10+ Recipes for Leftover Ham to Delight Your Taste Buds

Leftover ham can be a delightful treat, but it can sometimes be challenging to use it creatively. With a bit of inspiration, you can transform your leftover ham into delicious meals that your family will love. From hearty casseroles to lighter dishes, there are plenty of options to help you make the most of your leftovers.

This article will explore various recipes that take advantage of your leftover ham. Whether you’re looking for cozy comfort food or quick meal ideas, you’ll find something here to suit your taste and make your meals exciting again. Embrace the versatility of ham and discover easy ways to add flavor to your dining table.

1) Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole

This Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole is a great way to use up leftover ham. The creamy cheese sauce combined with tender potatoes and ham makes a comforting dish.

You will need hash browns, diced ham, and shredded cheddar cheese. It’s easy to make and perfect for brunch or dinner.

This dish bakes in the oven until bubbly and golden, bringing out the delicious flavors.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds frozen hash browns
• 1 pound leftover ham, diced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the hash browns, ham, and cheese.
3. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and milk.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
6. Bake for 1 hour or until golden and bubbly.

2) Ham and Cheese Omelet

A ham and cheese omelet is a simple and delicious way to use up leftover ham. It makes for a great breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You can enjoy it with a side of toast or a fresh salad.

To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll need eggs, leftover ham, cheese, and any herbs you like. Chopped chives or parsley add a nice touch.

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Pour in a bit of oil or butter.

Whisk your eggs in a bowl, then pour them into the skillet. Cook until the edges start to set.

Add the chopped ham and cheese on one side. Fold the omelet in half and let it cook for another minute until the cheese melts.

Slide it onto a plate, and enjoy your meal!

Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup cooked ham, chopped
• 1/4 cup cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon oil or butter
• Chopped herbs (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the skillet over medium heat.
2. Whisk the eggs in a bowl.
3. Pour eggs into the skillet.
4. Cook until edges set.
5. Add ham and cheese on one side.
6. Fold the omelet in half.
7. Cook for another minute.
8. Serve hot.

3) Ham and Broccoli Pasta

Ham and broccoli pasta is a delicious way to use leftover ham. It combines pasta, broccoli, and ham in a creamy sauce. This dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a quick meal.

You can use any pasta you like, such as rotini or bow tie. Start by cooking your pasta until it’s al dente.

While the pasta cooks, sauté some garlic and onion in olive oil. Then, add diced ham and chopped broccoli. Mix in a creamy sauce to bring it all together.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces of pasta (rotini or bow tie)
• 2 cups of chopped broccoli
• 1 cup of diced ham
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup of cream

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Sauté garlic and onion until soft.
4. Add ham and broccoli; cook for 5 minutes.
5. Stir in cream and cooked pasta until mixed well.
6. Serve warm.

4) Savory Ham Soup

Savory ham soup is a comforting dish that makes great use of leftover ham. You can easily whip it up on the stove or in a slow cooker. This makes it perfect for a busy day.

To start, gather your ingredients. You will need diced ham, vegetables, and some flavorful seasonings. The soup is hearty and filling, making it a great meal option.

This dish can feature beans, potatoes, and broth. Each ingredient adds its own special taste. You’ll love how simple and delicious it can be.

Ingredients

• 2 cups diced leftover ham
• 1 cup diced potatoes
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until soft.
2. Add the ham, potatoes, and broth.
3. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes.
5. Serve warm and enjoy!

5) Ham and Swiss Sandwich

A Ham and Swiss Sandwich is a tasty way to enjoy leftover ham. You can use bread like ciabatta rolls or sourdough. The creamy Swiss cheese pairs perfectly with the savory ham.

To start, spread some Dijon mustard and mayonnaise on your bread. Layer with your leftover ham and add the Swiss cheese.

If you like, toast the sandwich to melt the cheese and get a nice crunch.

You can also add some pickles for extra flavor. Cut the sandwich in half and enjoy this quick and delicious meal!

