From irresistible salads and casseroles to soups and pastas, you’ll find everything you need in this list of 56 delicious leftover ham recipes.
Your nightly fridge raid turns up leftover ham — leftover ham? — I know what you’re thinking: there’s never any leftover ham.
But wait, yes there is!
Every holiday ever always seems to include a cut of ham or two, most especially Christmas or Thanksgiving; plus they’re often given as gifts as well.
And since ham lasts for a long time refrigerated, there more than likely is a leftover ham for you to raid!
But resist the urge to pull out your pocket fork and scarf that last flavorful slice of Aunt Sally’s Best down right then and there.
Instead, turn your scraps of ham into a savory stew or decadent risotto and liven up your kitchen table with an injection of flavor.
Next time you are looking for leftover recipes, these great ideas for using a little bit of spiral ham, gruyere cheese, or sweet potatoes will help inspire an easy breakfast.
Let us know if you spot any of your favorite leftover ham recipes!
We also love hearing from those of our readers who actually take the plunge and cook up something on the list!
So be brave, prep something up, and let us know how it went!
Stuffed-to-oozing with cheddar cheese, mustard and ham, this fluffy pull-apart bread is a great ham leftovers recipe for picnics or those days when all you want to do is curl up on the couch with a hunk of warm, buttery bread in hand.
We recommend serving alongside some potato soup.
There’s something irresistibly summer-y about this fun, fresh recipe.
The crisp, sweet watermelon pairs nicely with salty ham and the sharp basil provides just enough adjoining tang to really drive the whole ‘salad’ thing home
Ham and biscuits — because if you’re going to indulge, you may as well do it right.
These melt-in-your-mouth biscuit sandwiches are sure to earn you repeat invitations to brunch. But we won’t blame you if you decide not to share.
Forget about your arteries for a minute and serve with a generous helping of melted butter!
4. Ham Roll Ups
These low-carb ham roll ups are proof that you can have your cake (your ham?) and eat it too.
All you need is a little lettuce, tomato, avocado and of course, bacon et voila — a delicious, light lunch that’s as fun to assemble as it is to eat.
How to cook the perfect mac and cheese: add ham. There’s very little you could get wrong here.
This is a rich, velvety comfort food that calls for silk sheets and punch-bowl size portions.
Start the day with a bang: granted, this fabulous frittata is more work than a slice of toast or a cup of yogurt but every now and again it pays to go ham.
All you need is some crusty sourdough and a tall glass of orange juice to top things off.
Mashed potatoes will turn anything into a meal — yes, that includes the last cuts of ham in your fridge too insubstantial for even a sandwich.
This straightforward potato and ham bake is the real deal: it tastes like sunshine and takes all of 10 minutes to throw together.
You might think you’ve mastered the art of the taco — but if your tacos only ever involve ground beef, seasonings from a sachet, jarred salsa and a corn shell, you’re seriously missing out.
There’s a world of taco-goodness to be had out there, starting with these peppery, smoky-sweet ham tacos.
It’s the battle of the proteins — and everyone’s a winner.
Take it back to basics with these succulent 10-ingredient patties that are just as good nestled inside a pair of pillow-y buns as they are enjoyed hot off the grill with some relish.
These are roasted vegetables reimagined as more than just broke-college-student fare.
This recipe is a colorful, delicious celebration of leftovers — you can work with whatever you’ve got on hand.
This is one of those main dishes that will soon become one of your favorite recipes!
Despite what you might’ve eaten at your local coffee chain, quiche isn’t supposed to be served over-cooked, bland and days old.
Quiche, real quiche, is the stuff of dreams — custardy filling inside a gloriously flakey crust that boasts just enough crunch to temper the pastry’s gooey center.
And this bright, flavorful recipe with ham checks all the boxes.
The best thing about Minestrone is that there’s no definitive way to make it: it’s wonderfully adaptable, and capable of turning a fridge full of leftovers into a hearty, comforting main dish that’ll gladden and warm all those at the table.
If the thought of pineapple on pizza makes you want to hurl, try this flavor-filled, tangy ham and roast-pineapple pie on for size.
You’ll eat your words — and your pizza.
