Introduction
Easter dinner is a special occasion that calls for a sumptuous feast. And what better way to celebrate than with a juicy and succulent ham as the centerpiece of your meal? However, choosing what to serve alongside your ham can be a bit of a challenge. You want to have a variety of tasty dishes that complement the flavors of your ham and satisfy the cravings of your guests. In this blog post, we’ve got you covered with two mouth-watering recipes that are perfect for Easter dinner.
Ham and Pineapple Skewers
Ham and pineapple is a classic combination that never fails to impress. These skewers are easy to make and can be grilled or baked in the oven. Serve them as an appetizer or a side dish, and watch your guests gobble them up in no time.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fully cooked ham, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 can pineapple chunks, drained
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F or heat up the grill.
- In a bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, vegetable oil, garlic powder, and ground ginger.
- Thread the ham and pineapple onto the skewers, alternating between the two.
- Brush the skewers with the sauce, reserving some for later.
- Bake the skewers for 15-20 minutes, or grill them for 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally and brushing them with the sauce.
- Remove the skewers from the oven or grill and brush them with the remaining sauce before serving.
Nutritional Information:
Each skewer contains approximately 160 calories, 8g fat, 14g carbohydrates, and 9g protein.
Cooking Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes (oven) or 10-15 minutes (grill)
Equipment:
- Bowl
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden skewers
- Baking sheet (if using the oven)
- Grill (if grilling)
Serving Suggestions:
These skewers can be served as an appetizer or a side dish. They pair well with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Variations:
You can use chicken or pork instead of ham, or add other vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or cherry tomatoes to the skewers.
Substitutions:
You can use honey instead of brown sugar, or switch out the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe gluten-free.
Storage:
Leftover skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips:
- Soak the wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill or in the oven.
- Make sure to brush the skewers with the sauce before and after cooking to infuse them with flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple if you prefer. Just make sure to cut it into chunks that are similar in size to the ham pieces so that they cook evenly.
Can I make these skewers in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the skewers and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just make sure to cover them with plastic wrap or foil.
Ham and Cheese Quiche
Quiche is a versatile dish that can be served for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. This ham and cheese quiche is a crowd-pleaser that is perfect for Easter dinner. It’s creamy, savory, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 pie crust, store-bought or homemade
- 1 cup diced cooked ham
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Roll out the pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish.
- Sprinkle the ham and cheese over the bottom of the pie crust.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Pour the egg mixture over the ham and cheese.
- Bake the quiche for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
- Remove the quiche from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutritional Information:
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories, 32g fat, 15g carbohydrates, and 15g protein.
Cooking Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 35-40 minutes
Equipment:
- Rolling pin
- 9-inch pie dish
- Bowl
- Whisk
Serving Suggestions:
This quiche can be served as a main dish alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.
Variations:
You can add other ingredients to the quiche such as mushrooms, spinach, onions, or bell peppers.
Substitutions:
You can use other types of cheese such as Swiss, Gruyere, or feta, or substitute the ham with bacon or sausage.
Storage:
Leftover quiche can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips:
- Blind bake the pie crust for 10-15 minutes before adding the filling to prevent it from getting soggy.
- Let the quiche cool for a few minutes before slicing to make it easier to cut and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a frozen pie crust?
Yes, you can use a frozen pie crust if you don’t have time to make your own. Just make sure to thaw it before using it.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
You can use milk, but the quiche will not be as rich and creamy. You can also use half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream.
Conclusion
There you have it, two delicious recipes that go perfectly with ham for Easter dinner. Whether you prefer something savory or sweet, these dishes will satisfy your cravings and impress your guests. So go ahead and give them a try!