir some ham fat into cooked greens or veggies right before serving.

The possibilities are endless for taking veggies up a notch with ham fat or skin.

Perk Up Pasta dishes

Pasta craving that little something extra? Ham fat and skin can provide the perfect porky punch.

• Sauté onions, garlic or other aromatics in ham fat before adding to pasta.

• Toss chopped ham skin or slivers of fat into pasta right before serving.

• Use ham fat instead of oil or butter to coat pasta before baking into a casserole.

• Top pasta bakes or casseroles with some crispy, baked ham skin.

Enhance Eggs

Looking for new ways to enjoy your morning eggs? Ham fat and skin can add a delicious smoky flavor.

• Cook scrambled eggs in a bit of melted ham fat or grease a pan with it before frying eggs.

• Add some chopped ham skin to an omelet or egg scramble.

• Use ham fat to grease muffin tins before baking egg muffins or frittatas.

• Top egg bakes with crispy ham skin bits.

Flavor Meat Dishes

You can also use ham fat and skin to add flavor to other meat entrees:

• Pan sear or roast chicken, pork and beef in a little melted ham fat.

• Add ham skin to the bottom of roasting pans for poultry or roasts to impart delicious flavor as the fat renders.

• Chop ham skin and add to ground meat for burgers or meatballs.

• Use ham fat instead of oil to brown or sauté meat before making stews, chili or gravy.

The possibilities are endless for infusing all kinds of dishes with luscious ham flavor. With a little creativity, you can transform ham fat and skin into delicious additions to snacks, sides, mains and more. Your cooking will be elevated, and you’ll cut down on waste. It’s a win-win!