Baked Ham Steak Yam Recipes

Ah, there’s nothing quite like a meal that warms the soul and nourishes the body, bringing everyone together around the table. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you a truly comforting classic: Baked Ham Steak Yam Recipes. This dish marries the savory richness of ham with the sweet, earthy goodness of yams, all caramelized to perfection.

It’s a simple yet elegant preparation, resulting in tender ham and lusciously soft yams, coated in a delightful glaze. Forget complicated cooking; this recipe is about embracing wholesome ingredients and creating joy in your kitchen with ease.

Why You’ll Love These Delicious Baked Ham Steak and Yam Recipes for Every Occasion

This heartwarming dish is more than just a meal; it’s an experience, perfectly aligning with our slow-living philosophy. You will adore the ease and incredible flavor of these Baked Ham Steak Yam Recipes.

• Harmonious Flavors: Experience the perfect balance of savory ham and naturally sweet yams, enhanced by a luscious, caramelized glaze.
• Effortless Preparation: Designed for simplicity, this is a one-pan wonder that minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor, perfect for busy evenings.
• Wholesome & Nourishing: Packed with natural goodness from quality ham and nutrient-rich yams, it’s a meal that truly feeds your well-being.
• Versatile & Adaptable: Whether for a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, these recipes seamlessly fit any occasion, making them a go-to favorite.
• Comforting & Satisfying: From the moment the aromas fill your kitchen to the last delightful bite, this dish offers profound comfort and satisfaction.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating these Baked Ham Steak Yam Recipes begins with selecting the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. Quality truly elevates the simple flavors here, transforming them into something extraordinary and wholesome.

• 1 (1 to 1.5 lb) Ham Steak: Opt for a thick-cut, bone-in ham steak if possible, or a good quality boneless steak. Look for low-sodium options to control the saltiness.
• 2-3 Medium Yams (or Sweet Potatoes): Choose firm, unblemished yams with vibrant skin. We want about 3-4 cups once peeled and cubed.
• 2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter or Coconut Oil: For richness and to help caramelize the yams beautifully.
• 1/4 Cup Pure Maple Syrup or Honey: The natural sweetness that forms the glorious glaze. Ensure it’s 100% pure for the best flavor.
• 1 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle tang and depth to the glaze, balancing the sweetness.
• 1 Clove Garlic, Minced (optional): For a hint of aromatic warmth.
• 1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon: Complements the yams perfectly, adding a cozy spice.
• 1/4 Teaspoon Ground Nutmeg: A touch of this classic spice enhances the sweetness of the yams.
• 1/4 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth and a beautiful color.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: To taste. Remember ham is already salty, so season judiciously.
• Fresh Rosemary or Thyme Sprigs (optional): For aromatic garnish and to infuse subtle herbal notes during baking.
• 2 Tablespoons Orange Juice or Apple Cider Vinegar (optional): A splash brightens the glaze and adds another layer of flavor.

Substitutions & Variations

One of the beauties of these Baked Ham Steak Yam Recipes lies in their flexibility. Feel free to adapt them to your pantry and preferences, always keeping wellness in mind. Experimenting allows you to tailor the flavors to exactly what you crave, making each rendition uniquely yours.

• Ham Alternatives: If ham isn’t your preference, consider using thick slices of lean pork loin or even substantial turkey ham steaks. Adjust cooking times as needed to ensure they cook through without drying out.
• Yam Swaps: Butternut squash, acorn squash, or even carrots and parsnips can beautifully stand in for yams. Each offers a slightly different flavor profile and texture, but will still be delicious.
• Sweetener Options: Instead of maple syrup or honey, try date syrup or a touch of coconut sugar dissolved in a little water for the glaze.
• Spice Blend: Elevate the spice profile with a pinch of ground ginger, allspice, or even a tiny dash of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick. A sprinkle of chili flakes can also add a delightful warmth.
• Glaze Enhancements: Whisk in a teaspoon of balsamic glaze for a richer, more complex sweetness, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness. A touch of grated orange zest will also lift the flavors.
• Add More Vegetables: Incorporate other hearty vegetables like bell peppers, red onions, or Brussels sprouts. Add them to the baking sheet alongside the yams, ensuring they are cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
• Herb Garden Freshness: Beyond rosemary and thyme, fresh sage or oregano can offer wonderful aromatic layers. Add them towards the end of cooking to preserve their vibrant flavor.
• Make it a Sheet Pan Meal: For a complete meal, toss in some broccoli florets or green beans during the last 15-20 minutes of baking. This ensures you create a comprehensive and truly satisfying Baked Ham Steak Yam Recipes all in one pan.

