What to Serve with Jamón Serrano: Ideas for Summer!
Summer is approaching, and although jamón serrano is enjoyed year-round, it is always helpful to have a few ideas on hand for setting up a snack table when the heat arrives. Of course, jamón will be a must in all our recommendations and, in fact, it will be the star of the show. So stop wondering what to serve with jamón serrano and take note of Enrique Tomás’s tips… let’s get to it!
How to Pair Jamón Serrano
In almost every home across the Iberian Peninsula, you will find a good leg of jamón or, at the very least, a few slices in the fridge. And while it’s true that you never need an excuse to enjoy a slice, you might sometimes wonder what to serve with jamón serrano. The most important thing is that the jamón itself is a good one, because if it isn’t, it doesn’t matter what you serve it with. That’s why at Enrique Tomás we have a motto:
“The best jamón is not the most expensive, but the one you like the most.”
And when it comes to taste, everyone has their own preferences… and their favorite types of jamón!
On a Plate
If you want to fully enjoy the flavor nuances of the jamón, the ideal option is to serve the slices of jamón serrano on a flat plate. It doesn't matter how you arrange them, but if you want to create an attractive presentation, the correct way is to place a few slices without piling them up, slightly overlapping them on a plain-colored plate, preferably white, so that the color of the cured meat really stands out.
With Fruit
A summer classic is melon with jamón served as an appetizer. But besides making original skewers, you can also prepare cold soups topped with jamón shavings, or even combine pineapple and jamón or avocado and jamón. A refreshing and delicious combination!
Bread and Beer
Sometimes the simplest combinations are the best. In the case of jamón serrano, pairing it with an ice-cold beer and some breadsticks (picos sevillanos) is a guaranteed hit, especially on hot summer afternoons.
Jamón Salt
The jamón salt recipe has become very popular. It is not actual salt, but a kind of jamón powder that you can use to add a special touch to many traditional dishes. Use it on all kinds of fresh salads, tapas, and soups!
Where to Buy Gran Reserva Jamón
Whether in summer or winter, it is always important to know what to look for when you go to buy jamón. First of all, always go to a trusted or specialized shop like Enrique Tomás, where they can answer your questions, let you sample the jamón before buying it, and offer a guarantee to exchange it if anything goes wrong with the piece.
As for how it is sliced, that is a very personal choice. Although as master butchers we will always prefer hand-carved jamón with a knife, machine-sliced jamón will not lose its flavor or properties. So buy the jamón you like best and that best fits your budget.
If you are looking to buy jamón serrano, remember that you can also find excellent paletas and Gran Reserva jamón in all our shops. And you can get it not only as a whole leg, but also in all available formats:
Now all that’s left is to go shopping and decide what to serve with your jamón serrano at the next gathering: will fruit win the day, or will a few beers be enough?
Remember that the most important thing is that you always enjoy it!
