Creative Ways to Use Leftover Ham: 7 Simple Recipes

Whether it’s Easter, Christmas, or any special occasion that involves a delicious ham, chances are you’ll have some leftovers. Instead of letting these tasty morsels go to waste, why not get creative in the kitchen and whip up some easy leftover ham recipes? From comforting soups to mouthwatering sandwiches, here are seven simple and delicious ways to transform your leftover ham into a new culinary delight.

Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole

Start your day off right with a hearty and satisfying breakfast casserole that puts those leftover ham slices to good use. This recipe is incredibly versatile and allows you to incorporate other ingredients you might have on hand.

To make this easy dish, start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased baking dish, layer diced leftover ham with shredded cheese, sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or onions, and cubed bread. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices. Pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients in the baking dish. Bake for about 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set. Serve warm for a delicious breakfast or brunch option.

Ham and Potato Soup

One of the most comforting ways to enjoy leftover ham is by turning it into a flavorful soup. This ham and potato soup recipe is creamy, hearty, and perfect for those chilly evenings.

To start making this delicious soup, heat some butter or olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, celery, and garlic; sauté until softened. Stir in diced potatoes along with chicken or vegetable broth until they are fully submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce heat to simmer until the potatoes are tender.

Once the potatoes are cooked, add diced leftover ham and simmer for another 5-10 minutes. To thicken the soup, you can mash some of the potatoes or add a slurry of cornstarch and water. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or parsley to taste. Serve hot with crusty bread for a comforting meal.

Ham and Cheese Sliders

Ham and cheese sliders are a crowd-pleasing option for parties, game nights, or even a simple weeknight dinner. These mini sandwiches are easy to assemble and can be customized with your favorite condiments.

To make these tasty sliders, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice a pack of dinner rolls in half horizontally without separating them individually. Spread your desired condiment on one side of the rolls; mayonnaise or Dijon mustard work well. Layer sliced leftover ham and cheese on top before placing the other half of the rolls on top.

Place the entire slab of assembled sliders onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush melted butter mixed with garlic powder, dried herbs, or grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Cut into individual sliders and serve warm.

Ham Fried Rice

Give your leftover ham an Asian twist by turning it into delicious fried rice packed with flavors and textures. This recipe is great for using up any leftover rice you might have as well.

To make ham fried rice, start by heating some oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, peas, corn kernels, and any other vegetables you enjoy in fried rice; sauté until they are cooked through but still slightly crisp.

Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and crack eggs into the other side. Scramble the eggs until they are fully cooked, then combine them with the vegetables. Add diced leftover ham and cooked rice to the pan and stir-fry everything together.

Season the fried rice with soy sauce, oyster sauce, or any other Asian sauces you prefer. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through. Serve hot as a delicious main course or as a side dish for an Asian-inspired meal.

With these easy leftover ham recipes, you can transform your holiday leftovers into delicious meals that your family will love. From breakfast to dinner options, these recipes are versatile and can be adapted to suit your taste preferences. So the next time you find yourself with leftover ham, don’t let it go to waste – get creative in the kitchen and enjoy these mouthwatering dishes.

This text was generated using a large language model, and select text has been reviewed and moderated for purposes such as readability.