7 Delicious Ideas for What to Do With Leftover Ham

xHaving leftovers from a delicious ham dinner can be a great thing. After all, when you have leftovers, you don’t have to spend time and money creating a new meal. But if you’re getting a bit bored of reheating and enjoying the same ham over and over again, there are some creative ideas for what to do with your leftover ham.

Creative Ways to Use Leftover Ham

If you’re looking for unique ways to enjoy your leftover ham, then you’ll want to consider the following options. Each of these recipes are easy to make and will make good use of your leftovers.

One of the most popular ways to use leftover ham is to make a delicious ham and cheese quiche. Simply combine your leftover ham with eggs, cheese, and your favorite vegetables, and bake in a preheated oven. You can also use your leftover ham to make a delicious ham and potato soup. Simply sauté some onions and garlic in a pot, add your leftover ham, potatoes, and broth, and simmer until the potatoes are tender. You can also use your leftover ham to make a delicious ham and cheese sandwich. Simply layer your favorite cheese, ham, and condiments on a piece of bread and enjoy!

Ham and Cheese Quiche

A quiche is a great meal to enjoy any time of day. To make a basic quiche with your leftover ham, preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9-inch pie plate. Take 3 large eggs and whisk them with 1 cup of milk until combined. Then add 1 cup of diced ham and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture and pour it all into the pie plate. Bake for 35 minutes. You can customize your quiche with any vegetables or cheeses you prefer, as well.

For a delicious twist, try adding some cooked bacon or sausage to the quiche. You can also add some diced onion or bell pepper for a bit of crunch. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can omit the meat and add some cooked mushrooms or spinach instead. For a cheesy quiche, try adding some shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite quiche recipe!

Ham Salad Sandwiches

A great way to make use of your leftover ham is to turn it into a tasty sandwich. Start by dicing up the ham into small cubes, then add some mayo, diced onion, and celery to it. Mix it all together until it reaches the desired salad-like consistency. Then spread the salad over slices of toast or sandwich buns and enjoy.

You can also add other ingredients to the ham salad to give it more flavor. Try adding some diced pickles, capers, or even some chopped nuts. You can also add some spices like paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper to give it a bit of a kick. Once you've added all the ingredients, mix it together and enjoy your delicious ham salad sandwich.

Ham and Potato Soup

Soup is a great meal when you have leftover food on hand, and this ham and potato soup is sure to warm you up on a cold day. Start with 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted, add 1 diced onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened. Then add 4 cups of cubed potatoes, 4 cups of chicken broth, and 2 cups of diced ham. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low, then simmer for 15 minutes. Add 1 cup of milk and 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, dried thyme, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring back to a simmer and enjoy.

This soup is a great way to use up leftovers and make a delicious meal. You can also add other vegetables such as carrots, celery, or green beans to the soup for extra flavor and nutrition. If you want a thicker soup, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water to the pot. Serve with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.

Split Pea Soup with Ham

Another easy and flavorful soup that you can make with leftover ham is split pea soup. Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 finely diced onion in a large pot over medium heat until translucent. Next, add 1 cup of dried split peas, 6 cups of chicken broth, 2 cups of cubed ham, 1 bay leaf, and some pepper to taste. Turn the heat up slightly so the soup comes to a boil, then reduce it back to low and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove from heat and enjoy.

For an extra flavor boost, try adding a teaspoon of dried thyme or a tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley to the soup. You can also add a few tablespoons of white wine or sherry to the pot when you add the broth. This will give the soup a richer flavor. Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.

Ham and Egg Strata

If you’re in the mood for something a bit more substantial, then this egg strata is a great way to use up leftover ham. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease an 8x8-inch baking dish with butter or oil. Layer half of the dish with cubed stale bread (such as Italian or French). Top with 1 cup of diced ham, 1 cup of shredded cheese, and 2 beaten eggs. Repeat the layers once more and bake for 40 to 45 minutes until golden brown.

Serve the strata warm with a side of fresh fruit or a salad. You can also add a few tablespoons of cream or milk to the egg mixture for a richer flavor. For a crunchy topping, sprinkle some breadcrumbs over the top before baking. Enjoy!

Baked Macaroni and Cheese With Ham

Make comfort food even better with the addition of some leftover ham. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Meanwhile, cook 8 ounces of macaroni according to package instructions. Then mix together the macaroni, 2 cups of cubed ham, 3 cups of shredded cheese, 2 tablespoons of butter melted with 1 tablespoon of flour, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of mustard powder, 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 cup of milk, and salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the mixture to a 9x9-inch baking dish and bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown.

For an extra cheesy dish, top the macaroni and cheese with an additional cup of shredded cheese before baking. For a crunchy topping, mix together 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of melted butter, and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the topping over the macaroni and cheese before baking. Enjoy your delicious and comforting meal!

Tips for Reheating Leftover Ham

If you just want to reheat the leftover ham you’ve already cooked, there are a few tips that will help you do so safely. First off, make sure you are reheating leftovers within two days after they were cooked. Put the ham in an oven-safe dish with a lid or aluminum foil and heat in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes per pound.

Ideas for Repurposing Leftover Ham

If you have a large amount of leftover ham that isn’t going to be eaten right away, then you should consider repurposing it into something new. The ham can be added to omelets for breakfast or quesadillas for lunch or dinner. It can also be used as a topping for pizza or added to soups, stews, tacos, or casseroles.

Leftover ham doesn’t have to be boring – there are plenty of delicious dishes that can be created using these easy recipes. For a meal that is both tasty and economical, making use of your leftover ham is a great option!