More ham and fruit?
Listen, pairing a fig with ham will introduce you to two of its best friends: salt and cured meat.
Ham has more breakfast applications than any other protein out there — and they’re all a great way to use up those leftovers.
This Sunday special is proof of the fact.
16. Croque Madame
Don’t be intimidated by its posh name; that’s the only fancy thing about this cheesy ham sandwich.
There are many variations on the Croque Madame: a croque hawaïen with (you guessed it) pineapple; a version with tart tomatoes and smoky herbs known as croque provencal — but we think the perfect way to do it is with a little béchamel and a runny egg yolk on top.
This decadent dish is the perfect accompaniment to rainy days spent indoors — but getting it right is more difficult than it looks.
Thankfully, this great recipe makes it easy to rustle up some scalloped potatoes and ham that are fit for royalty.
If you’re wondering what to feed the masses at your next socially distanced potluck — boy, have we got the recipe for you.
These bite-sized ham and cheese sliders are a great way to dress up your leftover meat, and can be served warm or cold, making them perfect for your next picnic.
There’s few things worse than washing up — that’s why this delicious, instant pot ham and egg benny is a mainstay at all our Sunday breakfasts.
You’re welcome.
Cheat at being fancy with this deceptively easy recipe.
A little garlic butter and parmesan cheese make this speedy supper far more sophisticated than the sliced cheese and mayonnaise might otherwise suggest.
Perfect for when you need to be out the door in a dash, this quick breakfast is sure to be a fan-favorite.
Garnish with a handful of scallions to serve.
A blissful, indulgent creamy ham pasta full of assertively garlicky flavor and sharp, salty meat. Best enjoyed furtively with a serving spoon straight out of the oven-dish.
We won’t be shamed for our insistence that yes; pineapple does belong on everything.
With just a few extra ingredients, you can turn that leftover ham and tinned pineapple into a star attraction.
Who amongst us hasn’t eaten velvety, melted chocolate straight out of the wrapper with our fingers and thought, could this be love?
Well, this salty-sweet carnival fare is proof enough that it is.
We’re real suckers for a good bowl of chowder — and this thick, hearty soup is a damn good bowl of chowder.
We used to think bread pudding was the stuff of nightmarish middle-school cafeteria lines — till we had this rich, savory twist on the British classic.
We love it best eaten cold and straight from the fridge in brick-sized portions.
Mushrooms stand up well to everything — sautéed, baked, roasted or even fried, these formidable fungi are good for a lot more than just throwing on a pizza.
Pop them into some creamy sauce with a crumbling of prosciutto and a generous sprig of thyme and you’ve got yourself a fantastic last-minute-lunch a-la-leftovers.
Nobody’s ever had to wonder how to cook a stir-fry; the instructions are, after all, right there in the name.
This fresh, bright recipe is all the things a good stir-fry should be: quick, uncomplicated and unashamedly slippery with oil. Serve warm or at room temperature.
This filling, comforting ham soup makes a delightfully simple winter dinner on those nights when you’re not up to the task of any complex cookery.
That’s why it’s one of our favourite leftover ham recipes — that and the fact that the whole family loves it!
Pierogies are a staple of Polish cuisine — and if you’ve got any sense, they’ll soon be a staple at your dinner table, too.
We’re a little (O.K, a lot) obsessed with this brilliant, no-fuss recipe that’s best served alongside a hearty helping of sour cream.
An easy dinner, this isn’t. It’s just as well, though: when you spend all day in the kitchen slaving over apples and ham, you’ll have all the justification you need not to share.
Throw these on the BBQ.
The hiss and scent of these zippy pineapple and ham kebabs will soon have your neighbors peeking over your fence hoping you might be willing to part with a skewer or two — that’s why we always make extras.
33. Ham Jambalaya
We’ve often got this spicy, smoked pork and chicken broth Cajun classic simmering away on our stove-top.
Give it a shot; it takes a while but you’ll find it’s very worth it.
Melt-in-your-mouth ham with sweet fruit and a tart red-wine dressing — yes, please.
Oh, and “the finer things in life” called while you were out — they recommend serving this alongside a flute of chilled rosé.
