From Feast to Fantastic: Delicious Leftover Ham Recipes You’ll Love
Leftover ham. It’s a beautiful problem to have, isn’t it? You’ve enjoyed a magnificent holiday feast, complete with a centerpiece glazed ham that was the star of the show. But now, you’re staring at a refrigerator full of ham and wondering, “What do I do with all of this?” Fear not! This blog post is your ultimate guide to transforming that delicious leftover ham into a variety of exciting and flavorful meals. Forget boring ham sandwiches (unless you *really* want one, of course!). We’re diving deep into creative and satisfying recipes that will have you looking forward to using up every last scrap.
Why Leftover Ham Deserves a Second Act
Before we jump into the recipes, let’s talk about why leftover ham is such a versatile and valuable ingredient. Ham is packed with protein, which makes it a filling and satisfying addition to any meal. It also boasts a unique smoky, savory flavor that complements a wide range of ingredients. Plus, using leftover ham is a fantastic way to reduce food waste and save money – a win-win for everyone!
Tips for Storing Leftover Ham
Proper storage is key to ensuring your leftover ham stays fresh and safe to eat. Here’s what you need to know:
* **Cool it quickly:** Don’t let the ham sit out at room temperature for more than two hours. Cut the ham into smaller portions to help it cool down faster.
* **Wrap it well:** Wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or store it in an airtight container.
* **Refrigerate:** Store the ham in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below.
* **Use it within:** Leftover ham is best used within 3-5 days for optimal quality and safety.
* **Freezing:** If you can’t use the ham within a few days, you can freeze it for later. Cut the ham into smaller, freezer-friendly portions. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Frozen ham can last for 1-2 months.
Leftover Ham Recipes: A Culinary Adventure
Now for the fun part! Here are a variety of delicious and creative recipes to use up your leftover ham:
1. Ham and Cheese Scalloped Potatoes
This classic comfort food gets a delicious upgrade with the addition of leftover ham. It’s creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying.
**Ingredients:**
* 6 cups thinly sliced potatoes (russet or Yukon gold)
* 2 cups cooked ham, diced
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 4 tablespoons butter
* 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 3 cups milk
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Optional: 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, pinch of nutmeg
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
5. Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings. Stir until cheese is melted and smooth.
6. In the prepared baking dish, layer potatoes, ham, and cheese sauce. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of cheese sauce.
7. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and cheese is golden brown.
9. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
2. Ham and Bean Soup
A hearty and flavorful soup that’s perfect for a chilly day. This recipe utilizes the ham bone for extra flavor, but you can easily adapt it using just diced ham.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound dried Great Northern beans, rinsed
* 8 cups chicken broth (or water)
* 1 ham bone (with some meat attached)
* 1 cup cooked ham, diced
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 bay leaf
**Instructions:**
1. Soak the dried beans overnight in a large pot with enough water to cover them. Drain and rinse the beans before using.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the soaked beans, chicken broth, ham bone, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beans are tender.
4. Remove the ham bone from the pot. Let it cool slightly, then shred any remaining meat from the bone and return it to the soup.
5. Stir in the diced ham.
6. Remove the bay leaf.
7. Using an immersion blender, partially blend the soup to create a creamy texture (optional). Alternatively, you can remove a few cups of soup and blend it in a regular blender, then return it to the pot.
8. Heat through and serve.
3. Ham and Cheese Quiche
An elegant and delicious dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or lunch. You can use store-bought or homemade pie crust for this recipe.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 (9-inch) pie crust, pre-baked
* 1 cup cooked ham, diced
* 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese (or Gruyere)
* 4 large eggs
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Optional: 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, chopped fresh chives for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Sprinkle the diced ham and shredded cheese evenly over the bottom of the pre-baked pie crust.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg.
4. Pour the egg mixture over the ham and cheese in the pie crust.
5. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the quiche is set and the top is lightly golden brown. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
6. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh chives, if desired.
4. Ham Fried Rice
A quick and easy weeknight meal that’s a great way to use up leftover rice and ham. Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 cups cooked rice, cold
* 1 cup cooked ham, diced
* 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots
* 1/4 cup chopped onion
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon sesame oil
* 1 egg, beaten
* Optional: 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish, sriracha for heat
**Instructions:**
1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 2 minutes.
3. Push the onion and garlic to one side of the skillet. Pour the beaten egg into the empty space and cook, stirring occasionally, until scrambled.
4. Add the frozen peas and carrots and cook until heated through, about 3 minutes.
5. Add the diced ham and cooked rice to the skillet.
6. Pour the soy sauce over the rice mixture and stir to combine.
7. Cook, stirring frequently, until heated through, about 5 minutes.
8. Garnish with chopped green onions and sriracha, if desired.
5. Ham and Cheese Sliders
These mini sandwiches are perfect for parties, potlucks, or a quick lunch. They’re easy to assemble and always a crowd-pleaser.
