Popular in Mexico and many parts of Latin America, Huevos con Jamon is a simple and delicious breakfast that is made with just two ingredients. Serve these scrambled eggs with ham on their own, or with a side of refried beans or tortillas for a quick and easy meal or a weekend brunch.
Like Huevos con Salchicha, Huevos con Tortilla or Huevos con Chorizo, today's recipe is a quick and easy, two ingredient breakfast.
This easy scramble has been a favorite since childhood and one that I now feed to my kids. We all love the combination of fluffy eggs with salty ham, and I especially like how hearty and full of protein it is.
Although simple, this recipe is truly delicious, so let me show you how to make it.
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What is huevos con jamón?
Huevos con jamón literally means "eggs with ham," which perfectly describes this dish consisting of eggs scrambled together with pieces of ham.
It is a classic breakfast popular in Mexico and other parts of Latin America. This recipe has various iterations from one country to the next or even from one family to another.
In today's post, I am showing you the simplest way to prepare this tasty ham and egg scramble, but you will find I've also included different serving suggestions and tasty variations.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This dish comes together quickly, is easy to prepare, and requires minimal ingredients.
- Flavorful Combination: The salty, smoky ham complements the savory, scrambled eggs beautifully.
- Versatile: Although usually served for breakfast, this dish can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. It is also easy to customize with different ingredients or toppings.
- Hearty and Nutritious: Eggs are a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, Ham is high in protein and fat. Together, they make a balanced meal that provides energy and keeps you satiated.
- Whole30 and Paleo Friendly: By using high quality ham without sugar and fillers, then this recipe can be paleo, gluten-free, and Whole30.
Check out these other delicious breakfast recipes: Spicy Ground Pork Omelet and Jalapeño Bacon Casserole.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Eggs: I prefer pasture-raised eggs, which have more vitamins and healthy fats, but any type of eggs will work.
- Ham: Use deli ham, Canadian bacon, or any ham variety you prefer. Be sure to check the ingredients if you are following a Whole30, paleo, or gluten-free diet.
- Salt (Optional): Ham tends to be salty so I suggest either adding a small pinch of salt or none at all.
- Oil: Use oil to sauté the ham and to fry the eggs. For this you'll want a neutral-tasting oil. I prefer a mild-tasting olive oil or avocado oil for their superior health benefits, but vegetable oil will also work. You can also use butter for a richer flavor.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Scrambled Eggs with Ham
- Dice Ham: Dice ham into smaller pieces.
- Cook Ham: Heat oil in a frying pan or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the diced ham to the pan. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the ham is warm and starts to brown at the edges.
- Scramble Eggs: Use a fork to scramble the eggs in a separate bowl. Season with a pinch of salt.
- Add Eggs: Lower heat to medium low. Pour the eggs into the pan over the ham. Stir and fold the eggs and ham together with a spatula. Continue to cook until the eggs are cooked to your liking. Taste and add salt if needed. Serve.
Recommended for This Recipe
Lodge Cast-Iron Skillet
These skillets offer excellent heat retention, perfect for sautéing, pan-frying, and roasting. With each use, they become more seasoned, making them a great choice for cooking eggs.
How to Serve
Eggs with ham is a delicious and satisfying breakfast or brunch all by itself, but is also great served in one of the following ways:
- Serve with corn tortillas, flour tortillas, or toast
- Make it into a burrito
- Serve with a side of frijoles refritos (Mexican refried beans)
- Top with salsa, like this jalapeño salsa, salsa verde, or salsa bandera
How to Store and Reheat
This dish is best served and eaten as soon as it is prepared. However, if you have leftovers, place them in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.
To reheat, place the eggs and ham in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Tips and Variations
- Make it "a la Mexicana": Sauté some diced onion, tomato, and jalapeño with the ham for a variation similar to huevos a la Mexicana.
- Make it an omelette: Cook as an omelette and even add extra veggies like bell pepper, spinach, or mushrooms.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle some cheese on top before serving or fold it into the eggs when cooking.
FAQ
Yes, this recipe is loaded with protein and eggs provide essential vitamins and minerals. Just note that ham can be high in sodium and saturated fat, so if this is a concern, opt for leaner types of ham or use it in moderation.
Yes, you can use different types of ham, such as deli ham, Canadian bacon serrano ham, cooked ham, or even prosciutto. I love to use leftover ham from Thanksgiving or Easter in this dish too.
To avoid dry eggs, be sure to not overcook them. The eggs should be just set, not dry and rubbery. You can also add a splash of milk or cream to the eggs before cooking which will help add moisture.
I hope you enjoy! If you try this recipe, please leave me a comment with a star rating below. Also, be sure to follow me on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest to stay in touch, and don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter.
Related
Looking for other breakfast recipes? Try these:
Recipe
Huevos con Jamon (Scrambled Eggs with Ham)
Equipment
- frying pan or cast-iron skillet
- cutting board
- Knife
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 2-3 slices of ham (usually 1 slice per egg)
- ½ tablespoon neutral-tasting oil olive oil, avocado oil or vegetable oil
- salt (optional, see notes)
Instructions
- Dice ham into smaller pieces.
- Heat oil in a frying pan or cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced ham to the pan. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the ham is warm and starts to brown at the edges.
- Use a fork to scramble eggs in a separate bowl.
- Lower heat to medium low.
- Pour the eggs into the pan over the ham.
- Stir and fold the eggs and ham together with a spatula.
- Continue to cook until the eggs are cooked to your liking.
- Serve alone or with a side of refried beans, tortillas, and a salsa.
Notes
- Ham tends to be salty so I suggest either adding a small pinch of salt or none at all.
- Cook the ham and eggs in butter, rather than oil, for a richer flavor.
- Add diced onion, tomato, and jalapeño with the ham for a variation similar to huevos a la Mexicana.
Parvaneh
Very tasty
Gemma
Thank you! So happy you liked it.
Katie
I made this for my kids and they loved it. I then had some and added you green salsa and wow! I love this breakfast!
Gemma
Thank you Katie! Such a simple breakfast but it's such a great combo. My kids also love it!
Noemi
We had so much ham leftover from Thanksgiving so I tried it in this recipe and it was a hit. We went through all of our ham in the past few days by having this breakfast as repeat. My kids are already asking when we can buy ham so they can have this again.
Gemma
Hi Noemi, I am so happy to hear that. I love it with leftover Thanksgiving ham!