25 Leftover Ham Recipes (Easy Meals After the Holidays)

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The holiday ham was a hit, and now there’s a mountain of it in the fridge. These recipes turn leftovers into easy dinners, lunches, and breakfasts the whole family will actually want to eat.

You’ll find cozy soups, cheesy casseroles, breakfast bakes, pasta, sandwiches, and a few fun party bites. Each one has a quick ingredient list and steps, with a link to the original recipe for exact amounts.

Leftover ham safety: refrigerate cooked ham within 2 hours and use it within 3 to 4 days, or freeze it for 1 to 2 months. Reheat leftover dishes to 165°F, and cook egg dishes until they reach 160°F.

Kitchen essentials for this list

• An instant-read thermometer: for checking reheated leftovers
• A deep 9×13 glass baking dish with lid: for casseroles and bakes
• An enameled cast iron Dutch oven: for soups
• A 7-quart slow cooker: for hands-off dinners
• Airtight storage containers: for storing and freezing ham

Note: the quick ingredients and steps below are our short guide to each dish, not the creator’s exact recipe. Follow the link under each one for exact amounts and the full method.

1. Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Thin potato slices bake in a garlicky cream sauce with diced ham and a cheesy top. It’s a full meal in one dish and a great way to use up a good amount of leftover ham.

Quick ingredients

• Russet potatoes, sliced thin
• Diced cooked ham
• Butter, onion, garlic, and fresh thyme
• Flour, milk, and cream for the sauce
• Shredded Colby Jack or cheddar cheese

How to make it

1. Slice the potatoes evenly and pat them dry.
2. Make a simple cream sauce with butter, aromatics, flour, milk, and cream.
3. Layer the potatoes, ham, and sauce in a greased baking dish, cover, and bake until the potatoes are tender.
4. Uncover, add the cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden. Let it rest before serving.

Tools you need: a deep 9×13 glass baking dish with lid, an 8-inch chef’s knife, and a box grater

👉 Get the full recipe: Scalloped Potatoes and Ham at Cooking For My Soul (exact amounts, full method, and the creator’s tips)

2. Split Pea Soup with Ham

Dried split peas simmer with vegetables and leftover ham, or the ham bone, into a thick, smoky soup. It’s cheap, filling, and freezes beautifully.

Quick ingredients

• Dried split peas, rinsed
• Onion, carrots, celery, and potatoes
• Chopped cooked ham and the ham bone if you have it
• Chicken broth
• Bay leaf and thyme

How to make it

1. Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in a large pot.
2. Add the split peas, broth, ham bone, and herbs and bring to a boil.
3. Simmer, stirring now and then, until the peas break down, then add the potatoes and chopped ham.
4. Remove the bone and bay leaf, season, and serve hot. Cool leftovers quickly and refrigerate.

Tools you need: an enameled cast iron Dutch oven, a stainless steel ladle, and an 8-inch chef’s knife

👉 Get the full recipe: Split Pea Soup with Ham at Dishes Delish (exact amounts, full method, and the creator’s tips)

3. Ham and Cheese Quiche

A flaky crust holds a creamy egg custard full of diced ham, sharp cheddar, and green onion. It works for brunch, lunch, or an easy dinner with a green salad.

Quick ingredients

• Pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
• Eggs, milk, and heavy cream
• Diced cooked ham
• Shredded sharp cheddar
• Green onion and Dijon mustard

How to make it

1. Fit the crust into a pie plate and par-bake it so the bottom stays crisp.
2. Whisk the eggs, milk, cream, mustard, and seasoning.
3. Scatter the ham, cheese, and green onion in the crust and pour in the custard.
4. Bake until the center is just set and reaches 160°F, then rest 10 minutes before slicing.

Tools you need: a 9-inch glass pie plate, a balloon whisk, and an instant-read thermometer

👉 Get the full recipe: Ham and Cheese Quiche at Everyday Pie (exact amounts, full method, and the creator’s tips)

4. Croquetas de Jamón (Ham Croquettes)

These Cuban-style croquettes have a creamy ground-ham filling inside a crunchy breadcrumb crust. They’re a fun party snack and a delicious way to use up the last of the ham.