If you’re looking for a light alternative to pair with these dishes, consider trying out a refreshing Spinach Soup. This nutritious option brings a vibrant flavor that complements the savory notes of ham perfectly.

Equipment You’ll Need

You don’t need a gourmet kitchen for these Baked Ham Steak Yam Recipes. Simple, everyday tools are all it takes to bring this comforting meal to life. Having these items ready ensures a smooth and enjoyable cooking process.

• Large Baking Sheet: A sturdy, rimmed baking sheet (approx. 13×18 inches) is essential for even cooking and browning.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: To prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
• Large Mixing Bowl: For tossing the yams and ham with the glaze.
• Sharp Chef’s Knife: For safely and efficiently peeling and cubing yams, and preparing the ham steak.
• Cutting Board: A stable surface for all your chopping needs.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient proportions.
• Whisk: To combine the glaze ingredients smoothly.
• Pastry Brush (optional): Useful for brushing extra glaze onto the ham and yams during baking.
• Vegetable Peeler: To effortlessly peel the yams.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s create these wonderful Baked Ham Steak Yam Recipes together, step by step. Each action is simple, designed for ease, and contributes to the deliciousness of the final dish. Follow these clear instructions for a perfect outcome every time.

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This is crucial for achieving that lovely caramelization without sticking.
2. Prepare the Yams: Wash, peel, and cut your yams into uniform 1-inch cubes. Uniformity is key for even cooking. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
3. Create the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter (or coconut oil), maple syrup (or honey), Dijon mustard, minced garlic (if using), cinnamon, nutmeg, smoked paprika, a pinch of salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. If using, add the orange juice or apple cider vinegar now.
4. Glaze the Yams: Pour about two-thirds of the glaze over the cubed yams in the large mixing bowl. Toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is evenly coated.
5. Prepare the Ham Steak: Pat the ham steak dry with paper towels. This helps it brown better. If your ham steak is very large, you might cut it in half or into smaller serving portions.
6. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the glazed yams in a single layer on one side of the prepared baking sheet. Place the ham steak(s) on the other side of the baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Place a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme around the ham and yams, if using.
7. Initial Bake: Bake for 15 minutes. This allows the yams to start softening and the flavors to meld.
8. Flip & Baste: After 15 minutes, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Flip the yam cubes to ensure even browning. Brush the ham steak generously with the remaining glaze. You want it coated beautifully for that caramelized finish.
9. Continue Baking: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the yams are tender and lightly caramelized, and the ham steak is heated through and has a beautiful golden-brown glaze. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your yams and ham.
10. Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the ham steak rest for a few minutes before slicing (if not already sliced). This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and flavorful bite. Serve immediately and enjoy your comforting Baked Ham Steak Yam Recipes.

When preparing our delicious dishes, make sure to follow the easy steps for success and check out this recipe for Corned Beef Soup. It offers a hearty addition to your meal planning, making any dinner even more satisfying.

