Creative Ways to Use Leftover Ham in Your Meals

Do you find yourself wondering what to do with leftover ham after a big dinner? You’re not alone! Leftover ham can often hang around in the fridge, and finding creative ways to use it can elevate your meals and minimize waste. In this guide, we’re going to explore a variety of tasty recipes that will not only help you use up that extra ham but also delight your family and friends with new flavors.

Why Use Leftover Ham?

Utilizing leftover ham is a fantastic way to be economical while also being creative in the kitchen. You can transform a simple ingredient into a wide array of dishes, ensuring you get the most out of your grocery purchases. Moreover, ham is versatile; it pairs wonderfully with many ingredients, making it easy to integrate into different types of cuisine.

In this article, you’ll discover 18 delicious recipes, from hearty soups to delightful breakfast options. Let’s get started!

1. Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato Soup

This comforting soup is perfect for those cool evenings when you want something warm and hearty but aren’t in the mood to spend hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups diced potatoes
• 1 cup diced ham
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Add potatoes, ham, onion, and chicken broth to a slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until potatoes are tender.
3. Stir in cheddar cheese and heavy cream just before serving.

This soup is creamy and rich, making it the ultimate comfort food.

2. Ham Cake-ettes

A fun twist on traditional pancakes, these ham cake-ettes are perfect for brunch and can be served alongside your favorite sauces.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup leftover ham, finely chopped
• 1 cup pancake mix
• 1 egg
• 1 cup milk
• Your choice of sauces (such as maple syrup or spicy ketchup)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix pancake mix, egg, and milk until just combined.
2. Fold in the chopped ham.
3. Heat a skillet over medium heat and pour in the batter to form small cakes.
4. Cook until golden brown on each side.

These little delights mix sweet and savory in a way that will have your taste buds dancing!

3. One-Pot Ham and Veggie Pasta

When life gets busy, a one-pot meal can be a lifesaver. This dish combines the flavors of your leftover ham with fresh veggies for a quick and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz. pasta (your choice)
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (like bell peppers and spinach)
• 1 cup diced ham
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Parmesan cheese for topping

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine pasta, vegetables, ham, and chicken broth.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until pasta is cooked.
3. Stir in Italian seasoning and serve with Parmesan cheese.

This meal is not only easy to prepare but also allows you to use whatever veggies you have on hand.

4. Ham and Pineapple Dinner

Transport your taste buds to Hawaii with this sweet and savory dish that brings a taste of the tropics to your table.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked ham, sliced
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon ginger (grated)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a baking dish, layer the ham and pineapple.
3. In a bowl, mix brown sugar, soy sauce, and ginger, then pour over the ham and pineapple.
4. Bake for 30 minutes, basting occasionally.

The combination of ham and pineapple creates a delightful flavor that’s hard to resist!

5. Ham and Cheese Breakfast Tortillas

Start your day off right with these flavorful breakfast tortillas filled with ham, eggs, and cheese.

Ingredients:

• 4 tortillas
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup diced ham
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• Salsa for serving

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, scramble the eggs until just set.
2. Add in the ham and cook until warmed through.
3. Fill each tortilla with the egg mixture and cheese, then fold.
4. Serve with salsa on the side.

This dish makes for a quick breakfast that keeps you energized throughout the day!

6. Bubble and Squeak

A traditional British dish, bubble and squeak is an excellent way to use up leftover vegetables and ham, creating a delicious, crispy side.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked cabbage, chopped
• 1 cup diced ham
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cups mashed potatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, sauté onion until translucent.
2. Add the cabbage and ham, cooking until heated through.
3. Stir in the mashed potatoes and season with salt and pepper.
4. Press the mixture into the skillet and cook until crispy on the bottom.
5. Flip and crisp the other side.

This comforting dish brings a delightful crunch and heartiness to your meal.

7. Cheesy Ham and Mashed Potato Casserole

Take your leftover ham and mashed potatoes to a whole new level with this cheesy casserole that’s perfect as a side or main dish.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups leftover mashed potatoes
• 2 cups diced ham
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup green onions, chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a baking dish, layer mashed potatoes, ham, cheese, sour cream, and green onions.
3. Bake for 25 minutes or until heated through and cheese is bubbly.

This casserole is customizable; feel free to add in your favorite veggies!

8. Split Pea and Ham Soup

This economical and great-tasting soup is a classic way to rejuvenate your leftover ham, perfect for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup split peas, rinsed
• 1 cup diced ham
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a pot over medium heat, sauté onions and carrots until softened.
2. Add in the split peas, ham, and chicken broth.
3. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 1-1.5 hours until peas are tender.

This hearty soup will warm you up on chilly days while being budget-friendly!

