7 Ways With: Leftover Ham Recipes (2024)

Savory Ham, Cheese, and Chive Scones image

7 Ways With: Leftover Ham Recipes (1)

Credit: Daniel Agee, Food Styling: Julia Levy, Prop Styling:Audrey Davis

Scrambling for ideas about what do with that leftover ham? Sample a few of our favorite soups, casseroles, and side dishes that transform leftovers in bold new ways.

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Don't Toss That Leftover Ham!

Don't Toss That Leftover Ham!

7 Ways With: Leftover Ham Recipes (2)

Credit: Randy Mayor; Cooking Light

A ham that's all decked out for the holidays is a sight to behold, but it's challenging to make the leftovers just as appetizing. If you're ready to think outside the usual "split pea soup" box, try slipping that ham into fried rice, vegetable sides, casseroles, vegetable soup, or quiche.

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Ham and Lima Bean Fried Rice

Ham and Lima Bean Fried Rice image

7 Ways With: Leftover Ham Recipes (3)

Credit: Greg Dupree; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Ham and Lima Bean Fried Rice Recipe

This delicious Southern twist on fried rice is made with pantry and freezer staples, so you probably already have most of the ingredients on hand.

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Grilled Apricots with Burrata, Country Ham and Arugula

Grilled Apricots with Burrata, Country Ham and Arugula

7 Ways With: Leftover Ham Recipes (4)

Credit: Dave Lauridsen

Grilled Apricots with Burrata, Country Ham and Arugula Recipe

Depending on the season, Travis Lett also makes this salad with plums, peaches and pears.

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Grilled Ham-and-Cheese Sandwiches with Strawberry-Shallot Jam

Grilled Ham-and-Cheese Sandwiches with Strawberry-Shallot Jam

7 Ways With: Leftover Ham Recipes (5)

Credit: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

Grilled Ham-and-Cheese Sandwiches with Strawberry-Shallot Jam Recipe

Use roasted turkey instead of ham, if you prefer.

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Spinach and Ham Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Spinach and Ham Stuffed Baked Potatoes

7 Ways With: Leftover Ham Recipes (6)

Credit: Randy Mayor; Styling: Lindsey Lower

Spinach and Ham Stuffed Baked Potatoes Recipe

Stuffed potatoes are a delicious, easy way to bring a hearty dinner to the table and use up leftover ham and veggies. Pair with a salad for an easy weeknight dinner.

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Fig, Ham, and Ricotta Pizza

Fig, Ham, and Ricotta Pizza

7 Ways With: Leftover Ham Recipes (7)

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Claire Spollen

Fig, Ham, and Ricotta Pizza Recipe

Top pizza dough with a ricotta cheese mixture, figs, onion, and ham to make this pizza.

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Fettuccine Alfredo with Ham and Peas

Fettuccine Alfredo with Ham and Peas

7 Ways With: Leftover Ham Recipes (8)

Credit: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Linda Hirst

Fettuccine Alfredo with Ham and Peas Recipe

This easy pasta dish is loaded with flavor and perfect for spring weather.

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Ham-and-Swiss-Loaded Potatoes

Ham-and-Swiss-Loaded Potatoes

7 Ways With: Leftover Ham Recipes (9)

Ham-and-Swiss-Loaded Potatoes Recipe

Stuffed with chunks of Swiss cheese, ham, scallions, and sour cream, these nifty little spuds can be put together at the last moment for a quick weeknight supper featuring leftover ham. Potatoes bake in the microwave and then crisp up under the broiler.

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Asparagus-and-Ham Casserole

Asparagus-and-Ham Casserole Recipe

This speedy casserole is pure comfort food and needs only 10 minutes to bake. That's because most of the prep work (cooking pasta and making a light cream sauce) is done on the stovetop. Simply bake to brown the breadcrumbs and make the filling bubbly.

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Ham-and-Bacon Quiche

Ham-and-Bacon Quiche

7 Ways With: Leftover Ham Recipes (11)

Ham-and-Bacon Quiche Recipe

Real men will definitely eat this quiche because it's loaded with all kinds of tasty ingredients: ham, bacon, mushrooms, cheese and cream. But the best part of the deal is that using refrigerated pie crust keeps prep time to just 20 minutes.

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Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Ham and Garlic

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Ham and Garlic

7 Ways With: Leftover Ham Recipes (12)

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Jan Gautro

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Ham and Garlic Recipe

If you don't already love Brussels sprouts, this is the recipe that will change your mind. That's because roasting these tiny little cabbages brings out their inherent sweetness and softens their bold personality. Try it -- you'll like it.

