Ham stuffed with olives is a delicious dish that combines the savory flavor of cured ham with the bright, briny taste of olives. This appetizer or entree goes by several different names, depending on the region, recipe variations, and personal preferences. Some common names for ham stuffed with olives include:
- Olive-stuffed ham
- Olive ham roll
- Stuffed ham with olives
- Olive-filled ham
- Ham rolls with olives
The dish itself is quite simple – cured ham that has been butterflied open and filled with olives, then rolled up and secured with toothpicks. While green olives are most commonly used, other olive varieties can be substituted, including kalamata, picholine, and mixed Mediterranean olives. The olives can be left whole or chopped, depending on personal preference. Beyond the olives, recipes sometimes include additional fillings like cream cheese, mustard, herbs, or nuts.
Origins and History
Ham stuffed with olives has long been a popular appetizer and party food. The exact origins are unknown, but versions of olive-stuffed meats date back to ancient Roman and Greek cultures. Stuffing meat with fruit, nuts, herbs and other fillings was a common technique to add flavor and moisture. Olives grew abundantly around the Mediterranean, making them a convenient choice.
The dish likely spread throughout Europe over the centuries, as preserved meats like ham became more widely available. Italian and Spanish cuisines in particular incorporated olives into many recipes. When immigrants brought their cooking traditions to America, stuffed olives and meats came as well.
By the 1950s, olive-stuffed ham rolls were appearing in American cookbooks, magazines, and recipes. They became a staple on party trays and appetizer spreads, thanks to their finger-food portability. While the classic version remains popular today, cooks also experiment with creative new fillings and global spice blends.
Ingredients
The main ingredients needed to make ham stuffed with olives are:
- Ham – Pre-cooked, cured ham is ideal, such as Black Forest ham. Look for a solid piece without too much fat. Prosciutto or serrano ham also work well.
- Olives – Most recipes call for pitted green olives, but black, kalamata, or mixed olives can be used too. Olives can be left whole, sliced, or chopped.
- Butter or oil – For sautéing onions or garlic and lubricating the ham for easier rolling.
- Onions or garlic (optional) – Sautéed onions or garlic complement the olives’ flavor.
- Cream cheese, mustard, herbs, nuts (optional) – Used in some recipes for additional fillings.
Standard pantry staples like olive oil, salt, pepper and toothpicks are also needed. With just these simple ingredients, you can make a crowd-pleasing stuffed ham appetizer.
Prep and Cooking Method
Making ham stuffed with olives only takes about 30 minutes of active prep time. Here are the basic steps:
- Butterfly or slice the ham lengthwise to create an opening for the filling. Some slicing along the edges helps the ham lay flat.
- If using, sauté onions or garlic in olive oil or butter until softened and fragrant.
- In a small bowl, combine chopped or whole olives with any additional fillings like cream cheese or mustard.
- Spread the olive filling evenly over the ham. Roll up jelly-roll style and use toothpicks to hold it closed.
- Bake or grill the stuffed ham roll until warmed through, 15-20 minutes.
- Let cool 5 minutes, then slice into rounds or spirals. Secure with extra toothpicks if needed.
For added flavor, the stuffed ham can be browned or charred on the grill or skillet before final baking. Glazing with olive oil, mustard or other sauce adds another layer of taste. Leftovers will keep refrigerated for 3-5 days.
Serving Suggestions
Part of olive-stuffed ham’s popularity comes from its versatility. It can be served:
- As an appetizer on a tray of other finger foods
- Plated alongside crackers, bread or pickles
- In a salad with greens, vegetables and olives
- On a sandwich or wrap
- Diced and added to pasta, pizza or potatoes
- As a protein on an antipasto or charcuterie platter
Its high protein and rich flavor makes it satisfying for meals too. Try serving it with roasted vegetables, risotto or quinoa for dinner.
Here are some recommended drink pairings:
- Sparkling wine or prosecco
- Light, fruity red wines like pinot noir or Beaujolais
- Crisp white wines like sauvignon blanc or Vinho Verde
- Dry rosé
- Pilsner or amber beer
The bubbles and acidity in these beverages help cut through the ham’s richness. Their fruitiness complements the briny olives.
Nutrition Facts
Olive-stuffed ham makes a protein-packed, relatively nutritious appetizer. Here is the nutrition breakdown for a 3.5 ounce (100 gram) serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 189 |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 2 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 930 mg |
As you can see, stuffed ham provides lots of protein, while being relatively low in carbs. The fat content is moderate and mainly comes from the ham itself. Sodium levels are also quite high, so people with high blood pressure may want to enjoy this appetizer in moderation. Overall, ham with olives makes a tasty treat that can be part of a balanced diet.
