5 Delicious Ways to Use Leftover Ham for Every Meal
Transform holiday ham scraps into satisfying meals the whole family will love.
Leftover ham is one of the great joys after a holiday meal. Instead of simply making boring sandwiches or letting those slices sit in your fridge, try these five creative, family-friendly recipes. Whether you’re craving something crispy, cheesy, creamy, or warming, these ideas will add excitement to your post-holiday meals while minimizing waste.
1. Make It a Panini: Ham and Cheese Done Right
If you love melty cheese, savory meats, and crispy bread, a panini is the ultimate way to enjoy leftover ham. This classic Italian-inspired sandwich transforms leftovers into a gourmet treat, perfect for lunch or a hearty snack.
- Choose your bread: Ciabatta, sourdough, French bread, or a crusty baguette give that unmistakable panini crunch.
- Cheese options: Swiss, Gruyère, sharp cheddar, or provolone enhance the ham’s flavor.
- Condiments and extras: Try a swipe of grainy mustard, sweet fig jam, or classic mayonnaise. Add crisp apple slices, caramelized onions, or a handful of fresh arugula for a gourmet twist.
Assemble the sandwich with generous slices of ham and cheese, load up with your favorite toppings, and grill until the bread is golden and the cheese is oozing. If you don’t have a panini press, use a skillet and press down with another pan or spatula.
“The secret to a perfect panini is contrasting textures: crispy exterior, gooey cheese, and savory ham.”
2. Serve It for Brunch: Crustless Ham and Broccoli Quiche
Brunch is the ideal canvas for showcasing ham. A crustless quiche packs in protein and flavor while remaining gluten-free and light. Here’s how to pull it off:
- Vegetables: Broccoli, spinach, or asparagus pair beautifully with ham. Blanch in boiling water briefly to maintain vibrant color and crunch.
- Egg mixture: Whisk together whole eggs and egg whites to lighten things up. Add a dash of water, creamy cottage cheese, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Assembly: Pour the egg mixture into a greased pie dish, scatter in the blanched broccoli, chopped ham, and crumbled feta cheese. Bake until the eggs are set and lightly golden.
Allow the quiche to cool slightly before slicing into wedges. Enjoy warm or at room temperature for a make-ahead breakfast or satisfying brunch centerpiece.
| Ingredient | Substitutions |
|---|---|
| Broccoli | Spinach, asparagus, bell peppers |
| Feta Cheese | Goat cheese, shredded cheddar, Parmesan |
| Ham | Turkey, bacon, smoked sausage |
3. Pasta Bake: Cheesy Comfort in Every Bite
If feeding a crowd is your goal, a baked pasta dish is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that transforms ham into irresistible comfort food.
- Pasta choice: Penne, rigatoni, or ziti work well. Cook until just al dente (about 2 minutes less than package directions) so it doesn’t overcook in the oven.
- Creamy cheese: Toss cooked pasta with ricotta cheese and chopped ham for richness and protein.
- Layer and bake: Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer the pasta mixture on top, scatter on mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, spoon over more sauce, and sprinkle fresh basil throughout.
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Bake at 350ºF until the cheese is oozy and bubbling (about 50 minutes). Finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley. One bite, and everyone at the table will ask for seconds!
Pasta Bake Variation Ideas
- Add sautéed mushrooms, peas, or spinach for added vegetables.
- Swap in Alfredo sauce for a creamier finish.
- Top with buttery breadcrumbs for a crunchy casserole topping.
4. Go with Savory Crepes: Elegant and Versatile
Crepes are typically viewed as a sweet treat, but they’re equally delicious in savory forms—especially when filled with ham and creamy additions.
- Batter basics: Make a simple crepe batter with flour, eggs, and milk—just leave out the sugar for a savory version. Cook in a non-stick skillet to create thin pancakes.
- Savory filling: Sauté onions, garlic, mushrooms, and chopped ham. Stir in mascarpone cheese until creamy and smooth.
- Assembly: Spoon the filling onto each crepe, roll up, and place seam-side down in a baking dish. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and bake at 350ºF for 10–15 minutes, or until warmed through and golden.
Perfect for brunch, lunch, or even dinner, these crepes can be prepped in advance and heated just before serving. Try them with a simple salad for an elegant, satisfying meal.
