Easter brunch is one of the great Southern traditions, a table loaded with good food, surrounded by people you love, with nowhere to be and no reason to rush. And if there's one ingredient that belongs at the center of that table, it's a proper Virginia country ham from Padow's.
Country ham is one of those rare ingredients that works in almost any format. It's salty and deeply savory, qualities that make it equally at home on a biscuit as it is alongside eggs, folded into a savory pie, or draped over a grazing board. If you're planning an Easter brunch and wondering how to serve your ham for Easter in a way that feels special, here are five crowd-pleasing ideas that are simple enough to pull off on a holiday morning.
1. Petite Country Ham Slider Rolls
For a crowd-pleasing appetizer that disappears in minutes, our Petite Country Ham Slider Rolls are a must-have. These small but mighty sandwiches feature thinly sliced Padow’s country ham tucked into soft rolls with a savory glaze. They are the perfect size for a brunch spread, allowing guests to enjoy a classic ham sandwich without filling up before the main course.
2. Country Ham & Cheese Pinwheels
If you are looking for a visually stunning addition to your table, Country Ham and Cheese Pinwheels offer a beautiful swirl of flavor. Using puff pastry or dough, these bite-sized treats bake up golden and crisp, highlighting the saltiness of the ham against melted cheese. They are easy to grab-and-go, making them ideal for a busy Easter morning.
3. The Country Ham Easter Board
If you want maximum impact with minimal cooking, a country ham easter board is your answer. This approach allows you to act as an artist, building a spread that is unique to your family's tastes. Start by anchoring the board with your Padow’s country ham, folding or fanning the slices to create a textured focal point. From there, build outward with your favorite cheeses, think a mix of sharp blocks and creamy wedges, and add small ramekins for honey, mustards, or fruit preserves to keep flavors distinct. To add that signature Southern flair, scatter Virginia peanuts and snappy pickles into the remaining gaps for a satisfying crunch. Finish with fresh seasonal fruits or vegetables for a pop of spring color, and tuck in your choice of crackers or mini biscuits. This setup doubles as a stunning centerpiece, encouraging guests to linger and snack while they catch up.
4. Traditional Country Ham Pie
For a hearty, comforting centerpiece, try our Country Ham Pie. This recipe leans into the deep, savory profile of dry-cured ham, baked into a flaky crust that feels elegant enough for a holiday meal. It’s a sophisticated take on brunch fare that pairs beautifully with a light spring salad or roasted asparagus.
5. Classic Country Ham Salad
No Southern brunch is complete without a bowl of Country Ham Salad. This versatile dish can be served in a decorative bowl with crackers, used to fill finger sandwiches, or even dolloped onto halved hard-boiled eggs for a "deviled" twist. It’s a great way to use every bit of your Padow’s ham, delivering a punch of savory flavor in every bite.
The Foundation of Every Great Easter Brunch Dish
What all five of these ideas have in common is the ham itself. Padow's Virginia country ham, dry-cured and aged the traditional way, brings a depth of flavor to every dish that a grocery store ham simply cannot match. Whether you're making sliders for four or a ham pie for the whole family, the quality of your ham for Easter is what people will remember.
Easter hams from Padow's are available to order online and ship directly to your door. Order early, our hams sell out as the holiday approaches, and this is one ingredient worth planning ahead for.