Price
Ham stuffed with olives is relatively affordable, thanks to its simple ingredients. Here are typical price ranges for the main items:
- Black Forest ham (8 ounces) – $3.50 – $6
- Green olives (6 ounce can) – $1.50 – $3
- Cream cheese (8 ounce package) – $2 – $3
- Onion – $0.50 – $1
Making a whole ham roll with fixings usually costs $10 – $15 and yields 15-20 appetizer portions. Buying pre-stuffed ham rolls from the deli counter runs $6 – $8 per pound.
So you can prepare this classic appetizer at home for much less than buying it ready-made. Consider making it for your next party or gathering – it’s budget-friendly and sure to please a crowd!
Variations
While the standard version is ham stuffed with green olives, there are endless ways to vary this dish:
- Olive type – Kalamata, picholine, mixed Mediterranean, etc
- Fillings – Diced pimentos, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, cheese, nuts, mustard
- Herbs & spices – Rosemary, thyme, oregano, red pepper flakes, etc
- Prep method – Grilled, baked, browned in a skillet
- Shape – Rolled into a log, stuffed into a pocket, sliced pinwheel style
- Accompaniments – Jams, chutneys, pickles, mustards, breads
Feel free to get creative and make this classic appetizer your own! The possibilities are nearly endless for crafting delicious ham stuffed with olives.
Storing and Freezing
To maximize freshness and shelf life, properly store any uneaten stuffed ham:
Refrigerating:
– Store in an airtight container for 3-5 days.
– Keep ham rolls whole, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap if cut.
– Slice as needed, the olive filling helps preserve the ham.
Freezing:
– Cool ham completely before freezing for optimal texture.
– Double wrap ham rolls in plastic wrap and foil.
– Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw in fridge overnight before serving.
– For longer freezer storage, slice ham first. Separate slices with parchment paper.
Proper refrigeration and freezing will keep olive-stuffed ham fresh for enjoyment throughout the week. The salty ham and briny olives act as natural preservatives. With some simple storage steps, you can make this appetizer in advance for parties or meals.
Try This Tasty Recipe
Want to whip up your own olive-stuffed ham roll at home? Here is an easy recipe to try:
Ingredients:
– 8 ounces deli sliced Black Forest ham
– 1/2 cup diced green olives
– 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
– 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Toothpicks
Instructions:
1. Butterfly the ham slices by slicing horizontally through the middles. Open up and lay flat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together olives, cream cheese, thyme and mustard.
3. Spread olive filling evenly over ham slices. Roll up into a log.
4. Use toothpicks to hold rolled ham closed.
5. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until warmed through.
6. Cool 5 minutes, then slice roll between toothpicks into rounds.
Now you can enjoy restaurant-quality olive-stuffed ham you made at home! This recipe is budget-friendly, easy to make, and ideal for appetizer trays, parties, and dinners. Adjust the fillings to your taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about ham stuffed with olives:
What kind of ham works best?
Pre-cooked, cured ham such as Black Forest ham. Prosciutto, Serrano, or smoked ham also work well. Avoid very fatty ham hocks.
Can I use store-bought stuffed olives?
Absolutely! Store-bought olive mixes with pimentos, garlic, or jalapeños can save prep time. Drain any brine before stuffing into ham.
How do I prevent the ham from unrolling?
Use toothpicks to hold the ham roll closed, and add extra toothpicks when slicing to keep rounds intact. Chilling the stuffed ham helps firm it up too.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover ham?
Leftover slices or rounds can go right from fridge to skillet or oven to warm up. Bake at 300°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Can I freeze the stuffed olives and ham?
Yes, it freezes well for 2-3 months! Wrap the stuffed log tightly in plastic and foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Conclusion
Olive-stuffed ham offers the perfect marriage of salty, savory ham and bright, briny olives. This classic appetizer has stood the test of time, with many regional names and variations. While easy to buy ready-made, it’s simple to whip up at home with just ham, olives, and a few additional ingredients.
Part of olive-stuffed ham’s appeal is its versatility – serve it as a party food, appetizer, salad topping, or dinner entree. The ingredients are budget-friendly, and extras keep well refrigerated or frozen. There are so many ways to make this delicious dish your own, from the type of olives to added flavors.
Next time you need an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe, give olive-stuffed ham a try. This tasty appetizer is sure to be the star of any gathering.