After a big holiday meal, you might find yourself with plenty of leftover ham. Instead of eating the same thing for days, try turning it into new and tasty dishes. There are many ways to use extra ham in breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.
You can make soups, casseroles, salads, and sandwiches with your leftover ham. These recipes are easy to make and will help you avoid wasting food. With a bit of creativity, you can turn your ham into meals your whole family will enjoy.
Ham and bean salad is a tasty way to use your leftover ham. You can make it quickly and easily. Mix diced ham with canned or cooked beans of your choice.
Add chopped veggies like red onion, celery, and bell peppers for crunch. Toss everything with a simple dressing of olive oil, vinegar, and mustard.
This salad is great for lunch or a light dinner. You can serve it cold or at room temperature. It keeps well in the fridge for a few days, making it perfect for meal prep.
Ham and pineapple pizza is a tasty way to use leftover ham. This Hawaiian-style pizza combines savory ham with sweet pineapple chunks.
To make it, spread pizza sauce on a prepared crust. Add shredded mozzarella cheese, diced ham, and pineapple pieces. Bake until the crust is golden and the cheese melts.
The mix of flavors works well together. The salty ham pairs nicely with the juicy pineapple. You can customize it by adding other toppings like bacon or jalapeños if you like.
This pizza is quick to put together and makes a fun family meal. Kids often enjoy the sweet and savory combo too.
Ham and cheese stuffed peppers are a tasty way to use your leftover ham. Start by cutting bell peppers in half and removing the seeds.
Mix diced ham, cooked rice, shredded cheese, and your favorite seasonings in a bowl. Stuff this mixture into the pepper halves.
Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and cook them in a preheated 375°F oven. Bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
This dish is filling and packed with flavor. You can customize it by adding veggies or using different types of cheese. It’s an easy meal that turns leftovers into something new and exciting.
Ham and corn chowder is a tasty way to use up leftover ham. You’ll start by cooking bacon and onions in a pot. Then add potatoes, corn, and diced ham.
Pour in chicken broth and let everything simmer until the potatoes are soft. Stir in some flour to thicken the soup. Add cream for richness.
Season with salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme. Let the flavors meld together as it cooks. The result is a hearty, comforting soup perfect for cooler days.
Serve your chowder hot with crusty bread on the side. It’s an easy one-pot meal that makes great use of ham leftovers.
Ham and cabbage stew is a tasty way to use up leftover ham. This hearty dish combines tender cabbage, diced ham, and potatoes in a flavorful broth.
To make it, start by sautéing onions, carrots, and garlic in a large pot. Add chopped cabbage, diced ham, and cubed potatoes. Pour in chicken stock and season with pepper and mustard.
Let the stew simmer until the cabbage is soft and the potatoes are cooked through. This usually takes about 20 minutes. The result is a comforting meal perfect for cold days.
You can customize this stew by adding other vegetables like celery or parsnips. It’s an easy, filling dish that makes great use of your ham leftovers.
Ham and egg muffins are a tasty way to use up leftover ham. They’re easy to make and perfect for breakfast or brunch.
To make them, whisk eggs with milk and spices in a bowl. Add chopped ham, shredded cheese, and green onions.
Pour the mixture into greased muffin tins. Bake at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes until set.
You can customize these muffins by adding veggies like broccoli or spinach. They’re great for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge for quick breakfasts during the week.
Deviled ham spread is a tasty way to use up leftover ham. You can make it easily at home with a few simple ingredients.
Start by chopping your ham finely or pulsing it in a food processor. Mix it with mayonnaise, mustard, and seasonings like onion powder and black pepper.
For extra flavor, add some diced onion, celery, or pickles. Blend everything until you get a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Chill the spread in the fridge before serving. It’s great on crackers, sandwiches, or as a dip for vegetables. You can customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences.
In a bowl, mix eggs with milk or half-and-half. Pour this over the ham and veggies in the skillet. Top with cheese.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until the eggs set. This frittata is great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It’s packed with protein and veggies, making it a filling meal.
A ham and asparagus tart is a tasty way to use up leftover ham. You’ll need puff pastry, dijon mustard, ham, asparagus, gruyere cheese, and eggs.
Roll out the pastry and place it in a tart pan. Spread mustard on the pastry. Add ham, asparagus, and cheese on top. Pour whisked eggs over the filling and season.
