Skip to content

Top Navigation

MyRecipes MyRecipes
  • Course
  • Baking
  • Global
  • Healthy
  • Favorite Ingredients
  • Holidays and Occasions
  • Quick and Easy
  • Convenience Recipes
  • BBQ and Grilling
  • How To
  • Extra Crispy
  • Well Done
  • News

Profile Menu

Your Profile

Account

  • Register
  • Recipe Box this link opens in a new tab
  • Newsletters
  • Email Preferences
  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout
Login
Pin FB

Explore MyRecipes

MyRecipes MyRecipes
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 1 55+ Easy Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights

      Everybody understands the stuggle of getting dinner on the table after a long day. If you're looking for a simple recipe to simplify your weeknight, you've come to the right place--easy dinners are our specialty. For an easy supper that you can depend on, we picked out some of our tried-and-true favorites that have gotten us through even the busiest of days. Whether you're cooking for yourself or for a family, these easy dinners are sure to leave everyone satisfied and stress-free. Read More Next
    • 2 The Brilliant Secret to Making Better Mashed Potatoes

      Trust me, it’s so worth it. Read More Next
    • 3 65 Super Easy Finger Foods to Make for Any Party

      From chips and dip to one-bite apps, finger foods are the perfect way to kick off a party. No forks or spoons required, just easy-to-pick-up party foods, so you can clean up in no time.  Read More Next
  • Course

    Course

    See All Course
    • Best Appetizer Recipes...Ever
    • Best Drink Recipes for Any Occasion
    • Salad Recipes
    • The Ultimate Guide to Sensational Sides
    • Soup and Stew Recipes
    • Easy Entertaining for Everyone
    • Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
    • Main Dishes and Entrées
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Dessert Recipes
  • Baking

    Baking

    See All Baking
    • Bread Recipes
    • Our Most-Loved Cake Recipes
    • Cookie Recipes
    • Pie Recipes
  • Global

    Global

    See All Global
    • Spanish Recipes
    • Thai Recipes
    • Vietnamese Recipes
    • Middle Eastern Recipes
    • Mexican Recipes
    • Malaysian Recipes
    • Korean Recipes
    • Japanese Recipes
    • Italian Recipes
    • Indian Recipes
    • Greek Recipes
    • French Recipes
    • Chinese Recipes
    • African Recipes
    • American Recipes
    • Cajun and Creole Recipes
    • Caribbean Recipes
    • South American Recipes
    • Southern Recipes
    • German Recipes
  • Healthy

    Healthy

    See All Healthy
    • Easy, Healthy Recipes
    • Healthy Breakfasts
    • Healthy Dinners
    • Healthy Desserts
    • Diabetic Recipes
    • Gluten-Free Diet and Recipes
    • Vegan Recipes
    • Low Carbohydrate Recipes
    • Low Cholesterol Recipes
    • Low Fat Recipes
    • Low Sodium Recipes
    • Low Calorie Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
  • Favorite Ingredients

    Favorite Ingredients

    See All Favorite Ingredients
    • The Ultimate Guide to Chicken
    • Vegetable Recipes
    • Beef Recipes
    • Cheese Recipes
    • Chocolate Recipes
    • Pasta Recipes
    • Pork Recipes
    • Seafood Recipes
    • Shrimp Recipes
  • Holidays and Occasions

    Holidays and Occasions

    See All Holidays and Occasions
    • A Foodie's Guide to Halloween Recipes
    • The Ultimate Thanksgiving Guide
    • Hanukkah Recipes
    • Your Ultimate Christmas Recipe Guide
    • Our Most Festive New Year's Recipes
    • Best-Ever Super Bowl Sunday Recipes
    • Best Valentine's Day Recipes
    • Mardi Gras Recipes
    • The Ultimate Guide to Easter Recipes
    • Labor Day Recipes
    • The Ultimate Fourth of July Guide
    • Memorial Day Recipes
    • Touchdown-Worthy Tailgate Recipes
    • Wedding and Shower Recipes
  • Quick and Easy

    Quick and Easy

    See All Quick and Easy
    • 15-Minute Recipes for Busy Home Cooks
    • 45-Minute Recipes
    • 5 Ingredients or Less
    • Dinner Tonight
    • No-Cook Recipes
  • Convenience Recipes

    Convenience Recipes

    See All Convenience Recipes
    • Instant Pot Recipes
    • Kid Approved
    • Our Top Make-Ahead Recipes
    • Our Favorite Slow Cooker Recipes
  • BBQ and Grilling