Filling Ideas for Savory Crepes
- Roasted red peppers, spinach, and goat cheese
- Leeks and gruyere
- Caramelized onions and cheddar
5. Soup It Up: Hearty Homemade Soups
No list of leftover ham ideas is complete without a hearty, warming soup. Soup stretches leftovers and makes for easy make-ahead lunches and dinners.
Classic Split Pea Soup
- Add a ham bone or chopped ham to simmering split peas, onions, and carrots. Cook until creamy, then season to taste.
Ham and Potato Chowder
- Combine cubes of ham with chunks of potato, celery, and carrots. Simmer with broth and a touch of cream for a rich chowder.
Ham and Bean Soup
- Mix diced ham into a tomato-based broth with white beans, chopped vegetables, and herbs for satisfying texture and flavor.
Healthy Ham, Barley, and Vegetable Soup
- Simmer ham with barley, carrots, celery, and greens for a nutritious, filling dish. Try using a slow cooker for convenient meal prep.
More Inspiration for Leftover Ham
Ham’s mild, salty flavor makes it infinitely adaptable. Here are even more clever ways to use up every last slice:
- Ham casseroles: Layer ham with cooked rice, peas, sautéed peppers, and a cheesy sauce, then top with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs for a satisfying main dish.
- Creamy scalloped potatoes and ham: Alternate layers of thin-sliced potatoes and ham, enveloped in a rich cream sauce and topped with cheese, for a comfort food classic.
- Breakfast casseroles: Try a bread pudding “strata” with ham, Swiss, and sautéed leeks, or add ham to hash browns and eggs for a hearty one-dish breakfast.
- Stuffed potato skins: Scoop out baked potato halves, pile in diced ham, cheddar, and scallions, then bake until golden for a perfect appetizer or snack.
- Southern classics: Use leftover ham or the ham bone to flavor collard greens or hoppin’ John (the traditional mix of black-eyed peas and rice).
Table: Popular Leftover Ham Dishes and Their Base Ingredients
| Dish | Main Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Panini | Bread, ham, cheese, condiments |
| Crustless quiche | Eggs, ham, vegetables, cheese |
| Pasta bake | Pasta, ham, ricotta, tomato sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan |
| Savory crepes | Crepes, ham, mushrooms, mascarpone, Parmesan |
| Soup | Ham, beans/peas, vegetables, broth |
| Casserole | Rice or potatoes, ham, cheese, vegetables |
Tips for Storing and Freezing Leftover Ham
- Refrigerate: Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Cube or slice ham and wrap tightly before freezing for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using in recipes.
- Ham bone: Save the bone for simmering in soups or beans for extra flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use different cheeses in these recipes?
A: Yes, most cheeses that melt well are good substitutes. Cheddar, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or goat cheese can all be swapped in as desired based on your taste and the recipe.
Q: What is the best way to reheat leftover ham dishes?
A: For casseroles or pasta bakes, cover with foil and reheat in a 325ºF oven until warmed through. Individual portions can be microwaved or reheated in a skillet over gentle heat.
Q: How do I keep baked dishes from getting soggy?
A: Be sure to slightly undercook pasta and vegetables before baking so they finish cooking in the oven without becoming mushy. Drain vegetables or cooked pasta well before adding them to baked dishes.
Q: Can these recipes be made ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Assemble casseroles or pasta bakes a day ahead and refrigerate, then bake before serving. Soup can be made in advance and even tastes better the next day.
Q: What else can I do with leftover ham?
A: Try adding ham to fried rice, omelettes, pizzas, or even topping a salad for an extra burst of protein and flavor.
Share Your Leftover Ham Favorites
If you have your own favorite way to use up leftover ham, share it with family, friends, or food communities online. Leftover ham is more versatile (and more delicious) than you think—don’t let a single bite go to waste!
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a90880/5-ways-to-use-leftover-ham/
- https://keytomylime.com/scalloped-potatoes-and-ham-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a42803822/ham-casserole-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/g35533617/leftover-ham-recipes/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a10593/scalloped-potatoes-and-ham/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRfFB8uU_LU
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a46675317/ham-tetrazzini-recipe/
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