10+ Ham Recipes Healthy: Delicious and Nutritious Ways to Enjoy Ham
Ham is a versatile ingredient that can add flavor and substance to many dishes. If you have leftover ham or want to incorporate it into healthy meals, there are a variety of recipes to explore.
You can enjoy delicious, nutritious meals that satisfy your taste buds and support your health.
Whether you’re looking for comforting casseroles, hearty soups, or quick breakfast ideas, there are plenty of options to choose from. Ham can be paired with vegetables, grains, and legumes to create balanced dishes that are both filling and nourishing.
1) Smothered Cabbage and Ham
Smothered cabbage and ham is a warm, comforting dish that’s easy to make. You can use leftover ham or ham steaks for this recipe. The cabbage and potatoes soak up all the delicious flavors.
Start by cooking diced onions in olive oil until they’re soft. Then, add chopped cabbage and diced ham. Stir everything together and let it cook until the cabbage is tender. A splash of cider vinegar adds a nice touch at the end.
This dish is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients!
Ingredients:
- 1 head of fresh green cabbage, cored and roughly chopped
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 pound diced smoked ham
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 potatoes, diced (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
Cooking Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook until soft.
- Stir in the chopped cabbage and diced ham.
- Cook until the cabbage is tender, about 10-15 minutes.
- If using, add diced potatoes and cook until soft.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in cider vinegar before serving.
2) Ham and Broccoli Breakfast Casserole
This Ham and Broccoli Breakfast Casserole is a tasty way to start your day. It’s packed with flavor and is simple to make. You can enjoy it for breakfast or any time you like.
You’ll need some fresh ingredients that come together beautifully. The combination of ham, broccoli, and eggs makes this dish both healthy and satisfying. It’s perfect for meal prep too.
You can serve it warm for a hearty breakfast or lunch. Everyone will love this comforting casserole!
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 4 cups frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
- 6 ounces diced ham
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together all ingredients.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until set and golden.
- Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
3) White Bean and Ham Soup
White bean and ham soup is a tasty and healthy option for any meal. It’s a great way to use leftover ham. The soup is hearty, filled with nutrients, and comforting.
To make this soup, you’ll need white beans, ham, carrots, celery, and onions. You can add garlic and herbs for extra flavor. Cooking it is simple, and the result is a warm bowl of goodness.
Ingredients
- 1 cup white beans (canned or dried)
- 1 cup diced ham
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- If using dried beans, soak them overnight and cook until tender.
- In a large pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until soft.
- Add garlic and cook for one minute.
- Stir in the ham, beans, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20-30 minutes.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
4) Healthy Ham Fried Rice
Healthy Ham Fried Rice is a quick and tasty dish you can whip up any night of the week. It’s a great way to use leftover ham along with fresh or frozen vegetables.
You start by cooking the rice and then stir-frying it with diced ham, peas, carrots, and green onions. Adding a couple of eggs makes it even more filling and adds protein.
For flavor, you can drizzle soy sauce or teriyaki sauce over the mix. This dish is not only delicious but also colorful and appealing to the whole family.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup mixed peas and carrots
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oil
Cooking Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
- Add diced ham and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
- Add vegetables and stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes.
- Push everything to the side and scramble the eggs in the pan.
- Mix everything together and add cooked rice and soy sauce.
- Stir until heated through and serve.
5) Low-Calorie Ham and Potato Casserole
This low-calorie ham and potato casserole is a delicious and easy dish to prepare. It’s perfect for using leftover ham and can be made healthier with fresh ingredients. You’ll enjoy the savory flavor without all the extra calories.
To make this casserole, you need potatoes, cooked ham, and some low-fat dairy products. Adding vegetables like broccoli can boost the nutrition and flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cubed cooked ham
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup fat-free mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- In a large bowl, mix potatoes, ham, and broccoli.
- Stir in mayonnaise, salt, and pepper.
- Pour into a baking dish and top with cheese.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and bubbly. Enjoy!
6) Sheet Pan Ham and Veggies
Sheet pan meals are great for busy nights. For this recipe, you’ll enjoy ham paired with colorful veggies. It’s easy to prepare and clean up.
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). You can choose vegetables like green beans, bell peppers, and potatoes. Their flavors blend beautifully with the ham.
Cut the ham into thick slices and arrange everything on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper for extra flavor. Bake for about 25-30 minutes until everything is cooked through.
This dish is hearty, tasty, and perfect for any weeknight!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ham steak
- 2 cups green beans
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 2 cups mini potatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the sliced ham and veggies on a sheet pan.
- Drizzle with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until cooked through.
7) Ham and Cheese Roll-Ups
Ham and cheese roll-ups are a simple and tasty snack you can enjoy anytime. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties or a quick lunch. Plus, they are easy to make with just a few ingredients.
You can use your favorite type of ham and cheese. Cream cheese adds a nice touch and keeps it moist. Feel free to add veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra flavor.
Ingredients
- 6 slices of ham
- 6 slices of cheese (your choice)
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- Optional: veggies like spinach or bell peppers
Cooking Instructions
- Spread cream cheese on each slice of ham.
- Place a slice of cheese on top of the cream cheese.
- Add any optional veggies if desired.
- Roll each slice tightly and secure with a toothpick.
- Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving.
8) Ham and Avocado Egg Rolls
Ham and avocado egg rolls are a fun and healthy twist on a classic snack. They combine savory ham with creamy avocado, all wrapped in a crunchy shell. Perfect for parties or as a light meal, these egg rolls are easy to make and delicious.
To get started, you will need a few simple ingredients. These rolls can be baked or fried, depending on your preference. Baking them is a healthier option, while frying gives that extra crispy texture.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1 ripe avocado, mashed
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 8 egg roll wrappers
- Cooking spray or oil for frying
- Optional: salsa for dipping
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking.
- In a bowl, mix the diced ham, mashed avocado, and lime juice.
- Place about 2 tablespoons of the mixture in the center of each egg roll wrapper.
- Fold and roll up the wrappers, sealing the edges with water.
- Spray with cooking spray or brush with oil if baking, then place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden or fry in hot oil until crispy.
- Serve warm with salsa on the side. Enjoy!
9) Split Pea and Ham Soup
Split pea and ham soup is a warm, hearty dish that’s perfect for cool days. This recipe is not only simple but also a great way to use leftover ham.
You can cook it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. The soup becomes thick and creamy as it simmers, making it inviting and satisfying.
You will need a few basic ingredients to get started. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried split peas
- 1 pound ham (cubed)
- 1 onion (diced)
- 2 ribs celery (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 8 cups water or broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Rinse the split peas under cold water.
- In a large pot, combine split peas, ham, onion, celery, and garlic.
- Add water or broth. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour or until peas are soft.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
10) Cauliflower Rice Ham Casserole
This Cauliflower Rice Ham Casserole is a great way to enjoy leftover ham. It combines fresh cauliflower rice, broccoli, and cheese for a hearty meal.
You’ll love how easy it is to make. Just mix the ingredients, bake, and you have a delicious dish ready to go.
This casserole keeps things low carb while still being satisfying. It’s perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cauliflower rice
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups diced ham
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine cauliflower rice, broccoli, diced ham, and cheese.
- Pour in the heavy cream and mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Enjoy!