Let me declare this to the internet with a bullhorn – leftover ham is one of my favorite things to cook with! It’s your secret weapon for fast, flavorful, and totally satisfying meals when you need them most.
We’ve got a list of incredible recipes that will make you look at that ham not as a leftover, but as the star of your next favorite dish.
1. Leftover Ham and Cheese Biscuits
Can we just talk about these biscuits? Oh my gosh. These buttermilk beauties are absolutely packed with smoky ham and gooey, creamy cheese. They are just bursting with flavor!
You can totally eat them just as they are, warm from the oven, or you can serve them alongside a cozy bowl of soup.
And here’s a little life hack for you: make them as drop biscuits! There’s no need to roll out any dough. You just scoop it right onto the baking sheet and bake. It could not be easier, and the result is pure magic.
2. Glazed Ham Loaf
Just one slice of this ham loaf and you will be singing its praises. It is just so good!
We’re talking about a fantastic combination of flavors, all brought together with a brown sugar and vinegar glaze. The addition of oats gives the loaf such a great, crunchy texture in every bite.
To make it even more of a showstopper, you can garnish it with some fresh tomatoes, spinach, and slices of hard-boiled egg. What a dream.
3. Leftover Ham and Leek Pies
Oh, this is so good. Just imagine breaking through that crispy, golden brown pie crust to find a treasure trove of sliced fresh mushrooms, tender veggies, and savory little bits of ham. And all of it is swimming in a luscious, creamy broth.
Every single bite is pure comfort food, oozing with the most wonderful warm flavors. For a meal that feels like a big hug, serve these pies with some mashed potatoes and peas.
4. Ham and Cheese Breakfast Muffins
These grab-and-go breakfast muffins are about to become your new obsession! I mean, what’s not to love?
They come together so fast, and you probably have everything you need for them in your kitchen right now. They are so colorful and delicious, and they also freeze beautifully.
Just pop one in the oven on a busy morning, and breakfast is ready in a minute. Yes, please!
5. Ham and Cheese Sliders
These little mini-burgers are the perfect afternoon snack or a light lunch. But I’m telling you, make a double batch, because they will disappear in a flash! It’s just a simple matter of layering and baking.
The real magic comes from a mixture of butter, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Pour that amazing blend over the rolls right before you bake them for a light and tasty glaze. SO GOOD.
6. Leftover Ham and Cheese Pizza
If you’re a fan of the ham and cheese combo, then you are going to absolutely love them together on a pizza! Beyond the ham and cheese, this recipe is so simple.
All you need are some onions, your favorite pizza sauce, and the pizza dough. It’s a total flavor win. And if you want to add even more color and deliciousness, feel free to get creative with extra toppings.
7. Bread Pudding
Are you looking for another savory meal to satisfy your cravings? You have to try this bread pudding. It’s loaded with ham and cheese, and yes, that combo is amazing in a pudding, too! Every bite is just a delight.
You get those nice, crunchy corners and a soft, chewy center. This recipe is also a fantastic way to use up any stale bread you might have. It’s a win-win!
8. Leftover Ham Salad
This ham salad is so easy to whip up. It requires very little prep and mostly just tossing everything together, but trust me, the result is one satisfying dish. It’s not overly creamy or saucy, since you only need a bit of mayonnaise for the base.
Just add a little mustard, pepper, and salt for a super flavorful dressing. It’s simple and so ridiculously good!
9. Ham and Pineapple Rice
Anyone who loves Hawaiian pizza is going to adore this ham and pineapple rice. It’s got that perfect sweet and savory thing going on. And the best part? You can make it all in one pot, which means less cleanup for you!
You can also totally customize this recipe. Feel free to add more of your favorite veggies for extra texture. Or, to really capture that pizza vibe, try using tomato sauce as your cooking liquid. Yum!
10. Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
This recipe is just genius. You layer sliced ham, Swiss, and cheddar cheese onto pizza dough, roll it all up, and bake until golden brown. The result? Insanely delicious pinwheels!
That addictive flavor comes from a Dijon butter glaze that you brush over the roll-ups before they go into the oven.
And just like so many great recipes, you can make this your own. Use your favorite cheeses, or swap the ham for pepperoni if you’re feeling it!
11. Ham and Cheese Hot Pockets
Making your own hot pockets is so much better than buying them from the store, and these are packed with that classic ham and cheese goodness. This is such a great hand-held meal, perfect for packing up for an easy lunch.
And while this recipe is a classic, you can absolutely get creative with the fillings. Think meatballs, eggs and sausage, or even chicken parmesan. The possibilities are endless!
12. Leftover Ham Sandwich
This is a decadent sandwich that features slices of ham, melty cheese, mustard, mayo, AND strawberry jam. I’m telling you, this is one of the best ham sandwiches I have ever tasted!
It’s also completely foolproof. There’s no cooking involved, just some simple layering and toasting. You’ll have this amazing sandwich ready in 15 minutes or less. It’s a total win.
13. Leftover Ham Pasta
This ham pasta is so much more than just a simple dish. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with nutrition! You just need your leftover ham, some peas, carrots, bowtie pasta, and a delicious cheese sauce.
The whole thing comes together in just 20 minutes. It’s a perfect weeknight meal. Serve it with a fresh salad or some crusty French bread on the side for a complete dinner.
14. Ham Hash
When you’re ready for a change from the usual corned beef hash, you have to try this version where diced ham is the star of the show!
Making ham hash is such a fantastic way to use up not only your leftover ham but other ingredients you have hanging out in your pantry.
It’s also so quick and easy. You just sauté everything together until it gets perfectly crispy and brown. The final touch? A beautiful sunny-side-up egg right on top.
