8 Leftover Ham Recipes You'll Make Again and Again

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That gorgeous glazed ham sitting in your fridge doesn’t have to become boring sandwiches for the next week. These leftover ham recipes transform your holiday ham into completely new meals that taste nothing like leftovers. From hearty breakfast casseroles to comforting soups and creative lunch ideas, you’ll find plenty of ways to use every last bit.

A spoonful of ham and bean soup with chunks of meat and white beans. — Best Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup Recipe. Photo Credit: Kim Schob.

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The best part? Most of these recipes come together quickly since the ham is already cooked. You can freeze leftover ham for up to 3 months, so don’t feel rushed to use it all at once. Just dice it up, portion it into freezer bags, and pull out what you need for these delicious recipes.

Looking for more ways to use holiday leftovers? Try these crockpot recipes for a potluck or browse our simple weekly meal plan for more meal inspiration.

Reasons You’ll Love These Recipes

Budget-Friendly: Using leftover ham means you’re getting the most out of your holiday meal purchase. These recipes turn what you already have into completely new dishes without spending extra money on expensive proteins.
Time-Saving: Since the ham is already cooked, these recipes cut your prep time significantly. Most come together in 30 minutes or less, making them perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast.
Versatile Options: From breakfast casseroles to hearty soups and creative sandwiches, these leftover ham recipes cover every meal of the day. You’ll never get bored eating the same thing twice.
Family-Friendly: These recipes use familiar flavors and ingredients that even picky eaters will enjoy. The ham adds protein and savory flavor that makes each dish satisfying and delicious.

How to Prep Leftover Ham for These Recipes

The key to making the most of your leftover ham is removing it from the bone and cutting it into the right size pieces for each recipe. Use a sharp chef’s knife to slice away the meat in large sections, then dice it into cubes based on what you’re making.

For soups and casseroles, aim for 1/2-inch cubes so they hold their shape during cooking. For omelets, sandwiches, and hot pockets, smaller 1/4-inch dice works better since it distributes more evenly and fits perfectly in every bite. Trim away any excess fat or skin before dicing – this gives you tender pieces that blend seamlessly into your recipes rather than chewy bits that stand out.

Hearty Breakfast Dishes

Start your morning right with these protein-packed breakfast recipes that make leftover ham the star of the show. These dishes are perfect for weekend brunch or when you want to prep breakfast ahead for busy mornings.

Slice of Ham and Egg Breakfast Casserole on a plate with a fork. — Farmers Market Ham & Egg Breakfast Casserole. Photo Credit: Kim Schob.

Farmers Market Ham & Egg Breakfast Casserole: This breadless casserole combines hash browns, eggs, cheese, and diced ham for a hearty breakfast that can be prepped the night before. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd on holiday mornings or when you want a grab-and-go breakfast option throughout the week.
Denver Omelet: This classic omelet is loaded with bell peppers, onions, ham, and cheese for a restaurant-quality breakfast you can make at home. Ready in just minutes, it’s a quick and satisfying way to start your day with plenty of protein and vegetables.

Comforting Soups and Chowders

Nothing beats a warm bowl of soup made with leftover ham. These slow cooker and stovetop options create rich, flavorful broths that taste like you spent hours in the kitchen.

A bowl of ham chowder with two spoons on the side. — Slow Cooker Ham, Potato, Corn & Veggie Chowder. Photo Credit: Kim Schob.

Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup: This classic soup uses dried Great Northern beans simmered with cubed ham and simple seasonings for a hearty meal ready in just 4 hours. It’s the ultimate comfort food that transforms leftover ham into a completely new dish the whole family will request again and again.
Slow Cooker Ham, Potato, Corn & Veggie Chowder: This creamy chowder is packed with red potatoes, corn, and mixed vegetables for a complete one-pot meal. The smoky ham infuses the broth with incredible flavor while the slow cooker does all the work for you.

Creative Sandwiches and Lunch Ideas

Turn leftover ham into exciting lunch options that go way beyond the basic sandwich. These recipes are perfect for meal prep or quick weekday lunches.

