10+ Leftover Ham Recipes to Delight Your Family
Leftover ham can be a delightful ingredient in many meals. With a bit of creativity, you can turn your leftover ham into a variety of delicious dishes that your family will love.
In this article, you will discover easy and tasty recipes that make use of that leftover ham, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
Whether it’s a hearty casserole, a savory soup, or even a unique charcuterie plate, there are many ways to enjoy this versatile meat. By exploring these recipes, you can enhance your cooking while enjoying the flavors of your holiday meals long after the celebrations are over.
1) Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole
Cheesy ham and potato casserole is a tasty way to use leftover ham. This dish combines creamy cheese sauce, tender potatoes, and savory ham for a delicious meal.
You can prepare this casserole quickly. In just a few steps, you’ll have a hearty dish to share with family or friends. It’s perfect for brunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen hash browns
- 2 cups diced ham
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the hash browns, ham, cheese, soup, sour cream, and milk.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
2) Ham and Broccoli Pasta Bake
Ham and Broccoli Pasta Bake is a simple and delicious way to use leftover ham. It combines pasta, broccoli, and cheese for a comforting meal. This dish is not only tasty but also quick to make.
You will start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, sauté broccoli until tender.
Next, combine the cooked pasta, broccoli, diced ham, and a creamy cheese sauce. Pour everything into a baking dish and top it with more cheese. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and golden.
Ingredients
- 14 ounces whole wheat rotini pasta
- 10 ounces frozen broccoli
- 2 cups diced fully cooked ham
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups shredded cheese (like cheddar)
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the pasta according to package directions.
- Sauté broccoli in olive oil until tender.
- Mix pasta, broccoli, ham, and cheese sauce.
- Transfer to a baking dish and sprinkle more cheese on top.
- Bake for 25 minutes until bubbly.
3) Hearty Ham and Bean Soup
Hearty Ham and Bean Soup is a great way to use up leftover ham. This comforting dish combines tender chunks of ham with beans and vegetables, making it filling and delicious.
You can make it easily on a stovetop or in a slow cooker. It’s a perfect meal for chilly days. Pair it with some crusty bread for a complete dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 can white beans (15 oz)
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- In a large pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until soft.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Stir in the diced ham and chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
- Add the white beans and season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer for about 30 minutes.
4) Ham and Cheese Frittata
A ham and cheese frittata is a great way to use leftover ham. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor. You can enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner.
To start, whisk together some eggs and heavy cream. Then, mix in your chopped ham, cheese, and any veggies you like. Pour this delicious mixture into a hot, greased pan and let it cook until the edges set.
Finish it off in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until the top is golden brown. Slice it up and serve warm.
Ingredients
- 6 eggs
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups chopped ham
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, pressed
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, whisk the eggs and heavy cream together.
- Stir in the chopped ham, cheese, onion, and garlic.
- Heat a pan over medium heat and grease it.
- Pour the mixture into the pan.
- Cook until the edges start to set.
- Transfer the pan to the oven and bake until golden brown.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
5) Savory Ham and Cheese Breakfast Muffins
Savory ham and cheese breakfast muffins are a tasty way to use up leftover ham. They are easy to make and perfect for a quick breakfast or snack. The combination of fluffy eggs, savory ham, and melted cheese makes every bite delicious.
These muffins are also great for freezing. You can make a big batch and enjoy them later. Just reheat in the microwave for a warm treat!
Ingredients
- 1 cup diced leftover ham
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs and milk together.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients.
- Fold in ham and cheese.
- Pour mixture into muffin tins.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
6) Tropical Ham Pineapple Salad
Tropical Ham Pineapple Salad is a refreshing way to use leftover ham. This salad combines the sweetness of pineapple with savory ham for a tasty dish.
You’ll need some fresh ingredients like bell peppers and onions to add crunch. Mixing everything together with a creamy dressing makes it both flavorful and satisfying.
This dish is perfect for a quick lunch or as a side at your next gathering. Serve it with crackers or on a bed of lettuce for a fun presentation.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked ham, chopped
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, combine ham, pineapple, bell pepper, and onion.
- Add cream cheese and mix until well blended.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
7) Ham and Swiss Sliders
Ham and Swiss sliders are a tasty way to use leftover ham. These little sandwiches are always a hit at gatherings. The combination of soft rolls, ham, and melted Swiss cheese is hard to resist.
To make them, start with Hawaiian rolls for a touch of sweetness. Layer with ham and Swiss cheese. Finish with a drizzle of melted butter for added flavor.
Bake them at 350°F (175°C) until the cheese is bubbly. In just a few minutes, you’ll have delicious sliders that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- Hawaiian rolls
- Sliced leftover ham
- Sliced Swiss cheese
- Butter
- Optional: mustard or mayonnaise
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half.
- Layer ham and Swiss cheese on the bottom half of each roll.
- Place the top half of the rolls back on.
- Melt butter and drizzle it over the sliders.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
8) Ham and Pea Risotto
Ham and pea risotto is a comforting dish that’s perfect for using up leftover ham. It’s creamy, flavorful, and quick to make. In about 30 minutes, you can have a delicious meal on the table.
Start with arborio rice, which gives the risotto its creamy texture. Add soft peas and diced ham for a mix that’s sure to satisfy. You can use either fresh or frozen peas, and both work well.
Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
- 1 cup arborio rice
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 2 cups peas (fresh or frozen)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and sauté until soft.
- Stir in the rice and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the white wine and cook until absorbed.
- Gradually add broth, one cup at a time, stirring frequently.
- Once the rice is creamy, stir in peas and ham.
- Mix in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
9) Western Omelette with Ham
A Western omelette is a delicious way to use leftover ham. You can easily make this dish for breakfast or brunch, and it’s packed with flavor.
Start with diced bell peppers and onions for a classic filling. Then, add your chopped ham to give it a hearty touch.
Feel free to add cheese, like pepper jack, for an extra creamy and cheesy texture. This will make your omelette even more satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup chopped ham
- 1/4 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/4 cup diced onions
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk the eggs with salt and pepper.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
- Sauté bell peppers and onions until soft.
- Add the chopped ham and cook until heated through.
- Pour in the eggs and cook until set, adding cheese if desired.
- Fold the omelette in half and serve warm.
10) Ham and Spinach Quiche
A Ham and Spinach Quiche is a great way to use leftover ham. It combines the savory taste of ham with fresh spinach and creamy eggs in a delicious pie crust.
You can prepare this dish quickly. Just gather your ingredients and follow the simple steps. It makes for a hearty breakfast or a lovely brunch option.
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust
- 1 cup diced cooked ham
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups milk (1% or your choice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the pie crust in a pie dish and prick the bottom with a fork.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Add the diced ham, spinach, and cheese to the egg mixture.
- Pour the filling into the pie crust.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes. The quiche is set and lightly browned.
- Allow it to cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy!