Save This cherry glazed ham breakfast pasta transforms ordinary morning ingredients into something extraordinary. The sweet-savory combination of cherry-glazed ham paired with creamy scrambled eggs and al dente pasta creates a hearty breakfast that feels special enough for weekend brunches yet simple enough for a weekday power meal.
I first created this recipe after Easter when we had mountains of leftover ham and wanted something beyond the usual ham sandwich. My family was skeptical about pasta for breakfast until they tasted the combination of sweet cherry glaze with savory elements. Now it's requested whenever we have houseguests.
Ingredients
- penne or fusilli pasta : 300g The spiral or tube shapes catch the glaze perfectly
- cooked ham cut into cubes : 250g Look for thick cut ham with minimal processing
- cherry preserves : 120g Use preserves with visible fruit pieces for best texture
- Dijon mustard : 1 tbsp Adds tanginess that balances the sweetness
- apple cider vinegar : 1 tbsp Brings brightness to cut through richness
- brown sugar : 1 tbsp Enhances caramelization of the glaze
- unsalted butter : 1 tbsp Creates silky texture in the glaze
- large eggs : 4 Room temperature eggs scramble more evenly
- whole milk : 2 tbsp Creates creamier scrambled eggs
- Salt and pepper : Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper make a difference
- chopped fresh chives or parsley : 2 tbsp Fresh herbs add color and brightness
- grated Parmesan cheese optional : 40g Choose authentic Parmigiano Reggiano if possible
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a generous tablespoon of salt until it tastes like seawater. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente usually 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining. Toss drained pasta with olive oil to prevent sticking and set aside. The pasta should have a slight bite as it will continue to absorb moisture from the other components.
- Prepare the Cherry Glaze:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat combine cherry preserves Dijon mustard apple cider vinegar and brown sugar. Whisk continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and begins to bubble which takes about 3 to 4 minutes. The glaze should coat the back of a spoon but still be pourable. If too thick add a tablespoon of water. The color should deepen slightly as the sugars begin to caramelize.
- Glaze the Ham:
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium high heat until foaming subsides. Add ham cubes in a single layer allowing them to brown without stirring for about 1 minute. Toss and continue cooking until lightly browned on multiple sides about 2 more minutes. Pour the warm cherry glaze over the ham reduce heat to medium low and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes stirring occasionally until each piece is thoroughly coated and the glaze has thickened further creating a glossy finish. Remove from heat to prevent the sugars from burning.
- Scramble the Eggs:
- In a medium bowl whisk together eggs milk a pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper until well combined but not overly frothy. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium low heat. Pour in the egg mixture and let it set slightly for about 30 seconds. Using a silicone spatula gently push the eggs from the edges toward the center creating large soft curds. Continue this process until eggs are just set but still look slightly wet and glossy about 2 minutes total. They will continue cooking from residual heat.
- Combine Components:
- In a large bowl gently combine the warm pasta cherry glazed ham and scrambled eggs. Toss with a light hand to prevent breaking up the egg curds. If the mixture seems dry add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. The heat from the pasta and ham will help the components meld together without additional cooking.
Save The cherry preserves are truly the star ingredient in this recipe. I discovered this combination by accident when I ran out of maple syrup one morning and grabbed the nearest sweet condiment. The bright fruitiness against the smoky ham creates a flavor profile that feels both familiar and surprising. My mother in law who claims to dislike sweet meat dishes asked for seconds and the recipe.
Make-Ahead Options
This breakfast pasta can be partially prepared ahead of time to make your morning routine smoother. Cook the pasta the night before, toss with a bit of olive oil, and refrigerate in an airtight container. The cherry glaze can also be made in advance and stored separately. In the morning, reheat the pasta briefly in the microwave or by dunking in hot water for 30 seconds, then continue with glazing the ham and scrambling the eggs. This approach saves about 15 minutes of preparation time while maintaining the fresh quality of the dish.
Ingredient Substitutions
The beauty of this breakfast pasta lies in its flexibility. If cherry preserves aren't available, try apricot, peach, or even orange marmalade for different but equally delicious flavor profiles. Turkey ham, Canadian bacon, or even thick-cut bacon can replace the ham. For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with sautéed mushrooms and increase the eggs to six. Dairy-free diners can use plant-based butter and milk alternatives in the eggs, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. Gluten-sensitive eaters can swap in their favorite gluten-free pasta without compromising the overall experience.
Serving Suggestions
This breakfast pasta shines as the centerpiece of a morning spread. Serve it alongside a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil to cut through the richness. For a complete brunch, add a basket of warm crusty bread and softened butter. A fruit platter featuring fresh berries complements the cherry notes in the glaze. For beverages, offer both coffee and a sparkling option like Prosecco mixed with a splash of orange juice or a non-alcoholic spritzer made with sparkling water and a dash of cherry juice.
Seasonal Adaptations
Spring Version Add blanched asparagus tips and substitute some of the ham with spring peas Summer Twist Include halved cherry tomatoes and fresh basil instead of chives Fall Variation Add roasted butternut squash cubes and sage leaves Winter Comfort Include roasted Brussels sprouts and a sprinkle of toasted walnuts
Leftovers Transformation
Should you have leftovers, transform them into an entirely new dish the next day. Form cold breakfast pasta into patties, dip in beaten egg and breadcrumbs, then pan-fry until golden and crisp. These breakfast pasta cakes make an excellent lunch served with a side salad. Alternatively, add chicken broth to the leftovers, simmer gently, and enjoy a unique breakfast pasta soup. The flavors actually develop overnight, making the leftovers sometimes even more delicious than the original dish.
Save This recipe proves that breakfast doesn't need to be confined to traditional morning fare. By reimagining pasta as a breakfast ingredient and pairing it with the unexpected combination of cherry-glazed ham and eggs, we create something that feels both innovative and comforting. I hope this dish inspires you to think beyond conventional breakfast boundaries and embrace creativity in your morning routine.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Penne or fusilli work particularly well as their shapes hold the cherry glaze and bits of ham, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- → How can I make this meal vegetarian?
Omit the ham and substitute with sautéed mushrooms or your favorite meat alternative for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- → Is it possible to prepare the cherry glaze ahead of time?
Yes, the cherry glaze can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat before tossing with ham.
- → What garnishes pair well with this breakfast pasta?
Fresh chopped chives or parsley add color and flavor, while grated Parmesan provides an extra savory note if desired.
- → Can this be made gluten-free?
Simply use your preferred gluten-free pasta to adapt the dish for gluten sensitivities or dietary preferences.
- → What beverage goes well with this meal?
Pair with sparkling wine or fresh orange juice to complement the dish's sweet and savory flavors.