Quick ingredients

• Finely ground cooked ham
• Butter, onion, milk, and flour for a thick béchamel
• Nutmeg and a splash of dry cooking wine
• Eggs and breadcrumbs or cracker crumbs
• Oil for frying

How to make it

1. Cook a very thick béchamel with butter, onion, flour, and milk, then stir in the ham and seasonings.
2. Chill the filling until firm enough to shape.
3. Roll into logs, dip in egg, and coat in crumbs.
4. Fry in oil at 350°F until deep golden, and drain. Use a thermometer and keep kids clear of the hot oil.

Tools you need: an enameled cast iron Dutch oven, a digital candy and deep-fry thermometer, and a 14-cup food processor

👉 Get the full recipe: Croquetas de Jamón (Ham Croquettes) at A Sassy Spoon (exact amounts, full method, and the creator’s tips)

5. Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup

Tender potatoes and carrots simmer in a creamy cheddar broth with chunks of ham. It’s cozy, kid-friendly comfort food that’s ready in under an hour.

Quick ingredients

• Onion and garlic
• Flour, chicken stock, and milk
• Potatoes and shredded carrots
• Cubed cooked ham
• Shredded cheddar

How to make it

1. Soften the onion and garlic, sprinkle in the flour, and slowly whisk in the stock and milk.
2. Bring it to a gentle boil until thickened, then add the potatoes and carrots.
3. Simmer until the potatoes are tender, then stir in the ham.
4. Melt in the cheese off the heat and reheat leftovers to 165°F.

Tools you need: an enameled cast iron Dutch oven, a balloon whisk, and a stainless steel ladle

👉 Get the full recipe: Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup at Kitchen Gidget (exact amounts, full method, and the creator’s tips)

6. Dill Ham Salad

Chopped ham, celery, and green onion are folded into a creamy dill dressing for a quick sandwich spread. Serve it on crackers, croissants, or lettuce wraps.

Quick ingredients

• Cooked ham
• Celery and green onions
• Mayo, sour cream, and Greek yogurt
• Dried dill, parsley, and seasoned salt

How to make it

1. Stir the dressing ingredients together.
2. Pulse the ham, celery, and onion in a food processor until finely chopped.
3. Fold the ham into the dressing.
4. Chill for a couple of hours and keep it refrigerated. Eat within 3 to 4 days.

Tools you need: a 14-cup food processor, glass mixing bowls, and airtight storage containers

👉 Get the full recipe: Dill Ham Salad at Mommy Hates Cooking (exact amounts, full method, and the creator’s tips)

7. Crockpot Ham, Potatoes, and Green Beans

Cubed ham, baby potatoes, and green beans cook low and slow in broth with garlic and thyme. It’s a hands-off, old-fashioned dinner that fills the house with good smells.

Quick ingredients

• Leftover ham or a thick ham steak, cubed
• Baby yellow potatoes
• Fresh green beans
• Onion, garlic, and dried thyme
• Chicken broth

How to make it

1. Put the potatoes in the bottom of a greased slow cooker.
2. Add the ham, onion, garlic, broth, and seasoning, then top with the green beans.
3. Cover and cook on low until the potatoes are tender.
4. Stir gently, garnish with parsley, and make sure the ham is hot throughout (165°F).

Tools you need: a 7-quart slow cooker, an 8-inch chef’s knife, and an instant-read thermometer

👉 Get the full recipe: Crockpot Ham, Potatoes, and Green Beans at PinkWhen (exact amounts, full method, and the creator’s tips)

8. Ham Shepherd’s Pie

Diced ham and vegetables simmer in a savory gravy under a blanket of cheddar mashed potatoes. It’s a smart twist on the classic that uses up both leftover ham and potatoes.

Quick ingredients

• Diced cooked ham
• Onion, garlic, peas, and carrots
• Flour and stock for the gravy
• Russet potatoes, milk, butter, and sharp cheddar
• An egg yolk for a golden topping

How to make it

1. Sauté the ham and onion, add the garlic, then stir in the flour and stock and simmer until thick.
2. Add the peas and carrots.
3. Boil and mash the potatoes with milk, butter, cheese, and the yolk.
4. Spread the mash over the filling and bake until bubbling and golden.

