10+ Leftover Ham Recipes to Make Delicious Meals Easily

Leftover ham can pile up after holidays or special meals. Finding good ways to use it helps you avoid waste and enjoy tasty dishes without extra trips to the store.

You can turn leftover ham into easy, delicious meals that save time and add flavor to your week. These recipes work for any mealtime and make the most of what you already have.

1) Ham and Potato Soup

Ham and potato soup is a great way to use leftover ham. You can make it creamy and comforting, perfect for chilly days.

It’s simple to prepare and uses common ingredients you probably already have. Start by cooking diced potatoes and onions in chicken broth.

Add chopped ham for flavor. You can also include celery or other veggies if you like.

This soup can use a ham bone for extra taste. It’s a filling meal that warms you up without a lot of fuss.

Ingredients

• 3 cups diced cooked ham
• 4 cups peeled and diced potatoes
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 4 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup milk or cream (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, combine potatoes, celery, onion, and chicken broth.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
3. Add ham and cook for 5 more minutes.
4. Stir in milk or cream if using, and heat through without boiling.
5. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

You can learn more about making this soup from Leftover Ham and Potato Soup.

2) Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole

This casserole is a warm, comforting way to enjoy your leftover ham. It combines diced ham with tender potatoes and a creamy cheese sauce.

The cheese sauce makes the dish rich and satisfying. You can use Yukon gold potatoes or hash browns for convenience.

This recipe works for brunch, dinner, or any time you want a simple meal. Find a good version of this recipe here.

Ingredients

• 1 pound diced leftover ham
• 2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, sliced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 small onion, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Boil potatoes until just tender, then drain.
3. In a pan, melt butter and cook onion until soft.
4. Stir in flour, then add milk slowly to make a sauce.
5. Add cheese and stir until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Combine potatoes, ham, and sauce in a casserole dish.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

3) Ham and Broccoli Noodle Casserole

This ham and broccoli noodle casserole is a great way to use your leftover ham. It combines tender chunks of ham with cooked broccoli and egg noodles.

Everything is mixed in a creamy cheese sauce. You can top it with crunchy cracker crumbs or cheese for a nice finish.

It’s simple to put together and bakes in the oven until bubbly and golden. This one-dish meal works well for family dinners or meal prep.

Check out this ham and noodle casserole with broccoli for ideas on making a creamy, cheesy version with a crispy topping.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked egg noodles
• 2 cups cooked ham, diced
• 2 cups broccoli florets, cooked
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar works well)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup crushed crackers or breadcrumbs (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix ham, broccoli, noodles, soup, milk, and cheese.
3. Season with salt and pepper, then stir well.
4. Pour mixture into a greased casserole dish.
5. Sprinkle crushed crackers or breadcrumbs on top if using.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden.
7. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

4) Potato Chowder with Ham

Potato chowder with ham is a great way to use leftover ham. It’s creamy and filling, with tender potatoes and sweet corn adding nice flavor.

You start by cooking bacon for a bit of crunch, then add onions and garlic. Next, add potatoes, corn, and chunks of ham.

Simmer the mixture until the potatoes are soft and the soup is creamy. You can top it with cheese or fresh herbs if you like.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked ham, diced
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 ½ cups frozen corn
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk or cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Shredded cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside.
2. Add onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until soft.
3. Stir in potatoes, corn, ham, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
5. Stir in milk or cream and heat through without boiling.
6. Season with salt and pepper. Add bacon and cheese on top if desired.
7. Serve warm.

For more tips, see this Easy Ham and Corn Chowder recipe.

5) Ham and Scalloped Potatoes

You can turn your leftover ham into a delicious meal with ham and scalloped potatoes. This dish layers thinly sliced potatoes and diced ham in a creamy, cheesy sauce.

It’s perfect for using up holiday ham and makes a comforting weeknight dinner. The sauce usually has milk or cream with cheese, which melts to make the potatoes soft and flavorful.

Slice the potatoes, dice the ham, and layer them in a baking dish. Bake until the top is golden and bubbly.

For a detailed recipe, see this easy Scalloped Potatoes and Ham.

