Save This cherry glazed ham breakfast pasta transforms ordinary breakfast ingredients into an extraordinary morning feast that will delight your family. The combination of sweet cherry glaze with savory ham and creamy eggs creates a perfect balance that elevates pasta into a breakfast-worthy dish unlike anything you've tried before.
I created this recipe after a holiday gathering left us with abundant leftover ham. My family was growing tired of standard ham sandwiches, and this creative twist became an instant hit that we now prepare even when we don't have leftovers to use up.
Ingredients
- spaghetti or fettuccine: 300g Quality matters here as it forms the base of your dish. Choose a pasta that holds sauce well.
- cooked ham: 250g Look for thick-cut ham with minimal processing for the best flavor and texture. Leftover holiday ham works beautifully.
- cherry preserves: 120g The star ingredient that creates the unique sweet-savory balance. Choose preserves with visible cherry pieces for texture.
- balsamic vinegar: 1 tbsp Adds depth and cuts through sweetness. Aged balsamic creates the richest flavor.
- Dijon mustard: 1 tbsp Provides tangy complexity that balances the sweetness. Whole grain works too for extra texture.
- brown sugar: 1 tbsp Enhances the caramelization of the glaze. Dark brown sugar adds more molasses notes.
- large eggs: 4 The fresher the better for creamiest texture. Room temperature eggs scramble more evenly.
- milk: 2 tbsp Helps create tender scrambled eggs. Whole milk provides the best richness.
- unsalted butter: 1 tbsp For scrambling eggs. European-style butter adds extra richness.
- Fresh chives or parsley: Fresh Brightens the dish with color and fresh flavor. Snip with scissors rather than chopping for best appearance.
- Parmesan cheese: Optional but recommended for savory depth. Freshly grated melts better than pre-grated varieties.
- Salt and black pepper: Season to taste. Freshly cracked pepper makes a noticeable difference.
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Fill a large pot with water until it's about three-quarters full and add a generous tablespoon of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Add your pasta and stir immediately to prevent sticking. Cook according to package directions until al dente typically 8 to 10 minutes. Test by biting into a strand it should be tender but still have a slight firmness in the center. Drain thoroughly in a colander but do not rinse. Return pasta to the pot and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking while you prepare the remaining components.
- Create the Cherry Glaze:
- In a medium saucepan combine cherry preserves balsamic vinegar Dijon mustard and brown sugar. Start with medium heat and whisk continuously until ingredients are fully incorporated about 1 minute. Once combined allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer not a full boil. You'll notice it starting to thicken slightly and become more glossy. Continue cooking for 3 to 4 minutes stirring occasionally to prevent burning. The glaze should coat the back of a spoon when ready.
- Transform the Ham:
- Add your diced ham directly to the saucepan with the simmering cherry glaze. Gently fold the ham pieces until each one is thoroughly coated with the sticky sweet glaze. Allow the ham to heat through completely about 3 to 4 minutes while absorbing the flavors. The ham should look glossy and caramelized. If the glaze becomes too thick add a tablespoon of water to loosen it. Remove from heat once ham is heated through but keep in the warm pan.
- Perfect the Eggs:
- Crack eggs into a medium bowl and add milk salt and pepper. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely uniform with no visible egg white streaks. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat this gentle heat is crucial for creamy eggs. Add butter and swirl until melted and foaming subsides. Pour in the egg mixture and wait about 30 seconds until the edges begin to set. Using a silicone spatula gently pull the eggs from the edges toward the center creating large soft folds. Continue this motion until eggs are just set but still glossy and moist about 2 minutes. Remove from heat while still slightly underdone as they will continue cooking.
- Assemble the Dish:
- In your largest serving bowl place the olive oil-tossed pasta as the foundation. Spoon the cherry-glazed ham mixture including all the sauce evenly over the pasta. Using two large forks or tongs gently lift and fold the ingredients together ensuring the glaze coats the pasta strands. Once combined add the scrambled eggs in sections around the dish and fold them in very gently just enough to incorporate without breaking them up too much. The eggs should remain in soft pillowy sections throughout the pasta.
Save The cherry preserves are truly what make this dish special. I discovered this combination by accident when making a charcuterie board that placed ham near some cherry jam. The flavors complemented each other so perfectly that I began experimenting with ways to incorporate them into more substantial dishes. Now my family requests this pasta specifically when they know we'll have leftover ham from a holiday meal.
Make-Ahead Options
While this breakfast pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare components ahead of time to streamline your morning cooking. The cherry glaze can be made up to three days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Simply reheat gently before adding the ham. You can also dice the ham and store it separately. The morning of serving, you'll only need to cook the pasta, heat the glaze with ham, scramble the eggs, and assemble. This approach is particularly helpful when hosting brunch gatherings where you want to minimize last-minute cooking.
Ingredient Substitutions
This recipe offers wonderful flexibility to accommodate dietary preferences and pantry availability. For a lighter version, substitute turkey ham or Canadian bacon for traditional ham. The cherry preserves can be swapped with apricot, fig, or even orange marmalade for different flavor profiles. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works beautifully for those with dietary restrictions. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter for scrambling eggs and omit the Parmesan or replace with nutritional yeast. The balsamic vinegar can be substituted with red wine vinegar plus a half teaspoon of honey if needed.
Serving Suggestions
This cherry glazed ham breakfast pasta creates a stunning centerpiece for a brunch spread. Serve it alongside a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. For a complete breakfast experience, offer a basket of warm croissants or crusty bread. The sweet-savory profile pairs beautifully with both coffee and mimosas, making it perfect for celebratory brunches. For a gorgeous presentation, serve family-style in a large, shallow bowl garnished with additional fresh herbs and cherry tomato halves for color contrast. A light dusting of freshly grated Parmesan adds an elegant finishing touch.
Seasonal Adaptations
Spring Version Use asparagus tips and peas alongside the ham for a fresh spring flavor. Summer Variation Add halved cherry tomatoes and basil instead of chives for a summer twist. Fall Adaptation Incorporate diced roasted butternut squash for autumnal warmth.
Success Stories
Many home cooks have shared their success with this recipe, particularly when entertaining overnight guests. One reader mentioned serving it for Christmas morning brunch to unanimous acclaim, while another adapted it for a potluck by keeping components separate and assembling on site. Several have noted that even pasta-skeptical breakfast eaters were won over by the unique flavor combination. The most common feedback highlights how the dish elevates leftover ham into something guests never suspect was repurposed.
Save This cherry glazed ham breakfast pasta is a symphony of flavors that redefines breakfast. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of sweet, savory, and creamy textures, proving that pasta truly has a place at the breakfast table.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can other types of ham be used?
Yes, turkey or chicken ham can be substituted for pork ham. Opt for fully cooked varieties for best results.
- → What pasta shapes work best?
Spaghetti and fettuccine are ideal, but penne or rigatoni can be used for a different texture and bite.
- → How sweet is the cherry glaze?
The glaze offers a subtle sweetness, balanced by tangy balsamic vinegar and Dijon mustard for savory complexity.
- → Can the eggs be prepared differently?
Soft scrambled eggs lend creaminess, but poached or fried eggs are also delicious with this dish.
- → What can I use for garnish?
Fresh chives or parsley are recommended, with optional grated Parmesan for a richer finish.