Best Easy Leftover Ham Recipes
Try these easy leftover ham recipes to transform your extra holiday ham into a delicious breakfast or lunch to enjoy the next day!
What To Do With Leftover Ham?
Growing up, my grandparents instilled in me that no good food should go to waste! So the day after a holiday, we could always expect plenty of leftover ham or turkey. I’m not gonna lie…sometimes those leftovers weren’t very exciting.
But who says leftovers have to be boring?!
Our family likes to find unique ways to repurpose those holiday dinner staples, like these leftover turkey tacos. So before you resign yourself to eating that leftover Christmas ham (or Easter ham…or Thanksgiving ham) straight out of the fridge, take a look at these tasty recipes that will surprise everyone in the family! They’ll never know that this was the holiday ham from the day before!
This year, why not plan a fun brunch with some of the breakfast recipes listed below? Or create sandwiches that are actually exciting and different than just meat and bread! You can get a whole day of meals out of your leftovers with these creative, yet easy leftover ham recipe ideas.
How Long Does Cooked Ham Stay Good In The Refrigerator?
According to the USDA, leftover cooked ham can stay in the fridge for 3-5 days. To keep your leftover ham fresh for as long as possible, be sure to store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This also helps to keep the ham moist and prevent it from drying out as quickly.
If you are not planning on eating your leftover ham within a few days, you can instead freeze it for up to 2 months. To freeze ham, simply place it in a freezer-safe bag or container and remove as much air as possible before sealing the bag or container.
When you are ready to enjoy the leftover ham or use in one of these recipe, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, the ham can be reheated in the oven, microwave, or on the stovetop and incorporated into any of these delicious dishes.
15 Tasty Ways to Use Leftover Ham
I’ve separated these recipes into categories for easier navigating. Simply tap on a recipe name or photo to open the full ingredients list and directions for that recipe. Use the handy table of contents below to jump from section to section.
Breakfast and Brunch Recipes with Leftover Ham
Who wants to make a big breakfast after spending the day before preparing an elaborate holiday meal? Well don’t worry because these easy breakfast recipes use the ham that you already cooked and they are perfect for feeding a crowd if you have company!
Ham, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Sliders – Start your day off right with these delicious ham, egg, and cheese sliders! These sliders are packed with savory flavor and are sure to brighten up any morning. Plus, they’re so easy to make, you can have them on the table in no time.
Breakfast Pizza – This breakfast pizza recipe uses a scrambled egg instead of pizza dough and is topped with tangy pizza sauce, ham, veggies, and cheese. It’s a hearty way to start the day!
Migas – This is a favorite Tex-Mex breakfast and one that our family enjoys at least once a week! Crispy fried tortilla strips are cooked with scrambled eggs, savory ham, and topped with salsa.
Non-Sandwich Recipes For Leftover Ham
If you’re looking for a way to use up those ham leftovers that is NOT a sandwich, look no further! These ham recipes are flavorful and surprisingly quick and easy to make!
Ham and Cheese Croquettes – Inspired by one of my husband’s favorite Cuban appetizers, these easy ham and cheese croquettes are crispy, cheesy, melty, and delicious — the perfect bite!
Easy Ham and Bean Soup – Easy and budget-friendly, this hearty ham and bean soup is the perfect way to use up a leftover ham bone and there’s nothing better to warm up on a cold winter day than with a bowl of yummy soup! This recipe is made with simple pantry staples (who doesn’t have a few cans of beans in there), so you can whip it up on a busy weeknight in no time at all!
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad – This quick and easy Hawaiian Macaroni Salad recipe is inspired by a favorite dish served at a local Hawaiian restaurant. Traditional elbow noodles are tossed with ham, vegetables, and a sweet and tangy pineapple dressing for a side dish that’s out-of-this-world delicious!
Ham Sheet Pan Dinner – Enjoy a healthy leftover ham recipe with this sheet pan dinner, served with roasted potatoes and asparagus.
Unique Ham Sandwiches made with Leftover Ham
Or maybe you DO want a delicious sandwich after all! These aren’t your plain old sliced bread sandwiches though…we created these fun and tasty sandwiches that everyone is going to love!
Hawaiian Sliders – These easy and cheesy Hawaiian Sliders are always a crowd pleaser! Ham, cheese, and pineapple are layered on a sweet Hawaiian roll and baked until warm and melty.
Star Ham Sandwiches – Turn school lunch into something special with a star-shaped cookie cutter and leftover ham!
Cuban Sliders – These mini Cuban Sliders are a fun and delicious appetizer or meal for any occasion! These bite-sized sandwiches are packed with authentic flavor, thanks to layers of slow-roasted pork, ham, melted Swiss cheese, and a tangy mustard-butter sauce. They’re sure to be a hit with everyone at the party, or the perfect way to feed the family a quick and tasty meal.
Italian Pinwheels – A zesty bite-size appetizer or lunch idea made with ham, cured meats, veggies, and a seasoned cream cheese spread. Easy to make-ahead of time!
Dill Pickle Pinwheels – Another tasty sandwich roll-up recipe that combines savory ham and tangy dill pickles or pickle relish. This is a vintage recipe that is totally worth reviving!
Baked Ham, Apple, & Cheddar Sliders – An irresistible combination of savory and sweet — buttery slider buns layered with ham, cheddar cheese, and tart apple slices. It sounds strange but it is so good!!
Keto Leftover Ham Recipes
If you’re looking for healthy leftover ham recipes or want to cut down on carbs after those big holiday dinners, we have a couple satisfying recipes to try. They’re keto-friendly!
Keto Ham, Egg and Cheese Muffin Cups – A low carb breakfast that still feels like a splurge! We used a muffin tin to bake these ham cups filled with a fried egg.
Keto Ham and Pimento Cheese Wraps – the perfect fresh and easy lunch! Sweet honey ham and creamy pimento cheese are wrapped up in a crisp lettuce a for a satisfying and delicious meal.
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