This glorious, golden pie will ease the pain of having to figure out what to do with leftover ham from Christmas dinner.
You can even prep in advance and slide it into the oven the next day.
Wait, what?
Hashbrowns and waffles in one?
And we’ll be using all that ham in the fridge too?
Let’s go!
38. Ham Quesadillas
If you’ve mastered the taco, you’d need to have quesadillas in your ensemble too!
Served with sour cream and maybe some salsa, these spicy, cheesy treats will turn your ordinary after-holiday into a regular Cinco de Mayo!
If the Monte Cristo Sandwich were French toast’s bigger brother, then the Monte Cristo Sandwich Bake would be their eldest sibling!
With layer after delicious layer of ham and cheesy goodness, this dish is sure to be a mainstay rotation piece of your after-holiday repertoire!
Here’s something for all those foodie busybodies out there with very little time but still require good food.
The combo of (leftover) ham, cheese, green onions, and bell pepper all rolled in dough is super delicious!
The best part is it takes little time and even less effort to make!
These little tasty turnovers are just the thing when you need something for lunch or dinner and want to bust out the old muffin pan!
Oozing with cheesy goodness, mayo, and savory ham, your kids will surely love these delectable delights!
After eating heavily during your Thanksgiving feast, wouldn’t it be nice to have something light the day after using your leftovers?
Here we have a delicious dish using both leftover ham and broth from your turkey!
It also freezes well, so even if you make a lot, you can simply store and reheat it at your pleasure for days or even weeks to come!
I’m not a morning person, and many people like me tend just to make whatever for breakfast, and that gets tedious after a while.
That doesn’t have to be the case, though!
This recipe for baked croissants with ham and cheese will break the tedium for you!
Infused with savory ham, soft croissants, and gooey cheese, this dish is sure to help you start your day right!
Gnocchi (pronounced ‘n(y)oh-kee’) is a type of pasta.
It’s unique in that unlike other pasta, they are almost dumpling-like and are fat, soft, and chewy.
Like other pasta, though, they cook quickly and are perfect for a midweek dinner!
The famous French sandwich Croque Madame is #16 on this list.
With this entry, crispy tater-tots make an appearance in this casserole iteration of the iconic brunch dish.
They step in to replace the toasted bread in the original, and it’s delicious!
Deviled eggs in one form or another have always been a go-to appetizer at countless gatherings.
And though the recipe calls for bacon, you can use leftover ham instead!
Thinly dice the ham, pan-fry until crispy, and top them over your eggs.
Add in some jalapeno to really get the party started!
Drunken cheesy bread has always been a favorite appetizer and can be served as brunch as well!
It’s called ‘drunken’ since white wine is a major ingredient in the recipe.
Part fondue, part bread pudding, but all delicious, this recipe can also be your accompaniment to a cozy night on the sofa.
Here’s a one-pot dish using your leftover ham together with cabbage and potatoes!
Add a splash of cider vinegar and serve alongside some pork or chicken to have yourself a complete lunch or dinner!
And yet another one-pot casserole starring leftover ham, broccoli, and rice!
Rice always makes for a hearty meal, but the addition of savory ham and fresh broccoli turns this dish into the complete package!
You can even prepare this dish a couple of days ahead of time and pop it into the oven whenever you’re ready!
This dish tastes so good it’ll tempt you into making mashed potatoes just so that you can cook it!
Plus, the combination of (leftover) ham, cheese, and chives meld together to give you the unique flavor the dish is so well known for.
Use glazed ham for optimum results!
When it comes to scones, you usually get either sweet or savory.
But this dish aims to change that as it presents you with both!
These delicious delights are filled with cheesy, buttery goodness intertwined with the smoky flavor of the ham.
They’re perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner; and you can even serve them to your friends during game night!
This soup is simple, delicious, and packed with ham and veggies.
It’s also a great way to utilize your leftover ham!
Its creamy, comforting, and cheesy flavor is perfect for cozying up in the evening of a busy day.
53. Deviled Ham
A classic dish, serve up Deviled Ham to bring forth the nostalgia!
And it’s so easy to make too!
Just pop your diced leftover ham in a food processor, then add your seasoning to the result in a bowl and mix.