Tools you need: a 10.25-inch cast iron skillet, a stainless steel potato masher, and an instant-read thermometer

👉 Get the full recipe: Ham Shepherd's Pie at The Hungry Hutch (exact amounts, full method, and the creator’s tips)

9. Ham and Wild Rice Soup

Nutty wild rice, mushrooms, and ham make a hearty, creamy soup that feels special enough for guests. It’s a great place for the last cup or two of ham.

Quick ingredients

• Onion, carrot, celery, and mushrooms
• Butter and flour
• Chicken broth and a splash of white wine
• Wild rice
• Diced cooked ham and a little cream

How to make it

1. Soften the vegetables and mushrooms in butter.
2. Stir in the flour, then add the broth and wine.
3. Add the wild rice and simmer until tender.
4. Stir in the ham and cream and heat through to 165°F.

Tools you need: an enameled cast iron Dutch oven, a stainless steel ladle, and an 8-inch chef’s knife

👉 Get the full recipe: Ham and Wild Rice Soup at The Daring Gourmet (exact amounts, full method, and the creator’s tips)

10. Ham and Egg Muffin Cups

Slices of ham form little cups that hold eggs, cheese, and veggies. Make a batch for easy grab-and-go breakfasts all week.

Quick ingredients

• Thin-sliced deli or leftover ham
• Eggs
• Shredded cheddar or mozzarella
• Onion, tomato, and spinach
• Salt and pepper

How to make it

1. Grease a muffin pan and line each cup with ham.
2. Divide the vegetables and cheese among the cups.
3. Whisk the eggs with seasoning and pour into the cups.
4. Bake until the eggs are set and reach 160°F. Refrigerate leftovers and reheat to 165°F.

Tools you need: a 12-cup muffin pan, a balloon whisk, and an instant-read thermometer

👉 Get the full recipe: Ham and Egg Muffin Cups at Little Broken (exact amounts, full method, and the creator’s tips)

11. Pineapple Ham Fried Rice

Ham and pineapple get a quick sear, then toss with day-old rice, vegetables, eggs, and a savory soy-sesame sauce. It’s a fast weeknight dinner that tastes like takeout.

Quick ingredients

• Cooked, chilled rice
• Diced ham and pineapple
• Onion, carrot, bell pepper, garlic, and ginger
• Eggs
• Soy sauce, fish sauce, and sesame oil
• Green onions and cashews

How to make it

1. Mix the soy sauce, fish sauce, and sesame oil.
2. Sear the ham and pineapple in a hot skillet, then add the vegetables.
3. Push everything aside and scramble the eggs until fully cooked.
4. Add the cold rice and sauce and stir-fry until piping hot.

Tools you need: a 10.25-inch cast iron skillet, a large maple cutting board with juice groove, and a silicone spatula

👉 Get the full recipe: Pineapple Ham Fried Rice at The Gingered Whisk (exact amounts, full method, and the creator’s tips)

12. Monte Cristo Sandwich

Ham, turkey, and Havarti are layered in bread, dipped in egg batter, and griddled until golden. A dusting of powdered sugar and a side of jam make it sweet and savory at the same time.

Quick ingredients

• Sturdy white bread
• Sliced ham and leftover turkey
• Havarti or Swiss cheese
• Eggs and milk for the batter
• Powdered sugar and raspberry jam or cranberry sauce

How to make it

1. Build sandwiches with the ham, turkey, and cheese.
2. Whisk the eggs and milk.
3. Dip each sandwich in the batter and cook in a buttered skillet over medium heat until golden on both sides and the cheese melts.
4. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with jam.

Tools you need: a 22-inch electric griddle, a balloon whisk, and a silicone spatula

👉 Get the full recipe: Monte Cristo Sandwich at Lemons for Lulu (exact amounts, full method, and the creator’s tips)

13. Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole

Diced potatoes, ham, and green onions bake in a creamy cheese sauce until bubbly. It’s an easy dish to pull together with frozen potatoes.

