30 Best Leftover Ham Recipes to Transform Your Holiday Ham
Turn post-feast scraps into crowd-pleasing dishes that bring fresh flavor to any table.
After a spectacular holiday feast featuring a beautiful glazed ham as the centerpiece, you’re often left wondering what to do with all those delicious leftovers. Rather than letting that smoky, salty ham go to waste, transform it into an array of mouthwatering dishes that will have your family asking for seconds. These creative leftover ham recipes will help you maximize every ounce of that holiday investment while creating exciting new meals throughout the week.
Why Leftover Ham Recipes Are Essential
Ham is one of the most versatile proteins in your kitchen arsenal. Its rich, salty flavor profile makes it an excellent addition to countless dishes, from hearty breakfast casseroles to comforting dinner soups. The key to successful leftover ham cooking lies in understanding how to balance its inherent saltiness while allowing its smoky essence to enhance other ingredients.
Most holiday hams provide enough meat for multiple meals, making leftover recipes not just convenient but economical. With proper storage, leftover ham can remain fresh in your refrigerator for up to five days, giving you ample time to experiment with different preparations and cooking methods.
Hearty Casserole Creations
Ham Casserole with Rice and Vegetables
One of the most satisfying ways to use leftover ham is in a comforting casserole that combines rice, vegetables, and a creamy cheese sauce. This dish starts with fluffy rice cooked in chicken broth with aromatic thyme and soy sauce, creating a flavorful base that complements the ham perfectly.
The preparation involves sautéing bell peppers, onions, and garlic in butter until tender, then creating a rich sauce with flour, milk, sour cream, and pepper jack cheese. The combination of cubed ham, green peas, and this creamy mixture creates a one-dish meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Top with buttery crackers and additional cheese for a golden, crunchy finish that adds textural contrast.
Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
Perhaps one of the most beloved comfort food combinations, scalloped potatoes and ham represents the epitome of hearty, satisfying cuisine. This dish layers thinly sliced potatoes with diced ham and a luxurious cream sauce, creating a casserole that’s substantial enough to serve as a main course.
The technique involves creating uniform potato slices using a mandoline, then layering them with sautéed ham and onions, a mixture of cheddar and monterey jack cheeses, and a cream sauce made from half-and-half, heavy cream, and flour. The result is a golden, bubbly casserole with tender potatoes and perfectly distributed ham throughout.
Easter Breakfast Casserole
Drawing inspiration from the classic French croque monsieur, this breakfast casserole transforms leftover ham into an elegant morning meal. Thin slices of ham and cheese are sandwiched between slices of baguette, then covered with a custard-like egg mixture that bakes into a golden, puffy perfection.
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Creative Pasta Solutions
Ham and Cheese Pasta Bake
Pasta bakes offer an excellent opportunity to stretch leftover ham into a meal that feeds a crowd. The key is cooking penne pasta until slightly underdone, about two minutes less than the package directions suggest, as it will continue cooking during the baking process.
Combine the pasta with ricotta cheese and chopped ham, then layer in a baking dish with tomato sauce, mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and fresh basil. The 50-minute baking time at 350°F allows all flavors to meld while creating a beautifully browned, bubbling top that’s irresistible.
Savory Ham Crepes
For a more sophisticated approach to leftover ham, consider preparing baked crepes filled with a savory ham mixture. Start with a sugar-free crepe batter, cooking thin pancakes that will serve as wrappings for your filling.
The filling combines sautéed onions, garlic, mushrooms, and ham with creamy mascarpone cheese, creating a rich, flavorful mixture. Roll the filled crepes, place them in a baking dish, top with Parmesan cheese, and bake until heated through for an elegant presentation.
Soup and Stew Inspirations
Classic Split Pea Soup
No discussion of leftover ham recipes would be complete without mentioning the timeless split pea soup. This traditional preparation uses both the ham meat and bone to create a rich, flavorful broth that transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying meal.
Ham and Potato Chowder
For those seeking something beyond the classic split pea variety, a creamy ham and potato chowder offers comfort in a bowl. This hearty soup combines chunks of potatoes with diced ham in a rich, cream-based broth seasoned with herbs and vegetables.