And you’re done!
Serve on top of crackers for an excellent appetizer with a bottle of wine as you reminisce with old friends!
One of the easier but no less tasty ways to use up your leftover ham!
Brimming with chopped ham, creamy white sauce, and an amazing flavor, it’s a different take from your usual spaghetti.
The sauce is made up of butter, flour, and milk and amped up by chopped onions and seasoning.
Serve it up for lunch or dinner and leave your guests impressed!
Here we have an addition to your dinner routine with the Ham & Broccoli Casserole!
Baked to perfection are fresh broccoli florets seasoned in creamy and cheesy sauce together with your diced leftover ham for a main dish ready in no time at all!
This dish is loaded with everything there is to love about breakfast!
A combo of bread, cheese, ham, veggies, and seasoning combine to form this hearty and delicious meal!
It’s easy to make, and you make it a day ahead too!
Prepare the night before serving, so there’s little to do in the morning!
The bottom line
And that about concludes our list of the best leftover ham recipes!
We hope our list will inspire your next couple of easy dinners.
And if you’re just going to reheat that ham the next day and eat it with your fingers, here’s how.
You can also peruse this list of sides for dinner ham so you can round out your next day’s dinner.
Did you spot any of your favorite leftover ham recipes? Let us know.
More Ham Recipes
- What To Serve With ham
- Ham Casserole Recipes
- Leftover Ham Casserole Recipes
- How To Reheat Honey Baked Ham
- Ham Hock Recipes
56 YUMMY Ways To Use Leftover Ham ⭐️
Here’s a list of 56 Leftover Ham Recipes for every cook’s inspiration when you have a ham to use up from last night’s dinner!
Ingredients
- Cheese, Chive & Ham Tear-And-Share Bread
- Ham, Watermelon And Basil Salad
- Ham Biscuit Sandwiches With Apricot Mustard
- Ham Roll Ups
- Ham And Cheese Macaroni
- Ham And Cheese Frittata
- Mashed Potatoes And Ham
- Leftover Ham Tacos
- Chicken And Ham Patties
- Sliced Ham With Roasted Vegetables
- Ham And Spinach Quiche
- Minestrone With Ham
- Ham And Balsamic Fig Sandwich
- Broccoli And Ham Puff Pancakes
- Croque Madame
- Ham And Scalloped Potato Casserole
- Ham And Cheese Sliders
- Eggs Benedict Bake
- Chicken Cordon Bleu
- Ham And Cheese Egg Cups
- Baked Ham Penne Pasta
- Ham And Pineapple Rice
- Late Summer Salad With Cherries And Ham
- Chocolate Covered Bacon
- Classic Ham Chowder
- Ham And Swiss Bread Pudding With Brown Sugar
- Mushroom Pasta With Prosciutto
- Stir Fried Egg Noodles With Ham
- Ham Bone And Bean Soup
- Ham And Cheddar Pierogi Bake
- Baked Ham With Honey Mustard And Apples
- Hawaiian Ham Kabobs
- Ham Jambalaya
- Late Summer Salad With Cherries And Ham
- Turkey And Ham Pie
- Breakfast Burrito
- Ham And Cheese Hashbrown Waffles
- Ham Quesadillas
- Monte Cristo Sandwich Bake
- Ham & Swiss Stromboli
- Leftover Ham Turnovers With Crescent Rolls
- Mashed Potato & Ham Agnolotti In Turkey Bone Broth
- Breakfast Croissant Bake
- Skillet Cheesy Gnocchi With Peas & Ham
- Croque Madame & Tot Casserole
- Jalapeno Deviled Eggs
- Drunken Cheesy Bread
- Smothered Cabbage With Ham
- Ham Casserole With Broccoli & Rice
- Ham & Cheese Mashed Potato Cakes
- Ham & Cheese Scones
- Ham & Sweet Potato Soup
- Deviled Ham
- Creamy Ham & Cheese Spaghetti
- Ham & Broccoli Casserole
- Overnight Ham & Cheese Strata
Instructions
- Choose one or two dishes from this list.
- Create recipes made from your leftover ham!
- Enjoy and share your new favorite dish!