Ham and bacon: the dynamic duo of the deli world. One is rich and savory, while the other is smoky and crisp. On their own, each is delicious, but when they’re thoughtfully paired together, they create flavor that’s greater than the sum of their parts.
Whether you’re assembling a festive brunch or building a grazing board that’s sure to delight, you can’t go wrong with uncured ham, bacon, and other healthy deli meat.
If you’re ready to level up your culinary creativity, let’s explore some of the best ways to pair these two deli favorites this holiday season (with a few unexpected twists along the way).
The Basics: Why Ham and Bacon Make the Perfect Holiday Pair
At first glance, ham and bacon may seem too similar to make a compelling pair. But if you take a closer look at their flavor profiles, you’ll find that their subtle differences are what make them such a tasty match for your holiday table:
- Texture contrast – Ham offers a soft and juicy bite while bacon brings the crunch. Together, they create a satisfying range of textures.
- Flavor depth – Ham leans sweet and mild, while bacon brings the smoke and sizzle. The result? A perfectly balanced bite.
- Versatility – Both deli meats play well with sweet, spicy, tangy, and savory elements. This makes them easy to pair in a wide range of dishes.
When combined with a purpose in mind, ham and bacon can add harmony and contrast to your plate in the most delicious way.
Why Go Nitrate Free?
You’ve seen it on the packaging—no nitrates added—but what does that really mean?
- Back to basics – Nitrate-free meats skip the synthetic preservatives in favor of naturally sourced curing agents, like sea salt or celery powder.
- Clean-label confidence – Fewer additives mean more transparency, so you know exactly what you’re putting on your plate.
- Full flavor, no compromise – Going nitrate-free doesn’t mean sacrificing on taste. You can still get the signature ham and bacon flavors you love, without the extras.
When you choose nitrate-free options this holiday season, you bring honest ingredients to the table and real flavor to every dish.
Best Holiday Options for You and Your Loved Ones
When you’re deciding what to serve this season, it all starts with the right ingredients. Here are three holiday favorites guaranteed to deliver quality and flavor to your table:
Uncured Ham
Crafted with care and free from synthetic nitrates, this ham delivers rich flavor and natural sweetness.
It’s perfect for your main course or a star addition to brunches and boards.
Bacon
Thick-sliced and slow-smoked for deep, smoky richness, applewood-smoked bacon adds just the right touch of crisp. A true holiday MVP.
Turkey Breast
Tender and delicately seasoned, this lean option balances out bolder flavors like bacon and ham. It offers an easy way to add delectable variety to sandwiches or buffet spreads.
Brunch Ideas That Start the Celebration Right
A holiday brunch is the perfect excuse to get a little fancy (and a little indulgent). Ham and bacon shine brightest in warm dishes that fill the kitchen with irresistible aromas:
- Ham and bacon egg cups – Ham forms the base while bacon adds crispiness. The egg in the middle ties this dish together.[1]
- Breakfast skewers – Stack roasted potatoes, cherry tomatoes, diced ham, and bacon slices on a skewer for a festive and fork-free bite.[2]
- Hearty bacon and ham hash – A stovetop classic made better with two types of protein, potatoes, and plenty of herbs.
Brunch is better when every bite is shareable (and packed with flavor), and this deli pairing makes it happen.
Sweet and Savory Pairings That Steal the Show
When ham and bacon meet seasonal ingredients like fruit, honey, or maple, the result is balanced and entirely celebratory. Here are some recipes that highlight the dynamic delight of this duo’s sweet and savory potential:
- Ham-wrapped roasted pears with bacon
- Bacon, apple, and ham crostinis
- Mini ham sliders with bacon and jam
These combinations bring just the right blend of salty and sweet to your holiday spread.
Cooking and Pairing Tips: Preparing Meats for Thanksgiving and Beyond
Whether you’re planning Thanksgiving dinner or prepping for winter holiday gatherings, here’s how to get the most out of your favorite deli meats:
- Crisp bacon ahead of time – Bake bacon in the oven until golden and store it in a paper towel-lined container for easy use in recipes or on boards.
- Pair with bright sides – Balance rich meats, like ham, with sides like citrus-dressed greens or pickled onions.
- Use bacon as a garnish – With such a strong, smoky flavor, a little goes a long way when it comes to bacon. Think bacon crumbles over mashed potatoes or creamy dips.
These small touches can make a big difference, especially when it comes to factors like texture and presentation.
Bring Home the Flavor This Holiday Season with Wellshire
From Thanksgiving dinner to New Year’s brunch, uncured ham and bacon bring feel-good flavor to every gathering. No matter the season, these classic ingredients never go out of style—especially if you choose high-quality options.
At Wellshire, our uncured ham, applewood-smoked bacon, organic turkey breast, and other meats are thoughtfully made with real ingredients and time-honored techniques.
This season, serve something worth celebrating with Wellshire.
Sources:
Great British Chefs. British Gem Potato and Bacon Skewers. https://www.greatbritishchefs.com/recipes/perline-potato-and-bacon-skewers-recipe
Wellness Mama. Simple Ham and Egg Cups. https://wellnessmama.com/recipes/ham-egg-breakfast-cups/