15. Leftover Ham Casserole
On a busy day after the holidays, this casserole recipe is a lifesaver. It makes it so easy to whip up a comforting meal for the whole family.
With some corn, a creamy garlic sauce, noodles, and of course, your leftover ham, you get a super yummy pasta dish that’s baked to perfection.
And please, don’t skip adding the panko breadcrumbs on top! It gives every bite a wonderful, satisfying crunch.
16. Ham and Spinach Casserole
Ham and spinach might just be the next best combo after ham and cheese. They are both so filling and healthy. And when you add ziti noodles to the mix, you get a dish that is beyond satisfying!
Making a double batch of this casserole is a brilliant idea, especially if you’re looking for a delicious meal to have on hand for those busy weeknights.
17. Ham and Potato Casserole
Out of all the casserole recipes out there, this one is a true classic. You’ve got that salty ham meeting up with tender potatoes, and they are both smothered in a creamy cheese sauce and baked for about 30 minutes. It’s just so good.
You can jazz up this classic by adding in some veggies, or even other proteins. And if you want to make it vegetarian, the cheesy potatoes are absolutely irresistible all on their own!
18. Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole
You can make your after-holiday brunch extra special with this amazing casserole. It’s packed with savory and cheesy flavors, plus a little hint of sweetness.
And those croissants bring such a wonderful buttery flavor that goes so perfectly with the ham and cheese.
Want to add a little heat? Serve it with some hot sauce on the side, or better yet, mix some right into the casserole before baking!
19. Waffles with Leftover Ham
These waffles are stuffed with leftover ham and cheddar cheese, and I am telling you, both kids and adults are going to fall in love with this meal! If you’re looking for something new and savory for breakfast, you have to make these.
While berries and whipped cream are great on regular waffles, the ham and cheese will delight your palate in a completely new way.
You can even take it up a notch by serving them with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce. Or for a Hawaiian twist, a side of pineapple salsa would be amazing!
20. Leftover Ham Chowder
I absolutely love chowders! They are so rich, thick, creamy, and they warm you right up from the inside out. This leftover ham chowder is no exception. It’s made with just a few simple ingredients, but this chowder is surprisingly tasty and so delicious!
For a little hint of spice, you can try topping your soup with some shredded pepper jack cheese. YUM.
21. Baked Ham and Penne Pasta
Ham and pasta is already a winning combination. But when you bake them together? Oh my! You are in for a truly wonderful treat. The secret here is the creamy garlic-cheese sauce.
Honestly, I could eat anything if it’s smothered in that sauce. You can even make this casserole ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready for a delicious, easy meal.
22. Leftover Ham and Stuffing Frittata
Your leftover ham and stuffing are the absolute stars of this dish. And when you top it all off with shredded cheddar cheese, you get a savory frittata that the whole family is going to love.
It’s perfect for breakfast with a cup of coffee, or you can serve it with some roasted vegetables and potatoes for a fantastic lunch.
23. Ham Pot Pie Soup
This creamy pot pie soup is such a great way to use up not only your holiday ham but also any leftover vegetables you might have.
The egg noodles make the soup extra filling, while the garlic, bay leaves, and thyme bring such warm and comforting flavors to the dish. It’s a perfect meal for a chilly evening.
24. Monte Cristo Sandwich
This is the kind of sandwich you won’t mind having for breakfast, lunch, AND dinner. It’s so indulgent!
This iconic American snack uses that all-time favorite ham and cheese combo, but it takes it to the next level. It has mustard and mayonnaise, and it’s dipped in egg before being toasted to golden perfection.
If you’re having this fancy sandwich for breakfast, try it with a dusting of powdered sugar and a little drizzle of honey. And you can even make variations with bacon, chicken, or turkey!
25. Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
You can bring a taste of the South right into your home with these scalloped potatoes and ham. The sliced potatoes are cooked in a dreamy, creamy sauce and then sprinkled with cheese on top.
That leftover ham adds such a delicious smoky flavor to the dish, making it extra flavorful and so filling. This main casserole goes so well with a variety of sides, like roasted spinach, a carrot salad, or even some Southern fried apples.
26. Leftover Ham and Potato Soup
Here’s another amazing winter soup you can make after the Christmas festivities. It’s so easy, chock full of flavor, and oh-so-cheesy!
The ingredient list might look a little long, but I promise, most of them are pantry staples you probably already have. Plus, you only need one pot! Serve it up with some crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete and comforting meal.
27. Leftover Ham Breakfast Sandwich
Classic breakfast sandwich, here we come! Ham, cheese, and eggs are piled into lightly toasted English muffins. The whole thing is done in just 20 minutes.
Because you’re using leftover ham, all you have to do is cook the eggs and assemble the sandwich. Easy-peasy, and so delicious. It’s the perfect way to start your day.
28. Split Pea Soup
If you’re down to the last pieces of ham near the bone, they are perfect for this split pea soup. But you can also use ham steaks or boneless ham if that’s what you have.
The potatoes and carrots add some nice bulk to the soup, and that leftover ham bone gives it an amazing extra boost of flavor. It’s a classic for a reason!
29. Leftover Ham and Bean Soup
A warm bowl of ham and bean soup is my absolute go-to meal on chilly nights. When you make this for dinner, you are going to warm the hearts and tummies of everyone in your home!
This soup uses the ham bone, which really intensifies the overall flavor. Cannellini beans are a common choice here, but you can definitely use other types like lentils or navy beans.
30. Ham and Cheese Grits Casserole
This comforting breakfast casserole is a beautiful combination of cornmeal, cubed ham, cheese, and a few spices. It’s similar to an egg-based casserole but even more hearty because of the grits.
You can serve it with some fresh fruit on the side or a glass of milk for a breakfast that is absolutely perfect!