35 AWESOME Leftover Ham Recipes- that don't suck (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Susie Weinrich · This post may contain affiliate links. 20 Comments

After a huge feast during the holiday season, it’s common to have some leftover ham or even a ham bone. The last thing you want to do is let it go to waste! These 35 tasty leftover ham recipes are the perfect way to make the most of your extra ham.

35 AWESOME Leftover Ham Recipes- that don't suck (1)

Ham is a common centerpiece on dining tables during holidays such as Easter and Christmas. Since these are huge feasts with a ton of yummy side dishes, it is very likely that you will have quite a bit of ham leftover.

Fortunately it can be repurposed for other meals the following day, or even months if you freeze the leftover ham.

35 AWESOME Leftover Ham Recipes- that don't suck (2)

Cooking A Spiral Cut Ham

Everything you need to know to cook a Spiral Cut Smoked Ham, from cooking and glazing to cutting and serving.

Get the recipe →

These are curated leftover ham recipes that don’t suck!!! You can choose any of these and know that you will have a great recipe for your leftover ham.

Here are 35of my favorite recipes to use up your leftover ham.

1. Leftover Ham and Cheese Waffles

Savory Waffles with Ham and Cheese

Susie Weinrich

A fluffy and savory waffle made with ham, cheese and green onions in the mix! A great way to have a unique waffle.

Check out this recipe

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2. Leftover Ham and Egg Breakfast Casserole

Overnight Ham & Egg Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Susie Weinrich

An amazing breakfast casserole that has bread cubes soaked in a flavorful egg and milk mixture. Great make-ahead breakfast that is easy to prepare!

Check out this recipe

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3. Leftover Ham and Egg Cups

Sausage Egg Cups (sub in ham)

Susie Weinrich

These Egg Cups are such a great breakfast or breakfast-for-dinner. They are made with breakfast sausage, but you can sub in the same amount of cooked ham for a great way to use up leftover ham!

Check out this recipe

35 AWESOME Leftover Ham Recipes- that don't suck (5)

4. Eggs in a Hole with Ham

Egg in a Hole

We are amping up the traditional Eggs in a Hole recipe by making it with croissant toast, gruyere cheese, butter and some really delicious leftover smoked ham.

Check out this recipe

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5. Smoked Ham Breakfast Hash

Smoked Ham Breakfast Hash

Smoked Ham Breakfast Hash made with holiday ham. Potato and ham hash is the perfect use for leftover Easter or Christmas ham!

Check out this recipe

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6. Croque Madame Bake

Croque Madame Ham and Cheese Breakfast Bake

An easy dish, this ham and cheese breakfast bake is a sure hit. Gruyere and ham boost the flavor but refrigerated biscuits keep it easy.

Check out this recipe

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7. Bake Ham and Cheese Rolls

Baked Ham and Cheese Rolls

Classic ham and cheese sandwiches meet Stromboli in these baked rolls made with pizza dough and finished with honey mustard poppy seed glaze.

Check out this recipe

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8. Leftover Ham and Potato Chowder

Ham and Potato Chowder

Susie Weinrich

A thick and creamy potato chowder with ham. This is a great recipe to use up leftover ham.

Check out this recipe

35 AWESOME Leftover Ham Recipes- that don't suck (10)

9. Ham and Cheese Sliders

Ham and Cheese Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls Recipe

Ham and Cheese Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls are also known as Tailgate Sandwiches because they are the perfect game-day party fare! Also the perfect way to use up leftover holiday ham!

Check out this recipe

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10. Split Pea Soup

Split Pea Soup

Split Pea Soup like mom used to make with tender split peas, leftover smoked ham bone and vegetables. Enjoy a hot bowl of this hearty, protein packed and affordable soup on a cold winter day!

Check out this recipe

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11. Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice

Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice (crock pot too!)

Susie Weinrich

Make amazing red beans and rice in the Instant Pot or Crock Pot. Ham, smoked sausage, and red beans in a nice thick Cajun gravy. Serve it over white rice for a crazy good dinner!

Check out this recipe

35 AWESOME Leftover Ham Recipes- that don't suck (13)

12. Shrimp Carbonara (sub ham for the bacon)

Shrimp Carbonara

Susie Weinrich

Shrimp Carbonara is an Italian pasta dish that is made with shrimp and bacon in a creamy egg and butter sauce. In this case you will sub ham in place of the bacon!! Over-the-top delicious way to use up your leftover ham!

Check out this recipe

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13. Ham Soup

Ham Soup

This Ham Soup recipe is made with beans and vegetables in a savory broth with the best combination of seasonings. It’s freezer-friendly and easy to make on the stove top or in the crock pot!

