15 Ways To Use Leftover Holiday Ham in Easy Dinners

If you’re left with extra ham from your holiday celebrations, don’t fret—there are plenty of ways to turn it into a delicious dinner. From savory stews to cheesy bakes, leftover ham adds flavor and substance to so many dishes. There’s no need to worry about food waste when you can whip up a satisfying meal in just a few steps.

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Ham and Cheese Casserole

This ham and cheese casserole is the perfect way to use up leftover ham in a comforting dish. Combining ham, cheese, and pasta, it’s easy to throw together and bake. The creamy sauce and melted cheese will please the whole family. This dish works great for a cozy weeknight dinner or a potluck. It’s a hearty meal that doesn’t require too much effort.

You will need cooked ham, elbow macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and cream of mushroom soup. A bit of milk helps with the creamy texture. Salt and pepper will add seasoning to taste.

Start by cooking the elbow macaroni and draining it. In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the ham, cheese, sour cream, and soup. Stir everything together and add a little milk if the mixture is too thick. Transfer it to a greased casserole dish and bake at 350 degrees F for about 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Ham and Potato Soup

A bowl of ham and potato soup is just what you need when you have leftover ham. The combination of ham, potatoes, and vegetables creates a hearty and comforting dish. This soup is a great way to stretch your leftovers and keep things simple. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or a quick lunch. It also freezes well, making it a meal for later.

You’ll need cooked ham, potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Salt, pepper, and garlic powder will bring out the flavors.

Start by sauteing the onions, carrots, and celery in a pot. Once softened, add the diced potatoes and chicken broth. Bring everything to a boil and simmer until the potatoes are tender. Stir in the ham and cream, and let the soup simmer for another 10 minutes. Serve with a sprinkle of pepper and enjoy!

Ham and Egg Breakfast Skillet

A breakfast skillet with ham and eggs is a fast and satisfying option for any time of day. This dish combines ham, eggs, and vegetables in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. It’s great for using up leftover ham in the morning or for brunch. The combination of protein and veggies makes it a filling meal. Add a little cheese for extra flavor.

You’ll need cooked ham, eggs, bell peppers, onions, spinach, and shredded cheese. Olive oil or butter is used to saute the vegetables.

Begin by heating some olive oil in a skillet and sauteing the bell peppers and onions. Once the vegetables are softened, add the ham and cook for a few more minutes. Crack the eggs into the skillet and cook them to your preferred doneness. Top with shredded cheese, and serve hot with toast on the side.

Ham and Pineapple Pizza

A ham and pineapple pizza is a sweet and savory combination that never goes out of style. Using leftover ham, you can quickly make a homemade pizza that tastes fresh. The mix of ham and pineapple is a classic topping combination. If you have a premade crust, it saves even more time. This pizza is great for lunch or dinner.

You’ll need pizza dough or a store-bought crust, cooked ham, pineapple chunks, mozzarella cheese, and pizza sauce. Some dried oregano will add an extra flavor boost.

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Roll out your pizza dough onto a baking sheet, and spread pizza sauce on top. Add the ham, pineapple, and cheese, and sprinkle oregano over the top. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

Ham and Veggie Stir-Fry

A ham and veggie stir-fry is a quick and easy dinner that’s packed with flavor. You can throw in any leftover vegetables you have, along with diced ham for protein. Stir-fries are perfect for customizing based on what’s in your fridge. Serve it over rice or noodles for a full meal. It’s a great way to use up both ham and extra vegetables.

You’ll need cooked ham, bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, soy sauce, and garlic. Rice or noodles will be your base for serving.

Start by chopping your veggies and dicing the ham. Heat some oil in a pan and saute the garlic until fragrant. Add the vegetables and cook until tender, then toss in the ham. Stir in soy sauce and cook for another few minutes. Serve over rice or noodles for a quick, flavorful meal.

Ham and Cheese Quesadillas

Ham and cheese quesadillas are a delicious and simple way to use leftover ham. This dish takes only a few minutes to make and is perfect for lunch or dinner. The crispy tortillas filled with melted cheese and savory ham will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s easy to customize with additional ingredients like onions, peppers, or even a little salsa.

You will need flour tortillas, cooked ham, shredded cheese, and a bit of butter for grilling. You can also add jalapeños or onions if you want some extra flavor.

Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt some butter. Place a tortilla in the pan and sprinkle with cheese and ham. Top with another tortilla, then flip when the bottom is golden and crispy. Cook the other side until crispy and the cheese has melted, then slice into wedges.

Ham and Cabbage Stir-Fry

This ham and cabbage stir-fry is a savory and satisfying dish that makes great use of leftovers. The cabbage becomes tender while the ham adds a rich, smoky flavor. It’s a great option for anyone looking for a quick, healthy meal. You can serve it on its own or with rice for a more filling dinner. The dish takes just a few ingredients and is ready in minutes.

You’ll need cooked ham, cabbage, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Rice or noodles are optional for serving.

