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Great Recipes for Using Leftover Ham

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Turn bits of leftover ham into new delicious meals with these fabulous recipes.  That ham hock wants to be used too. With these great ideas, you’ll be wanting to make a ham just for the leftovers!

Collage of recipes using leftover ham including ham balls, ham and pasta, ham and beans and a ham and asparagus frittata.

Easter is coming, so there is a good chance there is leftover ham in your future.  The sandwiches are always good, but sometimes you need something different. 

Here is a collection of fabulous recipes that will not only help you use it up, they’ll leave you wishing you had more!

If you asked my husband what my super power is, there’s a good chance he’d say reworking leftovers.  You never know how the bits and pieces in the fridge are going to come together.

I tend to cook with leftovers in mind. Instead of a small pork roast, I’ll cook the whole shoulder.

I’ll make an entire turkey for the three of us. I never buy a ham steak because I can make a whole ham.

Collage of images of food made with leftover ham including split pea soup, frittata, quiche, pasta, ham and beans, and more.

You get the picture. Ham is an especially versatile leftover because it is so versatile.

The hock and the hard to reach bits of meat on it make a great soup. Slices are great on sandwiches.

Ham is perfectly at home during breakfast, lunch and dinner. It adds big flavor even in smaller quantities.

So if you have found yourself with ham looking for a home, you are in the right place. Here are some of our favorite ways to use it:

Ham in Soups:

Ham and Beans in the Instant Pot
Make ham and beans in your instant pot for a satisfying meal. It's a great way to use leftover ham and there's no need to soak the beans!
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bowls of ham and beans with corn muffins and instant pot.
Instant Pot Split Pea Soup
This yummy Instant Pot split pea soup recipe takes simple ingredients like leftover holiday ham, fresh veggies and a bag of split peas to make one of our favorite soups. Pressure cooking the soup is a perfect way to reduce the cooking time but still get the tasty soup you know and love.
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Bowl of thick split pea soup with carrots and ham in front of instant pot it was cooked in.
Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup
Ham and bean soup is a perfect cold weather meal. It is especially great if you have some leftover ham to use up. Make a pot and some cornbread today!
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bowl of ham and beans fresh from the slow cooker.

Ham in Dinners:

Creamy Pasta with Ham and Cheese
This easy recipe combines ham, pasta, peas and just enough creamy Parmesan cheese sauce. It is a great way to use leftover ham and is sure to have everyone asking for seconds!
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Close up plate of curly pasta with cubes of ham, peas and paremsan cheese.
Mustard & Brown Sugar Glazed Ham Balls
Ham balls are the perfect mix of sweet and salty. They are also a great way to turn some leftover ham into something new entirely. Serve them as a hearty appetizer or make them an entree, either way they are fabulous. The state of Iowa already knows how delicious they are, the rest of the country needs to catch on!
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pile of glazed ham balls on plate.
Cheesy Ham and Broccoli Noodle Casserole
Leftover ham is too delicious to waste. The pretty slices make great sandwiches, but what should we do with the not so pretty hunks that are left? There are so many great options, but this cheesy broccoli and ham casserole is one of our favorites.
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Plate of cheesy pasta casserole with ham and broccoli, ready to eat.
Ham, Broccoli and Cheese Pot Pie
This pot pie is a great way to rework your leftover ham. Broccoli and cheese are a perfect way to bring it all together in a delicious one dish dinner!
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slice of pot pie filled with ham cheese and broccoli ready to eat

Ham for Breakfast, Brunch, or Lunch:

Denver Omelet Roll
Make this fun Denver omelet roll for your family's breakfast. It's a great way to make omelets for the whole family at once!
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Looking at layers of spiraled denver omelet roll on plate showing ham, peppers and cheese inside.
Sweet Macaroni Salad
Sweet macaroni salad is a perfect side dish for barbecues, family reunions, potlucks, and more. It also makes a great simple lunch. Feel free to experiment with adding your favorite vegetables and mix-ins.
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Lunch size portion of sweet pasta salad with peas, ham, cheese, onions, carrots, and peppers in a creamy tangy and sweet dressing with a fork, ready to eat.
Cheesy Ham and Asparagus Frittata
This cheesy ham and asparagus frittata screams spring brunch to me. It has those classic breakfast flavors with a little twist. It is perfect on its own for breakfast. But served with a small fresh salad it would be a perfect brunch or luncheon entrée as well.
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cast iron skillet full of frittata with eggs ham asparagus and cheese.
Baked Breakfast Chimichangas
Turn ham, eggs and cheese into a delicious meal. These baked chimichangas are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside without having to use a fryer. They are a great weekend breakfast or a fun breakfast for dinner option. Of course they are a fabulous way to use up some leftover ham or even leftover baked potatoes as well!
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Baked breakfast chimichanga with sour cream, tomatoes and cilantro on top.
Deviled Ham and Egg Salad
 This is the perfect spread for sandwiches or crackers.  Take the leftover ham and hard boiled eggs from Easter and turn them into lunch… or dinner… or a snack! You will love the not to the flavor of deviled eggs mixed with savory ham all in one fabulous salad.
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Sandwich with whole wheat white bread, lettuce, and ham and egg salad cut in half.
Ham Potato and Cheese Quiche
Quiche does not have to be pretentious or fancy. In fact, it is a perfect low key meal. It comes together easily and can easily be adapted to fit your tastes. This super simple ham, potato and cheese version is sure to be a hit, even with pickier eaters.
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Slice of ham, potato and cheese quiche on plate with fork.
Mini Ham and Cheese Quiche
Small little individual sized quiche are perfect for serving brunch to a crowd.  But these mini ham and cheese quiche are also great for a quick make ahead grab and go breakfast!
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3 mini ham and cheese quiche in wonton wrappers on plate with bunch of grapes.
Turn bits of leftover ham into new delicious meals with these fabulous recipes.  That ham hock wants to be used too. With these great ideas, you'll be wanting to make a ham just for the leftovers!

Please share

Big Rigs 'n Lil' Cookies

Tuesday 21st of April 2020

They all look delicious, but the Cheesy Ham and Asparagus Frittata sounds like such a great spring dish to enjoy!

Carlee

Friday 24th of April 2020

It is so good and really easy! There is just a hint of mustard in it that really makes it pop!