Alison Roman’s Ham Party Recipe is a culinary revelation that celebrates the art of gathering with friends and family. This delightful recipe embodies the essence of hospitality, offering a symphony of flavors and textures that is sure to make any occasion memorable.
From the perfectly roasted ham to the mouthwatering glaze and inventive side dishes, this article will take you on a savory journey through Alison Roman’s creation, demonstrating why it has become a go-to choice for those seeking to elevate their gatherings with an exceptional ham-centric feast.
Alison Roman Ham Party Recipe
Serves 15-20 with extra portions or serves 30-40 when enjoyed as a snack-sized ham.
Ingredients
For the Ham:
- 1 un-spiraled bone-in ham, weighing approximately 13-16 pounds (half or whole). Brands like Snake River Farm, Heritage Foods, and Porter Road are recommended sources.
- 1/4 cup whole fennel seeds
- 2 tablespoons black peppercorns
- 2 tablespoons crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 2 cups cilantro or parsley, finely chopped (optional)
For the Serving:
- Soft, small rolls, pre-split
- Various mustards: yellow, whole grain, Dijon, spicy, brown, available in jars or tubes
- Pickles: kosher dill spears, thinly sliced whole kosher dill pickles, cornichons
- Other pickled items: pickled jalapeños, sauerkraut, kimchi, pickled onions
- Thinly sliced yellow onions
- Softened butter (salted or unsalted)
- Several bags of plain salted potato chips (without added flavors)
- A creamy dip, such as Lipton’s French Onion or Labne Dip with Sizzled Scallion and Chili from “Nothing Fancy”
- Crunchy vegetables for dipping and snacking (radishes, fennel, turnips, cucumbers)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F. Remove the ham from any plastic or netting and place it in a large baking dish. If a 9×13-inch dish is the largest you have, that’s perfectly fine. If the ham is too large for that, use a rimmed baking sheet.
- With a small, sharp knife, make small incisions (about ½-inch deep) across the surface of the ham, spaced about ½-inch apart. You can stop here, or you can create a crosshatch pattern with more incisions. There’s no wrong choice, but scoring the ham allows for crispy bits and helps the spices penetrate.
- Combine fennel seeds, peppercorns, and chili flakes in a blender, spice grinder, or mortar and pestle. Grind, pulse, or pound the spices until they’re coarsely ground. Transfer them to a small bowl and add kosher salt and brown sugar, mixing well.
- Rub the spice mixture all over the ham, making sure to work it into the incisions as best as you can. Depending on the size of your baking dish and ham, pour ½ to 1 cup of water into the bottom of the dish. This creates a sauce and prevents sugar or spices from burning.
- Place the uncovered ham in the oven and bake, basting it three or four times using a baster or spoon. Bake until the outside of the ham is deeply caramelized and browned (if it’s not, keep it in the oven until it is), and there’s a flavorful sauce in the bottom, typically 3-4 hours.
- Let the ham cool slightly before transferring it to a cutting board to slice.
- For the sauce, pour the liquid from the baking dish into a medium bowl and add cilantro, stirring to combine. You can season this with a spoonful of mustard or a splash of apple cider vinegar, but it’s great as-is, especially with all the mustard on the side.
- Serve your ham with all the accompaniments to share with your friends. Enjoy!
What to Serve with
For an Alison Roman Ham Party, you’ll want to complement the ham with a variety of side dishes and accompaniments. Here are some ideas:
- Biscuits or Rolls: Serve warm biscuits or rolls on the side for a classic touch.
- Mustard or Chutney: Offer a selection of mustards or chutneys as condiments for the ham.
- Scalloped Potatoes: A creamy and indulgent side dish that pairs well with ham.
- Green Beans: Whether sautéed, steamed, or in a salad, green beans add freshness to the meal.
- Macaroni and Cheese: A comforting and hearty side dish that complements the richness of the ham.
- Deviled Eggs: A classic appetizer that pairs well with ham.
- Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can help balance out the richness of the ham.
- Wine or Punch: Offer a selection of wines or a festive punch to accompany the meal.
- Dessert: Finish off the meal with a sweet treat, such as a fruit tart or a cake.
Feel free to mix and match these side dishes to create a menu that suits your taste and preferences.
How to Store
To store Alison Roman’s Ham Party or any leftover ham, follow these guidelines:
- Cool Down: Allow the ham to cool down to room temperature before storing.
- Refrigeration: Store the ham in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. It’s best to consume it within 3-5 days to ensure freshness.
- Freezing: Ham can be frozen for longer storage. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, or place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen ham can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
- Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen ham, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat it gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Slicing: If the ham is not sliced, consider slicing it before storing to make it easier to use later.
Always refer to the specific recipe for any unique storage instructions.
Alison Roman’s Ham Party Recipe stands out as a testament to the power of a well-crafted meal in bringing people together. With its succulent ham, delectable glaze, and innovative side dishes, this recipe transforms any gathering into a celebration of flavors and togetherness.
Whether you’re hosting a festive holiday meal or simply looking to make an ordinary day extraordinary, Alison Roman Ham Party Recipe provides the perfect blend of tradition and innovation to satisfy both the palate and the soul.
