35 Healthy & Delicious Leftover Ham Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners & More!
After a festive holiday feast, you’re often left with an abundance of delicious ham, but the thought of more heavy, fattening meals can be daunting. Don’t worry! I’ve curated a fantastic collection of 35 Healthy Leftover Ham Recipes from my esteemed food blogging colleagues to inspire your post-holiday culinary adventures. Whether you have a succulent spiral ham, a hearty picnic ham, a slow-cooked masterpiece, or a convenient precooked boneless ham from the grocery store, this roundup features easy and inventive solutions for every type of leftover ham imaginable. Say goodbye to food waste and hello to exciting new dishes!
This comprehensive list encompasses my personal favorite leftover ham recipes, alongside creative ideas for ham salads, comforting soups, satisfying pasta and rice dishes, and hearty casseroles. I meticulously selected these recipes not only for their nutritional value but also because many are Weight Watchers-friendly or can be effortlessly lightened up. You can easily adapt them by incorporating lower-fat alternatives such as low-fat cheese, reduced-fat mayonnaise, light sour cream, or skim milk, making healthy eating both simple and delicious.
You no longer have to default to just ham sandwiches or the classic Leftover Ham and Split Pea Soup – although, if those are your cravings, I’ve included excellent recipes for both! For an even deeper dive into repurposing your ham, consider making your own rich ham soup stock. This homemade stock can be frozen for later use or immediately transformed into other delightful ham soups and healthy leftover ham pasta creations. So, if you’re feeling stuck in a leftover ham rut, these diverse and flavorful recipes are guaranteed to ignite your enthusiasm for utilizing every last delicious scrap of that extra ham!
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Healthy leftover ham recipes truly shine after major holidays like Easter, Christmas, and Thanksgiving, but they are equally valuable any time you find yourself with ham to spare. This collection offers versatile options for easy dinners, energizing breakfasts and brunches, flavorful sides, warming soups, fresh salads, and satisfying main dishes. It’s designed to provide inspiration for every meal of the day, ensuring no ham goes to waste.
This extensive roundup was personally inspired by my own Picnic Ham with Orange Glaze Recipe, a family favorite that pairs beautifully with my Old Fashioned Scalloped Potatoes, a vibrant Carrot Casserole, or my Healthy Roasted Carrots with Brown Sugar. For a complete holiday meal, these dishes are often followed by a delightful Easter Creme Egg Chocolate Swiss Roll or a Healthy & Light Carrot Cake, creating a perfectly balanced and unforgettable dinner experience.
🍽️ Satisfying Ham Main Dishes
Transform your leftover ham into exciting and healthy main courses that the whole family will love. This section features a variety of dinner ideas, ranging from comforting ham pastas and creative ham pizzas to flavorful ham rice dishes and inventive ham sandwiches. These recipes offer a fresh perspective on using up your holiday ham, making weeknight meals quick, delicious, and nutritious.
📋 Healthy Leftover Creamy Ham Pasta with Peas Recipe
Elevate your dinner game with this incredibly quick and easy Healthy Leftover Creamy Ham Pasta & Peas recipe! It’s the perfect way to utilize both leftover ham and that extra mascarpone cheese sitting in your fridge. In just 30 minutes, you can have a deliciously creamy, yet healthy, pasta dish on the table that’s packed with flavor and vibrant green peas.
Check out this Ham Pasta recipe!
📋Healthy Pita Pizza Recipe
Forget complicated pizza dough! This Healthy Pita Pizza Recipe offers a lightning-fast and incredibly simple way to create a delicious meal using everyday pantry staples and, of course, your leftover ham. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a fun family dinner, allowing you to enjoy all the flavors of pizza without the fuss of making dough from scratch.
Check out this Ham Pizza recipe!
