Lovingly deemed Hillbilly Prosciutto, Kentucky Country Ham is a favored meat to dine on in the Bluegrass State. Many folks consider the savory slices a traditional breakfast staple in the south. Kentucky country ham was first mentioned during the 1940s as a hearty preserved meat that could be cured during season and kept in storage year round. The salty pork can now be found both for sale and in restaurants. This southern tradition is even recognized during the annual Kentucky Derby festival. Meat lovers will find it served throughout the festivities at some of the more renowned local restaurants and diners.

Here are 12 restaurants where you can find delicious Kentucky country ham:

12. Biancke’s at 102 S Main Street in Cynthiana

Serving the area for more than a century, Biancke’s knows what they are doing when it comes to food. The Country Ham steak is mouthwatering. Not too dry, not too salty and served up with fixin’s to compliment the meal. The Bacon Beer Cheeseburger shown is not too shabby either. I couldn’t find a quality image of the ham.

11. Brownings Country Ham Store at 475 Sherman Newtown Road in Dry Ridge

Though they are renowned for the actual sale of Country Ham and pork products for use at home, they also make an incredible Country Ham and cheese biscuit. Farm to table foods have a richer, more flavorful taste that will become clear once you experience it.

10. Colonial Cottage at 3140 Dixie Highway in Erlanger

The Country Ham here is served with two sides of your choice and homemade cornbread or a roll, and its perfect. The food at this restaurant has been featured on The Travel Channel’s "Taste of America" due to the fine quality and flavors. Dining here is well worth the trip.

9. Talbott Tavern at 107 W Stephen Foster in Bardstown

The Talbott Tavern is one of those places that has been serving up Country Ham for a long time. It has actually been in business since 1779, though the ham likely wasn’t served at that time. Staying in business this long means this establishment knows what they are doing. Stop by and enjoy their Country Ham, along with some of the other tasty items on the menu.

8. Country Ham Restaurant at 5421 US 60 in Owensboro

If you are looking for the best Country Ham, go to the source with a restaurant announcing its all about ham. This fast, friendly diner serves up freshly prepared plate lunches for patrons. The homey atmosphere and flavorful foods make it perfect for a meal. Even if you don’t want the ham as your primary meal, at least try some to go.

7. Gralehaus at 1001 Baxter in Louisville

The food here is a unique fare of southern cuisine with a twist. They have things like black eyed pea hummus tartine, biscuits and duck gravy and sauerkraut stew. However, their Country Ham and Eggs is a must try for a more traditional flavor. It comes with double smoked Country Ham, red eye gravy, cheddar cheese and eggs, which makes for a great way to start or end your day. This dish is served from open till close.

6. Greyhound Tavern at 2500 Dixie Hwy in Fort Mitchell

You have a couple of fantastic options here. The country Greyhound Breakfast Brown comes with traditional salt cured country ham, bacon, goetta, eggs lots of cheddar cheese. You can also try the traditional omelet with ham, cheddarand your choice of biscuit or toast. The biscuits are light, fluffy and perfect with a side of homemade gravy.

5. Moonlite Bar B Q Inn at 2840 W Parrish Avenue in Owensboro

You can eat all the grilled Country Ham your heart desires at the Moonlite buffet. They keep the fresh ham piled high along with all the other tasty meats. You can eat it alone, with bread or chopped up with the fixings. The style here is make it your way.

4. Sherrie’s Rolling Pin at 252 N Main Street in Calvert City

This is an extremely small diner that doesn’t have a lot of web presence, but the food is all the presence they need. This Country Ham breakfast is a perfect example of the meal you get at Sherrie’s.

3. Wallace Station at 3854 Old Frankfort Pike in Versailles

You cannot go wrong stopping in for breakfast at this station. Their perfectly cured Country Ham seems right at home on the fluffy, fresh made biscuits. Not to mention it is piled high with egg, cheese, sausage and more.

2. Windy Corner Market at 4595 Bryan Station Road in Lexington

Ironically, the ham served here comes from the previously mentioned Browning’s Country Ham. You may not think it can get any better than Browning’s, but once you taste what Windy Corner does with it, you will change your mind. The smoky, salty flavor blends perfectly with the freshly prepared chicken and becomes a sandwich you will keep coming back for.

1. Selena’s at Willow Lake Tavern on 10609 La Grange Road in Louisville

This is a Creole style restaurant with fantastic Country Ham served with Redeye gravy, eggs and a biscuit. It is the perfect way to start your day. You can add some grits or another side for a Cajun flair.

Though it started out as simple meat preservation, it evolved into a much loved part of a traditional Kentucky breakfast. Some of these restaurants have been in operation and serving up Kentucky Country Ham for decades. Obviously, they are doing something right, but I know there are more diners open that serve a perfect ham. Country Ham was a staple in our house growing up, as it probably was for many of you. Where is your favorite restaurant to eat Kentucky Country Ham now?