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.

These are curated 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

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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

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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

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

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

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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

How do you fancy up a precooked ham? ›

First, you want to balance the sweetness with another flavor, such as a spice, herb, or citrus. Second, feel free to spike your glaze with some spirits—bourbon and rum are particularly nice—but don't add too much, because you don't want the glaze to be too liquidy.

How long is leftover ham good for in the fridge? ›

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, ham is good for three to five days in the refrigerator after it is cooked. If you need more time to use up those leftovers, ham will last up to two months in the freezer. The USDA also recommends wrapping up leftovers well.

Can you eat cooked ham after 7 days? ›

Information. Spiral-cut hams and leftovers from consumer-cooked hams may be stored in the refrigerator three to five days or frozen one to two months. Keep your refrigerator at 40 °F or less and your freezer at or near 0 °F.

What makes ham better? ›

Bone-in ham

The bone provides the meat with better flavor and texture. As a bonus, the leftover bone is great for making soups and stews, like this Old-Fashioned Split Pea Soup. Bone-in hams are sold as half hams. When you opt for bone-in ham, you'll also need to consider the part of the ham you buy.

How do you jazz up a precooked ham? ›

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. Cover the ham with foil and place in a 250-degree oven until it reaches an internal temperature of 100℉.

What to do with an already cooked ham? ›

Get the Monte Cristo Sandwich recipe.
  1. Potato Croquettes. PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: MARY RUPP. ...
  2. Ham & Cheese Spinach Puffs. ...
  3. Cheesy Mashed Potato & Ham Bake. ...
  4. Scalloped Potatoes & Ham. ...
  5. Ham & Swiss Hasselback Biscuit Bites. ...
  6. Ham Salad. ...
  7. Creamy Ham and Potato Soup. ...
  8. Buckwheat Galettes With Ham & Egg.
Nov 21, 2023

Is a 2 year old frozen ham still good? ›

An uncooked, cut country ham can be refrigerated for two to three months or frozen for one month. A cooked Country Ham should be refrigerated for seven days and or frozen for one month. Freezer storage time is for quality only. Frozen hams remain safe indefinitely.

Is ham still good after 11 days? ›

Once you open a package of ham, or if it comes open — like if it was sliced at the deli counter— you can safely eat your leftovers for up to five days. In addition to these dates, it's always best to stick to the use-by date printed on the ham's package.

How do you know if ham is gone bad? ›

If your ham starts to take on a green or grey hue, or even gets black or brown in a few areas, throw it away. If it doesn't smell good, throw it away. Ham should have a salty or smokey aroma, almost sweet. If there is a sour smell or something smells off, don't take the chance of a food-borne illness.

Can I eat ham after 10 days? ›

When Should You Throw Out Ham? If your ham has been stored in the fridge for more than five days after the package has been opened or in the freezer for more than six months, it is best to throw it out. Ham that has been exposed to temperatures above 40 degrees Fahrenheit should also be disposed of.

Is slimy ham OK to eat? ›

A slimy or sticky texture Ham should have a soft and moist texture, but it won't leave any wet or greasy residue behind on your skin. Slimy ham is a sign of bacterial growth, so don't consume it if it's wet or oily. Some bacteria may cause ham to become sticky, too.

Why is my ham slimy but not expired? ›

The slimy sticky stuff is probably tallow. As far as I know all meat contains tallow. It's in the ham already, in every bite you've taken so far. Surfacing itself, tallow's kind of funky, and an indicator that the ham has some age on it.

Why are honeybaked hams so good? ›

After curing, our hams spend up to 24 hours smoking—at least twice as long as the industry standard—over a select blend of hardwood chips. The long smoking process gives Honey Baked Ham its rich, smoky flavor our customers love.

What can I add to ham for flavor? ›

Popular glaze ingredients for smoked ham include brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, and cloves, among others. Glazing can be done during the final stages of cooking or reheating the ham, allowing the sugars in the glaze to caramelize and create a tasty, flavorful crust.

How do you enhance store bought ham? ›

2 - Glaze your 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.

How do you upgrade a cooked ham? ›

Simply mix some orange marmalade, Dijon mustard and brown sugar and rub it all over the ham. You can add other things to the glaze like thyme or chipotle peppers in adobo, if you like spice. Then roast the ham until it nicely glazed and hot. Let it cool, slice and enjoy!

Can I glaze a pre-cooked ham? ›

Because most hams sold at grocery stores are smoked and fully cooked, they only require heating before eating. However, glazing a ham adds that special final touch if you want to wow your crowd with extra flavor and texture.

How do you heat up a precooked ham without drying it out? ›

Arrange slices in a single layer on a greased baking pan. Add a couple of tablespoons of broth or water and cover with foil. Bake for about 10 minutes or until heated through, turning slices once.

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