Leftover Smoked Ham Recipe: Deliciously Transformed in Minutes

Cooking with leftovers is an art, especially when you have the rich, smoky flavors of smoked ham to work with. In this post, we will explore how you can repurpose your leftover smoked ham into delightful dishes that are both quick to prepare and mouthwateringly tasty. Whether you're looking to reheat and eat or craft an entirely new meal, these recipes will not only save you time but also transform your leftovers into something spectacular.

Quick Heat and Eat Methods

When you’re in a hurry and need to reheat leftover smoked ham, several methods can get you from fridge to plate in minutes:

• Microwave: Simply place slices in a microwave-safe dish with a little water, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 30-45 seconds on high per slice. This helps retain moisture and prevents drying out.
• Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F. Wrap the ham in foil or place it in an oven-safe dish with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F.
• Stovetop: Ideal for slices, you can quickly fry or sauté with a bit of oil over medium heat. Add a splash of water, cover, and let it steam for a few minutes for a moist finish.

Ham and Egg Bread Pudding

This savory bread pudding is perfect for using up leftover ham and is especially great for breakfast or brunch:

• 1 loaf of day-old bread, cubed
• 1 cup of chopped smoked ham
• 1 cup of grated cheese (cheddar or Swiss work well)
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or sage

To prepare:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Mix bread, ham, and cheese in the dish.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, mustard, salt, pepper, and herbs.
4. Pour this mixture over the bread mixture and let it soak for at least 20 minutes.
5. Bake for about 35-40 minutes or until the pudding is set and the top is golden.

Smoked Ham Stuffed Baked Potatoes

An indulgent and comforting dish, these baked potatoes filled with ham are a hit at any meal:

• 4 large baking potatoes
• 1 cup of diced smoked ham
• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• Chives, salt, and pepper for taste

Here’s how to make them:

1. Pierce potatoes with a fork, bake at 400°F for about an hour or until tender.
2. When cool enough to handle, halve them lengthwise, scoop out most of the insides, leaving a thin layer of potato in the skin for structure.
3. Mash the scooped potato with sour cream, milk, ham, cheese, and seasoning. Adjust consistency with milk if needed.
4. Spoon the mixture back into the potato skins, sprinkle with extra cheese, and return to the oven for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

🍴 Note: For a complete meal, serve these stuffed potatoes with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables.

Smoked Ham Wrapped Asparagus

A simple, elegant side dish or appetizer:

• A bunch of asparagus, trimmed
• 10-15 slices of leftover smoked ham
• Olive oil, salt, and pepper

Steps to make this dish:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Lightly blanch asparagus for 2-3 minutes until crisp-tender, then cool them.
3. Wrap each asparagus spear with a strip of ham, brush with olive oil, and season.
4. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes or until the ham is crisp and the asparagus tender.

Ham Pasta Salad

A versatile and satisfying salad perfect for picnics or a light lunch:

• 2 cups of cooked pasta (rotini or fusilli are ideal)
• 1 cup of cubed smoked ham
• 1/2 cup of frozen peas, thawed
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp of vinegar or lemon juice
• Seasonings like salt, pepper, and paprika

Preparation:

1. Cook and cool pasta according to package instructions.
2. Mix pasta with ham, peas, and onion.
3. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, vinegar or lemon juice, and seasonings to create the dressing.
4. Toss everything together, chill, and serve.

Ham and Cheese Frittata

This Italian-inspired dish is great for a lazy Sunday brunch or a quick dinner:

• 8 large eggs
• 1/4 cup of milk
• 1 cup diced ham
• 1/2 cup grated cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped vegetables (like bell pepper or spinach)
• Salt, pepper, and other herbs for flavor

To make this frittata:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Whisk eggs with milk, salt, pepper, and herbs in a bowl.
3. Heat an oven-safe skillet, add the vegetables, cook until soft, then add ham.
4. Pour in the egg mixture, top with cheese, and cook for a few minutes until the edges set.
5. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake until the frittata is puffed and golden, about 10-15 minutes.

To sum up, transforming your leftover smoked ham into a variety of dishes not only saves time and money but also introduces an array of flavors to your meal routine. From a quick reheat to crafting elaborate dishes like ham and egg bread pudding or stuffed baked potatoes, there's something for every occasion. These recipes showcase how versatile and delicious smoked ham can be, ensuring that your leftovers never go to waste but instead become the star of your next meal.

How long can I store leftover ham?

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Smoked ham can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. If you want to extend its shelf life, you can freeze it for up to 2 months.

Can I use smoked ham in dishes that are not savory?

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Absolutely! Smoked ham can add a unique twist to sweet dishes like pineapple and ham stir-fry or even incorporated into a fruit salad for a savory element.

What are some quick snacks with leftover ham?

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You can make a quick snack like ham and cheese roll-ups or top crackers with a slice of ham and mustard for a simple and quick bite.