Ham and Bean Soup
A tomato and broth-based ham and bean soup provides a lighter alternative while still delivering substantial satisfaction. This preparation allows the ham’s saltiness to season the entire pot while beans provide protein and fiber for a nutritionally complete meal.
Southern-Inspired Dishes
Collard Greens with Ham
Transform your leftover ham into authentic Southern cuisine by using both the ham bone for flavoring and cubed meat for substance in collard greens. The ham’s saltiness perfectly balances the slight bitterness of the greens, while slow cooking melds all flavors into a cohesive, comforting side dish.
Hoppin’ John
This classic Southern dish traditionally served on New Year’s Day becomes accessible year-round when you have leftover ham. Instead of using a ham hock, cube your leftover ham to flavor the black-eyed peas and rice, creating a complete protein dish that’s both nutritious and delicious.
Quick and Easy Options
Ham-Stuffed Potato Skins
For a casual meal or game day snack, crispy potato skins topped with diced leftover ham offer immediate gratification. Add melted cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream for a combination that satisfies both adults and children.
Ham Paninis and Sandwiches
Sometimes the simplest preparations are the most satisfying. Transform leftover ham into gourmet paninis by layering it with complementary cheeses and vegetables between crusty bread, then grilling until golden and crispy.
Tips for Working with Leftover Ham
Storage and Safety: Properly store leftover ham in the refrigerator for up to five days, or freeze portions for up to three months. Always reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Balancing Saltiness: Since ham is naturally salty, taste your dishes before adding additional salt. Often, the ham provides sufficient seasoning for the entire recipe.
Cutting Techniques: For even distribution in casseroles and soups, dice ham into uniform pieces. For sandwiches and wraps, thin slices work better.
Flavor Pairings: Ham pairs beautifully with sweet elements like pineapple and brown sugar, acidic components like tomatoes and vinegar, and creamy textures like cheese and cream sauces.
Meal Planning with Leftover Ham
Strategic meal planning maximizes your leftover ham investment. Consider preparing a large casserole early in the week, then using remaining ham in quick preparations like omelets, salads, or sandwiches. This approach ensures variety while minimizing waste.
| Day | Meal Type | Recipe Suggestion |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Dinner | Ham Casserole with Rice |
| Tuesday | Lunch | Ham and Cheese Panini |
| Wednesday | Dinner | Split Pea Soup |
| Thursday | Breakfast | Ham and Cheese Omelet |
| Friday | Dinner | Scalloped Potatoes and Ham |
Nutritional Considerations
Leftover ham provides excellent protein content while being relatively lean, especially when visible fat is trimmed. However, its high sodium content means it should be consumed in moderation, particularly by those monitoring their salt intake.
Pairing ham with fiber-rich vegetables, whole grains, and dairy products creates nutritionally balanced meals that satisfy hunger while providing essential nutrients.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How long can leftover ham be stored in the refrigerator?
A: Properly stored leftover ham can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
Q: Can leftover ham be frozen?
A: Yes, leftover ham can be frozen for up to 3 months. Cut into meal-sized portions and wrap well to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftover ham?
A: Reheat ham gently in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil to prevent drying out. You can also reheat portions in the microwave or incorporate directly into hot dishes like soups and casseroles.
Q: Which cheese works best in ham casseroles?
A: Pepper jack cheese adds a slight kick of heat that complements ham well. Cheddar, monterey jack, and swiss cheese are also excellent choices that melt beautifully in casseroles.
Q: Can I use deli ham instead of leftover holiday ham?
A: Yes, about half a pound of deli ham can substitute for leftover holiday ham in most recipes. However, the flavor may be less intense than home-cooked ham.
Leftover ham represents an opportunity rather than a challenge. With these diverse recipes and techniques, you can transform your holiday remnants into exciting new meals that extend the joy of your celebration throughout the week. Whether you prefer hearty casseroles, comforting soups, or quick sandwiches, there’s a leftover ham recipe perfect for every taste and occasion.
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a90880/5-ways-to-use-leftover-ham/
- 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://keytomylime.com/scalloped-potatoes-and-ham-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a46675317/ham-tetrazzini-recipe/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRfFB8uU_LU
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