📋Leftover Ham, Rice and Beans Recipe
This Healthy Leftover Ham, Rice and Beans recipe is a true triple threat: not only is it incredibly healthy and easy to prepare, but it also bursts with rich, flavorful notes and a delightful hint of spice. What makes it truly stand out is its refreshing departure from typical leftover ham preparations, offering a unique and satisfying meal that’s even Weight Watchers friendly!
Check out this Ham and Rice recipe!
Cheesy Ham Asparagus Pasta
This Cheesy Ham Asparagus Pasta is your new go-to for a speedy and satisfying dinner. Prepared in a single pot and ready in just 20 minutes, it’s an incredibly convenient and delicious way to make the most of your leftover ham, combining it with tender asparagus and a delightful cheesy sauce.
Check out this Ham and Asparagus Pasta recipe!
Ham and Mushroom Pasta
Indulge in this delightful Ham and Creamy Mushroom Pasta, a recipe that promises an easy, quick, and incredibly tasty meal. It’s a truly delicious dish that’s both family-friendly and suitable for those mindful of their weight, coming together in a mere 30 minutes for a hassle-free dinner solution.
Check out this Ham and Mushroom Pasta recipe!
Easy Skillet Chicken Cordon Bleu
Experience all the beloved flavors of the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu in a healthy and incredibly easy skillet version. This recipe delivers a satisfying meal in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Simply pair it with your favorite fresh vegetables for a complete and effortless dinner.
Check out this Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe!
Ham Fried Rice
Bursting with tender, smoky ham and vibrant vegetables, this Ham Fried Rice recipe is the ultimate one-skillet meal. It’s incredibly hearty, deeply satisfying, and astonishingly easy to prepare, making it a quick family favorite that you’ll want to make again and again. Perfect for using up those holiday ham leftovers!
Check out this Ham Fried Rice recipe!
Gochujang Fried Rice with Leftover Ham
Discover the ultimate Korean comfort food with our homemade Gochujang Fried Rice, perfectly enhanced with your flavorful leftover ham. This incredible dish comes together in a flash – just 15 minutes – using only 6 simple pantry ingredients. It’s a delicious, quick, and spicy way to repurpose ham into an unforgettable meal.
Check out this Gochujang Ham Fried Rice recipe!
Sweet Potato Apple Ham Sandwich (with Honey Mustard Hummus Spread)
Elevate your sandwich game with this gourmet roasted sweet potato apple ham sandwich. Served hot and perfectly pressed, it features a generous layer of melted cheddar cheese and is slathered with a delectable homemade honey mustard hummus spread. It’s a wonderfully balanced meal, combining sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.
Check out this Ham Sandwich recipe!
🍍Hawaiian Pineapple Fried Rice
This vibrant Hawaiian Pineapple Fried Rice is an ideal choice for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner. It’s a delightfully tasty and healthy one-pot meal that comes together in 20 minutes or less, bursting with tropical flavors and making excellent use of any leftover ham you might have on hand.
Check out this Hawaiian Fried Rice recipe!
🥣 Heartwarming Leftover Ham Soups
There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s made with the rich flavors of leftover ham. This section provides fantastic ideas for turning your ham scraps and bones into nourishing and delicious soups. Learn how to make your own flavorful ham stock to freeze for future culinary projects, or dive right into one of these hearty and wholesome ham soup recipes perfect for any chilly day.
Homemade Ham Stock
Creating homemade ham stock is a surprisingly simple, hands-off project that yields incredible rewards. This rich, deeply flavorful broth can be used as a versatile base for countless delicious recipes, elevating everything from soups to sauces. It’s an excellent way to extract every last bit of flavor from your leftover ham bone.
Check out this homemade ham stock recipe!
Leftover Ham and White Bean Soup
This Leftover Ham and White Bean Soup is the ultimate “clean-out-the-refrigerator” type of meal, perfect for a hearty and resourceful dinner. Start by boiling your leftover ham bone to create a rich base, then load it up with an abundance of fresh vegetables, nourishing beans, and diced leftover ham. It’s a flavorful and comforting way to minimize food waste.