Check out this recipe

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14. Ham Balls

Ham Balls

Susie Weinrich

Ham Balls are a classic midwestern meatball recipe. Ground ham and ground beef are mixed together with graham crackers and topped with a tomato brown sugar sauce.

Check out this recipe

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15. Ultimate Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Deluxe Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Recipe

Susie Weinrich

This Scalloped Potatoes and Ham recipe is one of the best you will make! It has layers of tender potatoes and ham that are coated in a delicious onion cream sauce with a little cream cheese added. It is sure to become a favorite comfort food dinner!

Great for when you have leftover ham.

Check out this recipe

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16. Green Beans and Potatoes with Ham

Country Green Beans, Potatoes and Ham in the Instant Pot Recipe

Country Green Beans and Potatoes with Ham in the pressure cooker. Fast and easy way to get tender green beans and potatoes with pieces of smoky ham.

Check out this recipe

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17. Pressed Italian Sandwiches

Pressed Italian Sandwich

Pressed Italian Sandwich piles Italian deli meats and cheese into hollowed out ciabatta and gets pressed by a brick. A leftover ham fav!

Check out this recipe

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18. Chicken Cordon Bleu

Chicken Cordon Bleu

Chicken Cordon Bleuis loaded with Swiss cheese & leftover ham, then coated in breadcrumbs. It’s baked until golden and topped with a creamy sauce!

Check out this recipe

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19. Monte Cristo Sandwich

Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe

The Monte Cristo is the best ham and cheese sandwich ever. It is a perfect combination of flavor, delicious for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.

Check out this recipe

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20. Quick Ham and Bean Soup

Quick Bean and Ham Soup

Bean and Ham Soup ready in 35 minutes and absolutely LOADED with flavor. Large chunks of veg swim in a savory broth alongside beans and ham.

Check out this recipe

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21. Hawaiian Toast

Toast Hawaii (Baked Ham and Pineapple Sandwich)

Toast Hawaii is a simple German nostalgia food at its best, invented in the 50’s by bringing together pineapple, ham and cheese on toast.

Check out this recipe

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22. Creamy Ham and Pea Salad

Ham and Pea Salad

Ham and Pea Salad is a creamy cold pea salad with chunks of cheese and ham – perfect as a salad side dish, this ham and pea salad is a crowd pleasing recipe

Check out this recipe

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23. Ham Salad

The Best Ham Salad

The best ham salad recipe only requires a food processor, leftover ham, mayonnaise, celery, onion and perfectly combined seasonings!

Check out this recipe

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24. Hoppin’ John

Hoppin’ John

Ring in the new year with a bowl of Hoppin’ John! Made with black-eyed peas and rice, this Southern recipe is thought to bring great fortune without spending one.

Check out this recipe

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25. BBQ Hawaiian Pizza

BBQ Hawaiian Pizza

This bbq Hawaiian pizza is the perfect use for all that leftover ham. Tangy bbq sauce topped with melted cheese, red onions, pineapple, and ham. You’ll love how easy this is to throw together!

Check out this recipe

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26. Cobb Salad (sub ham for the chicken)

Cobb Salad

Classic Cobb Salad With Chicken, Bacon, Tomatoes, Hard Boiled Eggs, Avocado, Blue Cheese, Chives, And A Simple Red Wine Vinegar Dressing. Sub ham for the chicken or bacon!

Check out this recipe

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27. Mac and Cheese + Ham

Skillet Mac and Cheese

Susie Weinrich

Classic Macaroni & Cheese made in one skillet, in under 30 minutes. No cooking and draining pasta. Traditional macaroni & cheese flavors- cheese, pasta, milk, butter, and salt. Just add a cup or two of diced leftover ham!

Check out this recipe

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28. Ham and Potato Croquettes

Ham and Cheese Potato Croquettes

Potato Croquettes are fried mashed potato balls loaded with ham and cheese. Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside and a great way to use up leftovers!

Check out this recipe

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29. Ham and Cheese Dip

Hot Ham and Cheese Dip Recipe

Use up your leftover ham to make this easy, cheesy dip!

Check out this recipe

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30. Ham Tetrazzini

Deluxe Tetrazzini

Susie Weinrich

An elevated Tetrazzini that has a homemade sherry laced cream sauce filled with spaghetti, chicken, peas and mushrooms. It is creamy, cheesy and a delicious crowd-pleasing dinner! Simply sub cooked diced ham for the chicken in the recipe!

Check out this recipe

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31. Dirty Rice and Beans

Skillet Dirty Rice & Beans

Susie Weinrich

Skillet Dirty Rice & Beans is a one pan dinner that is easy to make and full of Cajun flavors and spices.To use up your leftover ham, simply swap out the smoked beef for smoked ham.

