Delicious Leftover Ham Recipes: Creative and Tasty Ideas

After a big holiday meal, leftover ham is a fantastic ingredient for creating hearty, comforting dishes. From quick appetizers to satisfying mains and soups, these recipes transform your extras into mouthwatering meals. Here are detailed, expanded recipes with step-by-step instructions to make the most of your leftover ham. Nutritional information is approximate per serving and may vary based on exact ingredients.

1. Ham and Cheese Sliders

These mini sandwiches are perfect for parties or quick dinners. Sweet Hawaiian rolls pair perfectly with savory ham and melted cheese.

Ingredients (serves 12):

• 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls
• 12 slices deli ham
• 12 slices Swiss cheese
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Slice rolls in half horizontally and place bottom halves in a baking dish.
3. Layer ham and cheese on bottoms, then replace tops.
4. Mix melted butter, mustard, poppy seeds, and Worcestershire; brush over rolls.
5. Cover with foil and bake 15 minutes; uncover and bake 5 more until golden.

Approximate Nutrition per slider: Calories: 250-300 | Protein: 15-18g | Carbs: 25-30g | Fat: 15-20g

2. Creamy Ham and Potato Soup

A comforting classic that's rich, hearty, and perfect for cold days.

Ingredients (serves 8):

• 3 1/2 cups peeled and diced potatoes
• 1/3 cup diced celery
• 1/3 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 1/2 cups diced cooked ham
• 3 1/4 cups water
• 2 tablespoons chicken bouillon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 5 tablespoons butter
• 5 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups milk

Instructions:

1. Combine potatoes, celery, onion, ham, and water in a stockpot; bring to a boil, then simmer until potatoes are tender (15-20 minutes).
2. Stir in bouillon, salt, and pepper.
3. Melt butter in a separate saucepan; whisk in flour and cook 1 minute.
4. Slowly stir in milk; cook until thickened.
5. Stir milk mixture into stockpot and heat through.

Approximate Nutrition per serving (1 cup): Calories: 200-250 | Protein: 10-12g | Carbs: 25-30g | Fat: 10-15g

3. Ham Fried Rice

A quick stir-fry that's better than takeout, using day-old rice for the best texture.

Ingredients (serves 4):

• 2 cups cooked rice (cold)
• 1 cup diced ham
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 3 tablespoons oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• Green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a wok; scramble eggs and set aside.
2. Add ham and veggies; stir-fry until heated.
3. Add rice; fry until lightly browned.
4. Stir in soy sauce and eggs; garnish with onions.

Approximate Nutrition per serving: Calories: 400-450 | Protein: 20-25g | Carbs: 50-55g | Fat: 15-20g

4. Ham and Bean Soup

A hearty, classic soup that's even better the next day.

Ingredients (serves 8):

• 1 ham bone with meat
• 1 lb dried navy beans, soaked
• 8 cups water
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place ham bone, beans, and water in a pot; simmer 2 hours.
2. Add veggies; simmer until beans are tender.
3. Remove bone, shred meat, return to pot; season.

Approximate Nutrition per serving (1 cup): Calories: 200-250 | Protein: 15-20g | Carbs: 30-40g | Fat: 5-10g

5. Ham Quiche

A creamy, cheesy quiche loaded with ham – great for brunch.

Ingredients (serves 6):

• 1 pie crust
• 1 cup diced ham
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• Salt, pepper, onion powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Place crust in pie dish; add ham and cheese.
3. Whisk eggs, milk, seasonings; pour over filling.
4. Bake 35-40 minutes until set.

Approximate Nutrition per serving: Calories: 350-450 | Protein: 15-20g | Carbs: 20-25g | Fat: 25-30g

6. Cheesy Ham Casserole

Comforting bake with potatoes, ham, and plenty of cheese.

Ingredients (serves 6):

• 4 potatoes, sliced
• 2 cups diced ham
• 2 cups shredded cheddar
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Layer potatoes and ham in dish.
3. Mix soup and milk; pour over.
4. Top with cheese; bake 45-60 minutes.

Approximate Nutrition per serving: Calories: 500-600 | Protein: 25-30g | Carbs: 40-45g | Fat: 30-35g

7. Ham Salad

A classic spread for sandwiches or crackers.

Ingredients (serves 6):

• 2 cups finely chopped ham
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup relish
• 1/4 cup chopped celery
• 1 tablespoon mustard

Instructions:

1. Pulse ham in food processor until fine.
2. Mix with mayo, relish, celery, mustard.
3. Chill and serve on bread or crackers.

Approximate Nutrition per serving (1/2 cup): Calories: 300-400 | Protein: 15-20g | Carbs: 10-15g | Fat: 25-30g

8. Ham and Cheese Pasta Bake

Creamy, cheesy pasta with chunks of ham.

Ingredients (serves 6):

• 12 oz pasta
• 2 cups diced ham
• 2 cups shredded cheese
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/4 cup butter

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta; preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Make roux with butter and flour; add milk for sauce.
3. Stir in cheese and ham; mix with pasta.
4. Bake 25-30 minutes.

Approximate Nutrition per serving: Calories: 500-550 | Protein: 25-30g | Carbs: 40-50g | Fat: 25-35g

9. Ham and Cheese Omelette

A quick, protein-packed breakfast.

Ingredients (serves 1):

• 3 eggs
• 1/4 cup diced ham
• 1/4 cup shredded cheese
• Butter for pan

Instructions:

1. Whisk eggs; heat butter in pan.
2. Pour eggs; cook until edges set.
3. Add ham and cheese; fold and serve.

Approximate Nutrition per serving: Calories: 450-550 | Protein: 35-40g | Carbs: 5g | Fat: 35-40g

10. Monte Cristo Sandwich

Sweet and savory fried sandwich delight.

Ingredients (serves 2):

• 4 slices bread
• 4 slices ham
• 4 slices turkey
• 4 slices Swiss cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• Powdered sugar and jam for serving

Instructions:

1. Assemble sandwiches with meats and cheese.
2. Whisk eggs and milk; dip sandwiches.
3. Fry in butter until golden on both sides.
4. Dust with sugar; serve with jam.

Approximate Nutrition per sandwich: Calories: 600-800 | Protein: 30-35g | Carbs: 40-60g | Fat: 35-45g

Bonus: Leftover Ham Bone Soup

Use the bone for extra flavor in a simple soup.

Ingredients:

• 1 ham bone
• Veggies (carrots, celery, onion)
• Beans or potatoes
• Water or broth

Instructions:

1. Simmer bone with veggies 1-2 hours.
2. Add beans/potatoes; cook until tender.
3. Shred remaining meat; season.

Approximate Nutrition per serving (1 cup): Calories: 180-250 | Protein: 12-15g | Carbs: 20-30g | Fat: 5-10g

Bonus: Scalloped Potatoes with Ham

Creamy potatoes layered with ham.

Ingredients:

• Sliced potatoes
• Diced ham
• Cream sauce
• Cheese

Instructions:

1. Layer potatoes and ham in dish.
2. Pour cream sauce over.
3. Bake until bubbly and golden.

Approximate Nutrition per serving: Calories: 300-400 | Protein: 15-20g | Carbs: 30-40g | Fat: 15-20g

Enjoy these recipes and make the most of your leftover ham!