Check out this Ham and White Bean Soup recipe!
Cozy Sweet Potato, Ham and Kale Soup
Whip up this incredibly cozy Sweet Potato, Ham and Kale Soup for an effortlessly simple and nutritious weeknight meal, expertly utilizing your leftover ham. This comforting, paleo and dairy-free soup is ready in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect healthy option for busy evenings.
Check out this Ham, Potato and Kale Soup recipe!
Split Pea Soup
Experience the very BEST Split Pea Soup recipe, made exceptionally flavorful with a ham bone and incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you prefer the stovetop, Instant Pot, or Crock Pot, this recipe delivers a super thick and intensely flavorful soup that’s perfect for a comforting meal any day of the week.
Check out this Split Pea Soup recipe!
Easy Ham & Potato Soup Recipe
Discover an irresistible Easy Ham & Potato Soup Recipe that everyone will adore! This creamy and utterly delicious soup can be effortlessly made in your crockpot, Instant Pot, or on the stove. It’s the perfect comforting meal for using up leftover ham and creating a hearty family favorite.
Check out this Ham and Potato Soup recipe!
🍲 Delicious Ham Casseroles
Casseroles are the ultimate comfort food, and they’re particularly excellent for transforming leftover ham into a hearty, one-dish meal. This section features a variety of inventive ham casserole recipes, including cheesy ham delights, satisfying rice and cauliflower rice options, and even a unique spaghetti casserole. These dishes are perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying delicious leftovers, making your post-holiday cooking both easy and exciting.
Air Fryer Ham Casserole
Discover the magic of quick and easy cooking with this Air Fryer Ham Casserole Recipe! Made with just 5 simple ingredients, including your delicious leftover holiday ham, this casserole cooks to perfection in the air fryer in a mere 10 minutes. It’s an incredibly efficient and tasty way to get a comforting meal on the table fast.
Check out this Air Fryer Ham Casserole recipe!
Spaghetti Casserole (for Leftover Ham)
This Spaghetti Casserole is a remarkably easy and incredibly satisfying dish, making it absolutely perfect for your busy weeknight dinners and a brilliant way to utilize leftover ham. It transforms simple ingredients into a comforting, flavorful meal that the whole family will appreciate.
Check out this Ham Spaghetti Casserole recipe!
Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Casserole
This Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Casserole is a beloved family favorite, featuring tender Yukon gold potatoes and savory smoked ham enveloped in a creamy, lightly seasoned white sauce. It’s all perfectly topped with a delectable blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack Cheese, creating a truly irresistible and comforting dish.
Check out this Scalloped Potatoes and Ham recipe!
Ham and Cauliflower Rice Casserole with Spinach
Looking for a healthy, low-carb way to use up holiday leftovers? This Ham and Cauliflower Rice Casserole with Spinach is a fantastic keto-friendly recipe that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious. It’s the perfect dish to transform any leftover ham into a wholesome and satisfying meal that fits your dietary goals.
Check out this Ham and Cauliflower Rice Casserole recipe!
🥗 Fresh Leftover Ham Salads
For a lighter and healthier approach to enjoying your leftover ham, look no further than these vibrant salad recipes. Leftover ham salads are not only perfectly refreshing but also incredibly convenient for meal prepping and packing wholesome lunches. These dishes offer a crisp, flavorful, and nutrient-packed alternative to heavier meals, making healthy eating a breeze.
Cobb Salad with Garlic Cilantro Dairy Free Ranch Dressing
A truly great Cobb Salad is always a cause for excitement, and this recipe is no exception. It’s an ideal way to repurpose your leftover ham, offering a vibrant and filling dinner salad. The star of the show is the homemade garlic cilantro dairy-free ranch dressing, which perfectly complements the fresh ingredients and makes this dish an absolute delight.
Check out this Ham Cobb Salad recipe!