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Ham Fried Rice

Ham Fried Rice

7 Ways With: Leftover Ham Recipes (13)

Ham Fried Rice Recipe

This simple stir fry is the kind of meal you'll find yourself wanting to make over and over again when you're trying to use up leftovers. It not only works well with ham, but also with chicken or a fridge full of leftover veggies.

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Ham and Vegetable Soup

Ham and Vegetable Soup

7 Ways With: Leftover Ham Recipes (14)

Credit: Jim Franco

Ham and Vegetable Soup Recipe

All you need is 20 minutes to put together this hearty soup made with leftover ham, bacon, and six different fresh vegetables. While the soup simmers for 30 minutes, warm up some crusty bread and throw together a quick salad.

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Ham and Swiss Bread Pudding

Ham and Swiss Bread Pudding

7 Ways With: Leftover Ham Recipes (15)

Credit: Photography: Randy Mayor; Styling: Jan Gautro

Ham and Swiss Bread Pudding Recipe

Hawaiian rolls give this savory bread pudding a hint of sweetness that nicely offsets the salty ham. To save time, toast rolls the day before. That keeps assembly time quick so you can put up your feet while the savory dish bubbles and bakes.

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Cheesy Ham and Mushroom Pasta

Cheesy Ham and Mushroom Pasta

7 Ways With: Leftover Ham Recipes (16)

Cheesy Ham and Mushroom Pasta Recipe

"My mom is a great cook, and she inspires me to create delicious recipes, like this one."

Jennifer Kriegel, 27, Framingham, Mass.

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Capricciosa Pizza (Ham, Mushrooms, Mozzarella, and Artichokes)

Capricciosa Pizza (Ham, Mushrooms, Mozzarella, and Artichokes)

7 Ways With: Leftover Ham Recipes (17)

Credit: Thomas J. Story

Capricciosa Pizza (Ham, Mushrooms, Mozzarella, and Artichokes) Recipe

Ca' Momi, a bustling restaurant in Napa, California, is known for its rigorously authentic Neapolitan-style pizza. This one--its name translates as "capricious"--can be found throughout pizzerias in Italy, says Dario De Conti, the restaurant's head pizza maker and co-owner.

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Waffled Gruyère & Ham Grits

Waffled Gruyère & Ham Grits

7 Ways With: Leftover Ham Recipes (18)

Credit: Alison Miksch; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

Make the ultimate leftovers brunch. Invite friends if you feel like sharing.

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Green Eggs and Ham Frittata

Green Eggs and Ham Frittata

7 Ways With: Leftover Ham Recipes (19)

Credit: Iain Bagwell

Green Eggs and Ham Frittata Recipe

Grab all the leftover veggies in your fridge to add flavor to this easy frittata.

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Crispy Rice with Ham and Bean Sprouts

Crispy Rice with Ham and Bean Sprouts

7 Ways With: Leftover Ham Recipes (20)

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Missie Neville Crawford

Crispy Rice with Ham and Bean Sprouts Recipe

Toasting half the rice in this recipe yields warmth and crunch that takes this ultra-comforting 5-ingredient entrée from ordinary to exceptional. For an added kick, serve with a drizzle of Sriracha.

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Smoky Ham and Split Pea Soup

Smoky Ham and Split Pea Soup

7 Ways With: Leftover Ham Recipes (21)

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Claire Spollen

Smoky Ham and Split Pea Soup Recipe

This split pea and ham soup turns out creamy and delicious every time, all thanks to your slow cooker. Salty ham balances out the peas' light, earthy flavor, while the potatoes slowly release their starches to create the perfect silky texture. After 8 hours of hands-off, crockpot cooking, this split pea and ham soup is ready to devour (although leftovers fare well in the freezer, too). An easy, excellent recipe to add to your fall/winter rotation, this filling and flavorful split pea and ham soup is sure to become a new favorite in your house. Top with freshly cracked pepper and serve with a side of crusty bread.

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Veggie Fried Rice with Crispy Ham

Veggie Fried Rice with Crispy Ham

7 Ways With: Leftover Ham Recipes (22)

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Lindsey Lower

Veggie Fried Rice with Crispy Ham Recipe

For this quick family dinner, a small amount of salty ham is crisped and used as a topping. That way you can use far less and still get a big flavor impact.

