59 Easy Leftover Ham Recipes (best ways to use it up!)
Easy leftover ham recipes! Here’s exactly what to do with leftover ham, so you can transform it into countless new delicious ham dishes.
One of the very best things about holidays are the leftovers.
That delicious turkey and ham sure tasted good on Thanksgiving, Christmas, or at Easter dinner …
…but then you’re just not sure what to do with all the leftovers.
Since I don’t want you to get tired of eating the same thing on repeat, I’ve put together a list of delicious recipes using leftover ham.
I’ve included ham dinner recipes, ham lunch recipes, and some breakfast recipes that your family will love!
Before we dive into the best ways to use leftover ham, here’s a quick lesson in proper ham management.
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How long is leftover ham good for?
When refrigerated, ham stays good for up to one week. To store cooked ham properly, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, foil, or in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
Can you freeze leftover ham?
Absolutely! Ham keeps beautifully in the freezer for 2 months, and even longer if you preserve it with a Foodsaver.
Save yourself time later on, and freeze it in the portion sizes you’ll be using it in later. You can store leftover cooked ham diced or in slices.
The frugal side of me can’t help but chime in to remind you that ham is deeply discounted around the major holidays.
Consider buying an extra one or two when it’s on sale, and save it for future tasty, cheap meals.
Okay, let’s dive into these creative ham recipes to put your leftovers to good use!!
Related: 10 Ways to Save Time and Money with a Foodsaver
What can I make with already cooked ham?
Leftover Ham Breakfast Recipes
1. Baked Denver Omelet
This baked denver omelet is studded with bell pepper, yellow onion and ham.
Not only is it super flavorful, but it’s ready in about 30 minutes and requires just 5 minutes of hands-on prep!
2. Ham, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Pizza
Pizza for breakfast? Definitely, if it’s this ham, egg, and cheese breakfast pizza.
It’s so fun and easy, and no one will realize they’re still eating holiday leftovers the next day.
3. Ham and Cheddar Zucchini Frittata
This ham and cheddar zucchini frittata might be one of the best healthy leftover ham recipes because it’s packed with hidden veggies.
It has amazing flavor, but is seriously so easy. Just mix the ingredients together, pour into a skillet and bake.
4. Ham and Cheese Hashbrown Casserole
With just 6 ingredients, you can whip up this breakfast hashbrown casserole in no time.
Plus, you can even make it ahead of time and pop it into the fridge for the morning.
Or turn it into a freezer meal for the future!
5. Western Omelet Quiche
When homemade quiche and a Western omelet meet, you get this fantastic western omelet quiche.
Shredded cheese, ham, bell pepper, and eggs bake together in a pie crust to form pure magic.
It’s luscious and definitely restaurant-worthy, but you can make it right at home and impress everyone.
6. Breakfast Sandwiches
This is one of those leftover ham ideas that’s also terrifically convenient.
By making these freezer breakfast sandwiches, you will create a bunch of grab-and-go breakfasts that will serve you on many future mornings.
It’s easy and so very useful!
7. Overnight Ham and Cheese Breakfast Enchiladas
Ham and cheese enchiladas are such a clever breakfast idea.
It’s a nice twist on a traditional sandwich, and your family will think you went to a lot of trouble.
Only you will know how easy it was!
8. Ham and Cheese Waffles
Ham and cheese waffles could technically be served for any meal of the day.
They’re fun and a simple answer for what to do with a ham.
Keep them savory and by serving them with herbed butter, or enjoy a sweet and salty combo by topping them with maple syrup.
You really can’t go wrong!
9. Sweet Potato Hash with Ham
Even though this sweet potato ham hash recipe is technically written to use sausage, leftover ham works just as well!
Peppers, onions, sweet potatoes and ham can be topped with a fried egg so the runny yolk makes it especially luscious.
You can scramble eggs right into it if you want to add extra protein.
10. Breakfast Cornbread Casserole
This cornbread ham breakfast casserole has a couple surprising ingredients, but it makes it feel so hearty on a cold morning.
Everyone will love this unique take on breakfast, and will never realize they’re eating meals with leftover ham.
Related: 39 Delicious Ways to Make and Eat Cornbread
11. Potato, Ham, and Cheese Crescent Quiches
These potato, ham, and cheese crescent mini quiches are equal parts adorable and tasty.
Since you can enjoy them handheld, they make great snacks or breakfast on the go.
They’d also be perfect for a potluck brunch!
12. Cheesy Ham and Hash Brown Casserole
Frozen hashbrowns, cheddar cheese, cooked diced or cubed ham and a couple other creamy ingredients create this savory ham casserole.