Quick ingredients

• Diced potatoes (fresh or thawed frozen)
• Chopped cooked ham
• Green onions and garlic
• Cream cheese and shredded cheddar
• Flour and milk

How to make it

1. Stir the potatoes, ham, onions, garlic, flour, and seasoning in a greased 9×13 dish.
2. Add the cream cheese, half the cheddar, and the milk and stir gently.
3. Cover and bake, then uncover, top with the rest of the cheese, and bake until golden.
4. Rest a few minutes. Reheat leftovers to 165°F.

Tools you need: a deep 9×13 glass baking dish with lid, a box grater, and a silicone spatula

👉 Get the full recipe: Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole at A Spicy Perspective (exact amounts, full method, and the creator’s tips)

14. Ham and Cheese Quesadilla

Chopped ham and melty cheese get folded into a buttered tortilla and crisped in a skillet. It’s a 10-minute lunch that kids can help make.

Quick ingredients

• Flour tortillas
• Butter
• Shredded cheese (cheddar, Colby Jack, or pepper Jack)
• Chopped ham
• Salsa or sour cream for dipping

How to make it

1. Butter one side of the tortilla and place it butter-side down in a hot skillet.
2. Sprinkle cheese and ham over half and fold it over.
3. Cook until golden and crisp, then flip and cook until the cheese is fully melted.
4. Cut into wedges and serve with salsa.

Tools you need: a 10.25-inch cast iron skillet, a silicone spatula, and a large maple cutting board with juice groove

👉 Get the full recipe: Ham and Cheese Quesadilla at Barefeet in the Kitchen (exact amounts, full method, and the creator’s tips)

15. Ham and Cheese Pasta Bake

Ziti, cubed ham, and spinach bake in a sharp white cheddar sauce. It’s a hearty make-ahead casserole for a busy week after the holidays.

Quick ingredients

• Ziti or penne
• Butter, flour, and milk
• Sharp white cheddar and Parmesan
• Cubed cooked ham
• Fresh spinach

How to make it

1. Cook the pasta until just al dente.
2. Make a cheese sauce with butter, flour, milk, and cheese.
3. Stir in the pasta, ham, and spinach and spread it in a greased dish.
4. Bake until hot and bubbly, and reheat leftovers to 165°F.

Tools you need: a deep 9×13 glass baking dish with lid, a 3-quart stainless steel saucepan, and a balloon whisk

👉 Get the full recipe: Ham and Cheese Pasta Bake at Dessert Now Dinner Later (exact amounts, full method, and the creator’s tips)

16. Creamy Pasta with Ham and Peas

Fettuccine is tossed in a garlicky cream sauce with seared ham and sweet peas. It’s on the table in about 25 minutes.

Quick ingredients

• Fettuccine
• Butter and garlic
• Cubed cooked ham
• Peas
• Heavy cream and Parmesan

How to make it

1. Boil the pasta until al dente.
2. Sauté the garlic and ham in butter until the ham browns a little.
3. Add the cream and peas and simmer until slightly thickened.
4. Toss with the pasta and Parmesan and serve right away.

Tools you need: a 10.25-inch cast iron skillet, a box grater, and a silicone spatula

👉 Get the full recipe: Creamy Pasta with Ham and Peas at Seasoned Sprinkles (exact amounts, full method, and the creator’s tips)

17. Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Puff pastry is rolled up with Dijon, ham, and Swiss cheese, sliced, and baked into flaky spirals. A raspberry-mustard dip makes them extra good.

Quick ingredients

• Puff pastry, thawed
• Dijon mustard
• Thin-sliced ham
• Shredded Swiss cheese
• Egg wash
• Raspberry preserves and Dijon for dipping

How to make it

1. Roll out the pastry, spread with Dijon, and layer on the ham and cheese.
2. Roll it up tightly and chill until firm.
3. Slice into rounds, brush with egg wash, and bake until puffed and golden.
4. Stir together the preserves and mustard for dipping.