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Bow-Tie Pasta with Ham, Leeks and Peas

Bow-Tie Pasta with Ham, Leeks and Peas

7 Ways With: Leftover Ham Recipes (23)

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Styling: Gerri Williams for James Reps

Bow-Tie Pasta with Ham, Leeks and Peas Recipe

A box of pasta, fresh veggies and some leftover deli ham is all you need to make Bow-Tie Pasta with Ham, Leeks and Peas. This family-pleasing meal is table-ready in just under 30 minutes.

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Braised Beans with Collard Greens and Ham

Braised Beans with Collard Greens and Ham

7 Ways With: Leftover Ham Recipes (24)

Credit: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Braised Beans with Collard Greens and Ham Recipe

Smoked ham hocks are inexpensive and give the dish rich flavor; substitute with ham steak if you prefer. This dish defines easy, relaxed cooking, so don't stress over measurements.

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Ham-and-Greens Crostini

Ham-and-Greens Crostini

7 Ways With: Leftover Ham Recipes (25)

Credit: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Ham-and-Greens Crostini Recipe

Creamy and salty Ham-and-Greens Crostini takes its inspiration from a classic Southern dish. To make ahead, refrigerate cooked greens up to two days. The base is an easy French bread Crostini.

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Country-Ham-and-Egg Toasts

Country-Ham-and-Egg Toasts

7 Ways With: Leftover Ham Recipes (26)

Credit: Greg Dupree; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

Country-Ham-and-Egg Toasts Recipe

Carolyn says: "I think the tartine, an open-faced sandwich from France, is the most versatile vehicle for a healthy breakfast. Try topping with everything from poached eggs to leftover chicken."

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Ham, Gruyère and Spinach Strata

Ham, Gruyère and Spinach Strata

7 Ways With: Leftover Ham Recipes (27)

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Styling: Gerri Williams for James Reps

Ham, Gruyère and Spinach Strata Recipe

Whip up Ham, Gruyère and Spinach Strata for a filling breakfast or brunch dish. It's a great dish for using leftover holiday ham.

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Brussels Sprouts with Ham

Brussels Sprouts with Ham

7 Ways With: Leftover Ham Recipes (28)

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Styling: Gerri Williams for James Reps

Brussels Sprouts with Ham Recipe

Dressed with mustard and sour cream, our Brussels Sprouts with Ham takes this veggie salad to new levels.

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Ham-and-Swiss Sticky Buns

Ham-and-Swiss Sticky Buns

7 Ways With: Leftover Ham Recipes (29)

Credit: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Mary Clayton Carl

Ham-and-Swiss Sticky Buns Recipe

Stuff the dough deep into the muffin cups so that the tops rise into a cheesy dome while baking.

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Rice and Ham Croquettes with Tomato Sauce

Rice and Ham Croquettes with Tomato Sauce

7 Ways With: Leftover Ham Recipes (30)

Credit: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Sarah Cave

Rice and Ham Croquettes with Tomato Sauce Recipe

These ham-studded rice fritters are the Lowcountry version of Italian arancini.

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Ham and Cheese Tartine

Ham and Cheese Tartine

7 Ways With: Leftover Ham Recipes (31)

Credit: Travis Rathbone

Ham and Cheese Tartine Recipe

This lean snack of Ham and Cheese Tartine satisfies your craving for something savory. Pick pumpernickel bread as the base for this snack as it has resistant starch, a fat-burning carb.

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Hawaiian Ham Sandwiches

Hawaiian Ham Sandwiches

7 Ways With: Leftover Ham Recipes (32)

Credit: Gooseberry Patch

Hawaiian Ham Sandwiches Recipe

With the perfect combination of sweet and salty flavors, these Hawaiian Ham Sandwiches are sure to be crowd-pleasers. Serve them during the holidays or during a football party–they are great for any occasion.

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Pasta Primavera with Ham and Mushrooms

Pasta Primavera with Ham and Mushrooms image

7 Ways With: Leftover Ham Recipes (33)

Pasta Primavera with Ham and Mushrooms Recipe

It's hard to beat pasta primavera. Butit's even harder to beat a 20-minute pasta primavera that only requires one skillet. Use a frozen broccoli, cauliflower, and carrot mix to save time and add color, texture, and nutrition. This recipe is one to keep in your back pocket forbusy afternoons when there's notime for prep.

