13 Delicious Leftover Ham Recipes That Save Dinner

Written by Abby Murphy in Dinner & Mains

Cooking with leftover ham? You’re in for a treat! Ham’s rich flavor brings a comforting twist to meals while minimizing food waste. Whether you’re using it up in soups, casseroles, or salads, these recipes are designed to transform your leftovers into delightful dinner options. Let’s dive into these satisfying ideas that will make your taste buds dance!

1. Ham and Cheese Quiche

A savory quiche full of flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pre-made pie crust
  • 1 cup diced leftover ham
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (like Swiss or cheddar)
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Process:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Whisk eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix in ham and cheese.
  3. Pour the mixture into the pie crust and bake for 35-40 minutes until set.

Make it Unique: Add spinach or asparagus for extra veggies.

2. Ham and Bean Soup

A warm bowl of comfort food.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups diced ham
  • 1 can white beans, drained
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Process:

  1. Sauté onion, carrots, and garlic until soft.
  2. Add ham, beans, and broth; simmer for 30 minutes.
  3. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Make it Unique: Toss in some kale or spinach for added greens.

3. Ham Fried Rice

A quick and easy weeknight meal.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 cup diced ham
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup mixed peas and carrots
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons green onions, sliced

Process:

  1. In a pan, scramble the eggs and set aside.
  2. Sauté ham and vegetables until heated through.
  3. Add rice and soy sauce; stir in the eggs and green onions.

Make it Unique: Experiment with different veggies like bell peppers or zucchini.

4. Ham and Potato Casserole

A creamy and satisfying bake.

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups diced potatoes
  • 2 cups diced ham
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • 1 cup milk
  • Pepper to taste

Process:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix potatoes, ham, soup, milk, and pepper.
  3. Pour into a baking dish, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake for 45 minutes.

Make it Unique: Add broccoli for a nutrition boost.

5. Ham and Spinach Stuffed Shells

A delightful pasta dinner.

Ingredients:

  • 12 jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 cup diced ham
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup cooked spinach
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese

Process:

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
  2. Mix ham, ricotta, and spinach; fill each shell with the mixture.
  3. Place in a baking dish; cover with marinara and cheese, then bake for 20 minutes.

Make it Unique: Use different cheeses like feta or cottage cheese instead.

6. Cheesy Ham Quesadillas

Quick bites full of flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 4 flour tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (like Monterey Jack)
  • 1 cup diced ham
  • Olive oil for cooking

Process:

  1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Layer cheese and ham on half of each tortilla; fold and cook until golden on both sides.
  3. Slice and serve with salsa or sour cream.

Make it Unique: Add jalapeños for a spicy kick.

7. Ham Pasta Salad

Perfect for a light lunch or picnic.

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups cooked pasta (like rotini)
  • 1 cup diced ham
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumbers, diced
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing

Process:

  1. In a large bowl, combine pasta, ham, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
  2. Add ranch dressing and toss until coated.
  3. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Make it Unique: Swap ranch for a vinaigrette dressing.

8. Ham and Cheese Sliders

A crowd-pleaser for any gathering.

Ingredients:

  • 12 slider buns
  • 2 cups diced ham
  • 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Process:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Layer ham and cheese on each bun, repeat for two layers.
  3. Brush tops with butter mixed with mustard; bake for 15 minutes.

Make it Unique: Add pickles for extra flavor.

9. Ham and Vegetable Stir-Fry

Quick and healthy weeknight meal.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (like bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli)
  • 1 cup diced ham
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Process:

  1. Heat oil in a wok or pan over medium-high heat.
  2. Sauté garlic, then add vegetables and ham; stir-fry until tender.
  3. Drizzle with soy sauce and serve hot.

Make it Unique: Substitute tamari for a gluten-free option.

10. Ham and Cheese Breakfast Muffins

Great start to your day.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup diced ham
  • 1 cup shredded cheese

Process:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a muffin tin.
  2. Mix flour and baking powder; add milk, eggs, ham, and cheese.
  3. Fill muffin cups and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden.

Make it Unique: Use whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.

11. Ham and Egg Breakfast Burritos

A tasty breakfast on the go.

Ingredients:

  • 4 large tortillas
  • 6 eggs, scrambled
  • 1 cup diced ham
  • 1 cup shredded cheese

Process:

  1. Scramble the eggs in a pan. Add in ham until heated.
  2. Place the mixture in tortillas and roll them up.
  3. Serve with salsa or hot sauce.

Make it Unique: Add black beans for extra protein.

12. Ham Pizza

A fun family dinner option.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pre-made pizza crust
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 cups cheese
  • 1 cup diced ham
  • Toppings of choice (bell peppers, onions)

Process:

  1. Preheat oven to package instructions for the crust.
  2. Spread sauce on crust, add ham and toppings, and sprinkle cheese on top.
  3. Bake according to crust instructions until cheese is bubbly.

Make it Unique: Try barbecue sauce instead of tomato for a different flavor.

13. Ham and Corn Fritters

Crispy snacks perfect for appetizers.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 1 cup diced ham
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 2 eggs
  • Oil for frying

Process:

  1. In a bowl, combine corn, ham, flour, and eggs to form a batter.
  2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat; drop spoonfuls into the pan.
  3. Fry until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes each side.

Make it Unique: Add jalapeños for a hint of spice.

These 13 tasty recipes are perfect for transforming your leftover ham into something delectable. Don’t let your leftovers languish—try them out for dinner this week! Discover new favorites and reduce waste in style.

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