10+ Healthy Leftover Ham Recipes for Delicious Meals

Leftover ham can be a great way to create delicious, healthy meals. Many people struggle with what to do with leftover ham after holidays or special occasions. You can transform this meat into a variety of tasty dishes that are both nutritious and satisfying.

Whether you have a small piece of ham or a larger portion, there are numerous recipes that can help you make the most out of your leftovers. These recipes not only reduce food waste but also give you quick and easy meal options. You’ll find that using leftover ham can bring great flavor and nutrition to your everyday cooking.

1) Smothered Cabbage with Ham

Smothered cabbage with ham is a tasty way to use your leftover ham. This dish combines cabbage and potatoes, creating a comforting meal. The flavors come together easily in one pot, making cleanup simple.

You can make this recipe with leftover ham or ham steaks. A splash of cider vinegar at the end brightens up the dish. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup diced ham
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 10 cups coarsely chopped green cabbage
• 2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft.
3. Stir in the diced ham and cook for a few minutes.
4. Add the cabbage and potatoes to the pot.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt and pepper.
6. Cover the pot and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
7. Stir in the cider vinegar before serving.

2) Ham and Broccoli Breakfast Casserole

This Ham and Broccoli Breakfast Casserole is a great way to use leftover holiday ham. It combines savory ham, healthy broccoli, and creamy cheese. Plus, it’s packed with protein from the eggs, making it a filling breakfast option.

You can enjoy this dish any time of the day. It’s perfect for meal prep, and it’s easy to reheat during busy mornings.

You will need a few simple ingredients to get started.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked ham, diced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup hash browns
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a baking dish, layer the hash browns on the bottom.
3. Mix the ham and broccoli, then spread over the hash browns.
4. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Pour the egg mixture over the ham and broccoli.
6. Sprinkle cheese on top.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes until set. Enjoy!

3) White Bean & Ham Soup

White Bean & Ham Soup is a great way to use leftover ham. This soup is hearty and full of flavor. It’s also quite simple to prepare.

Start by cooking onions and garlic in a pot. Then, add your diced leftover ham. Next, mix in white beans, carrots, and celery. You can use either canned or dried beans based on what you have.

Let everything simmer to blend the flavors. Season with herbs like thyme and bay leaves for extra taste. Serve it hot, and enjoy a warm bowl on a chilly day.

Ingredients

• 2 cups diced leftover ham
• 1 can white beans (or 1 cup dried white beans)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, sauté onions and garlic until soft.
2. Add diced ham, carrots, and celery; cook for a few minutes.
3. Stir in white beans and chicken broth.
4. Add thyme and bay leaf; season with salt and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 20-30 minutes.
6. Serve warm.

4) Ham and Cauliflower Cheese Bake

This Ham and Cauliflower Cheese Bake is a great way to use leftover ham while enjoying a comforting dish. The combination of tender cauliflower and creamy cheese makes it delicious. Plus, it’s easy to prepare!

Start by steaming the cauliflower until it’s tender. Mix in diced ham and your favorite cheese, and pour everything into a baking dish.

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns golden. You’ll love the creamy texture and flavor!

Ingredients

• 4 cups cauliflower florets
• 2 cups cooked ham, diced
• 2 cups shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella)
• ½ cup milk or cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Steam the cauliflower florets until tender.
3. In a bowl, combine the cauliflower, diced ham, cheese, milk, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
5. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden and bubbly. Enjoy!

5) Ham Roll-Ups with Cream Cheese

Ham roll-ups with cream cheese are a quick and tasty way to use leftover ham. These bite-sized treats are perfect for snacks or parties.

To make them, you will need deli ham slices and cream cheese. You can also add extras like green onions or olives for extra flavor.

Start by spreading cream cheese on each slice of ham. Then, roll them up tightly and slice into bite-sized pieces. You can secure them with toothpicks for easy serving.

These roll-ups are simple, fun, and everyone will love them!