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Eggplant and Ham Fritters with Creamy Mustard Sauce

Eggplant and Ham Fritters with Creamy Mustard Sauce image

7 Ways With: Leftover Ham Recipes (34)

Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Margaret Dickey; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Eggplant and Ham Fritters with Creamy Mustard Sauce Recipe

Crispy on the outside andpillowy on the inside, these golden, savory fritters are the perfect starter or brunch dish. With a delicate eggplant flavor, deliciously balanced by smoky ham, this is the perfect gateway recipe for anyone who claims to “hate” eggplant. Try not to over-mix the batter as this will make your fritters chewy, and be sure to work in small batches while frying so you don’t overcrowd the pan. If you have trouble finding crème frâiche, you can easily substitute full-fat sour cream.

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Savory Ham, Cheese, and Chive Scones

Savory Ham, Cheese, and Chive Scones image

7 Ways With: Leftover Ham Recipes (35)

Credit: Daniel Agee, Food Styling: Julia Levy, Prop Styling:Audrey Davis

Savory Ham, Cheese, and Chive Scones Recipe

These savory scones are flakey, cheesy, rich, and uber-delicious. Similar to biscuits in texture, method, and ingredients, you’ll want to make sure you’re ingredients are good and cold to ensure the tenderest, flakiest scones possible. The scones can be made into whatever shape you like, they’ll bake just the same. Hearty, portable, and guaranteed crowd-pleasers, these ham, cheese, and chive scones would be perfect to pack up for a brunch or morning tailgate.

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7 Ways With: Leftover Ham Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What to do with an already cooked ham? ›

A fully cooked, ready-to-eat ham (also referred to as a "city ham") can be sliced and served cold or at room temperature—there's no need to reheat it. A spiral-cut ham is delicious this way, whether eaten by the slice, tucked into biscuits, or in a grilled cheese sandwich.

How long is cooked 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.

What are two ways the ham can be used? ›

For instance, you can use leftover ham slices to make ham and cheese sliders for a quick weekday lunch. Or, dice up extra ham to add salty-smoky flavor to a ham and cheese frittata for your holiday weekend brunch.

How long can you use leftover ham? ›

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. See also Ham and Food Safety.

How do you make a precooked ham taste better? ›

A little sweetness balances the smoky savoriness of ham. But think beyond gloppy, sugary-sweet glazes and get a little more adventurous. Peach preserves, hot pepper jelly, and maple syrup work as sweet bases for glazes that add sheen as well as distinct flavor.

Can you freeze ham after cooking? ›

Here's the good news: You can absolutely freeze cooked ham. In fact, many hams are cured and/or smoked, which were old-school (and still beloved) ways to preserve food for later use. Ham can be stored in the freezer for up to four months, according to USDA food safety guidelines.

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.

Why is my ham slimy but not expired? ›

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.

Can I eat ham after 10 days? ›

Once the ham is cut, exposing the moist interior, it must be stored in the refrigerator. After the ham has been soaked, or soaked and cooked, it should be used within 5 days. U.S. Food and Drug Administration Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition.

What is grandmother ham? ›

About this product: A fully boned leg which is hand trimmed and tied with the skin left over, then smoked over german beech. A full Grandmother Ham is approximately 3 to 5kg, a half Grandmother Ham approximately 2 to 3kg.

What is Kentucky ham? ›

The renowned Kentucky hams of the United States, for example, are cut exclusively from Hampshire hogs that have been fattened on beans, wild acorns, and clover until the last few weeks before the slaughter, when their diet is restricted to grain.

Can you eat 5 day old ham? ›

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.

Is ham still good after 11 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.

Can dogs eat ham? ›

Is Ham Bad for Dogs? Ham is not toxic to dogs, but it's also not a healthy treat for them. So if your pup eats a little piece that fell to the floor, they should be totally fine. But feeding ham to your dog as a regular snack can cause some long-term health issues.

Should I cook already cooked ham? ›

No. Both whole or half, cooked, vacuum-packaged hams packaged in federally inspected plants and canned hams can be eaten cold, right out of the package. However, if you want to reheat these cooked hams, set the oven no lower than 325 °F and heat to an internal temperature of 140 °F as measured with a food thermometer.

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.

How long is a precooked ham good for after heating? ›

A fully cooked ham can last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator after it has been baked. It's important to store the ham properly to prevent spoilage and food poisoning. Here's how: Wrap the ham in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

Can you eat a fully cooked ham without warming it? ›

Cooked canned ham and cooked vacuum-packaged ham, both from federally inspected plants, can be eaten right out of the package. All of these along with spiral-cut cooked ham are safe to eat cold or can be warmed to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), as they are already fully cooked.

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