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15 Genius Ways To Use Up Leftover Ham

15 Genius Ways To Use Up Leftover Ham

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Have leftover ham from a family feast and wondering what to do with it? You’re in luck! Ham has that salty-sweet bite that makes it a chameleon in the kitchen—ready to becoma a part of casseroles, sandwiches, soups, and more.

That’s why, after big holiday feasts, I find myself more excited for the next-day ham experiments than the actual glazed roast.

If you’re staring at a fridge full of slices and scraps, let’s make something delicious out of it.

1. Ham And Cheese Breakfast Casserole

Ham And Cheese Breakfast Casserole
© Balancing Motherhood

Sharp cheddar melts into little golden pockets, while cubes of ham add the perfect savory surprise.

I layer mine with sourdough chunks and whisked eggs for a brunch-worthy bake that never lasts more than a day. It’s hearty, cozy, and makes mornings feel a little more special.

2. Leftover Ham Fried Rice

Leftover Ham Fried Rice
© Chef Savvy

A splash of soy sauce, some scrambled eggs, and last night’s rice turn into something borderline addictive when ham joins the party. Toss in peas and green onions for freshness and let the edges crisp up just enough.

You will have yourself a weeknight comfort in under 15 minutes.

3. Creamy Ham And Potato Soup

Creamy Ham And Potato Soup
© So Much Food

Every spoon is a hug. Creamy broth, tender cubes of potato, and smoky ham chunks create something deeply soothing.

Add a pinch of thyme and a swirl of cream and you’ve got a snow-day favorite.

4. Ham And Swiss Sliders

Ham And Swiss Sliders
© Southern Plate

Sweet Hawaiian rolls are the secret weapon here—soft, slightly sticky, and begging to be buttered. I brush the tops with Dijon and melted butter, then bake them until everything melts into gooey perfection.

They disappear faster than you can say “just one more.”

5. Ham And Veggie Quiche

Ham And Veggie Quiche
© Yummi Haus

Flaky crust meets a custard base filled with spinach, peppers, and diced ham.

It’s colorful, packed with protein, and makes leftovers feel brand new. Plus, cold quiche the next morning? Weirdly better.

6. Ham And Pineapple Pizza

Ham And Pineapple Pizza
© Cooking For My Soul

Some people love it, some pretend to hate it, but I’ll always defend this sweet-salty combo. The juicy pineapple plays off the ham’s richness, especially when nestled into gooey mozzarella and a crisp crust.

Bonus points if you add a drizzle of hot honey.

7. Cheesy Ham Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Cheesy Ham Stuffed Baked Potatoes
© The Cookie Rookie

Split a steaming baked potato, scoop, mash, and mix it with ham, sour cream, and sharp cheddar. Then pile it all back in and bake until golden and bubbling.

Voila! A full meal pretending to be a side dish.

8. Ham Mac And Cheese

Ham Mac And Cheese
© SideChef

Use whatever pasta you have—just make sure you use more cheese than you think you should.

I like mixing gouda, cheddar, and a little mustard powder to cut the richness. Diced ham turns it from kid-friendly to full-on craveable.

9. Split Pea Soup With Ham

Split Pea Soup With Ham
© The Pioneer Woman

It’s old-school and maybe not the prettiest, but wow does it hit the spot. Smoky ham adds backbone to the earthy peas, and it gets better the longer it sits.

Don’t forget crusty bread on the side.

10. Ham And Broccoli Pasta Bake

Ham And Broccoli Pasta Bake
© Cookidoo

A garlicky cream sauce clings to every noodle and green floret, with pops of salty ham in between. I finish mine under the broiler with a parmesan-crumb topping.

It’s the kind of thing that makes you want seconds before you’ve finished your first bite.

11. Ham Salad Sandwiches

Ham Salad Sandwiches
© Savor the Best

Chopped ham, a dollop of mayo, a bit of sweet relish, and some finely diced celery. It’s a retro lunchbox classic that still holds up on a toasted roll.

Sometimes I toss in a dash of smoked paprika to keep things interesting.

12. Ham And Cheddar Scones

Ham And Cheddar Scones
© Baker by Nature

These are buttery, flaky, and dotted with just the right amount of savory goodness.

Warm from the oven, they don’t even need butter—though no one’s stopping you. They make weekday breakfasts feel like Saturday morning.

13. Deviled Ham Spread

Deviled Ham Spread
© Garlic & Zest

Blend ham with mayo, mustard, and a pinch of cayenne until it’s smooth but still textured.

Slather it on crackers, celery sticks, or a slice of rye and feel like you’re at a 1950s cocktail party. Surprisingly addictive, dangerously easy.

14. Ham And Egg Breakfast Burritos

Ham And Egg Breakfast Burritos
© Allrecipes

Scrambled eggs, diced ham, cheddar, and a little salsa—wrapped up in a warm tortilla.

I like to make a batch and freeze them for grab-and-go mornings. Ten minutes in the oven and breakfast is ready.

15. Grilled Ham And Apple Sandwich

Grilled Ham And Apple Sandwich
© Kretschmar – Smithfield

The sharp tang of Granny Smith slices cuts right through the richness of ham and melted sharp cheddar.

I butter the bread with a touch of Dijon mustard before grilling until golden and crisp. It’s part sandwich, part dessert, all delicious.