    BBQ and Grilling

    See All BBQ and Grilling
    • Grilled Beef Recipes
    • Grilled Chicken Recipes
    • Grilled Fish Recipes
    • Grilled Pork Recipes
    • Grilled Shrimp Recipes
    • Grilled Vegetable Recipes
  • How To

    How To

    See All How To
    • 7 Ways With...
    • Cooking Questions
    • Ingredients and Tools
    • Kitchen Cleaning
    • Videos
  • Extra Crispy
  • Well Done

    Well Done

    See All Well Done
    • Homemade vs. The Internet
    • How-to and Explainers
    • Mom vs.
    • Recipe Videos
  • News

Profile Menu

Your Profile

Account

  • Register
  • Recipe Box this link opens in a new tab
  • Newsletters
  • Email Preferences
  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home Chevron Right
  2. Best Your Best Chef-Self: The Complete How-To Guide Chevron Right
  3. 7 Ways With... Chevron Right
  4. Get Creative With Leftover Ham

Get Creative With Leftover Ham

Updated March 07, 2018
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin
Credit: Daniel Agee, Food Styling: Julia Levy, Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Scrambling for ideas about what do with that leftover ham? Sample a few of our favorite soups, casseroles, and side dishes that transform leftovers in bold new ways.

Start Slideshow

1 of 34

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Don't Toss That Leftover Ham!

Credit: Randy Mayor; Cooking Light

A ham that's all decked out for the holidays is a sight to behold, but it's challenging to make the leftovers just as appetizing. If you're ready to think outside the usual "split pea soup" box, try slipping that ham into fried rice, vegetable sides, casseroles, vegetable soup, or quiche.

1 of 34

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 34

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Ham and Lima Bean Fried Rice

Credit: Greg Dupree; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Ham and Lima Bean Fried Rice Recipe

This delicious Southern twist on fried rice is made with pantry and freezer staples, so you probably already have most of the ingredients on hand.

2 of 34

3 of 34

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Grilled Apricots with Burrata, Country Ham and Arugula

Credit: Dave Lauridsen

Grilled Apricots with Burrata, Country Ham and Arugula Recipe

Depending on the season, Travis Lett also makes this salad with plums, peaches and pears.

3 of 34

Advertisement

4 of 34

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Grilled Ham-and-Cheese Sandwiches with Strawberry-Shallot Jam

Credit: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

Grilled Ham-and-Cheese Sandwiches with Strawberry-Shallot Jam Recipe

Use roasted turkey instead of ham, if you prefer.

4 of 34

5 of 34

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Spinach and Ham Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Credit: Randy Mayor; Styling: Lindsey Lower

Spinach and Ham Stuffed Baked Potatoes Recipe

Stuffed potatoes are a delicious, easy way to bring a hearty dinner to the table and use up leftover ham and veggies. Pair with a salad for an easy weeknight dinner.

5 of 34

6 of 34

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Fig, Ham, and Ricotta Pizza

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Claire Spollen

Fig, Ham, and Ricotta Pizza Recipe

Top pizza dough with a ricotta cheese mixture, figs, onion, and ham to make this pizza. 

6 of 34

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 34

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Fettuccine Alfredo with Ham and Peas

Credit: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Linda Hirst

Fettuccine Alfredo with Ham and Peas Recipe

This easy pasta dish is loaded with flavor and perfect for spring weather.

7 of 34

8 of 34

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Ham-and-Swiss-Loaded Potatoes

Ham-and-Swiss-Loaded Potatoes Recipe

Stuffed with chunks of Swiss cheese, ham, scallions, and sour cream, these nifty little spuds can be put together at the last moment for a quick weeknight supper featuring leftover ham. Potatoes bake in the microwave and then crisp up under the broiler.

8 of 34

9 of 34

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Asparagus-and-Ham Casserole

Credit: Randy Mayor; Melanie J. Clarke

Asparagus-and-Ham Casserole Recipe

This speedy casserole is pure comfort food and needs only 10 minutes to bake. That's because most of the prep work (cooking pasta and making a light cream sauce) is done on the stovetop. Simply bake to brown the breadcrumbs and make the filling bubbly.

9 of 34

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 34

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Ham-and-Bacon Quiche

Ham-and-Bacon Quiche Recipe

Real men will definitely eat this quiche because it's loaded with all kinds of tasty ingredients: ham, bacon, mushrooms, cheese and cream. But the best part of the deal is that using refrigerated pie crust keeps prep time to just 20 minutes.

