What to Make with Left Over Ham Recipes: 21 Creative Left Over Ham Recipes
Looking for unique and creative ways to use leftover ham in your cooking? Check out these 21 leftover ham recipes that turn your leftovers into delicious new meals.
Whether you’re craving a comforting soup, a savory casserole, or a fun sandwich, these recipes are perfect for anyone looking to make the most of their ham leftovers. Let’s dive in and explore how leftover ham can elevate your meals and reduce food waste, all while making your taste buds happy!
21 Left Over Ham Recipes
1. Ham and Cheese Quiche
This savory ham and cheese quiche is the perfect way to transform leftover ham into a delicious brunch or dinner dish.
You can use a store-bought or homemade pie crust, filling it with eggs, cream, cheese, and diced ham. Add vegetables like spinach, onions, or bell peppers for extra flavor.
It’s rich, flavorful, and comes together quickly. This recipe can be served warm or at room temperature, making it versatile for any meal.
Recipe: Creamy Ham and Cheese Quiche
2. Ham and Potato Soup
Turn your leftover ham into a comforting, creamy potato soup. This hearty soup features potatoes, carrots, celery, and onions simmered in a rich broth, then combined with diced ham for added flavor.
Add a splash of heavy cream to make it extra indulgent. Top with shredded cheese and fresh parsley for a perfect finishing touch. It’s an easy, one-pot meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.
Recipe: Delicious Ham and Potato Soup
3. Ham Fried Rice
Leftover ham is the star of this quick and tasty ham fried rice. Simply sauté diced ham, vegetables like peas and carrots, and scrambled eggs in a hot pan.
Toss in cold, day-old rice, and stir-fry everything together with soy sauce and a splash of sesame oil. This recipe is customizable with whatever veggies you have on hand.
It’s a great way to use up not just ham but also leftover rice.
Recipe: Fried Rice with Ham
4. Ham and Cheese Croissants
Turn your leftover ham into a gourmet treat by making ham and cheese croissants. Layer slices of ham and your favorite cheese inside buttery croissant dough, then bake until golden brown and melty.
These little sandwiches are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or even a party appetizer. You can customize them with mustard or a drizzle of honey for added flavor. They are simple to make and always a hit with everyone.
Recipe: Ham and Cheese Croissants
5. Ham and Bean Soup
A classic ham and bean soup is a perfect way to use up leftover ham bones and scraps. This soup features white beans, onions, garlic, and your leftover ham, all simmered in a savory broth.
The ham adds a depth of flavor to the beans, making each spoonful comforting and filling. You can add carrots, celery, or even greens for extra nutrition. It’s the ultimate comfort food for chilly days.
Recipe: Basic Ham and Bean Soup
6. Ham and Pineapple Pizza
Give your leftover ham a tropical twist with a ham and pineapple pizza.
Use a pre-made pizza dough or homemade crust, and top with tomato sauce, shredded mozzarella, chunks of ham, and pineapple.
Bake until golden and bubbly, and finish with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra flavor. This combination of salty ham and sweet pineapple is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s an easy, fun meal to make with leftovers.
Recipe: Ham and Pineapple Pizza
7. Ham and Cheese Stuffed Peppers
For a healthy and filling meal, try stuffing bell peppers with a mixture of leftover ham, rice, and cheese. You can add diced tomatoes, onions, and spices to create a flavorful filling.
After stuffing, bake the peppers until they are tender and the cheese is bubbly. This dish is not only a great way to use up leftovers but also an easy way to sneak in extra vegetables. It’s a colorful, delicious, and nutritious meal.
Recipe: Ham & Cheese Stuffed Peppers
8. Ham and Spinach Frittata
This simple ham and spinach frittata is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. Combine eggs, sautéed spinach, and leftover ham in a skillet, then cook until set.
You can add cheese, such as cheddar or feta, for extra richness. The frittata can be enjoyed hot or at room temperature, making it great for meal prep. It’s an easy, one-pan dish that’s packed with flavor.
Recipe: Ham & Spinach Frittata
9. Ham and Cabbage Stir-Fry
Transform your leftover ham into a tasty stir-fry with cabbage and other crunchy vegetables. Start by sautéing sliced cabbage, onions, and garlic in a hot skillet.
Add the diced ham and stir-fry everything together with soy sauce and a touch of ginger. This savory dish is quick to make and full of flavors, making it a great weeknight dinner.
You can also add carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas for more color and texture.
Recipe: Fried Ham and Cabbage
10. Ham Salad
A ham salad is a quick and satisfying way to use leftover ham for lunch. Simply chop the ham into small pieces and mix with mayonnaise, mustard, and pickles.
You can add diced onions, hard-boiled eggs, and relish for extra flavor. Serve it on a bed of lettuce, between slices of bread, or as a dip with crackers. It’s a versatile dish that’s always a hit at picnics and potlucks.