Tools you need: a half sheet pan with cooling grid, a French rolling pin, and parchment paper

👉 Get the full recipe: Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels at NeighborFood (exact amounts, full method, and the creator’s tips)

18. Ham and Spinach Stromboli

Homemade pizza dough is filled with creamy spinach, ham, and provolone, rolled up, and baked until golden. Slice it for an easy dinner or game-day snack.

Quick ingredients

• Pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
• Cream cheese and thawed spinach
• Red pepper flakes
• Sliced ham and provolone
• Beaten egg and poppy seeds

How to make it

1. Mix the cream cheese, spinach, and pepper flakes.
2. Roll out the dough and spread with the spinach mixture, then layer the ham and cheese.
3. Roll it up, seal the ends, brush with egg, and sprinkle with seeds.
4. Bake until deep golden, rest 5 minutes, and slice.

Tools you need: a half sheet pan with cooling grid, a French rolling pin, and a large maple cutting board with juice groove

👉 Get the full recipe: Ham and Spinach Stromboli at The Crafting Chicks (exact amounts, full method, and the creator’s tips)

19. Ham, Broccoli, and Asiago Frittata

Eggs, ham, broccoli, and nutty Asiago cheese cook into a sliceable frittata that starts on the stove and finishes in the oven. It’s ideal for brunch or a light supper.

Quick ingredients

• Eggs and a splash of milk
• Chopped cooked ham
• Blanched broccoli florets
• Grated Asiago
• Butter and olive oil

How to make it

1. Beat the eggs and milk, then add the ham, broccoli, and most of the cheese.
2. Pour into a hot, buttered oven-safe skillet and cook until the edges set.
3. Top with the remaining cheese and bake until the center is set and reaches 160°F.
4. Rest a few minutes and cut into wedges.

Tools you need: a 10.25-inch cast iron skillet, a box grater, and an instant-read thermometer

👉 Get the full recipe: Ham, Broccoli, and Asiago Frittata at Delish D'Lites (exact amounts, full method, and the creator’s tips)

20. Nuevo Cubano Sandwiches

A zesty black bean spread with lime and cilantro goes under ham, provolone, and juicy mango slices. Pressed and grilled, it’s a fresh twist on a Cuban sandwich.

Quick ingredients

• Black beans, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, and chili powder
• Sliced ham
• Provolone
• Mango slices
• Sturdy bread or rolls

How to make it

1. Mash or blend the beans with the lime, cilantro, garlic, and chili powder.
2. Spread on the bread and layer the ham, mango, and cheese.
3. Butter the outsides and grill in a skillet or panini press.
4. Cook until golden and the cheese melts.

Tools you need: a 22-inch electric griddle, a 14-cup food processor, and a large maple cutting board with juice groove

👉 Get the full recipe: Nuevo Cubano Sandwiches at Pinch of Yum (exact amounts, full method, and the creator’s tips)

21. Croque Madame

This French café sandwich layers ham under a rich Gruyère cheese sauce, broils it until bubbly, and tops it with a fried egg. It’s a brunch showstopper.

Quick ingredients

• Thick slices of sturdy bread
• Sliced ham
• Butter, flour, milk, and Dijon for the sauce
• Gruyère and Parmesan
• Eggs

How to make it

1. Make a smooth béchamel and stir in Dijon and cheese.
2. Toast the bread, then layer ham and some sauce between the slices.
3. Top with more sauce and cheese and broil until bubbly.
4. Fry the eggs until the whites are firm and top each sandwich.

Tools you need: a 3-quart stainless steel saucepan, a balloon whisk, and a 10.25-inch cast iron skillet

👉 Get the full recipe: Croque Madame at Sweet Tea + Thyme (exact amounts, full method, and the creator’s tips)

22. Ham Balls

These Midwestern classics mix ground ham and ground pork, then bake them in a sweet-tangy brown sugar glaze. Serve them as a main dish or as an appetizer with toothpicks.

Quick ingredients

• Ground cooked ham
• Ground pork
• Graham cracker crumbs
• Eggs and milk
• Ketchup, brown sugar, dry mustard, vinegar, and thyme for the glaze

How to make it

1. Gently mix the ham, pork, crumbs, eggs, and milk.
2. Shape into balls and set them in a baking dish.
3. Whisk the glaze and pour it over the top.
4. Bake, basting once or twice, until the centers reach 160°F, since raw pork is in the mix.

