Ah, leftover ham—it’s like that surprise guest who shows up unannounced, but you’re actually thrilled to see them. After all, who knew that Christmas or Easter dinner’s unsung hero could transform into so many mouthwatering meals? Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty soup or a sizzling skillet hash, that ham is ready to shine again.
Steps
- Walnut and Roasted Ham Linguine: Cook linguine according to package instructions. In a skillet, toss cooked linguine with thin slices of ham, toasted walnuts, and shallots. Finish by topping with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.
- Easy Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato Soup with Ham: Combine frozen hash brown potatoes, leftover ham, and other ingredients in a slow cooker. Cook on low until creamy and thick. Serve when the flavors are well blended.
- Ham Cake-ettes: Mix chopped leftover ham with pancake batter to form a croquette-like mixture. Cook on a griddle or skillet until golden brown. Serve with honey mustard sauce or chutneys.
- One-Pot Ham and Veggie Pasta: In a pot, cook pasta with chopped ham and vegetables of choice. Stir in cream and seasonings for flavor. Simmer until creamy and serve hot.
- Ham and Pineapple Dinner: Saute cubed ham with onions until golden. Add pineapple chunks and a sweet sauce, cooking until all ingredients are heated through. Serve as a Hawaiian-style dish.
- Ham and Shrimp Gravy: Create a Southern-inspired gravy by simmering chopped ham with shrimp. Allow the mixture to reduce and thicken. Serve over grits or rice for a complete meal.
- Ham and Wild Rice Quiche: Combine cooked wild rice, chopped ham, mushrooms, and red bell peppers in a pie crust. Stir in a touch of Dijon mustard for flavor. Bake until the quiche is set and enjoy at any meal.
- Bubble ‘n’ Squeak: In a skillet, fry leftover potatoes, cabbage, bacon, and ham until crispy. Stir occasionally until all ingredients are heated through. Serve hot as a main dish.
- Pizza with Ham, Asparagus, and Ricotta: Spread a white sauce of olive oil and ricotta on pizza dough. Top with blanched asparagus, ham, and cheese before baking. Bake until the crust is golden and cheese melted.
- Ham with Red Eye Gravy: Fry slices of leftover ham in a pan. Use cold coffee to deglaze and create a gravy. Serve the gravy over the ham for a rich and flavorful dish.
- Cheesy Leftover Ham and Mashed Potato Casserole: Layer mashed potatoes and chopped ham in a baking dish. Add cheese and bake until heated through and cheese is bubbly. Customize with additional ingredients as desired.
- Split Pea and Ham Soup I: In a pot, simmer split peas with leftover ham and vegetables. Cook until peas are soft and the soup is thick. Serve with toasted, buttered bread.
- Oven Baked Jambalaya: Combine rice, vegetables, and leftover ham in a baking dish. Season and bake until the rice is cooked and flavors meld. Impress with this classic Creole dish.
- Classic Cuban Midnight (Medianoche) Sandwich: Layer sliced ham, cheese, and pickles on sweet bread. Grill until the bread is toasted and cheese melts. Serve with fried plantain chips for a complete meal.
- Ham Tetrazzini: Mix cooked pasta, ham, and a creamy sauce in a baking dish. Add cheese and bake until bubbly. Consider adding leftover vegetables for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Ham Breakfast Braid: Roll out pastry dough and layer with ham and cream cheese. Braid the dough, then bake until golden brown. Slice and serve for a delicious breakfast.
- Delicious Ham and Potato Soup: In a pot, cook potatoes with ham and broth until tender. Blend some of the soup for a creamy texture. Serve hot for a satisfying meal.
- Creamy Ham and Asparagus Fettuccine: Cook fettuccine noodles, then toss with ham and asparagus in a creamy sauce. Heat until the asparagus is tender and serve immediately.
- Korean Street Toast: Layer ham, egg, and vegetables on bread slices. Grill the sandwich until the bread is crispy and fillings are hot. Enjoy the unique flavors this simple meal provides.