Recipe: Ham Salad
11. Ham and Swiss Sliders
These ham and Swiss sliders are an easy, crowd-pleasing option for leftover ham.
Layer slices of ham and Swiss cheese between small rolls, then brush the tops with a savory butter and mustard mixture before baking.
The sliders become perfectly golden and the cheese gets wonderfully melty. They make a great appetizer for parties or a quick snack when you’re craving something savory. You can even freeze these sliders for later.
Recipe: Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders
12. Ham and Broccoli Casserole
This ham and broccoli casserole is a comforting dish that can be made with minimal effort. Combine leftover ham, steamed broccoli, and cooked pasta in a creamy cheese sauce.
Top with breadcrumbs and bake until golden and bubbly. It’s a filling and satisfying meal that can feed a crowd.
This casserole is an excellent way to sneak in some veggies while still enjoying the flavors of your leftover ham.
Recipe: Ham Casserole with Broccoli and Rice
13. Ham and Potato Hash
For a hearty breakfast, make a ham and potato hash. Dice potatoes and sauté them in a skillet until crispy, then add your leftover ham and sautéed onions.
Serve it with a fried egg on top for a complete meal. You can also toss in bell peppers, garlic, or hot sauce to enhance the flavor. This simple, satisfying dish is great for using up leftover ham and potatoes.
Recipe: Ham and Potato Hash
14. Ham and Cheese Breakfast Burritos
Wrap your leftover ham and cheese in a warm tortilla for a delicious breakfast burrito. Scramble eggs and add diced ham, shredded cheese, and a little salsa for extra flavor.
Roll it all up in a tortilla for an easy and filling breakfast. You can also add avocado or hot sauce for extra kick. These burritos are a quick, tasty way to use up leftovers in the morning.
Recipe: Ham & Cheese Breakfast Burritos
15. Ham and Mushroom Risotto
Turn your leftover ham into a creamy and luxurious risotto. Sauté onions, garlic, and mushrooms before adding arborio rice.
Slowly add stock while stirring until the rice is cooked to perfection. Stir in chunks of leftover ham and a generous amount of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
This dish is a comforting and satisfying way to use up ham and create something gourmet.
Recipe: Ham & Mushroom Risotto
16. Ham and Sweet Potato Hash
For a sweet and savory twist on a breakfast hash, try a ham and sweet potato version. Cube the sweet potatoes and sauté them until crispy, then add diced ham and onions.
Season with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of chili powder for a unique flavor profile. You can top it with a fried egg for an extra indulgence. This dish is a colorful and hearty breakfast or brunch option.
Recipe: Sweet Potato Hash with Ham
17. Ham and Cheese Empanadas
Turn your leftover ham into flavorful empanadas.
Mix the ham with cheese, spices, and a bit of tomato or mustard, then stuff the mixture into pastry dough. Bake or fry until golden brown and crispy.
These hand-held pockets are great for parties, snacks, or even a quick lunch. The combination of ham and cheese inside the crispy crust is irresistible.
Recipe: Classic Ham and Cheese Empanadas
18. Ham and Tomato Pasta
A simple ham and tomato pasta can be made in under 30 minutes, perfect for a quick dinner.
Cook your favorite pasta and toss it with a sauce made from sautéed onions, garlic, and canned tomatoes.
Add in chunks of leftover ham and simmer for a few minutes until everything is heated through. Top with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor. This dish is easy, comforting, and full of flavor.
Recipe: Pasta with Creamy Cherry Tomato Sauce and Ham
19. Ham and Avocado Sandwiches
For a light yet satisfying lunch, try a ham and avocado sandwich. Layer slices of leftover ham with creamy avocado, lettuce, and tomato on your favorite bread or rolls.
You can spread a little mustard or mayo for extra flavor. This sandwich is simple, fresh, and full of healthy fats from the avocado. It’s a quick meal that’s both filling and nutritious.
Recipe: Avocado and Ham Sandwiches
20. Ham and Asparagus Pasta Bake
A ham and asparagus pasta bake is a delicious and easy way to use up leftover ham. Toss cooked pasta, blanched asparagus, and diced ham in a creamy cheese sauce, then bake until bubbly and golden.
The asparagus adds a fresh, earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory ham. This dish is comforting and can be made ahead of time for an easy dinner. Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
Recipe: Creamy Ham and Asparagus Pasta
21. Ham and Egg Breakfast Muffins
These ham and egg breakfast muffins are a fun way to use up leftover ham while enjoying a portable breakfast.
Simply mix eggs, diced ham, cheese, and vegetables of your choice, then pour the mixture into a muffin tin. Bake until the eggs are set and the tops are golden.
These muffins are perfect for meal prep or a quick on-the-go breakfast. You can easily customize them with your favorite ingredients.
Recipe: Ham and Cheese Egg Muffins
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