It’s one of those things to do with ham that will become a new family favorite for breakfast or as a hearty side dish.
Leftover Ham Soup & Salad Recipes
13. Maurice Salad
This is seriously one of my favorite salads on the planet.
Maurice salad is a delicious combination of turkey, ham, swiss, cheese, sweet pickles, and hard-boiled eggs atop shredded lettuce with an amazing dressing.
Trust me, it works!
14. Leftover Ham Cobb Salad
Another one of my favorite recipes with leftover cooked chopped ham is a cobb salad.
After the heaviness of holiday meals, you want to eat something light and healthy.
This salad has the traditional ingredients, but the homemade yogurt ranch dressing makes it light and flavorful.
15. Italian Ham Pasta Salad
This Italian ham pasta salad is like taking a sub and turning it into an amazing salad.
Rotini pasta, mixed with ham, salami, provolone, grape tomatoes, and a few other ingredients get tossed in a zesty dressing.
It makes a perfect leftover ham lunch recipe or hearty side dish.
Read Next: 15 Unique Pasta Salads with Meat to Add to Your Summer Menu
16. Slow Cooker Cheesy Ham Chowder
Crockpot cheesy ham chowder is the ideal hands-off way to cook dinner when you’re busy or tired.
Just toss the ingredients into the slow cooker and it does the rest!
17. Creamy Ham and Tortellini Soup
This ham and tortellini soup with white beans turns basic leftover ham into pure comfort food.
It’s super flavorful and satisfying, and is a full meal on its own.
Though serving it with a crusty loaf of French bread or leftover rolls wouldn’t hurt anyone’s feelings.
18. Split Pea with Ham Soup
Raise your hand if your grandma used to make split pea with ham soup.
Leftover ham pieces and a few other inexpensive ingredients combine to create this unique and hearty soup that’s big on taste.
And if you happen to still have the ham bone, it adds an amazing depth of flavor.
19. Mexican Ham and Bean Soup
This Mexican ham and bean soup will have your kitchen smelling amazing!
It’s such a fun and flavorful twist on traditional ham and bean soup.
Pair it with cornbread and watch everyone go back for seconds.
20. Chicken, Ham, and Wild Rice Soup
When it’s cold outside, you need some hearty comfort food like this chicken, ham, and wild rice soup.
A few veggies, chicken broth, leftover ham (and even chicken if you have it), and wild rice is all you need for this restaurant-quality soup.
You can even find precooked wild rice at the grocery store to make life super easy.
21. Ham and Corn Chowder
Ham and corn chowder is one of those recipes for leftover baked ham that your family will ask for time and again.
It’s creamy and rich, but the corn and peppers add a nice sweet slight crunch to the texture of this corn and potato soup.
The recipe is nice and simple and cooks in under 30 minutes.
Leftover Ham Sandwich Ideas
22. Ham and Cheese Baked Sliders
These amazing baked ham and cheese sliders are an absolute hit in our house.
The soft rolls, salty ham and cheese, and sweet and savory glaze make them out-of-this-world delicious.
Kids and adults alike will be asking when you’re making them again!
23. Ham and Mushroom Quesadillas
If you’ve never considered putting ham in a quesadilla, here’s your official invitation.
Ham and mushroom quesadillas create new and extra flavor in this recipe with the addition of green chiles.
Top them with salsa and sour cream, and you will have turned your leftover Christmas ham into Mexican food.
24. Ham and Swiss Stromboli
Five ingredient ham and swiss stromboli has a delicious combo of flavors.
Ham, bacon, swiss, green onions, and refrigerated dough is all you need to create this easy weeknight meal.
25. Deviled Ham Spread
This could be a polarizing concept, but for a really creative way to use leftover ham, consider making this deviled ham salad.
You can use it on crackers or on a sandwich, and it’s actually really flavorful.
Don’t knock it until you try it, I say.
26. Ham, Turkey, and Avocado Grilled Cheese
What’s not to like about turkey, ham, avocado, and cheddar on a grilled cheese?
It’d make the perfect lunch or light dinner, especially when paired with a delicious soup.
Related: 23 Best Side Dishes for Sandwiches
27. Ham and Egg Salad
Ham and egg salad is like a combo of deviled eggs and ham.
Adding the ham makes this egg salad recipe really unique, and it makes super yummy sandwiches.
28. Waffle Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwiches
Did you know that you can make sandwiches in the waffle maker?
And beyond that, you can actually make sandwiches where you use waffles instead of bread.
Mind blown.
This waffle grilled sandwich recipe deserves a lot of credit for ingenuity.
Your kids might never stop talking about it.
