Do People Eat Ham for Breakfast? The Surprising Culinary Traditions

January 1, 2026 •

4 min read

For many Americans, ham and eggs is a staple of an 'old-fashioned American breakfast,' a tradition rooted in agrarian practices and strategic marketing from the early 20th century. This practice is just one example of the global tradition of eating ham to start the day.

Quick Summary

Ham is a popular and versatile breakfast meat enjoyed in many cultures, featured in dishes like ham and eggs, omelets, sandwiches, and hashes. Historically, its popularity was influenced by both farming lifestyles needing high-protein meals and deliberate advertising campaigns.

Key Points

Prevalence: Yes, ham is a widely consumed breakfast food, especially in the United States and parts of Europe, appearing in many traditional dishes.
History: The tradition emerged from the needs of agrarian lifestyles, which required high-protein meals for manual labor, and was later boosted by strategic marketing in the 20th century.
Variety: Several types of ham are used for breakfast, including country ham, city ham (deli slices), and ham steaks, each offering a distinct flavor profile and preparation method.
Nutrients: Ham is a good source of protein, B vitamins, zinc, and iron, providing energy for the day.
Versatility: It can be incorporated into a wide range of breakfast recipes, from simple ham and eggs to complex casseroles, scrambles, and hashes.
Moderation: Due to its processed nature and high sodium content, it is recommended to consume ham in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

History and Origins of Ham for Breakfast

The practice of eating cured pork products like ham for breakfast has deep historical roots. The ability to preserve meat through salting and smoking was a critical development in early human history, allowing for a consistent food source year-round. In the United States, particularly, the popularity of breakfast ham grew from both necessity and clever marketing.

During America's agrarian past, a hearty, hot breakfast was essential to fuel a long day of physical farm labor. Cured pork, including ham, was readily available and provided a high-protein, energy-rich meal when paired with eggs and grains. This practical, no-nonsense meal became a standard for many farming families. Later, in the 1920s, the meat industry launched advertising campaigns promoting a heavy, meat-and-eggs breakfast as a healthy and desirable way to start the day, solidifying its place in American culture.

Types of Ham for Your Morning Meal

Not all ham is created equal when it comes to breakfast. Different preparations offer unique flavors and textures, making some varieties more suited for morning dishes than others.

Country Ham: A dry-cured, salty ham with an intense flavor, famously used in Southern dishes like country ham with red-eye gravy. It is often soaked to reduce its saltiness before frying.
City Ham: This is the most common type of ham, wet-cured and sold fully cooked. It is milder and sweeter than country ham, making it ideal for dicing into omelets or casseroles.
Ham Steak (Breakfast Ham): A pre-sliced, tender cut from the ham, perfect for a quick pan-fry or sizzle. It's the go-to for classic ham and eggs.
Peameal Ham (Canadian Bacon): This cured, unsmoked pork loin is a Canadian specialty, rolled in cornmeal. It's tender and lean, often served in sandwiches for breakfast.
Black Forest Ham: A dry-cured, smoked ham with a distinct flavor. Its bold taste makes it a great addition to European-style breakfast boards with cheese and bread.

Popular Ham Breakfast Dishes

Ham's versatility allows it to star in a wide variety of breakfast and brunch dishes.

Ham and Eggs: A timeless classic, featuring pan-fried ham slices served alongside eggs prepared to your liking (scrambled, fried, or poached).
Breakfast Hash: Diced ham is a perfect ingredient for a breakfast hash, combined with potatoes, onions, and bell peppers for a savory, hearty meal.
Omelets and Scrambles: Mixing diced ham with eggs, cheese, and vegetables is a simple and effective way to enjoy ham for breakfast.
Breakfast Sandwiches: A slice of ham, cheese, and a fried egg on an English muffin or toast is a popular and quick breakfast choice.
Breakfast Casseroles: Combining cubed ham with eggs, hash browns, and cheese in a bakeable casserole is an excellent option for feeding a crowd, especially for a holiday brunch.

Comparison of Common Breakfast Ham Types


Feature	Country Ham	City Ham (Deli Slices)	Ham Steak (Breakfast Ham)
Flavor	Very salty, smoky, intense	Milder, often sweet or smoky	Moderate smoky, savory
Saltiness	High	Low to moderate	Moderate
Preparation	Requires cooking; may need soaking	Ready to eat; can be heated	Pan-fried quickly
Texture	Dense, firm	Soft, tender	Firm
Best for...	Traditional Southern dishes, rich gravies	Omelets, casseroles, sandwiches	Classic ham and eggs, quick frying

Nutritional Considerations

Ham can be a good source of protein, which helps provide sustained energy throughout the morning. It is also a source of B vitamins, zinc, and iron. However, it's important to be mindful of its processed nature and sodium content. For example, a single slice of ham can contain significant sodium. Processed red meats like ham have also been linked to potential health risks when consumed in high amounts. Therefore, moderation is key.

How to Incorporate Ham into Your Breakfast

There are numerous ways to add a delicious, savory element to your morning meal using ham:

Meal Prep Breakfast Cups: Use slices of ham to line muffin tin cups, then fill with an egg mixture and bake for a quick, portable breakfast.
Sweet and Savory: Pair sliced ham with sweeter items like raisin bread and cheese for a unique flavor profile.
Brunch Boards: Arrange slices of ham alongside cheeses, fresh fruit, jams, and dark bread for a beautiful and delicious spread.
Leftover Transformation: Use leftover holiday ham by dicing it into a breakfast hash or casserole the next day.

Conclusion: A Versatile Breakfast Staple

In conclusion, the answer to "Do people eat ham for breakfast?" is a resounding yes, driven by a blend of historical traditions, agricultural necessity, and culinary versatility. Whether it's the rich, salty flavor of country ham with red-eye gravy, the savory simplicity of a ham and egg scramble, or a sophisticated brunch board featuring Black Forest ham, this meat has proven its place at the breakfast table. While moderation is advisable due to its sodium and processed nature, ham remains a cherished part of morning meals for many people across different cultures and traditions. For more details on the health aspects of ham, you can review information from a source like Healthline on the topic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, ham is a popular breakfast food, particularly in the United States, where classic ham and eggs is a traditional meal. It is also enjoyed in breakfast dishes across many cultures globally.

The best kind of ham depends on the dish. Ham steak is ideal for quick frying, country ham adds intense flavor to Southern dishes, and diced city ham or Black Forest ham works well in omelets, casseroles, or on breakfast boards.

Ham offers protein and several nutrients, but it is a processed red meat with high sodium content. Consuming it in moderation as part of a balanced diet is recommended, as with any processed meat.

Yes, leftover ham is excellent for breakfast. It can be diced and added to hashes, scrambles, omelets, or breakfast casseroles, providing a flavorful way to utilize leftovers.

The tradition of eating ham for breakfast in America dates back to agrarian times, when a heavy, protein-rich meal was needed for farm work. This was further popularized by strategic marketing campaigns in the early 20th century.

For breakfast, ham is typically pan-fried, baked in a casserole, or diced and scrambled with eggs. Pre-cooked hams can simply be heated, while country ham often requires soaking and more thorough cooking.

Common ham breakfast dishes include ham and eggs, ham and cheese omelets, breakfast hash with diced ham, and baked breakfast casseroles.