LEFTOVER HAM Ideas

Here are some great leftover ham ideas that are very popular using common ingredients. Whether it’s spiral ham from a holiday feast or just ham you want to use for some variety, keep reading for some ham inspirations. This is part of our Food Guides category and our Ham & Pork tagged recipes and articles.

Introduction to Leftover Ham Ideas Recipes

When you find yourself with leftover ham or if you want to find something different for ham, don’t worry! Here are a good number of mouthwatering leftover ham ideas that will help you make the most of it. Repurposing leftover ham reduces food waste. Also, it’s a great way to rediscover some ham related recipes or uses you might have forgotten about.

Classic Ham and Beans

One of the most comforting leftover ham ideas is by making a classic ham and bean recipe. Also, by adding extra water, you can make it as a hearty and flavorful soup. Furthermore, it’s perfect for chilly days.

For overall extra flavor, consider letting the ham bone simmer in the pot, adding richness to its broth. Also, if you want another type of soup using ham, here’s an excellent creamy ham potato soup from Cafe Delites.

Ham and Scalloped Potatoes Casserole

For a filling, easy one pot ham dish, consider making this easy ham and scalloped potatoes casserole. Specifically, it has layers of sliced potatoes, diced ham, and a creamy sauce that satisfies everyone. In the same fashion, it’s another one pot meal perfect for a cold night. Also, it used classic ingredients you might already have like butter, flour, milk, onions, potatoes, cheddar cheese, and ham (of course).

Leftover Ham Ideas on Pizza: Homemade Pizza with Ham

If you love flavor combinations, make this cheese pizza but add in some ham. And, for that Hawaiian-style toss in some pineapple to have a perfect tropical meal to use up that leftover ham. The tangy sweetness of pineapple goes properly with ham. Or, you can just make the Supreme Pizza recipe and leave off the other meats and things you don’t want. Or, check out our extensive article on how to make pizza in the oven with all the recipes listed.

Leftover Ham Ideas for Sandwiches: Ham Salad Sandwiches

Also, you can use your leftover ham as part of a ham salad dish. It’s good for spreading on sandwiches or as a dip for crackers.

Leftover Ham Ideas for Sandwiches: Ham and Grilled Cheese

Treat everyone with flavorful ham and grilled cheese sandwiches. You can use any bread for this but using homemade bread makes it extra special. There are some other unique ideas with this recipe so, be sure and check it out.

Hearty Cobb Salad with Ham

There are also recipes for a hearty Cobb salad that uses ham, salami, hard boiled eggs, and cheese for a filling and healthy meal. You add in your favorite dressing like Thousand Island or Ranch. Or, if you want simpler, just make this Romaine Lettuce Salad. Then, toss in your diced ham along with some shredded or cubed cheddar cheese. Then, you’re good to go.

Ham and Cabbage Soup

Looking for more healthy ideas for ham? Check out this one pot cabbage soup recipe and add in some diced ham. It cooks in an hour. Also, it goes a long way. And it’s another one of those special easy dishes that’s great for cold or cozy nights.

Cooked Cabbage and Ham on Stovetop

Here’s another one pot dish for leftover ham. Just follow this easy 20-minute recipe for cooked cabbage in a skillet. It’s designed for meat or meatless. When it’s done, toss in your diced ham. Or, heat up the diced ham while cooking the onions. However you choose, it’s an easy addition for another flavorful and Southern dish.

Also, here’s a great list of Healthy Leftover Ham Recipes from Food Meanderings. They have a bunch of super ideas, too.

Italian Sub Sandwich Using Ham

A natural use of leftover ham is on a sandwich. And what better way is to load it up as an authentic Italian Sub Sandwich. This recipe is from the 1970s. The only other meat it calls for is Salami but, hey; it’s still a great sub with just the ham.

Loaded Baked Potatoes with Ham

If you have just a small amount of ham leftover, you can use it as a topper for loaded baked potatoes. Just use it instead of bacon. It’ll still have that salty, pork flavor. And it will go great with diced green onions or chives, along with the usual sour cream and butter.

Asian Dishes with Ham

The next time you make an Asian dish, don’t forget diced ham is great for the primary meat. It’s great for a casserole or with stir-fried rice. Just incorporate it in with your onions, bell peppers, and egg. Then, you’re good to go.

Asian Casseroles or Stir-Fried Rice dishes are great for Leftover Ham Ideas

Ham and Eggs Breakfast

Small amounts of leftover ham go great with eggs for breakfast. You can make as small ham slices instead of bacon slices or sausage patties. Or, you can just dice it up and toss it into some scrambled eggs, along with some cheddar cheese. Another idea is to have a breakfast burrito with those same 3 ingredients, i.e., scrambled eggs, cheese, and diced ham.

Storing Leftover Ham

Leftover ham can be stored in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. However, some hams have extra preservatives and can last longer. However, they can stay about 3 to 6 months in the freezer. Also, some will go ahead and make these leftover ham recipes and then store them in the fridge or freezer.

Food Safety Tip for Storing Leftover Ham

To reduce the possibility of food safety issues, try to shorten the time between the fridge and the freezer. In other words, if you have left over ham in the fridge, and you’re considering freezing it, go ahead and do that rather soon.

Here’s an example of caution. Let’s say you’ve had some ham left over in the fridge close to 7 days Then, you decide to freeze it. Freezing it doesn’t reset the food safety clock. In other words, when you thaw out that same frozen ham in a few weeks to use it, it’s not the first day in the fridge. It’s the 8th day.

Conclusion of Leftover Ham Ideas

Now, you’ve seen a lot of leftover ham ideas for multiple meals, sandwiches, and toppings. You’ve also seen some ideas in case you have very little leftover ham. There were ham ideas that were both hot and cold. Also, some were used for ham that’s sliced or diced. The best part is, most of these were easy and time saving. Also, you don’t waste any ham and it’s several totally different flavor experiences. So, be sure and share this with others. And send me your comments on how you use leftover ham; I’d like to hear more.