Top 30 Best Leftover Ham Recipes

From hearty ham soups to cozy casseroles (and more!) this list of leftover ham recipes is full of delicious options. You’ll find some new favorites the whole family will enjoy, so don’t let your leftover holiday ham go to waste!

Leftovers from a holiday feast or big family meal can clutter your fridge or be easily forgotten. But in my opinion, leftovers are one of the best ingredients to start with! You can get creative with trying new recipes. And the best part: re-purposing all leftovers is a great way to reduce food waste!

This list of 30 leftover ham recipes highlights some of the best ways to use extra ham. Whether you’re craving a cozy meal for a cold day, a quick dinner for busy weeknights, or something filling for school lunches or meal prep, there’s something for you. But first, here are some quick tips to help you make the most of your ham leftovers!

Quick Guide to Cooking with Leftover Ham

How long can I store leftover ham?
Cooked ham will last 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze it.

What’s the best way to thaw frozen ham?
The safest way is to transfer it from the freezer to the fridge and let it thaw slowly overnight. If you’re short on time, you can use the defrost setting on your microwave, but be sure to use the ham right away.

From spiral ham slices to chopped boneless ham, this list will inspire you to get in the kitchen. Use the links below to skip ahead if you know what you’re looking for!

Leftover Ham Breakfast Recipes

Start the day with a great flavor of savory ham! It pairs naturally with eggs, hashbrowns, cheese, and all types of vegetables. These recipes make a great addition to a brunch menu or if you’re hosting guests and need to feed a crowd the next day. 

Ham and Sweet Potato Breakfast Hash

5 from 5 votes

This skillet hash is made with sweet potatoes, sliced ham, and plenty of colorful vegetables! The smoky flavors are perfect for breakfast and brunch, but work well for meal prep or breakfast-for-dinner, too.

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Ham & Cheese Quiche Cups (No Crust)

These mini, crustless quiche cups with goat cheese, cheddar cheese, spinach, red onion & bacon bits are SO good. They’re gluten-free and great for meal prep.

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Ham Breakfast Hash

Breakfast hash with ham is an easy breakfast idea. Use hash browns, ham, and eggs but any leftover veggies or meat can be added!

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Western Omelette Egg Bites

These Western Omelette Egg Bites are made with ham, peppers onions, and dairy free cheese. Perfect for meal prep and reheating on the go!

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Baked Ham Asparagus Frittata

This fluffy oven-baked ham asparagus frittata with eggs, cheese, and Italian seasoning is a quick and easy dish for any meal.

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Cheese and Ham Frittata With Spinach

A deliciously cheesy egg dish, this Stovetop Ham and Cheese Frittata will be made without turning your oven on.

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Egg Frittata with Ham, Swiss, Spinach, and Mushrooms

This delightful baked egg frittata with ham, Swiss, spinach, and mushrooms is amazingly delicious and so easy to make using a Dutch oven.

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Lighter Fare and Leftover Ham Sandwiches

You truly can’t beat a simple ham sandwich sometimes. But if you’re craving something more (or just some lighter fare with some fresh greens), this section is for you. 

Chef’s Salad with Leftover Ham

5 from 5 votes

This fully loaded chef's salad recipe features tons of fresh vegetables, tender leafy greens, and leftover ham. It's all topped with a tangy ranch vinaigrette for a flavorful, satisfying salad.

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Air Fryer Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe

This Air Fryer Monte Cristo Sandwich is the perfect blend of crunchy, sweet, and savory. Made with ham, turkey, crispy bacon, melted cheese, maple syrup, and a cornflake crust for a satisfying crunch.

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Easy Funeral Sandwiches (Ham and Cheese Sliders)

Funeral Sandwiches are mini baked ham and cheese sliders, perfect for a quick and easy appetizer or meal. Flavorful and crowd-friendly.

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Ham and Cheese Roll-up Biscuits Topped with Cheese Sauce

These ham and cheese roll-up biscuits make a perfect dinner for the entire family! Topped with hot homemade cheese sauce, they’re a hit!

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Monte Cristo Sliders

These easy Monte Cristo sliders with Hawaiian rolls are the perfect mix of sweet and savory! Baked, not fried, they make a crowd-pleasing appetizer or brunch favorite.