Check out this recipe

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32. Ham Fried Rice

Ham Fried Rice

This Ham Fried Rice recipe is a delicious, sweet and savory dish to serve for dinner or weekly lunch prep.

Check out this recipe

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33. Creamy Cajun Pasta

Cajun Pasta Recipe

Susie Weinrich

Cajun pasta is a delicious dinner. Penne pasta, peppers, and onions are coated in a creamy Cajun sauce with plenty of seasonings. To use up your ham, swap it in place of the smoked beef sausage.

Check out this recipe

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34. Corn Chowder + Ham

Corn Chowder Recipe

Susie Weinrich

A delicious Corn Chowder made with fresh corn on the cob. It starts with a little bacon, and has tender potatoes, crisp corn and a really creamy texture. Add a cup or two of leftover ham to amp up the flavors!

Check out this recipe

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35. Ham + Cheesy Rice

Cheesy Rice

Susie Weinrich

Cheesy Rice is a delicious dish that is perfect for any meal! It is cheesy, creamy and a little tangy, add some leftover ham to make it a complete meal.

Check out this recipe

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I hope you love all these leftover ham recipes. Leave a comment below and let me know which one you chose! Or if you have your own way to use up leftover ham, share that too!

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About Susie Weinrich

Susie Weinrich is the recipe developer, food photographer, and content creator behind Mom's Dinner. She has over 20 years experience in the food industry. Currently, Susie shares all her recipes and food knowledge on Mom's Dinner. You will find her recipes are easy to follow and full of tips and tricks to make sure the recipe you are making turns out perfect!

Reader Interactions

Comments

    We would love to have you comment & rate the recipe!

  1. Edwina

    I made the ham and kale egg cups and we all enjoyed them for breakfast. Usually when I’m using leftover ham I think of dinner recipes so I was pleased to make a breakfast recipe instead. They were delicious. I love the look of those little ham quiches as well, I’ll have to make them sometime soon. Thanks for so many great ideas to use leftover ham.

    Reply

  2. Jo Thrasher • Jo Eats

    Um is it weird that I’m hoping for a cold front to roll through so I can make the ham chowder? Yes please.

    Reply

    • Susie

      LOL… I know!! It is such a good recipe, but not sure it is worth having cold weather again. I am SO done with winter.

      Reply

  3. Deb @ Cooking on the Front Burner

    I love all these recipes – thanks for including mine!

    Reply

    • Susie

      Of course.. thank you so much for contributing. I appreciate it : )

      Reply

  4. Rose

    Leftover ham is a post holiday perk, look at all the great recipes to keep the yummy dinners going in the week after the party.

    Reply

    • Susie

      Definitely! A lot of these recipes are worth making a larger ham to have leftovers.

      Reply

  5. Traci

    I lovvvve leftover ham! It’s the best excuse to make any one of these gorgeous dishes! Thanks for the roundup…ALL the yummy recipes are right here in one place! 🙂

    Reply

    • Susie

      I LOVE it too! There are some really great recipes in here! Don’t forget to pin it for easy access later.

      Reply

  6. Stephanie@ApplesforCJ

    Such a great collection of recipes and some really good ideas for using leftovers. I don’t like to waste food either so having other ways to use food in different recipes is always good.

    Reply

    • Susie

      Food waste kills me! Especially if I had to toss my leftover Easter ham! I use everything down to the ham bone. YUM

      Reply

  7. Kathy

    So many wonderful and delicious options! Definitely saving and pinning this roundup! Love all those great ideas!!!

    Reply

    • Susie

      There are a lot of wonderful bloggers who contributed to this list! Thank you so much for pinning.

      Reply

  8. Dannii

    What a great idea. We hate wasting any food, so there are some great ideas here. Love the sound of the egg cups.

    Reply

    • Susie

      I HATE throwing away food, especially any protein! The egg cups are so easy and delish. They are a great “make-ahead” dish for the week. They warm up perfectly in the microwave.

      Reply

  9. Dana Sandonato

    This is *such* a useful compilation. I mean, I always loved eating ham cold out of the fridge, but creating new and exciting meals out of leftovers definitely seems better.

    Reply

    • Susie

      Also.. my kids can be finicky when I say “leftovers for dinner”, so if I say “mac and cheese with ham” they are less likely to scoff. Always a bonus!

      Reply

  10. Laineey

    What an absolute great round up! One of my favorite meats is ham and I could eat each and every one of these recipes! Now the question is, where do I start?

    Reply

  11. KalynsKitchen

    Looks like a great collection of recipes! Thanks for including some of my favorites.

    Reply

    • Susie

      Yes! Thank you for checking it out.