Tools you need: a 9×13-inch metal baking pan, an instant-read thermometer, and a medium cookie scoop

👉 Get the full recipe: Ham Balls at Food Faith Fitness (exact amounts, full method, and the creator’s tips)

23. Cubano Pizza

All the flavors of a Cuban sandwich (ham, pork, Swiss, pickles, and mustard) go on a crispy sheet-pan crust. Cut it into squares for a fun party dinner.

Quick ingredients

• Pizza dough
• Yellow mustard and garlic
• Sliced Swiss and shredded mozzarella
• Sliced ham and leftover pulled pork
• Pickle chips
• Cumin and oregano

How to make it

1. Stretch the dough in an oiled, parchment-lined sheet pan and let it rise.
2. Spread with garlic and mustard, then layer on the cheese, ham, pork, and pickles.
3. Sprinkle with cumin and oregano.
4. Bake on a low rack in a very hot oven until the crust is crisp and the cheese bubbles.

Tools you need: a half sheet pan with cooling grid, parchment paper, and a large maple cutting board with juice groove

👉 Get the full recipe: Cubano Pizza at Pastry Chef Online (exact amounts, full method, and the creator’s tips)

24. Slow Cooker Cheesy Ham and Potatoes

Frozen hash browns and cubed ham cook in a creamy, cheesy sauce in the slow cooker. It’s comfort food for busy days, and it’s a great potluck side.

Quick ingredients

• Frozen hash brown potatoes
• Cubed cooked ham
• Condensed cream soup and sour cream
• Melted butter and garlic
• Shredded cheddar

How to make it

1. Grease the slow cooker.
2. Stir the soup, sour cream, garlic, butter, and seasoning together.
3. Fold in the potatoes, ham, and half the cheese, then top with the rest.
4. Cook on low until hot and bubbly throughout, and keep it at 140°F or above for serving.

Tools you need: a 7-quart slow cooker, a box grater, and a silicone spatula

👉 Get the full recipe: Slow Cooker Cheesy Ham and Potatoes at Eazy Peazy Mealz (exact amounts, full method, and the creator’s tips)

25. Ham and Egg Sandwich with Raspberries

An egg is fried in a hole in toasted bread and stacked with honey ham, mustard, and fresh raspberries. The sweet and savory combo makes it a breakfast worth waking up for.

Quick ingredients

• Sandwich bread
• Sliced honey ham
• Eggs
• Mayonnaise and honey mustard
• Fresh raspberries

How to make it

1. Cut a hole in half the bread slices.
2. Toast those slices in a buttered pan and crack an egg into each hole.
3. Cook until the egg white is fully set, then flip if you like a firmer yolk.
4. Spread mayo and mustard on plain toast, then layer the ham, raspberries, and egg toast.

Tools you need: a 22-inch electric griddle, a silicone spatula, and a Christmas cookie cutter set

👉 Get the full recipe: Ham and Egg Sandwich with Raspberries at The Flavor Bender (exact amounts, full method, and the creator’s tips)

FAQ

How long does leftover ham last?

Cooked ham keeps 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze it in airtight portions for 1 to 2 months.

Can you freeze leftover ham?

Yes. Dice or slice it, pack it in airtight containers or freezer bags, and label it. Thaw it in the fridge and use it in soups, casseroles, or fried rice.

What can I do with a leftover ham bone?

Simmer it in split pea soup or any bean or vegetable soup for a smoky broth. Remove the bone before serving and cool leftovers quickly.

What’s the best way to reheat ham?

Reheat it covered with a splash of broth at 325°F, or in the microwave in short bursts, until it reaches 165°F on an instant-read thermometer.

What are the quickest leftover ham recipes?

Ham and cheese quesadillas, pasta with ham and peas, fried rice, and dill ham salad all take about 30 minutes or less.

Leftover ham can feed you well for days. Planning next year already? Start with our brown sugar glazed ham, then browse our Christmas dinner main dishes and Christmas breakfast recipes.

You might also like: leftover turkey recipes and Christmas salads.