Ingredients

• 4 cups potatoes, thinly sliced
• 2 cups diced leftover ham
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar works well)
• 2 cups milk or cream
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
3. Stir in flour and cook 1-2 minutes.
4. Gradually whisk in milk or cream until smooth.
5. Cook sauce until thickened, then stir in half the cheese.
6. Layer half the potatoes in a baking dish.
7. Add half the ham on top of potatoes.
8. Pour some sauce over layers.
9. Repeat layers and pour remaining sauce on top.
10. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
11. Bake for 45-55 minutes until golden and tender.

6) Ham Pasta Salad with Peas

This salad is a simple way to use leftover ham. You mix cooked pasta with peas, diced ham, and a creamy dressing.

It’s light and refreshing, perfect for a quick lunch or a side for dinner. You can add cheddar cheese cubes for extra flavor.

Fresh herbs like parsley or dill make it taste even better. The dressing is usually mayo-based, sometimes with lemon juice for a little zing.

It’s easy to make ahead and keep in the fridge. This salad stays good for several days, so it’s great for meal prep or picnic plans.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked shell or small pasta
• 1 cup cooked ham, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
• ½ cup cheddar cheese, cubed
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried chives or fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions, then rinse with cold water.
2. In a large bowl, combine pasta, ham, peas, and cheddar cheese.
3. Mix mayonnaise, lemon juice, and chives in a small bowl.
4. Pour dressing over the salad and stir gently to combine.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.

7) Classic Ham Sandwiches

A classic ham sandwich is simple but tasty. Start with your favorite bread like sourdough or ciabatta.

Add slices of leftover ham and cheese. Swiss or cheddar work well.

Spread a little mustard or mayo for extra flavor. You can also add lettuce or pickles if you like.

Toasting the sandwich makes it warm and melty. These sandwiches are quick to make and great for lunch or a snack.

You can customize them with what you have on hand.

Ingredients

• 2 slices of bread (sourdough or ciabatta)
• 4–6 slices leftover ham
• 2 slices Swiss or cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard or mayo
• Lettuce or pickles (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Lay bread slices on a plate.
2. Spread mustard or mayo on one side of each slice.
3. Add ham and cheese on one slice.
4. Add lettuce or pickles if desired.
5. Close sandwich with the other bread slice.
6. Toast the sandwich in a skillet or sandwich press until cheese melts, about 3-5 minutes at medium heat.
7. Cut in half and serve.

8) Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole

This ham and cheese breakfast casserole is a great way to use leftover ham. It’s filling and easy to prepare.

You can assemble it the night before and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. The recipe is flexible.

You can add your favorite cheese like cheddar or Swiss. Using bread or leftover brioche adds a nice texture to the dish.

Once cooked, the casserole can keep for 3-5 days in the fridge. You can also freeze it for 1-2 months to enjoy later.

It’s perfect for busy mornings or weekend brunch.

Ingredients

• 2 cups diced leftover ham
• 4 cups cubed bread (like brioche or white)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and mustard.
3. Add the cubed bread, ham, and cheese. Stir gently to combine.
4. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Bake for 45-55 minutes or until the top turns golden and the center sets.
6. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

9) Creamy Ham and Rice Bake

This creamy ham and rice bake is a simple way to use your leftover ham. It combines tender ham pieces, cooked rice, and broccoli in a cheesy, creamy sauce.

You only need a few ingredients for this one-dish meal. The casserole cooks in the oven until bubbly and golden.

Adding broccoli gives you some green veggies with your meal. You can mix everything in one bowl and bake it all together.

This recipe saves time and cleanup. It still tastes great.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked ham, diced
• 1 cup long grain rice, uncooked
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 ½ cups water
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix soup, water, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir in rice, ham, broccoli, and half the cheese.
4. Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
5. Top with the remaining cheese.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
7. Remove foil and bake 10 more minutes until the cheese is bubbly.

10) Ham and Mushroom Soup

This ham and mushroom soup is a warm way to use leftover ham. The mushrooms add rich flavor, and the ham brings a savory taste.

It’s easy to prepare. You can make it for a simple lunch or dinner.

Start by sautéing onions and mushrooms in a bit of oil. Then, add water and ham pieces.

Let the soup simmer until everything is tender. The aroma will fill your kitchen.

Enjoy this soup with bread or crackers on the side.

Ingredients

• ½ medium onion, chopped
• 2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
• 1½ teaspoons cooking oil
• 4 cups water
• 1 cup diced cooked ham

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and mushrooms; cook until soft.
3. Pour in water and bring to a boil.
4. Add diced ham, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Serve warm.