35+ Delicious Leftover Ham Recipe Ideas You’ll Love
Got leftover ham from a holiday feast or special dinner? Don’t let it go to waste! With its savory and versatile flavor, leftover ham can be transformed into countless delicious meals that the whole family will enjoy. From hearty breakfasts to comforting dinners, we’ve rounded up 35+ leftover ham recipe ideas that will inspire your next culinary creation. Let’s dive into these mouthwatering options to make the most of your leftovers while keeping your meals exciting and flavorful.
1. Ham and Cheese Omelette
A quick and easy breakfast option, this omelette combines diced leftover ham with gooey melted cheese for a satisfying start to your day. Perfect for utilizing leftover ham in a simple yet delicious recipe.
2. Ham and Potato Soup
Transform leftover ham into a comforting bowl of creamy ham and potato soup. This hearty dish is ideal for chilly evenings.
3. Ham and Pineapple Pizza
Reinvent classic Hawaiian pizza by using leftover ham as a topping. Add pineapple, mozzarella, and tomato sauce for a flavorful bite.
4. Ham and Egg Breakfast Casserole
Layer bread, eggs, cheese, and leftover ham for a hearty breakfast casserole that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.
5. Ham and Cheese Quesadillas
Stuff tortillas with leftover ham, shredded cheese, and a touch of salsa for a quick and delicious lunch or snack.
6. Ham and Spinach Quiche
Combine eggs, spinach, cheese, and leftover ham in a flaky pie crust for a savory quiche that’s perfect for brunch.
7. Ham Fried Rice
Turn leftover ham into a flavorful one-pan dish by stir-frying it with rice, vegetables, and soy sauce.
8. Ham and Cheese Sliders
Mini sandwich rolls filled with ham and cheese, baked to perfection, make for a delightful appetizer or snack.
9. Ham and Bean Soup
Leftover ham adds a smoky flavor to a comforting pot of ham and bean soup, making it a wholesome and filling meal.
10. Ham and Broccoli Pasta Bake
Toss cooked pasta, broccoli, and leftover ham in a creamy cheese sauce, then bake for a family-friendly dinner.
11. Ham Salad Sandwiches
Dice leftover ham and mix with mayonnaise, mustard, and pickles for a tasty filling perfect for sandwiches.
12. Ham and Sweet Potato Hash
Combine sweet potatoes, diced ham, and spices in a skillet for a flavorful and nutrient-packed breakfast or brunch option.
13. Ham and Cheese Stuffed Croissants
Fill buttery croissants with leftover ham and cheese, then bake until golden for a decadent treat.
14. Split Pea Soup with Ham
Leftover ham brings depth to a classic split pea soup, creating a hearty and warming dish.
15. Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
Roll up puff pastry with ham and cheese, slice, and bake for a fun and savory appetizer.
16. Ham Mac and Cheese
Elevate classic mac and cheese by adding diced leftover ham for a creamy, comforting dish.
17. Ham and Veggie Stir-Fry
Stir-fry leftover ham with colorful vegetables and a savory sauce for a quick and healthy dinner.
18. Ham and Cheese Breakfast Muffins
Bake a batch of savory muffins packed with ham, cheese, and eggs for an on-the-go breakfast.
19. Ham and Asparagus Frittata
Combine eggs, asparagus, and leftover ham in a skillet for a light and flavorful frittata.
20. Ham and Cabbage Skillet
Sauté cabbage and leftover ham together for a simple, low-carb meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
21. Ham and Corn Chowder
This creamy chowder with corn and leftover ham is the ultimate comfort food for cold days.
22. Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Bites
Wrap diced ham and cheese in puff pastry squares and bake for a bite-sized snack or appetizer.
23. Ham and Broccoli Stir-Fry
A quick stir-fry with leftover ham, broccoli, and a savory garlic sauce makes a healthy and tasty dinner.
24. Ham and Mushroom Risotto
Leftover ham adds a rich, savory element to a creamy mushroom risotto that’s perfect for dinner.
25. Ham and Cauliflower Gratin
Layer ham and cauliflower in a creamy cheese sauce and bake until bubbly for a low-carb side dish.
26. Ham and Zucchini Fritters
Mix grated zucchini and leftover ham into a batter and fry until golden for a crispy, savory fritter.
27. Ham and Cheddar Biscuits
Add diced ham and shredded cheddar to biscuit dough for a savory treat that’s great with soup or on its own.
28. Ham and Lentil Soup
Leftover ham brings a smoky flavor to a protein-packed lentil soup, making it hearty and nutritious.
29. Ham and Cheese Stromboli
Roll up pizza dough with ham, cheese, and seasonings, then bake for a delicious stromboli.
30. Ham-Stuffed Bell Peppers
Fill bell peppers with a mixture of ham, rice, and cheese for a colorful and satisfying meal.
31. Ham and Spinach Stuffed Chicken
Stuff chicken breasts with ham, spinach, and cheese, then bake for a gourmet dinner option.
32. Ham and Cheese Crepes
Fill delicate crepes with leftover ham and cheese for an elegant breakfast or brunch dish.
33. Ham and Vegetable Soup
Make a hearty vegetable soup with leftover ham to create a nutritious and comforting bowl.
34. Ham and Pineapple Fried Rice
Combine diced ham, pineapple, and rice in a skillet for a sweet-and-savory fried rice dish.
35. Ham and Brussels Sprouts Skillet
Sauté Brussels sprouts and leftover ham together for a flavorful and healthy side dish.
36. Ham and Cheese Calzones
Stuff pizza dough with ham, cheese, and marinara sauce for a delicious homemade calzone.
37. Ham and Cheddar Soup
This rich and creamy soup combines leftover ham with sharp cheddar for a comforting meal.
38. Ham and Potato Gratin
Layer thinly sliced potatoes, leftover ham, and cheese sauce for a decadent and comforting side dish.
39. Ham and Veggie Skewers
Thread leftover ham and veggies onto skewers and grill for a fun and flavorful meal.
40. Ham-Stuffed Pasta Shells
Fill jumbo pasta shells with a mixture of ham, ricotta, and spinach, then bake with marinara sauce.
Use these 35+ leftover ham recipe ideas to turn your leftovers into something extraordinary. From breakfast to dinner, you’ll never run out of creative ways to enjoy your ham. Make the most of your leftovers with these delicious and versatile recipes!
I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.