Pro Tips for Success

Achieving perfection with these Baked Ham Steak Yam Recipes comes down to a few simple techniques. These tips will help you elevate your dish from good to absolutely unforgettable, ensuring every bite is flavorful and well-cooked.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give your yams and ham plenty of space on the baking sheet. If they are too close together, they will steam instead of roast, preventing that beautiful caramelization and tender-crisp texture. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
• Uniform Yam Cubes: Cut your yams into roughly equal 1-inch pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and become tender at the same rate. Uneven pieces will lead to some being undercooked and others overly soft.
• Pat Ham Dry: Before glazing and baking, always pat your ham steak thoroughly dry with paper towels. Excess moisture hinders browning and caramelization, impacting the final texture and flavor of your Baked Ham Steak and Yam Recipes.
• Monitor the Glaze: The maple syrup/honey glaze can brown quickly. Keep an eye on your dish during the last 10 minutes of baking. If it’s browning too fast, you can loosely tent the baking sheet with foil.
• Convection Setting: If your oven has a convection setting, use it! Convection baking helps to circulate hot air, leading to faster cooking and crispier, more evenly caramelized results.
• Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste a yam and a piece of ham. Adjust seasonings if needed. Sometimes a tiny extra pinch of salt, pepper, or a squeeze of fresh orange can make all the difference.
• Rest the Ham: Just like any cooked meat, letting the ham steak rest for 5-10 minutes after baking allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. This ensures a more tender and juicy ham.
• Utilize Leftover Glaze: If you have any glaze left over after the first basting, warm it slightly and drizzle it over the cooked ham and yams just before serving for an extra layer of flavor.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Sometimes, we’re lucky enough to have leftovers from our Baked Ham Steak Yam Recipes. Storing and reheating them properly ensures you can enjoy the same delightful flavors again, without compromising on quality or freshness. These tips will help you savor your homemade meal for days.

• Cool Completely: Before storing, allow the ham steak and yams to cool to room temperature. This prevents condensation from forming, which can lead to sogginess and affect food safety.
• Airtight Container: Transfer the cooled ham and yams to an airtight container. Keep them separate if possible, or layer them with parchment paper. This helps maintain freshness and prevents odors from mixing with other foods in your refrigerator.
• Refrigeration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For optimal freshness, consume within 2-3 days.
• Freezing (Optional): While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze individual portions for longer storage. Place cooled ham and yams in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating in the Oven: For best results, reheat in the oven. Preheat to 300°F (150°C). Place the ham and yams on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. The foil helps prevent drying out.
• Reheating in the Microwave: For a quicker option, microwave individual servings on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to help retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Be careful not to overcook, as this can dry out the ham.
• Add Moisture: When reheating, especially in the oven, a splash of broth or water can help keep the ham steak moist and prevent the yams from becoming too dry. This helps maintain the deliciousness of these Baked Ham Steak and Yam Recipes.

After enjoying your ham steak and yams, you might have some delightful leftovers. To ensure they remain just as tasty, consider these tips for storing and reheating them, alongside a recipe for Cheeseburger Soup, which makes for a great next-day meal.

What to Serve With This Recipe

These Baked Ham Steak Yam Recipes are wonderfully satisfying on their own, but pairing them with the right sides can elevate the meal to a complete and balanced dining experience. Focusing on fresh, wholesome additions complements the rich flavors beautifully and aligns with a well-being oriented lifestyle.

• Fresh Green Salad: A crisp, vibrant green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect counterpoint to the sweetness of the yams and the richness of the ham. Think mixed greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon-herb dressing.
• Steamed or Roasted Green Vegetables: Bright green vegetables like steamed asparagus, blanched green beans, or roasted broccoli florets add essential nutrients and a refreshing texture. A simple drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper is all they need.
• Light Grain Dishes: For a heartier meal, consider serving a side of fluffy quinoa, wild rice pilaf, or even a pearl barley salad. These grains add complex carbohydrates and fiber without overwhelming the main dish.
• Sautéed Spinach or Swiss Chard: Quickly sautéed leafy greens with a hint of garlic and a splash of lemon juice offer a burst of freshness and a wealth of vitamins, making it an ideal companion to these Baked Ham Steak Yam Recipes.
• Apple Sauce or Cranberry Relish: For an extra touch of fruity sweetness and a nod to traditional ham pairings, a homemade unsweetened applesauce or a simple cranberry relish can be a delightful addition.
• Crusty Whole-Grain Bread: A slice of warm, crusty whole-grain bread is perfect for soaking up any delicious glaze from your plate, ensuring no flavor goes to waste.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of yams for these Delicious Baked Ham Steak and Yam Recipes for Every Occasion?