Tropical Ham Salad (Weight Watchers Friendly)
Brighten up your meal plan with this delightful Weight Watchers Tropical Ham Salad. This recipe is wonderfully simple to prepare, requiring only a few minutes to create. It’s a perfect blend of sweet and savory, offering a refreshing and healthy way to enjoy your leftover ham while staying on track with your wellness goals.
Check out this WW friendly Tropical Ham Salad recipe!
Ham Salad
This creamy Ham Salad is an absolute gem, perfect as an appetizer or a delightful sandwich filling. It’s incredibly delicious and effortlessly easy to prepare with just a few simple ingredients, coming together in a mere 10 minutes. It’s a truly ingenious way to transform leftover ham into a fabulous, quick lunch or snack!
Check out this Ham Salad recipe!
Creamy Ham and Cheese Pasta Salad
This Creamy Ham and Cheese Pasta Salad is the quintessential pasta salad, crafted with a rich, mayonnaise-based dressing that’s simply irresistible. The addition of baby peas provides a bright pop of color and a delightful crunch, while diced ham adds savory depth. It’s a wonderfully simple, easy, and quick dish to assemble for any occasion.
Check out this Ham Pasta Salad recipe!
Ham and Egg Salad with Avocado
Discover a tasty and exciting twist on the traditional egg salad with this Ham and Egg Salad featuring creamy avocado, all seasoned perfectly with everything bagel seasoning. This easy and healthy egg salad is a fantastic way to enjoy a nutrient-packed lunch or light dinner, offering a fresh and flavorful take on a classic.
Check out this Ham and Egg Salad recipe1
Roasted Asparagus Salad with Crispy Turnips and Warm Ham Vinaigrette
This Roasted Asparagus Salad with Crispy Turnips and Warm Ham Vinaigrette is a wonderfully cozy and flavorful roasted vegetable salad, effortlessly prepared right under your broiler. Tender asparagus, golden brown crispy turnips, and savory crispy ham are beautifully brought together with a quick pan vinaigrette, making for an easy and impressive weeknight side dish you’ll undoubtedly want to revisit again and again!
Check out this Asparagus Salad with Warm Ham Vinaigrette recipe!
Easy Delicious Japanese Potato Salad
Experience the delight of this homemade and effortlessly easy Japanese Potato Salad! Creamy, perfectly tart, and graced with a hint of sweetness, this salad is a flavorful sensation. It’s also Paleo and Whole30 friendly, making it a super tasty and healthy option that’s wonderful straight out of the bowl, especially with a bit of leftover ham!
Check out this Japanese Potato and Ham Salad recipe!
🥘 Flavorful Ham Sides
Sometimes, all you need is a little something extra to complement your meal or a delightful spread for crackers and bread. This section presents inventive ham side dishes that make excellent use of your leftover ham, transforming it into flavorful additions that are perfect for snacking, appetizers, or as a hearty accompaniment to any dinner.
The Best Homemade Deviled Ham Spread
Whether you call it Deviled Ham or ham salad, this homemade spread is utterly fantastic! It’s wonderfully versatile and incredibly delicious on crackers, with crisp pita chips, or as a flavorful sandwich filling. This tasty ham spread recipe is both easy to whip up and delivers a burst of savory flavor that you’ll absolutely adore!
Check out this Deviled Ham Spread recipe!
Southern Style Ham and Beans Recipe
This comforting Southern Style Ham and Beans recipe is an excellent solution for utilizing your leftover ham. Simply toss a few wholesome ingredients into your slow cooker, and you’ll be rewarded with a simple, healthy, and incredibly delicious meal that cooks itself to perfection. It’s truly hassle-free comfort food!
Check out this Ham and Beans recipe!
🍳 Creative Leftover Ham Breakfasts and Brunches
Kickstart your day with a savory and satisfying meal by incorporating your leftover ham into these delightful breakfast and brunch recipes. If you’re seeking an easy yet impressive morning option, diced or shredded ham is the perfect choice. From egg cups and hashes to quiches and pizzas, these recipes prove that leftover ham can be the star of a delicious and hearty breakfast or a leisurely brunch.
