‘Small-Plate Superstar’—Just 3 ingredients. I put them out every Christmas Eve because they’re gone instantly.

These 3-ingredient low carb holiday ham bites are one of those little snacks that disappear faster than you can set the plate down. They’re inspired by the sweet-and-savory ham trays you see at every Midwestern church potluck and family Christmas, but trimmed down to keep things simple and low carb. You still get that cozy holiday flavor—salty ham, a touch of sweetness, and a little caramelization around the edges—without a long ingredient list or a lot of prep. They’re perfect when you want something festive to nibble on while the big meal finishes in the oven, or when you need a quick party appetizer that you can pull together between wrapping gifts and helping with homework.

These ham bites pair nicely with simple, fresh sides to balance the richness. A big green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, crunchy raw veggies with a creamy dip, or roasted Brussels sprouts all work really well. If you’re feeding a mixed crowd, you can set out a small basket of whole grain crackers or low carb seed crackers on the side for anyone who wants a little crunch. They also fit beautifully on a holiday snack board alongside cheese cubes, olives, pickles, and a bowl of nuts so everyone can build their own little plate.

Servings: 6 servings (about 3–4 bites per person)

1 pound fully cooked ham, cut into 1-inch cubes

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to make cleanup easier.

Cut the fully cooked ham into roughly 1-inch cubes so they’re bite-sized and similar in shape. This helps them cook evenly and makes them easy to grab for little hands.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar-free maple syrup and Dijon mustard until smooth and well combined.

Add the ham cubes to the bowl and toss until every piece is coated in the syrup-mustard mixture. Take a moment to really stir them around so the flavor gets into all the nooks and crannies.

Spread the coated ham cubes out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re not crowded. This helps them caramelize around the edges instead of steaming.

Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the glaze is bubbly and the edges of the ham are lightly browned. For extra caramelization, you can switch the oven to broil for the last 1–2 minutes—just keep a close eye on them so they don’t burn.