Best Leftover Ham Recipes – Creative and Delicious Ways to Use Every Slice
After a holiday feast or big family gathering, you’re often left with a generous amount of leftover ham. Instead of letting it go to waste or serving the same dish over and over, why not transform your ham into something new and exciting? Leftover Ham Recipes offer countless possibilities to get creative in the kitchen while enjoying every last bite of that savory, juicy ham.
In this article, we will explore a variety of delicious, easy-to-make Leftover Ham Recipes that will keep your meals interesting throughout the week. Whether you’re looking for hearty breakfasts, quick lunches, or filling dinners, these recipes will help you create amazing dishes. Additionally, repurposing leftovers saves you time, reduces food waste, and ensures that your meals stay flavorful and varied.
For those who are into meal prep, Leftover Ham Recipes are perfect because many of these dishes can be prepared in advance and stored for future use. Not only will this save you time, but it also offers convenient meal options for busy days.
Why Use Leftover Ham?
Ham is a versatile protein that can be incorporated into a variety of meals, from breakfast omelettes to comforting casseroles and soups. With its rich, smoky flavor, ham can add depth to your dishes without needing much additional seasoning. Incorporating leftover ham into your meals means that you’re not only reducing food waste, but you’re also saving money and making the most of what you have.
You may wonder, what are the health benefits of using ham in your recipes? Ham is a good source of protein and is often packed with essential nutrients like zinc, vitamin B12, and iron. While ham can be high in sodium, it works well in moderation, especially when balanced with vegetables, whole grains, or lower-sodium ingredients. For example, many people incorporate ham into casseroles or soups where the other ingredients help neutralize the saltiness. If you’re looking to make your meals a bit healthier, combining leftover ham with vegetables and whole grains can create a well-rounded meal.
For more tips on getting creative with your leftovers, you might want to check out this detailed guide on creative ways to cook with leftovers, which will offer inspiration for turning ordinary leftovers into extraordinary meals.
1. Classic Ham and Cheese Omelette
One of the easiest and most popular Leftover Ham Recipes is a classic ham and cheese omelette. This quick and easy breakfast is perfect for busy mornings when you need a satisfying meal that’s high in protein. Plus, it’s versatile—you can add in veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to customize it to your liking.
Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup diced leftover ham
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese (Cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyere)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
Directions:
- Crack the eggs into a bowl, whisk them with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and melt the butter.
- Pour in the eggs and let them set for about a minute before adding the diced leftover ham and shredded cheese to one side of the omelette.
- Fold the omelette in half and cook for an additional minute or until the cheese is fully melted and the eggs are fully cooked.
- Serve hot with toast, fresh fruit, or a side of potatoes.
This omelette is a perfect way to kickstart your day and a fantastic way to use leftover ham. If you’re looking for more ideas on how to prepare simple, healthy breakfasts, check out our guide to mastering quick breakfasts, where you’ll find plenty of nutritious options.
2. Creamy Ham and Potato Soup
One of the most comforting Leftover Ham Recipes is creamy ham and potato soup. This soup is a fantastic way to warm up on a cold day, and it’s a great way to stretch your leftover ham into multiple servings. The creamy texture pairs perfectly with the smoky flavor of the ham, while the potatoes add heartiness.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover ham, diced
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
Directions:
- In a large pot, melt the butter and sauté the chopped onion until it becomes soft and translucent.
- Add the diced potatoes and ham to the pot and pour in the chicken broth.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
- Stir in the heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, and let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or a fresh salad on the side.
This ham and potato soup is perfect for a cozy dinner or lunch, and it’s a great meal prep option since it reheats well. You can even freeze leftovers for future use. For more soup ideas, explore this ultimate hamburger soup guide, which offers another hearty soup option that can be adapted with leftover ham.
3. Ham and Cheese Quesadillas
Quesadillas are one of the most versatile dishes you can make, and they’re perfect for using up leftover ham. The combination of melted cheese and crispy tortillas makes this a family favorite, and the addition of ham elevates it to a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 large flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup diced leftover ham
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Sour cream and salsa for dipping
Directions:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt the butter.
- Place one tortilla in the skillet, sprinkle half of the shredded cheese and diced leftover ham evenly on top.
- Add the second tortilla on top and cook for about 2-3 minutes until the bottom is golden and crispy.
- Flip the quesadilla and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and both sides are golden brown.
- Remove from the skillet, cut into wedges, and serve with sour cream and salsa for dipping.
These ham and cheese quesadillas make a perfect lunch or quick snack. They’re incredibly versatile, and you can add veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition. For more quick and easy lunch options, check out this guide to making delicious quesadillas, which offers tips for customizing your quesadilla fillings.
4. Ham and Pineapple Pizza
If you’re a fan of sweet and savory combinations, then this ham and pineapple pizza is one of the best Leftover Ham Recipes for you. The salty ham perfectly complements the sweet pineapple, and the melted cheese ties it all together on a crispy crust.
Ingredients:
- 1 pizza crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup diced leftover ham
- 1/4 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Brush the pizza crust with olive oil and spread the pizza sauce evenly over the surface.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the sauce, then evenly distribute the diced leftover ham and pineapple chunks on top.
- Bake in the oven for about 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden brown.
- Slice and serve hot.
This ham and pineapple pizza is a great way to satisfy your pizza craving while using up leftovers. You can also experiment with other toppings, such as adding bacon or bell peppers. If you’re a pizza lover, you might want to check out this recipe for homemade pizza, which also offers variations to try.
5. Leftover Ham Casserole
Casseroles are a go-to when it comes to Leftover Ham Recipes because they allow you to mix in a variety of ingredients to create a one-dish meal. This ham casserole combines pasta, vegetables, and cheese for a comforting, hearty dinner that’s perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover ham, diced
- 2 cups cooked pasta (elbow, penne, or rotini)
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, or corn)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Cheddar or Gruyere)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced ham, mixed vegetables, shredded cheese, sour cream, and milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
This ham casserole is a great way to feed a crowd, and it reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers. If you love casseroles, you’ll enjoy this ground beef and veggie casserole recipe, which provides another comforting, one-dish meal.
Conclusion
Leftover ham doesn’t have to be boring. With these creative Leftover Ham Recipes, you can transform your ham into new and exciting dishes for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. From a simple ham and cheese omelette to a hearty ham casserole, these recipes ensure that no slice goes to waste. For more ideas on how to make the most out of your leftovers, visit our ultimate guide to creative cooking with leftovers.
By repurposing your leftover ham in these delicious ways, you’ll not only reduce food waste but also add variety to your weekly meal plan. Whether you’re preparing for a cozy night in or feeding a crowd, these recipes are sure to impress.