29. Monte Cristo Sandwich
A Monte Cristo could technically be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
It’s kind of like french toast and a sandwich had a baby.
Turkey, ham, gruyere, and a few other ingredients transform into a sandwich you’d be willing to pay a lot of money for.
30. French Toast Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Here’s another vote for the sandwich-for-breakfast concept.
Ham, cheese, and a fried egg find their home on a french toast sandwich.
It’s clever, easy, and oh-so-delicious.
31. Ham and Cheese Croissants with Honey Mustard Glaze
Boy are these ham and cheese croissants downright amazing.
The honey mustard glaze truly makes them special.
Simply assemble them, make the quick glaze, and pop them in the oven for a few minutes.
It’ll be like eating breakfast at a high-end bakery.
Ham Leftovers Casserole Recipes
32. Cheesy Leftover Ham and Rice Casserole
It sure doesn’t get any easier than this cheesy ham and rice casserole.
Just toss everything together and bake.
The idyllic Midwest or Southern casserole, it’s creamy and fits the bill for comfort food on a chilly day.
Don’t worry, it has broccoli, so you’ll even get your greens.
It could truly be an all-in-one ‘one pan’ meal.
33. Crockpot Ham and Cheese Hashbrown Casserole
Whether you make this slow cooker hashbrown casserole for breakfast or as a side dish, your family will ask for it on repeat.
It’s creamy and cheesy, and even has a surprising crunchy texture when you add the topping.
34. Ham Fried Rice
If you don’t think that rice, corn, peas, mushrooms, eggs, and ham go together, this ham fried rice recipe will change your mind.
It might just be better than takeout, and quicker too, since you can whip it up in about 15 minutes.
35. Savory Bread Pudding
In case you didn’t know, savory bread pudding is totally a thing.
Ham, cheese, and green onions make it savory. Then you top it like a baked potato, and you’re officially in awe of it.
It’s the perfect way to use several leftover ingredients at once.
36. Shrimp and Ham Jambalaya
Jambalaya with shrimp and ham has all that zesty New Orleans flavor in one flavorful dish.
It’s one of those ideas for sliced spiral ham that will have people shocked to discover they’re eating a leftover Christmas dinner.
37. BBQ Ham and Pineapple Kabobs
Grilling isn’t just for chicken and steaks anymore. Ham wants to play too.
These BBQ ham and pineapple kabobs are the perfect combination of sweet and salty, and the addition of barbecue sauce is amazing.
You’ll be wondering why you never heard of this!
38. Ham Pot Pie
Chicken shouldn’t be the only protein that gets to become pot pie.
I mean who wouldn’t love ham and veggies in a creamy sauce, topped with a buttery, flaky crust?
Believe it or not, this restaurant-quality ham pot pie is actually super simple, with prepared crescent dough coming in clutch.
39. Mashed Potato Pie
This mashed potato pie with ham, peas, cheese, and chives is more than the sum of its parts.
Plus, it’s a great way to use up your leftover mashed potatoes in one fell swoop.
And it’s an English recipe, which makes it feel super fancy, despite its humble nature.
40. Ham and Tator Tot Casserole
Anything with tator tots is sure to be a winner, and this ham casserole is no exception.
I mean, we’ve definitely already established that ham, potatoes, and cheese are a splendid combo.
This fun recipe makes an easy weeknight dinner, and can double as a breakfast idea too!
Leftover Ham Pasta Recipes
41. Ham and Cheese Tortellini
A few simple ingredients are all you need for this crowd pleasing ham and cheese tortellini recipe.
The cheesy garlic butter sauce is pure joy, and the peas add a nice brightness in flavor and color.
It might become a new family favorite!
42. Ham and Cheese Lasagna
White sauce infused with ham and mushrooms create a delicious twist on classic lasagna.
The monterey cheese topping turns golden brown in the oven, and the combination of flavors is perfect.
Ham and cheese lasagna might really surprise you, in the best way possible.
43. Peas, Ham, and Creamy Noodles
You gotta love a one dish skillet dinner, and this creamy noodles with peas and ham recipe can be on the table in about 15 minutes.
Diced leftover smoked ham and a couple other pantry and freezer staples is all you need, which makes the perfect easy pantry meal.
44. Spicy Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Ham
With just the right amount of spice (but not too much heat), this baked macaroni and cheese dish packs a whole lot of flavor.
Feel free to swap out cavatappi pasta to make it feel fancier than traditional macaroni.
Then watch your whole family gobble it right up!
45. Ham and Penne Skillet
Ham, penne, and peas and parmesan are the ideal combo for this one-pan comfort food penne skillet recipe.