**Ingredients:**
* 12 slider buns
* 12 slices cooked ham
* 6 slices Swiss cheese (cut in half)
* 2 tablespoons butter, melted
* 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
* 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1/2 teaspoon poppy seeds (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Slice the slider buns in half.
3. Place the bottom halves of the buns on a baking sheet.
4. Layer each bun with a slice of ham and a half slice of Swiss cheese.
5. Place the top halves of the buns on top.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and poppy seeds (if using).
7. Brush the butter mixture over the tops of the slider buns.
8. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the buns are lightly golden brown.
9. Serve immediately.
6. Creamy Ham and Pea Pasta
A simple yet satisfying pasta dish that comes together in minutes. It’s a great way to use up both leftover ham and frozen peas.
**Ingredients:**
* 8 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle)
* 1 cup cooked ham, diced
* 1 cup frozen peas
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. While the pasta is cooking, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Add the diced ham and cook until lightly browned, about 3 minutes.
5. Stir in the frozen peas and cook until heated through, about 2 minutes.
6. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
7. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the ham and pea sauce.
9. Toss to combine.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
11. Serve immediately.
7. Ham and Potato Hash
This is a very rustic and comforting recipe. Perfect for a hearty breakfast, brunch, or even dinner.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 cups cooked potatoes, diced
* 1 cup cooked ham, diced
* 1/2 cup onion, chopped
* 1/4 cup green bell pepper, chopped
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: Fried egg, for serving
**Instructions:**
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add onion and green bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the diced potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and crispy, about 10-15 minutes.
4. Stir in the diced ham, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.
6. Serve with a fried egg on top, if desired.
8. Ham Tetrazzini
A creamy and cheesy baked pasta dish that’s perfect for a potluck or family gathering. You can use leftover turkey or chicken in place of the ham if you prefer.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound spaghetti or other pasta
* 4 tablespoons butter
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 4 cups chicken broth
* 1 cup milk
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 1/4 cup dry sherry (optional)
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 2 cups cooked ham, diced
* 1 cup frozen peas
* 1 cup sliced mushrooms
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/2 cup bread crumbs
* 2 tablespoons melted butter
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
5. Stir in milk, heavy cream, sherry (if using), salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
6. Add the cooked pasta, diced ham, peas, and mushrooms to the sauce. Stir to combine.
7. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
8. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs.
9. Drizzle with melted butter.
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
11. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
9. Ham Salad Sandwich
This is a classic and easy way to use leftover ham, great for lunches or a light snack. You can customize it with different seasonings and mix-ins to your liking.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 cups cooked ham, diced
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
* 2 tablespoons onion, finely chopped
* 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Bread of your choice
* Lettuce leaves (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. In a food processor, pulse the ham until coarsely ground. You can also finely chop it by hand.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the ground ham, mayonnaise, celery, onion, sweet pickle relish, and Dijon mustard.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Spread the ham salad on bread slices.
5. Add lettuce leaves, if desired.
6. Top with another slice of bread and serve.
10. Monte Cristo Sandwich
A delicious and decadent sandwich that’s perfect for a special brunch or lunch. It’s essentially a grilled ham and cheese sandwich dipped in egg batter and fried until golden brown.
**Ingredients:**
* 8 slices of bread (white or sourdough)
* 4 slices cooked ham
* 4 slices Swiss cheese
* 2 large eggs
* 1/4 cup milk
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 2 tablespoons butter
* Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
* Raspberry jam, for serving (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Make four sandwiches with two slices of bread, one slice of ham, and one slice of Swiss cheese each.
2. In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
3. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, coating both sides evenly.
5. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with raspberry jam, if desired.
Beyond the Recipes: Creative Ham Variations
Don’t limit yourself to just these recipes! Here are some other creative ways to incorporate leftover ham into your meals:
* **Ham and Egg Breakfast Skillet:** Combine diced ham with scrambled eggs, potatoes, peppers, and onions for a hearty and satisfying breakfast.
* **Ham and Cheese Quesadillas:** Layer ham and cheese between tortillas and grill until golden brown.
* **Ham Pizza Topping:** Add diced ham to your homemade or store-bought pizza.
* **Ham and Macaroni Salad:** Substitute ham for tuna or chicken in your favorite macaroni salad recipe.
* **Ham and Vegetable Stir-Fry:** Add diced ham to your favorite stir-fry recipe for extra protein and flavor.
* **Ham Stock**: Use the ham bone to make a flavorful ham stock. This can be used as a base for soups and stews.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Leftover Ham!
Leftover ham is a versatile and delicious ingredient that deserves a second chance. With a little creativity, you can transform it into a variety of exciting and flavorful meals. So, embrace the leftover ham and get cooking! These recipes are just a starting point – feel free to experiment and create your own delicious ham-inspired dishes. Happy cooking!