Ingredients

• Slices of deli ham
• Cream cheese
• Green onions (optional)
• Olives (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Spread cream cheese evenly on each slice of ham.
2. Add chopped green onions or olives if desired.
3. Roll each slice tightly.
4. Cut into bite-sized pieces.
5. Secure with toothpicks if needed.

6) Ham and Egg Muffins

Ham and egg muffins are a tasty way to use leftover ham. They are easy to prepare and can be enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack. Each muffin is packed with protein, making them a healthy choice.

You can customize your muffins by adding vegetables or cheese. This dish is also freezer-friendly, so you can make a big batch and save some for later. Just heat them up when you’re ready to eat.

Ingredients

• 6 eggs
• 1 cup diced ham
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking spray or muffin liners

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk the eggs and season with salt and pepper.
3. Add the diced ham and any optional ingredients.
4. Grease a muffin tin with cooking spray or use muffin liners.
5. Pour the egg mixture into the muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the muffins are set.

7) Pea & Ham Soup

Pea and ham soup is a great way to use leftover ham. It’s simple to make and very comforting. The soup is packed with flavor and nutrition.

You’ll start by cooking dried split peas, which give the soup a nice texture. Add your leftover ham for extra taste. You can also include vegetables like carrots and potatoes for more flavor and nutrients.

This soup is perfect for chilly days. As it cooks, the peas become tender, thickening the soup and making it hearty.

Ingredients

• 500g (1 lb) dried split peas
• 1.2-1.5kg (2.4-3 lb) leftover ham bone
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 potatoes, cubed
• 4 cups (1 liter) chicken stock
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse and soak the split peas overnight.
2. In a large pot, combine split peas and broth.
3. Add ham, onion, carrots, and potatoes.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
5. Cook for 1-2 hours until peas are soft.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve hot!

8) Creamy Ham & Mushroom Pasta Bake

The Creamy Ham & Mushroom Pasta Bake is a delicious way to use leftover ham. This dish combines tender pasta, savory mushrooms, and creamy sauce to create a comforting meal.

You can easily make it in about 30 minutes. Your family will love this hearty dish that’s packed with flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

Ingredients

• 250g dry pasta
• 220g cooked ham, cut into cubes
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup cream
• 1 cup cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain.
3. In a pan, sauté mushrooms until tender.
4. In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, ham, mushrooms, cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with cheese.
6. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden. Enjoy!

9) Ham and Sweet Potato Skillet

This Ham and Sweet Potato Skillet is a quick and easy meal, perfect for using leftover ham. The sweetness of the potatoes pairs well with the savory ham, making it a delicious option for breakfast or dinner.

Start by sautéing diced onions in a skillet. Once they are soft, add cubed sweet potatoes and cook until tender. Mix in the leftover ham pieces and let them warm through.

For added flavor, you can throw in some spices or your favorite herbs. Serve this hearty dish hot and enjoy the comforting flavors.

Ingredients

• 2 cups diced sweet potatoes
• 1 cup cooked ham, cubed
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: spices or herbs of your choice

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 180°C).
2. Add diced onion and sauté until soft.
3. Stir in the diced sweet potatoes and cook until tender.
4. Mix in the cubed ham and heat through.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices. Serve warm.

10) Ham and Veggie Stir Fry

Ham and veggie stir fry is a quick and easy way to use your leftover ham. It’s colorful, tasty, and packed with healthy ingredients. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables.

Start by chopping the leftover ham and preparing your choice of veggies. Carrots, bell peppers, and snap peas work great. You can also add some onion for flavor.

Heat some oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the veggies and stir fry for a few minutes. Then add the ham and your favorite sauce, like soy sauce, for extra flavor. Cook until everything is heated through.

This dish is perfect for a fast dinner or a satisfying lunch.

Ingredients

• 2 cups chopped leftover ham
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (like carrots, bell peppers, onions)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add mixed vegetables and stir fry for 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the chopped ham and soy sauce.
4. Stir until heated through, about 2-3 minutes.