A pile of hot pockets with ham and cheese sitting on a white table. — Air Fryer Hot Pockets with Ham and Cheese. Photo Credit: Kim Schob.

Baked Ham and Cheese Pizza Dough Roll Ups: These crispy roll-ups combine pizza dough, deli ham, and a blend of cheddar and Swiss cheese for an easy appetizer or lunch option. They’re budget-friendly, customizable, and perfect for feeding a crowd at your next party or game day gathering.
Air Fryer Hot Pockets with Ham and Cheese: Skip the frozen aisle and make these homemade hot pockets with crescent roll dough, ham, and cheese. They cook to golden perfection in the air fryer in just 7-9 minutes, making them ideal for quick lunches or after-school snacks.
Club Sandwich: This classic triple-decker sandwich layers turkey, ham, bacon, cheese, lettuce, and tomato for a hearty lunch that’s anything but boring. It’s perfect for using up multiple types of leftover deli meat at once.

Bonus: The Perfect Ham Glaze

Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Glaze: If you’re starting with a fresh ham and want to create the perfect leftovers, this sweet and tangy glaze creates a beautiful caramelized crust. The brown sugar and pineapple combination is a classic that never fails to impress at holiday dinners.

A glazed ham on a plate with parsley and orange slices for garnish. — Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Glaze. Photo Credit: Kim Schob.

Storing Leftover Ham

Refrigerator: Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Dice or slice the ham before storing to make it easier to grab what you need for recipes throughout the week.
Freezing: Freeze leftover ham for up to 3 months in freezer-safe bags or containers. Portion it into 1-2 cup amounts so you can easily defrost just what you need for a specific recipe without thawing the entire batch.
Thawing: Thaw frozen ham in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave for quick use. Never thaw ham at room temperature as this can lead to bacterial growth.
Best Practices: Remove the ham from the bone within 2 hours of serving and dice or slice it before storing. Label containers with the date so you know how long it’s been stored.

Serving Suggestions

These leftover ham recipes pair beautifully with simple sides that round out the meal. Serve your breakfast casseroles with fresh fruit and Irish soda bread for a complete brunch spread. The soups and chowders are perfect alongside crusty homemade garlic bread or a simple green salad topped with garlic croutons.

For the sandwich and lunch options, pair them with chips, pickles, or a quick side salad. The ham and cheese roll-ups make fantastic appetizers for game day when served with your favorite dipping sauces. If you’re meal prepping for the week, these recipes work wonderfully in your family meal planning rotation.

FAQs

Can I use deli ham instead of leftover baked ham for these recipes?

Yes, deli ham works perfectly in most of these leftover ham recipes, especially the breakfast casserole, omelets, and sandwich options. For soups and chowders, baked ham provides better flavor since it’s already seasoned, but deli ham will still taste delicious. You may want to add extra seasonings if using plain deli ham in soup recipes.

How long does cooked ham last in the refrigerator?

Cooked ham lasts 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container. Make sure to refrigerate your leftover ham within 2 hours of serving to keep it safe. If you won’t use it within 4 days, freeze it for longer storage.

Can these leftover ham recipes be frozen?

Most of these recipes freeze well! The breakfast casserole can be assembled and frozen unbaked, then baked from frozen with extra time added. Soups freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. The hot pockets and roll-ups can be frozen after baking and reheated in the oven or air fryer. Avoid freezing the club sandwich or omelet.

What’s the best way to dice ham for recipes?

Use a sharp chef’s knife to cut the ham into even pieces. For soups and casseroles, 1/2-inch cubes work best. For omelets and sandwiches, smaller 1/4-inch dice allows the ham to distribute more evenly. Remove any excess fat before dicing for the best texture.

Can I substitute turkey for ham in these recipes?

Absolutely! Leftover turkey works wonderfully in place of ham in most of these recipes. The breakfast casserole, soups, and sandwich options all taste great with turkey. Keep in mind that turkey has a milder flavor than ham, so you may want to add extra seasonings to compensate.