Ingredients:

• 2 ciabatta rolls or 4 slices of sourdough bread
• 4 slices of cooked spiral ham
• 4 slices of Swiss cheese
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon light mayonnaise

Cooking Instructions:

1. Spread Dijon mustard and mayonnaise on the bread.
2. Add the slices of ham.
3. Top with Swiss cheese.
4. Toast the sandwich in a skillet until the cheese melts (about 5 minutes at medium heat).
5. Cut in half and serve.

6) Ham Fried Rice

Ham fried rice is a simple and tasty way to use leftover ham. It comes together quickly, making it perfect for a busy weeknight meal.

Start by cooking some rice ahead of time. You want it to be cold, which helps it fry better.

Gather chopped veggies like peas and carrots to add color and taste.

In a hot skillet, cook your vegetables in a little oil. Then, add the rice and diced ham.

Stir everything together and pour in some soy sauce for flavor.

Finish with scrambled eggs and green onions. This dish is not only quick but also filling!

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked rice (preferably cold)
• 1 cup leftover ham, diced
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots)
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 green onions, chopped

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
2. Add vegetables and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
3. Stir in the rice and ham, mixing well.
4. Pour in the soy sauce and stir.
5. Push the rice to one side, then scramble the eggs in the empty space.
6. Combine everything and top with green onions. Enjoy!

7) Ham and Pineapple Pizza

Ham and pineapple pizza is a tasty way to use up leftover ham. It combines savory and sweet flavors. You will love how easy it is to prepare!

Start with your favorite pizza dough. You can use store-bought or make your own. Roll it out and place it on a pizza pan.

Spread a layer of pizza sauce on the dough. Next, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Add chopped ham and pineapple pieces on top.

Bake the pizza in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 15-20 minutes, until the crust is golden brown.

Ingredients

• 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup chopped leftover ham
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)
• Olive oil (optional for brushing)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough and place it on a pan.
3. Spread pizza sauce over the dough.
4. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
5. Add chopped ham and pineapple chunks.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Enjoy!

8) Ham and Bean Stew

Ham and bean stew is a cozy dish that turns leftover ham into a hearty meal. This recipe is simple and brings together rich flavors that everyone will enjoy.

Start by sautéing onions and garlic in a pot until they are soft. Add diced leftover ham and cook for a few minutes.

Mix in your favorite beans, along with diced tomatoes and chicken broth to create a flavorful base.

Season the stew with herbs like thyme and bay leaves. Let it simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes to blend the flavors.

Serve the stew warm with a side of crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups diced leftover ham
• 1 can (15 oz) great northern beans
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf

Cooking Instructions

1. Sauté onion and garlic in a large pot.
2. Add the diced ham and cook for 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in the beans, tomatoes, and chicken broth.
4. Season with thyme and add the bay leaf.
5. Simmer for 30 minutes on low heat.
6. Serve and enjoy!

9) Ham Quiche

Ham quiche is a tasty way to use leftover ham. It’s great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Plus, it’s simple to make and can be ready in no time.

You’ll start with a pie crust. You can use a store-bought option or make your own if you prefer. Then, mix in diced ham with cheese and eggs for a delicious filling.

Bake the quiche at 375°F (190°C) until it’s firm and golden. Let it cool for a bit before slicing. Enjoy your warm, cheesy ham quiche!

Ingredients

• 1 pie crust
• 1 cup diced ham
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (like cheddar or Swiss)
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Line a pie dish with the pie crust.
3. Spread diced ham over the crust.
4. Sprinkle cheese on top of the ham.
5. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
6. Pour the egg mixture over the ham and cheese.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until set.
8. Let cool before slicing and serving.

10) Ham and Cheese Croissants

Ham and cheese croissants are a great way to use up leftover ham. They are flaky, warm, and perfect for any meal of the day. You can enjoy them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

You’ll need puff pastry, ham, and cheese. Gruyère or Swiss cheese works well for a rich taste. These croissants are easy to make and will impress your family or guests.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet of puff pastry
• 1 cup cooked ham, chopped
• 1 cup Gruyère or Swiss cheese, shredded
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into triangles.
3. Place ham and cheese on each triangle.
4. Then, roll them up from the wide end to the point.
5. Brush each croissant with beaten egg.
6. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.