Bake the tart at 400°F for about 35 minutes. The result is a savory, flaky tart perfect for brunch or a light dinner. It’s easy to make and looks impressive on the table.
Ham and cheese croquettes are a tasty way to use up leftover ham. You start by making a thick mixture with ham, cheese, and a creamy sauce. Shape this into small balls or cylinders.
Next, coat the croquettes in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. This gives them a crispy outer layer when cooked. You can fry them in oil or bake them in the oven until golden brown.
These croquettes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The ham and cheese flavors blend well together. They make a great snack, appetizer, or side dish.
Ham Alfredo pasta is a tasty way to use leftover ham. You can make this creamy dish quickly and easily.
Start by cooking fettuccine or your favorite pasta. While it’s boiling, melt butter in a pan and add minced garlic. Pour in heavy cream and stir in grated Parmesan cheese.
Add diced ham to the sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes. Toss the cooked pasta with the creamy ham sauce.
For extra flavor, you can add peas or zucchini ribbons. Sprinkle some black pepper on top before serving. This comforting meal is perfect for busy weeknights.
Chinese ham fried rice is a tasty way to use leftover ham. You can make this dish quickly and easily at home.
Start by cooking eggs in a hot wok or skillet. Set them aside when done. Next, fry onions, carrots, and peas until tender. Add chopped ham and cook for a few minutes.
Mix in cold cooked rice and stir-fry everything together. The rice should brown a bit. Add the cooked eggs back in and mix well.
Season with soy sauce and a touch of sesame oil for flavor. Your homemade ham fried rice will rival any takeout version.
Ham and lentil soup is a tasty way to use leftover ham. You can make it in a pot on the stove or in a slow cooker.
Start by cooking onions, carrots, and celery in oil until soft. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
Put the veggies in a pot with lentils, a ham bone, broth, and tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 45 minutes until the lentils are tender.
Remove the ham bone and bay leaf before serving. This hearty soup is perfect for cold days and easy to customize with your favorite spices or greens.
Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the outside of two bread slices. This helps create a crispy exterior. On the inside, layer 3 slices of ham and 1 slice of Gruyere cheese.
Place the sandwich in the press or skillet. Cook until the bread turns golden brown and the cheese melts. This usually takes 3-5 minutes.
For extra flavor, try adding Dijon mustard or sliced tomatoes. You can also experiment with different breads like sourdough or whole grain.
This tasty sandwich puts a spin on the classic grilled cheese. You’ll need leftover ham, sliced apples, and Brie cheese.
Butter two slices of bread on one side. Place ham, apple slices, and Brie on the unbuttered side of one slice. Top with the other slice, butter side up.
Cook in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown on both sides. The cheese should be melty and gooey.
The sweet apples pair perfectly with the salty ham and creamy Brie. It’s a great way to use up holiday ham and makes a quick lunch or dinner.
Ham-stuffed mushrooms are a tasty way to use leftover ham. Clean and remove the stems from large mushroom caps. Chop the ham finely and mix it with cream cheese, garlic, and herbs.
Fill each mushroom cap with the ham mixture. Sprinkle some shredded cheese on top. Bake the stuffed mushrooms in the oven until they’re golden and bubbly.
These bite-sized treats make great appetizers or snacks. You can serve them warm at parties or enjoy them as a quick lunch. They’re easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ham and cheese scones are a tasty way to use up leftover ham. You’ll need flour, baking powder, salt, butter, milk, cheese, and diced ham.
Mix the dry ingredients, then cut in cold butter. Add milk to form a dough. Fold in ham and cheese.
Shape the dough into a circle and cut into wedges. Bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes until golden brown.
These savory scones make a great breakfast or snack. The salty ham pairs well with melty cheese in a tender, flaky scone. Serve warm with butter for extra richness.
Ham and egg fried rice is a quick and tasty way to use up leftover ham. You can make this dish in about 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Start by cooking eggs in a hot wok or large skillet. Remove them and set aside. Next, fry diced ham until slightly crispy.
Add cooked rice, peas, carrots, and any other veggies you like. Stir in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for flavor. Mix everything well and cook until heated through.
Lastly, add the cooked eggs back in and toss to combine. Serve your ham and egg fried rice hot, garnished with green onions if desired.