9. Classic Cuban Midnight Sandwich

Take a flavor trip to Cuba with this iconic sandwich that combines ham with pickles, cheese, and mustard.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices Cuban bread
• 3 oz. sliced ham
• 2 oz. Swiss cheese
• Pickles
• Yellow mustard

Instructions:

1. Spread mustard on one side of each slice of bread.
2. Layer ham and cheese, followed by pickles.
3. Close the sandwich and grill on a skillet until crispy and golden.

This sandwich is fantastic for lunch or a late-night snack, bringing a taste of Cuban flavors to your kitchen.

10. Ham Breakfast Braid

Start your morning with a savory breakfast braid that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 package puff pastry
• 2 cups diced ham
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 4 eggs, scrambled
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out the puff pastry and make diagonal slits on both sides.
3. Layer ham and cheese down the center, then top with scrambled eggs.
4. Braid the pastry over the filling and brush with egg wash.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

This dish not only tastes delicious but also looks impressive when served.

11. Ham and Broccoli Quiche

A quiche is an excellent way to incorporate leftover ham into a satisfying meal, perfect for brunch or dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 pie crust
• 1 cup diced ham
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
3. Spread ham and broccoli in the pie crust, then pour in the egg mixture.
4. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the egg is set and the top is golden.

Quiche is a wonderful versatile dish that can easily be customized with your favorite vegetables and cheese!

12. Ham and Cheese Stuffed Peppers

For a colorful and healthy option, stuffed peppers filled with ham and cheese can be a delightfully fresh dinner choice.

Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup diced ham
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1 can diced tomatoes (drained)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove seeds.
3. In a bowl, mix rice, ham, cheese, and tomatoes.
4. Stuff the mixture into the peppers and place in a baking dish.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until peppers are tender.

This dish is both nutritious and visually appealing, making it a great family meal!

13. Ham Fried Rice

When you need to whip up dinner in a hurry, ham fried rice is the way to go. It’s quick, easy, and a delicious way to use up your leftovers.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup diced ham
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen is fine)
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, cook the eggs until scrambled, then set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add ham and mixed vegetables, cooking until heated through.
3. Add in the rice and soy sauce, stirring to combine everything.
4. Stir in the scrambled eggs before serving.

This dish is a brilliant way to elevate leftover rice while giving you a filling meal!

14. Ham and Sweet Potato Hash

Sweet potatoes and ham create a lovely balance of sweet and savory flavors in this rustic hash, perfect for breakfast or dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 sweet potatoes, diced
• 1 cup diced ham
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add sweet potatoes and onions, cooking until softened.
3. Stir in the ham and cook until everything is warmed through and crispy.

This hash is not only delicious but also packed with nutrition!

15. Ham Tacos

For a unique twist, try using your leftover ham as a filling for tacos. Top with your favorite fixings for a fun and flavorful meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups diced ham
• Corn or flour tortillas
• Avocados, diced
• Salsa
• Shredded lettuce

Instructions:

1. Warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave.
2. Fill each tortilla with diced ham and top with avocado, salsa, and lettuce.

These tacos are simple yet delightful, and they offer a nice change from traditional toppings.

16. Ham and Bean Soup

A hearty bean soup is an all-time favorite and becomes even better by adding leftover ham. This comforting dish is easy to make and perfect for chilly days.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dry beans (like navy or pinto)
• 1 cup diced ham
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Soak the beans overnight, then rinse.
2. In a pot, sauté the onion and carrots until softened.
3. Add ham, beans, and chicken broth.
4. Cook until beans are tender, adding more broth if necessary.

This soup is nutritious, filling, and gets even better with time.

17. Ham Salad Sandwiches

Light and delicious, ham salad sandwiches make an excellent lunch that’s simple to whip up.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup diced ham
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 1 tablespoon chopped pickles
• Sandwich bread

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix ham, mayonnaise, mustard, and pickles.
2. Spread on bread to create a sandwich.

Delightfully quick, these sandwiches are perfect for a busy day.

18. Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

For a fun appetizer or snack, consider making ham and cheese pinwheels. They’re easy to prepare and are perfect for entertaining.

Ingredients:

• 1 package crescent roll dough
• 1 cup diced ham
• 1 cup shredded cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven according to dough instructions.
2. Unroll the crescent dough and layer ham and cheese.
3. Roll tightly and slice into pinwheels.
4. Bake according to dough instructions until golden brown.

These pinwheels are not only delicious but also a hit at parties!

Conclusion

With these 18 tasty recipes, you’ll never find yourself unsure of how to use leftover ham again! Each recipe brings the delightful flavors of ham into your meals while helping you minimize waste. From comforting soups and savory casseroles to quick breakfasts and afternoon snacks, there’s something for every palate and occasion. Challenge yourself to try a few of these ideas, and let your creativity shine in the kitchen!