5 Delicious Leftover Ham Recipes You'll Love

Are you looking for innovative ways to repurpose your leftover ham? Whether it’s from a holiday feast or a casual Sunday dinner, ham is a versatile ingredient that can transform into several delightful dishes. Here are five fantastic recipes that will not only make use of your leftover ham but also impress your family and friends with their flavors and creativity.

Savory Ham and Cheese Scones

Imagine biting into a fluffy, buttery scone with the added delight of ham and cheese. These scones are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a snack.

• Ingredients:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ¹⁄₄ tsp salt
• ¹⁄₄ cup cold butter, cubed
• ³⁄₄ cup diced ham
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¹⁄₂ cup milk
• 2 eggs, beaten

How to Make:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
3. Fold in ham and cheese, then add milk and eggs to form a dough.
4. Turn dough onto a floured surface, knead lightly, and shape into a ³⁄₄-inch thick round.
5. Cut into 8-10 scones, place on the sheet, and bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden.

Ham and Potato Soup

This comforting soup is a great way to use up ham and is perfect for chilly evenings.

• Ingredients:
• 2 cups diced cooked ham
• 3 cups potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp butter
• ¹⁄₄ cup flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a pot, melt butter over medium heat, cook onion until soft.
2. Add flour, stir to combine, then slowly add broth, stirring constantly.
3. Add potatoes and ham, bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Stir in cream, simmer for another 5 minutes. Season, then serve hot.

🌟 Note: You can add some frozen corn or peas for extra nutrition.

Ham and Cheese Stuffed Chicken

Transform your ham into a gourmet meal by stuffing it into chicken breasts.

• Ingredients:
• 4 boneless chicken breasts
• 1 cup finely chopped leftover ham
• ¹⁄₂ cup grated cheese (such as Swiss or cheddar)
• ¹⁄₄ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil

Preparation:

1. Pound chicken breasts until ¹⁄₄ inch thick. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Mix ham, cheese, breadcrumbs, and mustard. Spread this mixture over each chicken breast.
3. Roll up and secure with toothpicks or kitchen string.
4. In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook chicken rolls until browned and cooked through.
5. Serve with a light sauce or alongside vegetables.

Ham, Egg, and Spinach Salad

This salad is refreshing, nutritious, and a great way to use leftover ham.

• Ingredients:
• 2 cups spinach leaves
• 1 cup diced ham
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
• 1 avocado, sliced
• ¹⁄₄ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• Dressing:
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Assemble:

1. Arrange spinach on plates. Top with ham, eggs, avocado, and tomatoes.
2. Whisk together dressing ingredients and drizzle over the salad.
3. Toss gently before serving.

🍅 Note: You can substitute spinach with your favorite greens or mix them for variety.

Ham Carbonara

Give the classic Carbonara a twist by using ham instead of pancetta or bacon.

• Ingredients:
• 12 oz spaghetti
• 1 cup diced ham
• 4 egg yolks
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Steps:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks with Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat ham in the pan, add drained spaghetti, remove from heat, and quickly stir in the egg mixture to coat the pasta. The heat from the pasta will cook the eggs.
4. Garnish with parsley and additional cheese if desired.

In wrapping up these recipes, one can appreciate the versatility of leftover ham. From savory scones to hearty soups, stuffed chicken, fresh salads, and a delightful pasta dish, these recipes ensure that your ham doesn't go to waste while providing you with a variety of flavors and textures. Each dish adds a new dimension to traditional cooking, proving that with a little creativity, leftovers can become the stars of your meal plan. Next time you find yourself with extra ham, try out these ideas to turn them into something extraordinary.

Can I freeze dishes made with leftover ham?

+

Yes, most dishes with ham can be frozen, although the texture might change slightly upon reheating. Ensure they are stored in airtight containers or freezer bags to maintain freshness. Soups and pasta dishes freeze particularly well.

What other meats can substitute for ham in these recipes?

+

You can use turkey, chicken, or even bacon in place of ham for many of these recipes. Adjust the quantity based on the meat’s flavor intensity.

How long can I keep leftover ham in the fridge?

+

Ham can typically be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. Always store it in an airtight container to retain its moisture and flavor.