Looking for something to add a bit of a kick to your usual meals? Why not try one of these easy serrano ham recipes?
Serrano ham is a Spanish-style slow-aged ham made from a hind pork leg cut. It is one of the most globally recognized food items of Spanish cuisine. It is also regularly a component of tapas. The Spanish ham’s history dates all the way back to the Roman Empire and is now largely ingrained in the traditions and customs of the Spanish regions.
Unlike prosciutto which is aged in a more humid environment, which keeps the meat supple and the fat sweet, Serrano has a drier ageing process, which intensifies both the texture of the meat and its saltiness.
Traditionally, Serrano ham is served as thin slices and enjoyed on its own or with crusty bread, placed on a charcuterie board, layered onto a bocadillo (a Spanish-style sandwich) or chopped and added into croquetas.
This unique artisan meat can transform any average meal into a superior, flavorful dish and works as a delicious addition to sandwiches, pastas, salads, soups, and even brunch dishes. If you’re inspired to try something a bit different, why not give one of these 3 recipes a try?
Serrano Ham, Olive, and Feta Cheese Flatbread
Ingredients:
1 pre-made pizza dough or flatbread
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
6-8 slices Serrano ham
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the pizza dough package.
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough or flatbread on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness.
- Assemble the Flatbread: Brush the rolled-out dough with olive oil. Arrange the Serrano ham slices evenly over the dough. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced olives, and red onion over the ham. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake: Place the assembled flatbread on a baking sheet or pizza stone. Bake in the preheated oven according to the dough package instructions or until the crust is golden and the toppings are bubbly and slightly browned.
- Finish and Garnish: Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor and freshness.
- Serve: Slice the flatbread into portions and serve immediately. This flatbread is great as an appetizer, snack, or even a light meal.
Feel free to customize the recipe based on your preferences. You can add a drizzle of balsamic glaze, sprinkle with arugula, or experiment with other favorite toppings. Enjoy your Serrano Ham, Olive, and Feta Cheese Flatbread!
Serrano-Wrapped Pear with Goat’s Cheese
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe pears, firm but not overly hard
- 6-8 slices of Serrano ham
- 4 ounces goat’s cheese
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
- Instructions:
Prepare the Pears: Peel the pears and cut them into wedges or slices, depending on your preference. Aim for uniform sizes so that they wrap easily with the Serrano ham.
Wrap the Pears: Take a slice of Serrano ham and place a small amount of goat’s cheese at one end. Lay a pear slice on top of the goat’s cheese and roll the ham around the pear. Repeat for each pear slice.
Pan-Seal the Wraps: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the wrapped pears, seam side down, in the skillet. Sear for 1-2 minutes on each side until the Serrano ham gets crispy and golden. This step is optional, but it adds a nice texture.
Drizzle with Honey: Remove the wrapped pears from the skillet and transfer them to a serving plate. Drizzle honey over the top of each pear wrap.
Season and Garnish: Grind black pepper over the wraps to taste. Optionally, garnish with fresh thyme leaves for an extra layer of flavor.
Serve: Serve the Serrano-wrapped pear with goat’s cheese immediately while the ham is still crispy. This appetizer can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
This elegant and easy-to-make appetizer is perfect for entertaining or as a starter for a special meal. The combination of sweet, salty, and creamy flavors makes it a delightful treat for your taste buds.
Clams with Sherry & Serrano Ham
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds fresh clams, cleaned
- 4 ounces Serrano ham, thinly sliced and chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry sherry
- 1/2 cup chicken or seafood broth
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions:
Prepare the Clams: Rinse the clams under cold running water to remove any sand or debris. Discard any clams with cracked or open shells that do not close when tapped.
Sauté Serrano Ham: In a large skillet or wide saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped Serrano ham and sauté until it becomes slightly crispy. Remove some of the ham for garnish and set it aside.
Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until it becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Deglaze with Sherry: Pour the dry sherry into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Allow the sherry to simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Add Clams and Broth: Add the cleaned clams to the skillet and pour in the chicken or seafood broth. Cover the skillet and let the clams cook for 5-7 minutes or until they open. Discard any clams that do not open.
Finish and Season: Stir in the chopped parsley and season with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Be cautious with additional salt, as the ham and clam juices can be salty.
Serve: Transfer the clams and broth to a serving dish, garnish with the reserved crispy Serrano ham, and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
This Clams with Sherry & Serrano Ham dish is best enjoyed with crusty bread or over a bed of cooked pasta to soak up the flavorful broth. It makes for a wonderful appetizer or a light and elegant main course.
