Ham Flower Recipe

This recipe is a winner because it combines my all-time favorite flavors—creamy, tangy, and cheesy—into bite-sized perfection that’s perfect for any casual hangout or fancy gathering. Plus, the presentation is Insta-worthy and will definitely impress my friends with its adorable yet sophisticated flower design.

The ideal Ham Flower is striking and edible. It combines delicate ham with a creamy filling made from cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and chives.

Tangy cornichons add crunch. Cheddar adds flavor.

Ham Flowers would be tasty. And yet, I question them as a garnish.

They take something that’s already rare and make it even more scarce. And for what?

To make a plate of pork chops more aesthetically pleasing? Seriously.

That’s not cool.

Ingredients

Thinly Sliced Ham:
Savory, protein-packed base, adaptable in flavor.

Cream Cheese:
Provides a smooth, rich consistency, and a tangy note that blends flavors.

Dijon Mustard:
Gives a clean, zesty taste and adds to the overall spice profile.

Chives:
Slight onion flavor, pleasingly aromatic, adds freshness.

Cornichons/Gherkins:
Crisp, sharp, a bit sweet, this provides counterpoint.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese:
Rich, nutty, and cheesy, they balance and blend flavors.

Parsley/Herbs:
Adding color and fragrance is a fresh, vibrant garnish.

Ingredient Quantities

• 8 slices of thinly sliced ham
• 4 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives
• 8 small cornichons or gherkins, halved lengthwise
• 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• Fresh parsley or other herbs for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Arrange the 8 slices of thinly sliced ham on a spotless surface, taking care that they do not overlap or touch each other.

2. In a small bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and Dijon mustard together until they are smooth.

3. Finely chop the chives, and stir them into the mixture, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Evenly spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture over each slice of ham.

5. Take each slice of ham and place at one end a halved cornichon or gherkin.

6. Each slice should be sprinkled with a small amount of cheddar and a cornichon.

7. Starting from the end with the cornichon, roll each ham slice tightly to form a little roll.

8. Place the ham slices rolled in concentric circles on a platter to resemble the petals of a flower.

9. Add fresh parsley or herbs in the center or as desired to the Ham Flower for a flourish.

10. Refrigerate the dish for 15-20 minutes before serving to permit the flavors to meld.

Equipment Needed

1. Clean kitchen surface or cutting board
2. Small bowl
3. Spoon or spatula for mixing
4. Knife for chopping chives and halving cornichons
5. Measuring spoons and cups
6. Plate or tray for arranging and rolling
7. Platter for serving
8. Refrigerator for chilling

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of mustard instead of Dijon? Yes, you can use any mustard you prefer, but Dijon adds a nice tangy flavor that complements the ham well.
• What type of ham works best for this recipe?Deli ham that is sliced thinly works best for this, as it is easy to roll and form into flowers.
• Can I prepare the Ham Flowers in advance?Of course, you can put them together several hours ahead of time and chill them until it’s time to serve. Just keep them covered with plastic wrap so they stay fresh.
• Is there a substitute for cream cheese?Greek yogurt or a soft Ricotta cheese may be used as a substitution; however, there may be slight variations in texture and taste.
• Can I serve this as an appetizer?For sure! Ham Flowers serve as a charming and beautiful appetizer for any gathering or party.
• What other herbs can I use instead of parsley for garnish?Fresh dill, basil, or any other herb that pairs well with ham and cheese can be used.

Substitutions and Variations

Use thinly sliced turkey or chicken instead of ham for a different flavor.
To create a dairy-free option, use a plant-based cream cheese alternative instead of cream cheese.
Dijon mustard can be substituted with whole grain mustard or spicy brown mustard.
If chives are not available, a suitable substitute could be finely chopped green onions.
If you would rather use another cheese, mozzarella or Monterey Jack can substitute for cheddar cheese.

Pro Tips

1. Room Temperature Ingredients Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing it with the mustard and chives. This will ensure a smoother blend and make spreading on the ham easier.

2. Even Spreading Use the back of a spoon or a small offset spatula to spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the ham slices. This helps to ensure each bite is flavorful and balanced.

3. Chill Before Slicing After rolling, place the rolls in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes not only to meld flavors but also to firm them up. This makes them easier to slice neatly if you plan to serve them as bite-sized appetizers.

4. Crunchy Addition For an extra crunch, consider adding finely chopped nuts like pecans or almonds to the cream cheese mixture or sprinkling them over the rolled, spread ham before placing the cornichon.

5. Alternative Herbs If chives aren’t available or if you want to vary the flavor, try using other herbs like dill, basil, or tarragon in the cream cheese mixture, or as garnish, to complement the flavors of the ham and cheese.