Serrano ham is savoury, gently salty and full of flavour, so it pairs beautifully with sweet fruit, tangy cheese, crisp bread and bright Spanish sides. Here are easy ways to serve it, whether you’re putting together a tapas board or a simple starter.
Eight things to serve with Serrano ham
- Tomato toast: Rub ripe tomato over toasted bread, drizzle with olive oil and top with a slice of Serrano ham.
- Manchego and Membrillo: Pair the nutty cheese with a little sweet membrillo to balance the ham’s savouriness.
- Olives and almonds: A bowl of olives and toasted almonds adds briny flavour and crunch to a tapas spread.
- Fresh figs or melon: Their sweetness makes a refreshing contrast to thinly sliced ham.
- Roasted peppers: Serve strips of sweet roasted pepper with olive oil and a splash of sherry vinegar.
- Artichokes: Tender artichoke hearts with lemon and olive oil make a light, savoury side.
- Good bread: Choose a crusty baguette or country loaf to carry the ham and its juices.
- Spanish drinks: Try a dry fino or manzanilla sherry, cava, or a Spanish red you enjoy with food.
How to build a simple Serrano ham board
Arrange the ham in loose folds so it’s easy to pick up. Add one or two cheeses, something sweet such as figs or quince paste, olives, almonds and slices of bread. Keep the board simple so the Serrano ham remains the star.
If the ham has been chilled, follow the package guidance and let only the portion you plan to serve come briefly toward room temperature for the best aroma and texture.
Easy ways to serve Serrano ham
For a quick starter, put a slice of ham on tomato toast. For a relaxed lunch, serve it with Manchego, fruit and bread. For tapas, combine small portions of ham, olives, roasted peppers and almonds so guests can mix and match.
Ready to plan your board? Browse our whole Serrano hams.