Make the Most of Your Holiday Ham: Innovative Leftover Casserole Ideas

The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and delicious meals. One staple that often graces our tables during this festive time is a succulent ham. While it’s delightful to enjoy slices of ham on its own, there are always leftovers that need to be used up. Don’t let those leftover ham slices go to waste. With some creativity and a few simple ingredients, you can transform your holiday ham into mouthwatering casseroles that will have your family begging for seconds. In this article, we’ll explore some innovative leftover ham casserole ideas that are both easy to make and incredibly flavorful.

Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole

One classic way to use up leftover ham is by incorporating it into a cheesy potato casserole. This dish is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. To start, gather your ingredients: diced leftover ham, sliced potatoes, shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella work well), sour cream, butter, flour, milk, salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings or herbs you prefer.

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the sliced potatoes with the diced ham and shredded cheese. In a separate saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and stir in the flour until smooth. Gradually add milk while stirring continuously until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings.

Pour the creamy sauce over the potato-ham-cheese mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish and bake for approximately 45 minutes or until golden brown on top and bubbly around the edges.

Ham and Broccoli Rice Casserole

If you’re looking for a more nutritious option that incorporates vegetables, a ham and broccoli rice casserole is the perfect choice. This dish combines the smoky flavors of leftover ham with the freshness of broccoli and the heartiness of rice. To get started, gather your ingredients: cooked rice, leftover diced ham, chopped broccoli florets, shredded cheese (cheddar or Swiss work well), cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice with the diced ham and chopped broccoli florets. In a separate saucepan over medium heat, combine the cream of mushroom soup with milk until well blended. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.

Pour the creamy mushroom soup mixture over the rice-ham-broccoli mixture and gently stir until everything is evenly coated. Transfer this mixture into a greased baking dish and sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Cover with foil and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes or until heated through and bubbly.

Ham and Egg Breakfast Casserole

Who says casseroles are only for lunch or dinner? With some leftover ham slices on hand, you can create a delicious breakfast casserole that will kickstart your day in style. This recipe is versatile as you can customize it to include your favorite breakfast ingredients alongside ham such as eggs, cheese, vegetables like bell peppers or spinach, and even some spices like paprika or chili flakes for an extra kick.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a baking dish. In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs together with milk until well combined. Season with salt, pepper, and any additional spices you desire.

Next, layer your ingredients in the greased baking dish starting with a base layer of diced ham followed by your chosen vegetables (such as bell peppers or spinach), and shredded cheese. Pour the egg mixture over the layers, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown. Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving for a satisfying breakfast that will keep you energized throughout the day.

Ham and Cornbread Casserole

If you’re a fan of cornbread, why not combine it with leftover ham to create a comforting and flavorful casserole? This recipe pairs the sweetness of cornbread with the savory notes of ham for a delightful combination. Gather your ingredients: cornbread mix, eggs, milk, diced leftover ham, cream-style corn, shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack work well), melted butter, salt, and pepper.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish. In a large mixing bowl, prepare the cornbread mix according to package instructions. Stir in diced ham, cream-style corn, shredded cheese, melted butter, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and smooth out the top with a spatula. Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top and cooked through in the center.

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