Ham, with its rich and savory flavors, can be a delightful centerpiece for various meals, especially during festive occasions. Choosing the right wine to pair with ham can elevate the dining experience, bringing out the nuanced flavors of both the dish and the wine. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore what wine goes well with ham, covering different types of ham and their ideal wine pairings, recipes, and tips to ensure a perfect match. Whether you prefer red, white, or sparkling wines, you’ll find valuable insights to enhance your next ham meal.
What Wine Goes Well with Ham?
Pairing wine with ham is not just about enjoying a good drink; it’s about creating a harmonious balance of flavors that complement each other. The right wine can enhance the sweetness of the ham, balance its saltiness, and add depth to the overall taste experience. Factors such as the type of ham, its preparation method, and the accompanying dishes all play a role in determining the best wine pairing.
Types of Ham and Their Wine Pairings
Baked Ham
Baked ham, often glazed with honey, brown sugar, or fruit preserves, is a popular choice for holiday dinners. The sweetness of the glaze and the savory flavor of the ham require a wine that can balance both elements.
Wine Pairing: Riesling
Riesling, with its natural sweetness and acidity, pairs wonderfully with baked ham. The wine’s fruity notes complement the glaze, while its acidity cuts through the ham’s richness.
Recipe: Baked Ham with Riesling Glaze
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Baked ham | 1 (8-10 lbs) |
| Riesling wine | 1 cup |
| Brown sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Honey | 1/4 cup |
| Dijon mustard | 2 tbsp |
| Cloves | 1 tsp |
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a small bowl, mix Riesling wine, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and cloves.
- Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern.
- Brush the glaze over the ham.
- Place the ham in a roasting pan and cover with foil.
- Bake for 2-3 hours, basting with glaze every 30 minutes.
- Remove foil during the last 30 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize.
Honey-Glazed Ham
Honey-glazed ham is another favorite, especially during Easter and Christmas. The honey adds a delicate sweetness that pairs well with certain types of wine.
Wine Pairing: Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir, with its bright acidity and red fruit flavors, pairs excellently with honey-glazed ham. The wine’s complexity complements the ham’s sweetness without overpowering it.
Recipe: Honey-Glazed Ham with Pinot Noir Reduction
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Honey-glazed ham | 1 (8-10 lbs) |
| Pinot Noir wine | 1 cup |
| Honey | 1/2 cup |
| Dijon mustard | 2 tbsp |
| Orange zest | 1 tsp |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a small saucepan, combine Pinot Noir wine, honey, Dijon mustard, orange zest, and garlic. Simmer until reduced by half.
- Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern.
- Brush the reduction over the ham.
- Place the ham in a roasting pan and cover with foil.
- Bake for 2-3 hours, basting with reduction every 30 minutes.
- Remove foil during the last 30 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize.
Smoked Ham
Smoked ham has a distinct, rich flavor that requires a wine capable of standing up to its intensity.
Wine Pairing: Zinfandel
Zinfandel, known for its bold flavors and spicy notes, is an excellent match for smoked ham. The wine’s fruitiness and spice complement the smokiness of the ham.
Recipe: Smoked Ham with Zinfandel Sauce
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Smoked ham | 1 (8-10 lbs) |
| Zinfandel wine | 1 cup |
| Brown sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Apple cider vinegar | 2 tbsp |
| Black pepper | 1 tsp |
| Thyme, chopped | 1 tbsp |
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a small saucepan, combine Zinfandel wine, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, and thyme. Simmer until reduced by half.
- Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern.
- Brush the sauce over the ham.
- Place the ham in a roasting pan and cover with foil.
- Bake for 2-3 hours, basting with sauce every 30 minutes.
- Remove foil during the last 30 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize.
Spiral Ham
Spiral ham, pre-sliced and often pre-glazed, is convenient and perfect for large gatherings. Its flavors can be complemented by various wines.
Wine Pairing: Chardonnay
Chardonnay, with its buttery texture and hints of oak, pairs well with the mild flavors of spiral ham. The wine’s richness complements the ham without overwhelming it.
Recipe: Spiral Ham with Chardonnay Butter Sauce
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Spiral ham | 1 (8-10 lbs) |
| Chardonnay wine | 1 cup |
| Butter | 1/2 cup |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Lemon juice | 2 tbsp |
| Parsley, chopped | 2 tbsp |
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in Chardonnay wine and lemon juice. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern.
- Brush the butter sauce over the ham.
- Place the ham in a roasting pan and cover with foil.
- Bake for 1.5-2 hours, basting with butter sauce every 30 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Country Ham
Country ham, with its intense saltiness and robust flavor, pairs best with wines that have a good acidity to balance the salt.
Wine Pairing: Sparkling Wine
Sparkling wine, with its high acidity and effervescence, cuts through the saltiness of country ham and refreshes the palate.
Recipe: Country Ham with Sparkling Wine Glaze
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Country ham | 1 (8-10 lbs) |
| Sparkling wine | 1 cup |
| Honey | 1/2 cup |
| Dijon mustard | 2 tbsp |
| Thyme, chopped | 1 tbsp |
| Black pepper | 1 tsp |
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a small saucepan, combine sparkling wine, honey, Dijon mustard, thyme, and black pepper. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern.
- Brush the glaze over the ham.
- Place the ham in a roasting pan and cover with foil.
- Bake for 2-3 hours, basting with glaze every 30 minutes.
- Remove foil during the last 30 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize.
Best Side Dishes to Serve with Ham and Wine
Complement your ham and wine pairing with delicious side dishes to create a well-rounded meal.
Vegetables
| Vegetable | Preparation | Seasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Roasted Brussels Sprouts | Roasted | Olive oil, balsamic vinegar |
| Glazed Carrots | Simmered | Brown sugar, butter |
| Sautéed Green Beans | Sautéed | Garlic, lemon zest |
Breads
| Bread Type | Preparation | Seasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Dinner Rolls | Baked | Butter, honey |
| Garlic Bread | Toasted | Garlic butter, parsley |
| Cornbread | Baked | Honey, butter |
Desserts
| Dessert | Preparation | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Pie | Baked | Sweet, cinnamon |
| Cheesecake | Baked | Creamy, rich |
| Lemon Bars | Baked | Tart, sweet |
Conclusion
Pairing the right wine with ham can enhance the dining experience, bringing out the best flavors in both the wine and the dish. Whether you prefer a sweet Riesling with baked ham, a bold Zinfandel with smoked ham, or a refreshing sparkling wine with country ham, there is a perfect wine for every type of ham. Complement your meal with delicious side dishes and desserts to create a well-rounded and memorable dining experience.
FAQs
Can I pair red wine with ham?
Yes, red wines like Pinot Noir and Zinfandel pair well with ham, especially smoked and honey-glazed varieties.
What is the best wine for baked ham?
Riesling is an excellent choice for baked ham due to its natural sweetness and acidity, which balance the flavors of the ham.
Can I use leftover wine in cooking?
Yes, leftover wine can be used in cooking to create sauces and glazes that complement the flavors of the ham.
How should I store leftover ham and wine?
Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wine should be resealed and kept in the refrigerator to maintain its quality.
What other dishes pair well with ham and wine?
Dishes like roasted vegetables, garlic bread, and apple pie complement ham and wine pairings, creating a balanced and delicious meal.
By exploring different wine pairings and recipes, you can elevate your ham dishes to new heights, creating a delightful and memorable dining experience. Enjoy experimenting with various wines and flavors to find your perfect match!