Transform your leftover ham into a tasty flatbread pizza. Start with a store-bought or homemade flatbread as your base.
Spread a layer of pesto sauce over the flatbread. Add diced ham and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
Bake the flatbread in a preheated oven until the cheese melts and the edges turn golden brown. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
For extra flavor, try adding some sliced cherry tomatoes or baby spinach leaves before baking. You can also drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze over the top after it comes out of the oven.
Ham pot pie is a tasty way to use leftover ham. You’ll need ham, vegetables, and a creamy sauce.
Start by making a roux with butter and flour. Add milk to create a thick sauce. Mix in diced ham and your choice of veggies like peas, carrots, and potatoes.
Pour the filling into a pie crust. Cover with a second crust or puff pastry. Brush the top with egg wash for a golden finish.
Bake until the crust is flaky and the filling is hot. This hearty dish is perfect for chilly days. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or seasonings.
In a pan, heat olive oil and add minced garlic. Toss in the chopped ham to warm it up. Then add the cooked pasta, basil, and a splash of pasta water.
Mix everything together and top with grated Parmesan cheese. This simple meal combines savory ham with aromatic basil for a delicious twist on pasta night.
Ham-stuffed bell peppers are a tasty way to use your leftover ham. Start by cutting bell peppers in half and removing the seeds.
Dice your leftover ham and mix it with cooked rice, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese. Spoon this mixture into the pepper halves.
Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and cook them in the oven at 375°F for about 30 minutes. For extra flavor, top with more cheese in the last few minutes of cooking.
This dish is easy to customize. You can add different vegetables or seasonings to suit your taste. It’s a colorful and filling meal that transforms your ham leftovers into something new and exciting.
Nutrition And Health Benefits Of Ham
Ham provides protein, vitamins, and minerals that can support your health. It also has some drawbacks to consider as part of a balanced diet.
Protein Content
Ham is packed with protein. A 3-ounce serving gives you about 19 grams. Protein helps build and repair your muscles, skin, and other tissues. It also keeps you feeling full longer.
Your body uses protein to make enzymes, hormones, and other key molecules. Protein in ham supports healthy bones, muscles, skin, and blood.
Ham has all nine essential amino acids your body can’t make on its own. This makes it a complete protein source.
Essential Vitamins And Minerals
Ham contains many important nutrients:
Vitamin B1 (thiamin): Helps your body turn food into energy
Vitamin B3 (niacin): Supports your digestive system and skin health
Vitamin B6: Aids brain development and function
Vitamin B12: Keeps nerve and blood cells healthy
Zinc: Boosts your immune system
Selenium: Acts as an antioxidant
Phosphorus: Builds strong bones and teeth
A 3-ounce serving of ham provides over 20% of your daily needs for vitamin B1 and selenium.
Potential Health Concerns
Ham is high in sodium. Too much sodium can raise your blood pressure. This may increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Processed meats like ham contain nitrates and nitrites. These preservatives may form compounds linked to cancer when eaten often.
Ham is also high in saturated fat. Eating too much saturated fat can raise your cholesterol levels. This may boost your risk of heart problems.
Proper storage and freezing techniques can help you make the most of your leftover ham. These methods will keep your ham fresh and tasty for future meals.
Proper Storage Techniques
Store leftover ham in airtight containers or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This prevents air from drying out the meat. Put the wrapped ham in the coldest part of your fridge, usually near the back.
For larger pieces, cut the ham into smaller portions before storing. This makes it easier to use later. Label containers with the date you stored the ham.
If you plan to use the ham within a few days, keep it in its original packaging. Just wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or foil for extra protection.
Raw, uncured ham lasts 3-5 days. Cured ham can last up to a week.
Check for signs of spoilage before eating. If the ham smells bad, feels slimy, or has mold, throw it out.
Use your senses and the storage date to decide if the ham is still good. When in doubt, it’s safer to toss it out.
Freezing Ham For Longer Preservation
Freezing extends the life of your leftover ham for 1-2 months. Wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. Or use freezer bags with the air pushed out.
Label the package with the date and amount of ham. This helps you keep track of how long it’s been frozen.
For best quality, use frozen ham within 1-2 months. It’s safe to eat after this time, but the taste and texture may change.
Thaw frozen ham in the fridge, not on the counter. This prevents bacteria growth. Use thawed ham within 3-4 days.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
