10 Delicious Dinner Recipes Using Leftover Ham

1. Creamy Ham and Potato Casserole

This comforting casserole is a perfect way to use up leftover ham and is sure to please the whole family. The creamy sauce combined with tender potatoes and chunks of ham makes for a hearty meal.

• 2 cups diced potatoes
• 1 cup diced leftover ham
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
• 1/2 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, and pepper. In a greased baking dish, layer the diced potatoes and ham. Pour the soup mixture over the top and sprinkle with cheese. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly.

2. Ham and Cheese Quiche

This delightful quiche is a versatile dish that can be served for dinner or breakfast. The combination of eggs, ham, and cheese is both filling and delicious.

• 1 pre-made pie crust
• 1 cup diced leftover ham
• 1 cup shredded cheese (Swiss or cheddar)
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Place the pie crust in a pie dish and layer the ham and cheese on the bottom. Pour the egg mixture over the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the quiche is set and lightly golden. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.

3. Ham and Bean Soup

This hearty soup is perfect for a chilly evening and makes great use of leftover ham. It’s packed with flavor and nutrition from the beans and vegetables.

• 1 cup diced leftover ham
• 1 can white beans (cannellini or navy beans)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

In a large pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened. Add the diced ham, beans, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.

4. Ham Fried Rice

This quick and easy dish is a fantastic way to use leftover ham while creating a delicious meal in under 30 minutes. Customize it with your favorite vegetables for added flavor and nutrition.

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
• 1 cup diced leftover ham
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, bell peppers)
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil or vegetable oil

In a large skillet or wok, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the mixed vegetables and sauté until tender. Push the vegetables to the side, add the beaten eggs, and scramble until cooked. Stir in the rice and ham, and pour the soy sauce over the top. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until heated through.

5. Ham and Broccoli Pasta Bake

This pasta bake is a cheesy, comforting dish that combines ham and broccoli for a nutritious meal. It’s perfect for using up leftovers and is family-friendly.

• 8 ounces pasta (penne or rotini)
• 1 cup diced leftover ham
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cups shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
• 1 cup cream or half-and-half
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the pasta according to package directions and add the broccoli during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain and return to the pot. Stir in the ham, cream, salt, and pepper. Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with cheese, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Ham Tacos

Put a fun twist on taco night by using leftover ham as the filling. These ham tacos are quick to assemble and can be topped with your favorite ingredients.

• 1 cup diced leftover ham
• Small corn or flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese
• 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

Warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave. Fill each tortilla with diced ham, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese. Top with a dollop of sour cream. Serve with salsa for extra flavor.

7. Ham and Spinach Frittata

This frittata is an excellent option for a quick dinner or a weekend brunch. The combination of ham and spinach is both nutritious and flavorful.

• 1 cup diced leftover ham
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 6 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheese (feta or cheddar)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large oven-safe skillet, sauté the spinach until wilted. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir in the ham and cheese, then pour the mixture over the spinach in the skillet. Cook on the stovetop for a few minutes until the edges begin to set, then transfer to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until fully set.

8. Ham and Corn Chowder

This creamy chowder is perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of sweet corn and savory ham creates a delightful flavor that everyone will love.

• 1 cup diced leftover ham
• 2 cups corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

In a large pot, sauté the onion until translucent. Add the diced potatoes and chicken broth, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender. Stir in the corn, ham, and cream. Season with salt and pepper, and cook for an additional 5 minutes before serving.

9. Ham and Cheddar Stuffed Peppers

These stuffed peppers are not only delicious but also make for a colorful presentation at the dinner table. The combination of ham, cheese, and rice is a filling option.

• 4 bell peppers (any color)
• 1 cup diced leftover ham
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the tops off the peppers and remove the seeds. In a bowl, mix the ham, rice, cheese, tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Stuff each pepper with the mixture and place them in a baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.

10. Ham and Vegetable Stir-Fry

This quick stir-fry is a healthy and flavorful way to use leftover ham. You can customize it with your favorite seasonal vegetables for a fresh meal.

• 1 cup diced leftover ham
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds. Add the mixed vegetables and cook until tender-crisp. Stir in the ham and soy sauce, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

With these 10 delicious dinner recipes using leftover ham, you can easily transform your holiday leftovers into exciting meals throughout the week. Whether you prefer a hearty chowder or a light stir-fry, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Tips for Storing Leftover Ham

To make the most of your leftover ham, proper storage is key:

• Cool the ham quickly after your meal by cutting it into smaller pieces.
• Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze it. It can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
• When reheating, ensure that the ham reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety.

Creative Ways to Use Leftover Ham

Beyond these recipes, there are numerous creative ways to incorporate leftover ham into your meals:

1. Add diced ham to your morning omelet or frittata for a protein boost.
2. Mix ham into pasta salads or grain bowls for added flavor and texture.
3. Use ham as a pizza topping, paired with your favorite vegetables and cheese.
4. Incorporate it into homemade quiche or savory muffins.
5. Blend ham into creamy dips or spreads for entertaining.

Using leftover ham can lead to numerous delicious and satisfying meals, saving you time and money while minimizing food waste. Let your creativity shine in the kitchen!

Experimenting with different cuisines can also elevate your leftover ham dishes. Here are some international-inspired ideas:

11. Ham Fried Rice

Turn your leftover ham into a delightful fried rice dish, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
• 1 cup diced leftover ham
• 1 cup mixed frozen vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped

In a large skillet or wok, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the rice, breaking up any clumps. Push the rice to the side and scramble the eggs in the pan. Once cooked, mix in the ham and vegetables. Pour in the soy sauce and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Garnish with green onions before serving.

12. Ham and Potato Casserole

This comforting casserole is a great way to use up ham and potatoes in one dish.

• 3 cups diced potatoes (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup diced leftover ham
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
• 1/2 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix the potatoes, ham, soup, milk, salt, and pepper. Pour into a greased baking dish and top with cheese. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly.

13. Ham and Cheese Stuffed Crepes

For a unique dinner, try making savory crepes filled with ham and cheese.

• 1 cup flour
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup diced leftover ham
• 1 cup shredded cheese (Swiss or mozzarella)

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, eggs, and milk until smooth. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and pour in a ladle of batter, swirling to coat the bottom. Cook until the edges lift, then flip and cook for another minute. Fill each crepe with ham and cheese, fold, and serve warm.

Conclusion

Transforming leftover ham into delightful dishes not only minimizes waste but also adds variety to your dinner table. With these ten creative recipes, you can enjoy flavorful meals that highlight the versatility of ham.

Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting casserole or a fresh salad, these ideas ensure that your leftover ham will be a star ingredient that brings joy to your family meals.

Related

• What Does “Leftover ham recipes” Mean?
• Classic Bread Pudding Recipe Using Leftover Bread
• 13 Thanksgiving Side Dishes Using Leftover Ingredients
• 29 Creative Salad Ideas Using Leftover Ingredients