      Reply

35 AWESOME Leftover Ham Recipes- that don't suck (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to good ham? ›

What to Know Before You Bake
  1. Cook it low and slow. This ensures that the meat doesn't dry out as your ham spends at least a couple hours in the oven. ...
  2. Create a steamy environment. ...
  3. Finish it with glaze. ...
  4. Don't crank the heat. ...
  5. Be careful to not overcook it (yup, that's a thing).
Mar 5, 2024

How do you make leftover ham moist? ›

If the ham is spiral-sliced, place it cut side down in a baking dish. Cover with tightly with foil. Reheat in a 325-degree oven until it reaches an internal temperature of 135 to 140 degrees. You can also place the ham in an oven bag.

How do you improve cooked ham? ›

A rich salty ham can be enhanced by brushing a lovely glazed over the surface several times while baking. The glaze seeps down into the ham, flavoring the meat and creating a crusty exterior. Try these amazing ham glazes: Bourbo, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.

What can I put on ham to make it taste better? ›

Peach preserves, hot pepper jelly, and maple syrup work as sweet bases for glazes that add sheen as well as distinct flavor. Tasty additions such as aromatics, herbs, and spices switch up a traditional ham and make it truly memorable.

How do you keep a ham juicy when baking? ›

First, before placing the ham in the oven, wrap the top of the pan with aluminum foil. This helps to retain the moisture that you added as well because the juices won't escape while baking, keeping the area where your ham is cooking moist.

What can I put on ham to moisten it? ›

directions
  1. Foil line a lipped baking sheet.
  2. Place the ham with the large side down on the foil.
  3. Mix the applesauce, brown sugar and mustard in a bowl and then use your hands to cover the ham all the way around.
  4. Cover ham with foil.
  5. Put it into a 350 degree oven at 350 degrees for 14 minutes per pound.

How to reheat leftover ham without drying it out? ›

Place in an oven-safe baking dish. Cover top of ham with loosely wrapped aluminum foil to keep moisture in. Bake at 275 degrees F at 10 minutes per pound–or until meat thermometer reads 135 – 140 degrees.

What to do with the liquid from cooking a ham? ›

Ham stocks generally go well with pulses and the stock could be used to make a black bean soup, a lentil soup such as the Yellow Split Peas and Frankfurter Soup (from Feast) or the Chick Pea and Pasta Soup (from How To Eat).

What to add to already cooked ham? ›

If you're using your oven, place the ham on a roasting rack—cut side down—set inside a pan. Add 1/2-3/4 of a cup of wine or stock to the pan (you don't want the ham swimming in liquid) and throw some aromatics in there—a few whole cloves, some star anise, and cinnamon sticks are all good options.

Does ham get more tender the longer you cook it? ›

A low, consistent heat over hours breaks down the collagen and connective tissues, which tenderises the meat. The natural fat slowly renders down, infusing the meat with a more intense, rich flavour. This ensures the ham remains juicy and doesn't dry out.

What spices complement ham? ›

Mix together brown sugar, mustard powder, marjoram, garlic powder, and fresh orange zest. Use a couple tablespoons of the pan juices from the ham to turn the mustard, spice, and sugar mixture into a thin paste. Coat the entire ham with paste and return to the oven for another 30 to 45 minutes.

What cheese compliments ham? ›

While Swiss is the first cheese that comes to mind with ham, Cheddar is second in popularity (and the first choice for many) for a classic ham and cheese sandwich, and makes a nice plate partner for ham. The sharpness of Cheddar cheese cuts through the sweetness of the glaze and balances the ham's saltiness.

What does Ina Garten serve with ham? ›

A classic, flavorfully glazed ham like this would pair well with many classic sides, like melt-in-your-mouth roasted potatoes, a simple spinach salad, cheesy creamed spinach or mustardy roasted carrots.

What makes a good ham? ›

Buy bone-in ham. Yes, the bone is a little more work to cut around, but the meat is more flavorful and the hambone can be used to flavor soups and stews. Check the label. City hams can be artificially plumped up with water or solutions, but this dilutes the flavor, so look for one with no added water or juices.

Does soaking ham in water reduce the sodium? ›

Reducing the Salt

Place the ham in a large bowl or pot and pour cold water over it until it is covered. Let it soak in the fridge overnight to give time for the salt to soak out into the water.

Should I cover my ham when I cook it? ›

Bake the ham in the preheated oven, uncovered, for 2 1/2 to 3 hours or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest portion registers 140°F, basting every 30 minutes with 1/2 cup of the glaze. Be sure to keep an eye on the ham, and cover it loosely with foil if it starts getting too dark.

What gives ham its flavor? ›

The curing or smoking process is what gives ham its salty, smoky and distinctive taste. A pre-cooked ham is just as the name suggests.

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