10 of 34

11 of 34

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Ham and Garlic

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Jan Gautro

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Ham and Garlic Recipe

If you don't already love Brussels sprouts, this is the recipe that will change your mind. That's because roasting these tiny little cabbages brings out their inherent sweetness and softens their bold personality. Try it -- you'll like it.

11 of 34

12 of 34

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Ham Fried Rice

Ham Fried Rice Recipe

This simple stir fry is the kind of meal you'll find yourself wanting to make over and over again when you're trying to use up leftovers. It not only works well with ham, but also with chicken or a fridge full of leftover veggies.

12 of 34

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 34

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Ham and Vegetable Soup

Credit: Jim Franco

Ham and Vegetable Soup Recipe

All you need is 20 minutes to put together this hearty soup made with leftover ham, bacon, and six different fresh vegetables. While the soup simmers for 30 minutes, warm up some crusty bread and throw together a quick salad.

13 of 34

14 of 34

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Ham and Swiss Bread Pudding

Credit: Photography: Randy Mayor; Styling: Jan Gautro

Ham and Swiss Bread Pudding Recipe

Hawaiian rolls give this savory bread pudding a hint of sweetness that nicely offsets the salty ham. To save time, toast rolls the day before. That keeps assembly time quick so you can put up your feet while the savory dish bubbles and bakes.

14 of 34

15 of 34

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Cheesy Ham and Mushroom Pasta

Cheesy Ham and Mushroom Pasta Recipe

"My mom is a great cook, and she inspires me to create delicious recipes, like this one."

Jennifer Kriegel, 27, Framingham, Mass.

15 of 34

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 34

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Capricciosa Pizza (Ham, Mushrooms, Mozzarella, and Artichokes)

Credit: Thomas J. Story

Capricciosa Pizza (Ham, Mushrooms, Mozzarella, and Artichokes) Recipe

Ca' Momi, a bustling restaurant in Napa, California, is known for its rigorously authentic Neapolitan-style pizza. This one--its name translates as "capricious"--can be found throughout pizzerias in Italy, says Dario De Conti, the restaurant's head pizza maker and co-owner.

16 of 34

17 of 34

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Waffled Gruyère & Ham Grits

Credit: Alison Miksch; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

Waffled Gruyère & Ham Grits Recipe

Make the ultimate leftovers brunch. Invite friends if you feel like sharing.

17 of 34

18 of 34

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Green Eggs and Ham Frittata

Credit: Iain Bagwell

Green Eggs and Ham Frittata Recipe

Grab all the leftover veggies in your fridge to add flavor to this easy frittata.

18 of 34

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 34

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Crispy Rice with Ham and Bean Sprouts

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Missie Neville Crawford

Crispy Rice with Ham and Bean Sprouts Recipe

Toasting half the rice in this recipe yields warmth and crunch that takes this ultra-comforting 5-ingredient entrée from ordinary to exceptional. For an added kick, serve with a drizzle of Sriracha.

19 of 34

20 of 34

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Smoky Ham and Split Pea Soup

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Claire Spollen

Smoky Ham and Split Pea Soup Recipe

This split pea and ham soup turns out creamy and delicious every time, all thanks to your slow cooker. Salty ham balances out the peas' light, earthy flavor, while the potatoes slowly release their starches to create the perfect silky texture. After 8 hours of hands-off, crockpot cooking, this split pea and ham soup is ready to devour (although leftovers fare well in the freezer, too). An easy, excellent recipe to add to your fall/winter rotation, this filling and flavorful split pea and ham soup is sure to become a new favorite in your house. Top with freshly cracked pepper and serve with a side of crusty bread. 

20 of 34

21 of 34

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Veggie Fried Rice with Crispy Ham

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Lindsey Lower

Veggie Fried Rice with Crispy Ham Recipe

For this quick family dinner, a small amount of salty ham is crisped and used as a topping. That way you can use far less and still get a big flavor impact.

21 of 34

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 34

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Bow-Tie Pasta with Ham, Leeks and Peas

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Styling: Gerri Williams for James Reps

Bow-Tie Pasta with Ham, Leeks and Peas Recipe

A box of pasta, fresh veggies and some leftover deli ham is all you need to make Bow-Tie Pasta with Ham, Leeks and Peas. This family-pleasing meal is table-ready in just under 30 minutes.

22 of 34

23 of 34

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Braised Beans with Collard Greens and Ham

Credit: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Braised Beans with Collard Greens and Ham Recipe

Smoked ham hocks are inexpensive and give the dish rich flavor; substitute with ham steak if you prefer. This dish defines easy, relaxed cooking, so don't stress over measurements.