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Hearty Soups and Stews

Soup season might be my favorite time of year. There are so many options! This section includes slow cooker, stovetop, and InstaPot recipes. From ham & bean soup to creamy chowders, use your leftover ham bone (or a ham hock) to make a flavorful soup with simple ingredients. 

Leftover Hambone Soup

5 from 4 votes

This easy, budget-friendly soup will help you make the most of your leftover holiday ham. The savory ham stock and hearty combo of beans and vegetables is flavorful, delicious, and just what you need after a holiday feast!

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Hearty Stovetop Navy Bean and Ham Soup Recipe

This irresistible soup features plump navy beans, and perfectly sauteed onions, celery, and carrots. The ham bone lends a hearty, smoky flavor to the soup broth. Thyme and Italian seasoning add depth, while a hint of tomato paste lends a subtle tang and gives the soup a kick of color.

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Ham and White Bean Chowder

An easy 30 minute soup that is a great use for leftover ham! With a creamy soup base, veggies and white beans.

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Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup

Instant Pot ham and bean soup is a hearty soup recipe that turns leftover ham into a new meal. This easy soup is packed with flavor!

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Red Beans and Rice with Ham Hocks

This New Orleans favorite, red beans and rice with ham hocks is the perfect Cajun recipe, smoky and perfectly spiced.

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Ham Bone & Lentil Stew

Ham Bone & Lentil Stew fills you up and warms your bones. It’s a great hearty comfort food recipe to use up your ham bone after any holiday!

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Creamy Ham and Corn Chowder

This hearty ham and corn chowder is creamy, rich, and packed with flavor! The perfect soup for a cozy night in or a comforting lunch.

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Crockpot Split Pea Soup with Bacon

This Crockpot Split Pea Soup with Bacon is smoky, hearty, and packed with tender veggies and ham, perfect for cold nights or a busy weeknight.

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Pasta and Rice Recipes with Leftover Ham

Pairing leftover ham with pasta or rice is a delicious way to make a budget-friendly meal. Dress it up with a creamy sauce, breadcrumbs, or a bright garnish like fresh parsley or green onions before serving. 

Leftover Ham Fried Rice

5 from 5 votes

This easy ham fried rice recipe is ready in less than 30 minutes! Use leftover ham, cooked rice, and frozen veggies to make an easy weeknight or post-holiday dinner in one skillet.

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Easy Hawaiian Fried Rice Recipe (Ham and Pineapple)

A one-skillet meal, ready in just 30 minutes, this Hawaiian fried rice is a game or dinner changer! Ham and pineapple fried rice will become your new favorite way to enjoy leftover ham.

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Baked Cavatappi Mac & Cheese with Ham

Cheesy and gooey, this cavatappi mac and cheese is the ultimate cozy dinner. Perfect for a potluck or just to use leftover ham, you’ll love that the noodles cook right in the cheesy sauce.

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Ham Broccoli and Rice Casserole (GF)

This delicious gluten-free casserole is the perfect way to use leftover ham. Smoky ham is combined with fresh broccoli and rice in a creamy, cheesy sauce for a family favorite recipe.

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Tortellini with Ham and Peas

This easy and creamy tortellini with ham and peas is a classic Italian pasta recipe that’s a favorite with children and adults alike.

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Tortellini Pasta with Asparagus, Spinach, and Ham

This 20-minute pasta dish is a quick and easy dinner. Cheese tortellini is tossed with ham, asparagus, baby spinach and a parmesan cheese sauce.

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Skillet Ham Macaroni and Cheese

Skillet Ham Macaroni and Cheese is hearty, family friendly meal that’s bound to impress every time it’s served.

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Leftover Ham Casserole Recipes

​These hearty ham recipes are totally worth dragging out the casserole dish! These options can work well for meal prep or freezer meals, too. 

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Cheesy scalloped potatoes and ham is a casserole made with layers of sliced potatoes and leftover ham covered in a rich creamy cheesy sauce.

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Leftover Ham Pot Pie with Biscuits

If you’re a fan of beef or chicken pot pie, you’re going to love this leftover ham pot pie recipe. A perfect dinner with holiday leftovers!

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Crockpot Ham and Cabbage

Crockpot Ham and Cabbage is an easy slow cooker recipe with diced ham and fresh cabbage that makes the perfect comfort food any time of year.

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Save this list for the next time you need an easy and delicious leftover ham recipe! 

As always, thanks for stopping by the Street Smart Nutrition blog. Cheers to more fearlessly nourishing meals!