Ingredients
- Linguine pasta
- Thin slices of leftover ham
- Toasted walnuts
- Shallots
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Frozen hash brown potatoes
- Leftover holiday ham
- Other soup ingredients as needed (not specified)
- ettes
- Leftover Easter ham
- Pancake ingredients
- Croquette ingredients
- Honey mustard sauce or chutneys, optional
- Applesauce, optional
- Pot Ham and Veggie Pasta
- Leftover ham
- Pasta
- Cream sauce ingredients (not specified)
- Vegetables (not specified)
- Cubed ham
- Onions
- Pineapple
- Sweet sauce ingredients
- Ham
- Shrimp
- Gravy ingredients
- Leftover ham
- Wild rice
- Mushrooms
- Red bell peppers
- Dijon mustard
- Eggs and other quiche ingredients
- Cabbage
- Bacon
- Ham
- Onion
- Leftover potatoes
- Olive oil
- Fresh ricotta cheese
- Cream
- Asparagus
- Smoked ham
- Sharp white Cheddar cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Leftover holiday ham
- Cold leftover coffee
- Leftover ham
- Mashed potatoes
- Cheese and casserole ingredients
- Leftover ham
- Split peas
- Carrots or other vegetables, optional
- Bread for serving, optional
- Ingredients for Creole jambalaya (not specified)
- Cuban sandwich ingredients (not specified)
- Fried plantain chips, optional
- Mamey milkshake, optional
- Leftover ham
- Tetrazzini ingredients
- Cheese
- Asparagus or broccoli, optional
- Leftover ham
- Cream cheese
- Eggs
- Other breakfast braid ingredients
- Leftover ham
- Potatoes
- Other soup ingredients (not specified)
- Fettuccine pasta
- Leftover ham
- Asparagus
- Cream sauce ingredients
- Ingredients for Korean street toast (not specified)
FAQ
- What are some creative ways to use leftover ham?
- You can transform leftover ham into a variety of dishes, such as ham and potato soup, pasta with ham and vegetables, or a comforting casserole. These recipes are versatile and easy to prepare, making them perfect for repurposing your ham leftovers.
- How can I make a quick and easy meal with leftover ham?
- A simple skillet dinner like Walnut and Roasted Ham Linguine is a great option. Just toss linguine with leftover ham slices, toasted walnuts, and shallots, then top with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley for a delicious meal.
- What is a good soup recipe for leftover ham?
- The Easy Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato Soup with Ham is a rich and creamy option. Made with frozen hash brown potatoes, this dish requires minimal effort and is perfect for using up holiday ham.
- Can I make a quiche with leftover ham?
- Yes, you can create a Ham and Wild Rice Quiche, which includes ingredients like mushrooms, red bell peppers, and a hint of Dijon mustard. This dish is suitable for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
- What are some unique flavor combinations with leftover ham?
- Try making a Ham and Pineapple Dinner, where cubed ham is sautéed with onions and pineapple, creating a sweet and savory Hawaiian-style dish. This pairs well with broccoli for a complete meal.
Tips
- When making walnut and roasted ham linguine, toast the walnuts beforehand to enhance their flavor and add a delightful crunch to the dish.
- For the easy slow cooker cheesy potato soup with ham, use frozen hash brown potatoes to save time and effort while still achieving a creamy, delicious soup.
- To elevate the flavor of ham and pineapple dinner, try including broccoli or another vegetable of your choice to add a fresh, vibrant touch.
- In the ham tetrazzini casserole, consider mixing in leftover vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for added flavor and texture, and don’t hesitate to sprinkle extra cheese for a richer taste.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker – For making the Easy Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato Soup with Ham.
- Skillet or Frying Pan – Essential for many recipes, including the Walnut and Roasted Ham Linguine and Ham with Red Eye Gravy.
- Quiche Pan – Useful for making the Ham and Wild Rice Quiche.
- Pizza Stone or Pizza Pan – Needed for making the Pizza with Ham, Asparagus, and Ricotta.
- Casserole Dish – For recipes like Cheesy Leftover Ham and Mashed Potato Casserole and Ham Tetrazzini.
- Blanching Basket or Pot with Strainer – For quickly blanching asparagus, as in the pizza recipe.
- Rice Cooker – Could be helpful for making dishes like the Oven Baked Jambalaya.
- Sandwich Press or Panini Maker – Useful for making the Classic Cuban Midnight (Medianoche) Sandwich.
