5 Delicious Recipes for Your Leftover Ham

Welcome to a culinary adventure where we transform your leftover ham into exquisite dishes! After the holiday feasts, you might be wondering what to do with that delicious ham sitting in your refrigerator. Fret not; today, we’re diving into five mouth-watering recipes that will turn your leftover ham into star meals, providing both variety and flavor to your post-holiday meals.

Creamy Ham and Potato Soup

First on our list is a hearty, comforting Ham and Potato Soup. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 cups of diced leftover ham
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Seasoning: Salt, pepper, thyme
• Optional: Cornstarch for thickening

Instructions:

1. Sauté the onion and garlic until translucent in a large pot.
2. Add potatoes, ham, and broth. Bring to a boil and then simmer until potatoes are tender.
3. Mash some of the potatoes into the soup for thickness or use a small amount of cornstarch if needed.
4. Stir in the heavy cream, thyme, and season to taste. Let it simmer for a bit longer.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or croutons for an extra touch of crunch.

🌟 Note: For a healthier twist, consider using skim milk or a milk alternative instead of heavy cream, and skip the cornstarch for a lower-calorie soup.

Ham and Cheese Quiche

The next ham masterpiece is a delightful Quiche. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner!

• 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup diced ham
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Swiss)
• 1 cup heavy cream or milk
• 4 large eggs
• Seasoning: Salt, pepper, nutmeg

How to make it:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the pie crust in a pie dish and prick it with a fork to prevent puffing.
3. Layer the ham and cheese at the bottom of the crust.
4. Whisk together the eggs, cream, and seasonings. Pour over the ham and cheese.
5. Bake for 35-45 minutes, until the custard is set and slightly jiggly in the center.
6. Allow to cool slightly before serving to ensure the quiche sets properly.

📌 Note: You can add sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the quiche to incorporate more vegetables into the dish!

Ham and Vegetable Fried Rice

Who doesn’t love fried rice? Here’s how to elevate it with ham:

• 2 cups of leftover cooked rice (preferably day-old)
• 1 cup diced ham
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers, etc.)
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Optional: Green onions, sesame oil, and garlic

Steps:

1. Heat oil in a large pan or wok. Sauté garlic if using.
2. Add the mixed vegetables and cook until just tender.
3. Push the veggies to one side, add eggs, and scramble.
4. Mix in the rice, ham, and soy sauce. Stir fry until everything is well combined and heated through.
5. Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil and garnish with green onions.

Ham, Cheese, and Spinach Stuffed Puff Pastries

Create elegant finger foods with these stuffed puff pastries:

• 1 sheet of puff pastry
• 1 cup diced ham
• 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or gruyere)
• 1 cup chopped spinach
• 1 egg for egg wash
• Optional: Dijon mustard

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out the puff pastry and cut into squares or rectangles.
3. If using, spread a thin layer of mustard on half of the pastry.
4. Layer ham, spinach, and cheese in the center, leaving space on the edges.
5. Fold over the pastry to form a parcel, sealing the edges with a fork.
6. Brush with egg wash for a golden finish.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and puffed.

Ham and Cheese Croissant Rolls

Transform your leftovers into Ham and Cheese Croissant Rolls:

• 4-6 croissants, halved
• 1 cup diced ham
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Swiss)
• Optional: 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

How to make:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly spread mustard on the inside of each croissant.
3. Fill with ham and cheese, then close the croissants.
4. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes until the croissants are crispy and the cheese is melted.

So, there you have it—five delicious ways to repurpose your leftover ham. From soups to pastries, each dish brings out the best of your holiday ham with unique flavors and presentations. Whether you're looking for a comforting meal or something quick and convenient for a picnic or office lunch, these recipes cater to a variety of tastes and dietary needs.

Can these recipes be frozen?

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Most of these recipes can be frozen. Soup, quiche, and fried rice freeze particularly well. Just ensure you cool them thoroughly before freezing, and use airtight containers. For the puff pastries and croissant rolls, freeze unbaked and bake directly from frozen for best results.

How long can leftover ham be stored?

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When stored in the refrigerator, leftover ham will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it in portions to use in recipes like these.

Can these dishes be made vegetarian?

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Yes, you can make vegetarian versions by substituting ham with alternatives like tofu, tempeh, or just omitting the meat and enhancing with other vegetables.