Saute the garlic in sesame oil until fragrant. Add the chopped cabbage and cook until wilted. Toss in the diced ham and soy sauce, and cook for a few more minutes. Serve on its own or with rice for a full meal.

Ham and Spinach Pasta

Ham and spinach pasta is a light yet satisfying dinner that combines pasta with healthy greens. The ham provides a salty contrast to the fresh spinach, making every bite enjoyable. It’s a quick dish that doesn’t take much prep, so it’s perfect for busy nights. Adding some Parmesan cheese gives it an extra layer of flavor. The combination of flavors will make this dish a new family favorite.

You’ll need cooked ham, pasta, spinach, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Olive oil helps to saute the garlic.

Cook the pasta according to package instructions. In a separate pan, saute the garlic in olive oil and add the spinach. Once the spinach wilts, toss in the ham and cooked pasta. Top with Parmesan cheese and serve hot.

Ham and Bean Soup

Ham and bean soup is a classic comfort food that’s easy to make with leftover ham. The beans absorb the flavors of the ham, creating a rich, hearty soup. This dish is perfect for colder months or when you need something filling. With just a few ingredients, it can feed the whole family and is great for meal prep.

You will need cooked ham, white beans, onions, garlic, chicken broth, and carrots. Bay leaves and thyme will season the soup.

Start by sauteing the onions, garlic, and carrots in a large pot. Add the ham and beans, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30-45 minutes. Add seasonings, and serve hot with crusty bread.

Ham Fried Rice

Ham fried rice is a delicious way to use up leftover ham and turn it into a flavorful dinner. This dish is customizable with any vegetables you have on hand. It’s quick to make and perfect for busy weeknights. The savory ham pairs perfectly with the fluffy rice and a hint of soy sauce.

You’ll need cooked ham, rice, eggs, peas, soy sauce, and green onions. A bit of oil for frying is essential.

Scramble the eggs in a hot skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet, saute the peas and diced ham. Add the rice and soy sauce, and stir until everything is combined. Toss in the scrambled eggs and green onions, and serve hot.

Ham and Cheese Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers with ham and cheese are a fun and filling way to enjoy your leftovers. The sweet bell peppers add a crunchy contrast to the soft, cheesy filling. This dish is easy to make and perfect for individual portions. The ham adds a savory kick to the cheesy filling, making it a hit at the dinner table.

You’ll need bell peppers, cooked ham, cheese, rice, and tomato sauce. Seasonings like salt, pepper, and garlic powder will enhance the flavor.

Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Mix the cooked rice, ham, cheese, and seasonings, and stuff the peppers with the mixture. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish, pour tomato sauce over them, and bake at 375 degrees F for 25-30 minutes.

Ham and Broccoli Quiche

A ham and broccoli quiche is a simple yet elegant way to use leftover ham. This dish is perfect for brunch or a light dinner. The creamy egg filling blends perfectly with the savory ham and tender broccoli. It’s easy to make ahead and can be served warm or cold. The flaky crust makes this quiche a crowd-pleaser.

You’ll need a pie crust, eggs, cooked ham, broccoli, cheese, and heavy cream. Salt and pepper will add seasoning to taste.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and heavy cream. Add the cooked ham, broccoli, and cheese, then pour into the pie crust. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the quiche is set and golden.

Ham and Mushroom Stroganoff

A creamy ham and mushroom stroganoff is a twist on the classic beef version. The ham adds a unique flavor that pairs beautifully with the rich sauce. This dish is great served over egg noodles or rice, and it’s perfect for dinner. It’s a comforting meal that’s ready in under an hour, making it a great option for busy nights.

You’ll need cooked ham, mushrooms, sour cream, egg noodles, and onion. A bit of flour helps thicken the sauce.

Saute the onions and mushrooms in a skillet until softened. Add the ham and cook for a few minutes. Stir in flour to thicken the sauce, then add the sour cream and chicken broth. Simmer until the sauce thickens, and serve over cooked egg noodles.

Ham Tacos

Ham tacos are a fun and unexpected way to use leftover ham. The savory ham pairs well with fresh toppings like lettuce, cheese, and salsa. This dish is quick to assemble, making it a great option for a fast dinner. It’s easy to customize with different toppings to suit everyone’s taste.

You’ll need tortillas, cooked ham, lettuce, cheese, salsa, tomato, and sour cream. You can also add guacamole or jalapeños for extra flavor.

Warm the tortillas in a pan. Heat the diced ham in a skillet until slightly crispy. Fill the tortillas with the ham and top with lettuce, cheese, and salsa. Serve with a side of sour cream.

Ham and Swiss Sandwiches

A ham and Swiss sandwich is a simple, yet satisfying meal. The melted Swiss cheese and savory ham make for a classic combination. Whether you’re using fresh bread or a toasted roll, this sandwich is always a hit. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner.

You’ll need cooked ham, Swiss cheese, bread or rolls, butter, and mustard. Pickles or greens can be added for extra flavor.

Butter the bread or rolls and place them on a skillet. Layer with ham and Swiss cheese, then grill until golden and the cheese is melted. Serve with mustard or pickles on the side.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.