Where to Buy the Best Stuffed Ham in Calvert & St. Mary’s County: A Local’s Guide

The secret is in the greens. Traditional Maryland Stuffed Ham is a labor of love and a Southern Maryland staple.

At McNelis & Associates, the holidays don’t start until there’s a Maryland Stuffed Ham on the table. It’s more than just a meal for us; it’s a Southern Maryland tradition we’ve shared with family, friends, and neighbors for as long as we can remember. There is nothing quite like that first bite of spicy, hand-chopped greens and tender, salty ham.

What Exactly is a “Stuffed Ham?”

What exactly makes it a “Stuffed Ham”? This Southern Maryland delicacy has been a staple for at least 200 years. starts with a whole corned or smoked ham. Deep slits are hand-slashed into the meat and filled with a savory, spicy mix of chopped cabbage, kale, onions, and secret seasonings. The ham is then wrapped tightly in a cloth to hold the greens in place and slow-boiled until the flavors meld perfectly. Because recipes are traditionally passed down through families, every market on our list has a slightly different, time-honored “signature” flavor.

Where to Buy Stuffed Ham in Calvert and St. Mary’s Counties

We wanted to highlight local institutions in Calvert and St. Mary’s Counties that still do it the old-fashioned way: with fresh, seasonal ingredients and plenty of heart. If you’re looking to buy authentic stuffed ham this season, these are the local markets we personally vouch for.