5 Delicious Recipes for Leftover Ham

Thanksgiving or Easter gatherings can leave you with an abundance of leftover ham, prompting the question: "What can I do with all this delicious meat?" Here, we present five delicious recipes for leftover ham that will not only help you make the most out of your leftovers but also excite your palate with creative and simple dishes.

Ham and Cheese Breakfast Strata

Starting our list of leftover ham recipes, a breakfast strata is a wonderful way to use up that ham. It’s a layered casserole, perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping in advance for a busy morning.

Ingredients

• 8 slices of bread, crust removed and cubed
• 2 cups of diced leftover ham
• 2 cups of shredded cheese (cheddar or Swiss)
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups of milk
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. In a greased baking dish, layer half of the bread cubes, followed by ham, cheese, and then the remaining bread.
2. Whisk together the eggs, milk, mustard, salt, and pepper. Pour over the bread layers, ensuring everything is soaked. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
3. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), bake the strata for 45-50 minutes, until puffed and golden. Sprinkle with parsley before serving.

🍳 Note: This dish can be prepared ahead of time, making it an ideal choice for holiday mornings when you want to enjoy the festivities without kitchen duty.

Ham and Pineapple Fried Rice

Turn your leftover ham into an international delight with a ham and pineapple fried rice. It’s a sweet and savory dish that’s perfect for using up ham, vegetables, and even leftover rice.

Ingredients

• 3 cups of cooked and chilled rice
• 1 cup of diced leftover ham
• 1 can of pineapple chunks, drained
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Oil for frying

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet, sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
2. Add carrots, cook until they start to soften, then add ham and pineapple.
3. Add rice, mix well. Push the rice to one side, pour the eggs into the empty side, scramble until cooked, then mix with the rice.
4. Stir in soy sauce and green onions, cook for an additional minute before serving.

🍚 Note: If your rice is sticky or wet, let it sit out to dry for a bit before using. This will make your fried rice fluffier.

Ham, Potato, and Leek Soup

A hearty ham, potato, and leek soup can warm you up on cold evenings and utilize leftover ham in a very comforting way.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of butter
• 2 leeks, sliced
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 cups of diced leftover ham
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup of heavy cream or milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped chives for garnish

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a pot over medium heat, add leeks and cook until softened.
2. Add potatoes, ham, and broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
3. Blend half the soup until smooth, return to pot, add cream or milk, and season with salt and pepper. Heat through before serving with chives on top.

Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwiches

A grilled ham and cheese sandwich is simple yet effective in transforming leftovers into a quick meal or a snack.

Ingredients

• Sliced bread
• Sliced leftover ham
• Your choice of cheese slices (cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyère work great)
• Butter
• Mayonnaise (optional)

Instructions

1. Butter one side of each bread slice. On the unbuttered side, layer ham and cheese.
2. Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the other piece of bread’s unbuttered side.
3. Place the sandwich on a preheated pan or griddle, cook until golden brown, then flip and cook the other side until the cheese melts.

Ham and Spinach Pasta Bake

If you’ve got some ham, pasta, and cheese, you’re all set for a delicious ham and spinach pasta bake.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of cooked pasta (elbow macaroni or penne)
• 2 cups of diced leftover ham
• 1 ½ cups of fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 ½ cups of milk
• 2 tablespoons of flour
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 2 cups of shredded cheese
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook for a minute. Gradually whisk in milk to make a roux, cook until thickened.
3. Stir in cheese until melted, add mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Mix in pasta, ham, and spinach, then transfer to the baking dish.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.

🧀 Note: You can easily swap spinach for other greens or add in additional veggies to boost the nutritional content.

In closing, these dishes not only provide a flavorful way to repurpose leftover ham but also introduce variety into your meal plan. From breakfast to dinner, these recipes offer something for everyone, ensuring that your holiday feast lingers in delightful meals rather than being a culinary regret. Enjoy exploring these inventive ways to savor every last bite of that precious ham.