Rustic Ham and Potatoes is a dish with a pan-cooked ham and potatoes that have been cooked in the ham drippings. It is the tastiest and most unique thing you have ever eaten.
Friends, I’m going to talk about this dish! It’s a family secret, so don’t tell anyone! It’s Mimi’s signature dish! If you’re new to Soul Foodie, Mimi is my mother-in-law. She is now in the sweet arms of Jesus. But let me tell you that precious lady could cook!.
She also was a no-frills kind of cook! She cooked simple and affordable meals. And like the motto around here always full of love!! This one is super easy to make. Well sort of (wink wink). I had a few failed attempts before I found out she “forgot” to tell me her secret ingredient.
Cooking ham and potatoes together in one pan is a great way to save time and effort while making a tasty and complete meal. The key is choosing the right ham and potato pairings and using methods that allow both items to cook properly.
With a few simple tips, you can easily bake a ham and potatoes simultaneously to perfection. Keep reading to learn how!
Pick Complimentary Ham and Potato Types
Choosing potatoes that pair well with the flavor of the ham is important. Small red or yellow potatoes are commonly used since they hold their shape better than russets during long cooking times. The waxy texture of red potatoes also soaks up ham juices well.
For the ham, opt for an uncured variety if possible. Cured hams contain a lot of sodium so watch your salt content if using. Bone-in hams release more flavor during cooking. Spiral sliced hams dry out faster than unsliced.
Prep the Ham and Potatoes
To prepare the ham, first remove any netting or plastic wrap Then use a sharp knife to score the fat, cutting slits in a diamond pattern This helps the fat render and the ham retain moisture.
Scrub potatoes clean but don’t peel. Cut larger potatoes into evenly sized chunks. Place them in a bowl and drizzle with oil, then season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme.
Create Flavorful Cooking Liquid
For roasted ham and potatoes, add flavor to the pan juices for incredible taste. Make a glaze with 1/4 cup vinegar, 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup, 2 tbsp melted butter, and spices
Brush about 1/3 of the glaze over the scored ham. As it cooks, the glaze will caramelize and the ham will release juices to mix with the glaze in the bottom of the pan.
Roast at Low Heat
Place the coated ham directly on a roasting pan. Arrange the seasoned potato pieces around the ham. Pour about 1 cup of water or broth into the bottom of the pan.
Roast at 300°F, allowing 20-25 minutes per pound. The low temp prevents drying out. Baste the ham with the glaze every 30 minutes or so.
Let Potatoes Finish Cooking
Test the internal temperature of the ham after about 2 hours. When it reaches 140°F, remove it from the oven and transfer to a cutting board to rest.
Return the potatoes to the oven and increase heat to 400°F. Let them cook 10-15 more minutes to finish browning and become tender.
Make a Delicious Gravy
While the ham rests, use the flavored pan drippings to make an easy gravy. In a saucepan, whisk together 2 tbsp flour and 2 tbsp butter. Cook 2 minutes then whisk in 1 cup pan juices. Simmer until thickened.
Slice the rested ham and serve with the crispy roast potatoes and rich gravy for an incredible one-pan meal!
Alternative Ways to Cook Ham and Potatoes Together
If you don’t want to roast them, there are other great options for cooking ham and potatoes simultaneously:
Bake with Scalloped Potatoes
Dice ham and mix it into your favorite scalloped potato recipe before baking. The creamy potatoes complement salty ham wonderfully.
Simmer in Soup
Dice potatoes into hearty soups containing ham or ham bones. The broth soaks into the potatoes as they soften, creating a nourishing meal.
Fry as Hash
For ham and potato hash, par-cook diced potatoes and ham pieces, then sauté everything together in a skillet until browned and crispy. Top with a fried egg for breakfast.
Grill as Skewers
Make kebabs by threading cubed potatoes and ham onto skewers. Brush with oil and grill until charred on the outside and tender inside.
Ham and Potato Pairing Combinations
With so many types of potatoes and ham to choose from, the possibilities are endless! Try these tasty ham and potato duos:
- Honey glazed ham with roasted fingerling potatoes
- Black forest ham and cubed Yukon golds
- Prosciutto with diced red potatoes
- Country ham with sweet potatoes wedges
- Spiral cut ham with smashed baby reds
- Pineapple glazed ham with roasted russet chunks
No matter which ham and potato combo you go for, cooking them together results in amazing flavor. The ham juices seep into the potatoes, seasoning them with each bite. With a few simple tips, you can easily master baking ham and potatoes in one pan.
The Secret to this NO FAIL Ham and Potatoes
It’s a Picnic or Shoulder Ham, which doesn’t have any frills on the outside. BUTTER and Mimi used one, while I usually use a half ham. Oh and an electric skillet!! This bad boy is always cooked in an electric skillet. But don’t forget lots of love!! All these are a must!!.
Now if you are going to ask me if you can make it in the oven. I would suggest giving it a whirl. No, I haven’t yet. My husband wants it Mimi’s way, and she gave me her electric skillet. I am pretty sure that means it’s a sin for me to do it any other way! .
It was always on the table for Thanksgiving and our annual Easter dinner and egg hunt, which I can’t leave out. Such wonderful traditions. But really you can serve this one anytime it is that easy.
This Rustic Ham and Potatoes recipe is now shared with my family and extended family (like you guys)! It’s kind of like Shelly’s Pasta Salad (her specialty) and mom’s potato salad—I need to get her to make that one for the blog! People ask me to make this one, especially my little sister, who loves the potatoes. In fact, everyone I know who has eaten them loves them. They soak up all the salty and delicious ham juice and make a masterpiece! I promise you will want to make this one.
1 Stick of Butter (or 2 if your ham doesn’t have plenty of juice in the pack)
Picnic, Shoulder Ham, or Half Ham (Not Spiral Cut)
Recipe TIP: I have had a few questions about using a spiral ham. You can. I would suggest leaving off the packet of sweet topping if it comes with the ham. It changes the flavor of the potatoes. Mimi always used a picnic or shoulder cut and I always get a half ham. But use what you like and your family enjoys!.
5 pounds of potatoes peeled and roughly cut into wedges (I usually use Idaho Potatoes)
You may want this for your next Easter Ham or Thanksgiving Ham
Great Sides for Family Meals
Easy Ham Recipe – How to Bake a Ham
Can you cook a ham and potatoes together?
However, adding a glaze to your ham is great for roasting ham and potatoes in the same pan! Laying potatoes around the base of your ham and then occasionally basting your ham will result in the glaze and ham juices pooling together in a hot sticky potato bath of yumminess!
Is honey baked ham as good as regular ham?
The addition of honey will affect the calorie content of the food. One tablespoon of honey contributes to approximately 64 calories. In addition, the use of heat when making baked ham will reduce the quality of the honey.
How do you cook a ham with red potatoes?
Place 1 ½ lbs chopped red or golden potatoes around the base of the ham. Roast until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees. Place roasted potatoes in separate serving dish and sprinkle with salt. Tried this Recipe?
What to eat with ham & potatoes?
Scalloped Potatoes and Ham is the perfect pairing of meat and potatoes and a delicious twist on our favorite classic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe ! This potato casserole is a filling, family-pleasing dish that will help you use up any leftover ham. It’s perfect alongside a homemade meatloaf or as an entree with a caesar salad!