23 of 34

24 of 34

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Ham-and-Greens Crostini

Credit: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Ham-and-Greens Crostini Recipe

Creamy and salty Ham-and-Greens Crostini takes its inspiration from a classic Southern dish. To make ahead, refrigerate cooked greens up to two days. The base is an easy French bread Crostini.

24 of 34

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 34

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Country-Ham-and-Egg Toasts

Credit: Greg Dupree; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

Country-Ham-and-Egg Toasts Recipe

Carolyn says: "I think the tartine, an open-faced sandwich from France, is the most versatile vehicle for a healthy breakfast. Try topping with everything from poached eggs to leftover chicken."

25 of 34

26 of 34

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Ham, Gruyère and Spinach Strata

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Styling: Gerri Williams for James Reps

Ham, Gruyère and Spinach Strata Recipe

Whip up Ham, Gruyère and Spinach Strata for a filling breakfast or brunch dish. It's a great dish for using leftover holiday ham.

26 of 34

27 of 34

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Brussels Sprouts with Ham

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Styling: Gerri Williams for James Reps

Brussels Sprouts with Ham Recipe

Dressed with mustard and sour cream, our Brussels Sprouts with Ham takes this veggie salad to new levels.

27 of 34

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 34

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Ham-and-Swiss Sticky Buns

Credit: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Mary Clayton Carl

Ham-and-Swiss Sticky Buns Recipe

Stuff the dough deep into the muffin cups so that the tops rise into a cheesy dome while baking.

28 of 34

29 of 34

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Rice and Ham Croquettes with Tomato Sauce

Credit: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Sarah Cave

Rice and Ham Croquettes with Tomato Sauce Recipe

These ham-studded rice fritters are the Lowcountry version of Italian arancini.

29 of 34

30 of 34

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Ham and Cheese Tartine

Credit: Travis Rathbone

Ham and Cheese Tartine Recipe

This lean snack of Ham and Cheese Tartine satisfies your craving for something savory. Pick pumpernickel bread as the base for this snack as it has resistant starch, a fat-burning carb.

30 of 34

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

31 of 34

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Hawaiian Ham Sandwiches

Credit: Gooseberry Patch

Hawaiian Ham Sandwiches Recipe

With the perfect combination of sweet and salty flavors, these Hawaiian Ham Sandwiches are sure to be crowd-pleasers. Serve them during the holidays or during a football party–they are great for any occasion.

31 of 34

32 of 34

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Pasta Primavera with Ham and Mushrooms

Pasta Primavera with Ham and Mushrooms Recipe

It's hard to beat pasta primavera. But it's even harder to beat a 20-minute pasta primavera that only requires one skillet. Use a frozen broccoli, cauliflower, and carrot mix to save time and add color, texture, and nutrition. This recipe is one to keep in your back pocket for busy afternoons when there's no time for prep. 

32 of 34

33 of 34

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Eggplant and Ham Fritters with Creamy Mustard Sauce

Credit:  Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Margaret Dickey; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Eggplant and Ham Fritters with Creamy Mustard Sauce Recipe

Crispy on the outside and pillowy on the inside, these golden, savory fritters are the perfect starter or brunch dish. With a delicate eggplant flavor, deliciously balanced by smoky ham, this is the perfect gateway recipe for anyone who claims to “hate” eggplant. Try not to over-mix the batter as this will make your fritters chewy, and be sure to work in small batches while frying so you don’t overcrowd the pan. If you have trouble finding crème frâiche, you can easily substitute full-fat sour cream. 

33 of 34

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

34 of 34

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Savory Ham, Cheese, and Chive Scones

Credit: Daniel Agee, Food Styling: Julia Levy, Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Savory Ham, Cheese, and Chive Scones Recipe

These savory scones are flakey, cheesy, rich, and uber-delicious. Similar to biscuits in texture, method, and ingredients, you’ll want to make sure you’re ingredients are good and cold to ensure the tenderest, flakiest scones possible. The scones can be made into whatever shape you like, they’ll bake just the same. Hearty, portable, and guaranteed crowd-pleasers, these ham, cheese, and chive scones would be perfect to pack up for a brunch or morning tailgate. 

34 of 34

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
Trending Videos
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

1 of 34 Don't Toss That Leftover Ham!
2 of 34 Ham and Lima Bean Fried Rice
3 of 34 Grilled Apricots with Burrata, Country Ham and Arugula
4 of 34 Grilled Ham-and-Cheese Sandwiches with Strawberry-Shallot Jam