Turn holiday leftovers into delightful meals with our easy leftover ham recipes. Find a great recipe to try from breakfast to dinner with soups, casseroles, and more.
After the big holiday feast comes the question: what to do with all that leftover ham?
Luckily, ham is incredibly versatile and can be incorporated into a variety of delicious dishes.
Whether you’ve just hosted big holiday meals or ended up with more ham than you know what to do with, we’ve got you covered with some creative ways to repurpose baked ham.
From cozy breakfasts and brunch recipes to easy dinners, these leftover ham recipes will ensure nothing goes to waste and everything goes to your taste buds.
From soups and sandwiches to hashes and pizzas, we’ve got you covered with some of thebest leftover ham recipesaround for thewhole familyto enjoy the next day. Fromhearty meallikeeasy casserolesto aneasy recipelike sliced potatoes, diced ham and a fried egg.
What to Make with Leftover Ham
Leftover ham is incredibly versatile and can be incorporated into a wide array of delicious dishes. Here are some of our favorite leftover ham recipes:
- Leftover Ham Casserole – A creamy ham casserole is a comforting dish made with diced or shredded leftover ham, combined with creamy sauces and other ingredients, creating a rich and satisfying meal.
- Ham and Cheese Quiche – Perfect for breakfast or brunch, mix diced ham with eggs, cheddar cheese, and your favorite vegetables, and bake in a pie crust.
- Ham and Pea Pasta – Add diced ham to creamy pasta, along with peas for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Ham Fried Rice – A great way to use up leftovers, ham fried rice is quick, easy, and flavorful. Add peas, carrots, and eggs for a complete meal.
- Split Pea Soup with Ham – Use the ham bone (if you have it) and leftover ham to make a hearty and comforting soup.
- Ham and Bean Soup – Another excellent ham soup option, combining ham with beans, vegetables, and broth for a nutritious meal.
- Ham and Potato Casserole – Combine diced ham with potatoes, cheese, and a creamy sauce for a comforting casserole.
- Ham Salad – Chop up your leftover ham and mix it with mayonnaise, mustard, celery, and onions for a delicious ham salad. Serve on bread or crackers.
- Ham and Cheese Sliders – Use small rolls to make a mini ham and cheese sandwich. A little mustard or honey glaze can add a tasty touch.
- Ham Omelette or Frittata – Whip up a quick and easy omelette or frittata with ham, cheese, and your favorite veggies for a protein-packed breakfast or lunch.
- Ham and Pineapple Pizza – Top your pizza with ham and pineapple for a sweet and savory treat.
- Cheesy Ham and Broccoli Bake – Mix diced ham with broccoli florets, cover in a cheese sauce, top with breadcrumbs, and bake until golden.
- Ham Biscuits – Make small biscuits or scones and fill them with slices of ham for a delightful snack or breakfast item.
- Ham Monte Cristo Sandwich – A delicious twist on the classic sandwich, using ham, cheese, and a sweet dusting of powdered sugar.
- Cuban Sandwich – Layer sliced ham, roast pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread, then press and grill until crispy.
- Ham and Cheese Stuffed Potatoes – Hollow out baked potatoes and fill them with a mix of diced ham, cheese, and sour cream.
- Ham Hash – Make this flavorful breakfast dish with a combination of ham, potatoes, onions, and seasonings that are all cooked together in a skillet until crispy and golden brown.
- Pasta Salads – Elevate your pasta salads by incorporating leftover ham, adding savory depth and texture to classic recipes, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or quick weekday lunches.
- Ham and Potato Soup – Create a hearty and comforting chunks of ham and potato soup using leftover ham, blending savory flavors with creamy potatoes for a delicious and satisfying meal.
- Ham and Cheese Breakfast Pizza -This simple recipe is a morning treat featuring a golden crust topped with savory ham, gooey cheese, and perfectly cooked eggs, making it a satisfying start to the day.
- Corn chowder – Make a comforting and hearty soup featuring sweet corn kernels, tender potatoes, creamy broth, and savory ham, creating a flavorful meal perfect for chilly days.
These recipes demonstrate how leftover ham can be repurposed into various meals, reducing waste and providing delicious options for any time of the day.
Try These Recipes:
- French Toast
- Recipes Using Sweet Potatoes
- Our Favorite Instant Pot Dishes
- Easy Dinner Recipes
- Tuna Noodle Casserole
FAQs about Recipes for Using Leftover Ham
What to do once ham is cooked?
Once your ham is cooked, follow these steps to ensure it remains delicious and safe to eat:
Allow the ham to rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, making it more flavorful and moist.
Use a sharp knife to slice the ham against the grain. This makes it tender and easier to eat.
Serve the ham warm. If you have leftovers, let them cool to room temperature (for no more than two hours to prevent bacterial growth), then wrap tightly and store in the refrigerator or freezer. In the fridge, ham will last for 3-4 days, and in the freezer, it can last for up to 4 months.
Consider using leftover ham in a variety of dishes, such as soups, casseroles, sandwiches, and salads. This is a great way to make the most of your cooked ham.
How to Store Leftover Ham
There are a few different ways to store leftover Easter ham. The most important thing is to make sure that it’s properly sealed in an airtight container. Storeleftover holiday hamin the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
If you’re not going to eat your leftover ham within four days, you can freeze it.
You can freeze the ham by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also vacuum seal it using a food sealer. If you’re going to freeze the ham, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Ham can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
Store theham bonein a separator container.
How long is leftover ham good for in the fridge?
Leftover ham can be kept in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. If you’re not planning to use it within that time frame, consider freezing it to extend its shelf life. Properly stored, frozen ham can last up to 4 months.
Can you freeze ham after cooking?
Yes, you can freeze ham after it has been cooked. Freezing cooked ham is a great way to preserve its freshness and flavor for later use. Here are some tips for freezing cooked ham:
- Allow the cooked ham to cool to room temperature before freezing.
- Depending on how you plan to use the ham later, you can leave the ham in larger portions, slice it or dice ham. Smaller pieces will thaw more quickly and can be more convenient for future meals.
- Wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or place it in airtight freezer bags or containers. Removing as much air as possible will help prevent freezer burn.
- Use a marker to label the wrapping with the contents and the date. Cooked ham can be frozen for up to 4 months. Although it remains safe to eat beyond that time, the quality may decline.
- When you’re ready to use the frozen ham, thaw it in the refrigerator for slow, safe thawing. Smaller pieces may thaw overnight, while larger pieces can take a day or two. Avoid thawing ham at room temperature, as it can promote bacterial growth.
- Once thawed, reheat the ham until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safe to eat. If you thawed the ham in the microwave or in cold water, cook it immediately after thawing.
- Freezing cooked ham is convenient and extends the life of your leftovers, making it easy to enjoy ham in your meals without waste.
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