It can even be your whole dinner in one dish, unless you’d like to serve it with a salad for extra freshness and crunch.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipes with Leftover Ham
46. Chicken Cordon Bleu Quesadillas
These cordon bleu quesadillas are such a fun twist on both chicken cordon bleu AND quesadillas.
If you have some extra ham, and maybe a rotisserie chicken, you whip this tasty ‘sandwich’ up quickly for lunch or dinner.
47. Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Chicken cordon bleu casserole is chock full of comforting flavor.
The classic ingredients of chicken, ham, and swiss get baked with rice and topped with cheddar and a Ritz cracker crumb topping.
Not only is it super easy to put together, but it’s the perfect casserole to drop off to a new mother, sick friend, or anyone in need of a delicious, hot meal.
48. Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake
Creamy pasta, melty swiss cheese, chicken, and ham get baked together in this cordon bleu pasta bake.
The breadcrumb topping adds a nice texture, and the dash of mustard and Worcestershire brings a depth of flavor.
Kids and adults alike will be gobbling this down!
49. Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
This chicken cordon bleu soup recipe takes all the traditional flavors and turns it into a hearty, creamy, delicious soup.
You can make it on the stovetop or in the slow cooker – just set it and forget it!
50. Chicken Cordon Bleu Pizza
You’ve never had a pizza like cordon bleu pizza.
A garlic cream sauce, Italian cheese, chicken, ham, and green onions is so unique and savory.
You could make it super simple by using store bought pizza dough.
It could definitely become one of your new favorite pizzas!
51. Chicken Cordon Bleu Crescent Rolls
With just 20 minutes and a handful of ingredients, you can get these satisfying cordon bleu roll-ups on the table.
They’re perfect for a busy weeknight, to take to a potluck, or make the perfect easy lunch recipe on weekends.
A honey dijon dipping sauce really takes them over the top.
And the best part is that they’ll please both kids’ and adults’ palettes.
52. Chicken Cordon Bleu Cups
All the classic flavors get transformed into tasty bites in these cordon bleu cups.
Puff pastry is the “package” that holds the deliciously savory ingredients.
It’s truly like a gift to your mouth.
53. Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna
Comfort food at its finest, cordon bleu lasagna has beautiful layers of ham, chicken, noodles, and a creamy white sauce that pulls it all together.
Such a flavorful way to use up that leftover sliced or diced ham!
Leftover Ham Side Dish Ideas
54. Slow Cooker Baked Beans with Ham
If you have some holiday ham remnants in your freezer when the weather gets warm, consider making these crockpot baked beans at your next BBQ.
They’re actually made from scratch from dried beans, but the slow cooker makes it oh-so-easy.
And the ham adds a depth of smoky, salty flavor to help balance the sweetness.
55. Spinach and Ham Stuffed Baked Potatoes
These stuffed baked potatoes make a fantastic side dish, or can be a meal all on their own.
They’re the perfect marriage of hearty and healthy.
56. Ham and Cheese Drop Biscuits
It really doesn’t get any more delicious than ham and cheese drop biscuits.
This easy recipe is made super simple with Bisquick as a shortcut.
The ham and cheddar baked right in make them a great addition to soup or almost any entree.
57. Funeral Potatoes with Ham
Despite the unusual name, funeral potatoes are always a crowd favorite.
Rich and creamy cheesy potatoes, topped with a buttery, crunchy cornflake topping, are a Southern favorite at all types of family gatherings.
Once you try them, you’ll see why!
58. Hearty Ham and Cheddar Cornbread Muffins
These ham and cheddar cornbread muffins will give you something to wake up for.
While you can add them to any meal, they make a terrific grab-and-go easy breakfast.
The perfect balance of protein, carbs, and flavor!
59. Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Ham and Garlic
Garlicky roasted brussels sprouts are carmelized on the outside and tender in the center.
The addition of homemade breadcrumbs and Parmesan make them extra special.
You might be surprised to see even the most carnivorous in your house will love these.
60. Leftover Ham and Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes
With just 10 minutes of prep and a handful of ingredients, these tasty scalloped potatoes.
Sliced potatoes cook in a rich garlic cream sauce and plenty of sharp cheddar cheese.
Be ready for everyone to go back for seconds!
Ready to try some of these ham leftover recipes?
I hope this list of meals to make with ham has given you lots of inspiration for what to make with your leftovers.
From soups to sandwiches, casseroles, pasta dishes, and even sides, the possibilities are endless!
What are your favorite leftover ham recipes?
Easy leftover ham recipes! Here’s exactly what to do with leftover ham, so you can transform it into countless new delicious ham dishes.
59 Easy Leftover Ham Recipes (best ways to use it up!)
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