Absolutely! While often used interchangeably, true yams and sweet potatoes are distinct. However, in most North American recipes, what are called “yams” are actually orange-fleshed sweet potatoes.

Either will work wonderfully for this recipe. Their sweet, earthy flavors and similar textures when baked make them perfect substitutes. You can expect a very similar cooking time and end result, creating equally Baked Ham Steak and Yam Recipes with either tuber.

How do I prevent the ham steak from drying out during baking?

Preventing dry ham is key to a truly enjoyable meal. Firstly, choose a good quality, thick-cut ham steak, as thinner cuts dry out more quickly. Secondly, ensure you don’t overcook it; ham is already cooked, so you’re really just heating it through and caramelizing the glaze.

Basting the ham with the glaze midway through baking helps to keep it moist and infuses it with flavor. Resting the ham steak for 5-10 minutes after it comes out of the oven allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and juicy result for your Baked Ham Steak and Yam Recipes.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can certainly do some prep work in advance to make cooking these Baked Ham Steak and Yam Recipes even easier.

You can peel and cube the yams up to a day ahead, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator (submerged in water if you’re worried about discoloration, though yams are less prone to this than potatoes). You can also prepare the glaze mixture a day or two in advance and keep it refrigerated.

When ready to cook, simply toss the yams, glaze the ham, and bake. This makes for a wonderfully convenient and stress-free cooking experience.

Baked ham steak and yams represent a beloved culinary tradition that showcases the delicious marriage of sweet and savory flavors. This simple yet satisfying dish has roots in various regional cuisines, often celebrated during festive occasions and family gatherings, making it a timeless favorite in many households. Learn more about comforting culinary traditions here.

Final Thoughts

This is more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to savor simple pleasures. The sweet aroma, the tender textures, the vibrant colors – truly a ‘fait maison’ experience. Enjoy the warmth and wholesome goodness of these Baked Ham Steak and Yam Recipes, bringing joy and comfort to your table.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

This nutritional information is an approximation and can vary based on specific ingredient brands, exact measurements, and cooking methods. It is provided for general guidance for these Baked Ham Steak and Yam Recipes.

Delicious Baked Ham Steak and Yam Recipes for Every Occasion

Delicious Baked Ham Steak and Yam Recipes for Every Occasion is a heartwarming dish that beautifully marries the savory richness of ham with the sweet, earthy goodness of yams, all caramelized to perfection. This simple yet elegant preparation results in tender ham and lusciously soft yams, coated in a delightful glaze, making it a comforting classic that’s perfect for every occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 (1 to 1.5 lb) Ham Steak
• 2-3 Medium Yams or Sweet Potatoes
• 2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter or Coconut Oil
• 1/4 Cup Pure Maple Syrup or Honey
• 1 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard
• 1 Clove Garlic, Minced (optional)
• 1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamo
• 1/4 Teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
• 1/4 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to taste
• Fresh Rosemary or Thyme Sprigs (optional)
• 2 Tablespoons Orange Juice or Apple Cider Vinegar (optional)

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Wash, peel, and cut the yams into uniform 1-inch cubes and place them in a large mixing bowl.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter (or coconut oil), maple syrup (or honey), Dijon mustard, minced garlic (if using), cinnamon, nutmeg, smoked paprika, a pinch of salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Add orange juice or apple cider vinegar if using.
4. Pour about two-thirds of the glaze over the cubed yams and toss thoroughly to ensure even coating.
5. Pat the ham steak dry with paper towels and cut into smaller portions if needed.
6. Spread the glazed yams in a single layer on one side of the baking sheet and place the ham steak on the other side.
7. Bake for 15 minutes, then flip the yam cubes and brush the ham steak with the remaining glaze.
8. Return to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the yams are tender and the ham has a golden-brown glaze.
9. Remove from the oven and let the ham rest for a few minutes, then slice and serve.

Notes

Make sure to choose a quality ham steak. You can substitute yams with sweet potatoes or other root vegetables. Ensure even cubing of yams for uniform cooking.