Leftover ham recipes: What to do with leftover ham
No need to worry about your Christmas ham going to waste. These 25 leftover ham recipes have got you covered!
Some people hate leftovers. Me – not at all. You put so much effort into a meal, you deserve to have it last more than a day, right?
This is no more true that at Christmas time.
In fact, one of the best parts about Christmas dinner is having leftovers.
A few years ago now, Ben and I hosted our first Christmas. We had eight people here. As part of our Christmas menu, we had a large ham.
That ham took about a week to work through once Christmas day had come and gone and it was just the two of us again.
I had NO idea what to do with it all, so started searching for recipes for leftover ham so that we weren’t just pigging out (see what I did there?) on ham sandwiches all day every day.
Anyone who has served a ham for a special occasion has no doubt experienced the same situation.
So I’ve done the hard work for you by putting together this collection of leftover ham recipes including breakfast meals, pasta, soup, dinner recipes and more.
The only thing leftover ham isn’t good for is dessert (funny that).
However leftover trifle is just the best, so consider whipping up one of these delicious trifle recipes so you can tick that off the list.
But back to the ham.
Even if you’re having a small Christmas dinner for two this year, these leftover ham recipes ensure you can buy a ham with confidence and know it will not go to waste.
Leftover ham recipes
Wondering what to do with that leftover ham?
Check out these 25 leftover ham recipes that prove Christmas dinner keeps on giving long past the 25th of December.
Leftover ham recipes: breakfast or brunch
Many recipes for leftover ham are focused on breakfast or brunch.
Keep the Christmas spirit alive in your home by making some of these tasty breakfasts.
This cheesy waffle and ham breakfast casserole is everything you love about breakfast tucked into one easy to make leftover ham casserole.
Due to my husband's irrational hatred of eggs, this leftover ham recipe makes cute omelette cups that are all mine!
Whip up a couple of batches and throw them in the freezer for quick and easy lunches or snacks.
Start using up your leftover ham the day after Christmas with this easy leftover ham breakfast recipe.
This ham and cheese croissant casserole combines flaky, buttery croissants with cheese and ham.
It's the perfect breakfast or brunch treat.
Is it a hash brown?
Is it a waffle?
It's both.
Create a savory waffle par excellence by mixing shredded hash browns, ham, eggs, and cheese then cooking in a waffle iron.
I love jalapenos so it stands to reason I love this perfect dish for using up leftover holiday ham.
Best of all, it's ready in less than 30 minutes.
Channel your retro side with these savory pancakes: a fun lunch option in place of the traditional ham and cheese sandwich.
Leftover ham recipes: sandwiches
Leftover ham is the perfect addition to a lunch time sandwich.
These sandwiches aren't your normal whack together a couple of slices of bread, some ham and cheese and call it meal time though.
No. These are heaven in a bite kind of sandwiches.
Ham and cheese stromboli is a crowd pleaser! It can be served as a meal or as an appetizer. With four easy to make dipping sauces this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
These are ham sandwiches that take it to the next level.
Imagine thinly sliced ham, creamy brie cheese, crispy granny smith apple and blueberry jam. Put it all together and you have one scrumptious bite.
Hawaiian roll sliders are loaded with ham and Swiss cheese then topped with a sweet and tangy honey mustard glaze for a perfect post Christmas Day lunch.
Here's another leftover ham recipe suitable for freezing.
These homemade mushroom, ham and cheese pockets make great breakfasts or lunches you can heat up in minutes.
Ideas for leftover ham aren't restricted to dinner recipes.
These ham and cheese sandwiches are are made even more delicious with the additional of a special sauce.
Leftover ham recipes: pasta
Pasta makes for a filling dish.
These leftover ham recipes pasta-style make one pot meals the whole family will enjoy.
This leftover ham recipes: pasta edition is a one pot cheesy ham and asparagus pasta that comes together in 20 minutes.
This cheesy ham and broccoli pasta is a grown up version of mac and cheese that the whole family will love.
What's even better is that it comes together in 30 minutes, making it perfect for post Christmas meals when you're still in recovery mode.
This leftover ham recipe makes a delicious tangy pasta salad that can last for several days in the fridge.
Leftover ham soup
Soup is a hearty winter meal.
I'm a big fan of leftover ham soup, especially some of the more traditional recipes like ham and pea.
This ham chowder combines chunks of ham, potatoes, corn and lots of cheese to make a creamy, hearty soup. Bonus - it's gluten free.
This traditional leftover ham recipe is cooked in the slow cooker - just what you need after spending too much time in the kitchen already.
This leftover ham bone soup recipe combines ham on the bone with split peas for a comforting bowl of warm and tasty goodness.
Leftover ham appetizers or sides
From leftover ham salad to ham balls, these recipes are either one bite wonders or accompaniments to other dishes.
I have a fond place in my heart for a layered salad. We had one we made in the 90s for special occasions that has now become a family tradition.
While not MY family's salad, this is a family recipe that's perfect for using up your leftover ham.
These easy homemade buttermilk biscuits are the perfect solution to your leftover ham worries.
Why not double down on your leftover ham and serve these with some leftover ham soup?
These sweet and sour ham balls are a retro delight.
The best part about them? You can chuck them in the freezer and then pull them out for a tasty New Year's Eve appetizer.
Leftover ham dinner recipes
These leftover ham recipes for dinner are simple to make, filling, and tasty.
From ham casserole to pot pie, you and your family will enjoy these meals.
Cheesy gravy, veggies loaded with lots of broccoli, a flaky tender crust and of course, leftover ham is a recipe for deliciousness.
This recipe combines leftover baked ham, mashed potatoes and cheddar cheese. It's great for dinner or for brunch with fried eggs (unless you're my husband for whom eggs are not okay).
This is a super simple recipe for cheesy potato casserole.
Impossible quiche is a quiche with no pastry base, thus making it super simple to make.
With just cheese and ham added to some pantry staples, this recipe requires minimal ingredients but will help you get through that leftover ham.
Make the most of your Christmas ham this year with these leftover ham recipes.