Denver Omelette Egg Cups
These Denver Omelette Egg Cups offer a fantastic solution for an easy and healthy breakfast or brunch. Packed with fluffy eggs, savory ham, crisp bell peppers, and earthy mushrooms, they deliver all the classic flavors of a Denver omelette in a convenient, portable cup format. Perfect for meal prep or a quick grab-and-go option!
Check out this Denver Egg Cups recipe!
Sweet Potato Hash Recipe with Ham and Eggs
This vibrant Sweet Potato Hash Recipe is a truly delicious and hearty way to start your day. It’s packed with savory ham, spicy jalapeño, sweet potatoes, and colorful red peppers, all beautifully topped with perfectly cooked eggs. This dish offers a fantastic balance of flavors and textures, making it a satisfying breakfast or brunch option.
Check out this Ham Potato Hash recipe!
Crustless Quiche
This Crustless Quiche is a healthy, easy, and incredibly efficient way to use up leftover ham, allowing you to whip up a delicious breakfast in just minutes. Each bite is bursting with flavor, making it a fast favorite for busy mornings or a relaxed brunch. Enjoy the goodness of quiche without the fuss of a crust!
Check out this Ham Quiche recipe!
Cheesy Ham Breakfast Casserole (Easy Leftover Ham Recipe)
This Cheesy Ham Breakfast Casserole, featuring fluffy eggs and fresh green onions, is the absolute perfect breakfast bake for creatively using up your leftover ham! It’s a hearty and incredibly delicious dish that comes together easily, making for a satisfying start to any day.
Check out this Ham Casserole recipe!
Pumpkin pizza (breakfast pizza)
This unique Pumpkin Pizza redefines what a breakfast pizza can be! The delightful combination of pumpkin, crisp apple, savory ham, and crunchy kale creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that truly work well together. It’s an unexpected yet delicious way to enjoy your morning meal with a touch of seasonal flair and leftover ham.
Check out this Ham Breakfast Pizza recipe!
Denver Omelette Waffle
These Denver Omelette Waffles offer a delightfully fun, healthy, and savory twist on your typical weekend waffles. Made with fluffy eggs, savory leftover ham, crisp bell pepper, and melted cheese, they encapsulate all the classic flavors you’d expect from a Denver omelette, but in an exciting and innovative egg waffle form!
Check out this Denver Waffle recipe!
Healthy Crustless Broccoli and Ham Quiche
This Healthy Crustless Broccoli and Ham Quiche is a fantastic low-carb option, boasting a rich and delicious egg filling that’s generously topped with melty cheese. It’s a wholesome and satisfying dish, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light lunch, making excellent use of any leftover ham while staying healthy.
Check out this Broccoli and Ham Quiche recipe!
Expert Tip: Perfectly Cooked Ham Every Time!
To ensure your ham is cooked to perfection, whether you’re preparing a raw ham or reheating leftovers, an instant read thermometer (affiliate link) is your best friend in the kitchen! This versatile tool is essential for accurately checking the internal temperature of any food, guaranteeing safety and optimal flavor. For raw ham, cook until the internal temperature reaches a safe 160°F (71°C). If you’re reheating a precooked ham, aim for an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) to ensure it’s warmed through without drying out. A reliable instant-read thermometer will help you achieve consistently delicious results, making your ham dishes even more enjoyable.
❔ Leftover Ham FAQs: Your Questions Answered
How long is cooked ham good for in the fridge?
Once cooked, ham should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and is best consumed within 3 to 4 days for optimal freshness and safety. Proper storage helps maintain its flavor and prevents spoilage.
Can you freeze cooked ham?
Absolutely! If you’ve purchased a precooked ham, it can be frozen in its original packaging before its best-before date. For cooked or reheated ham leftovers, allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bags. They can be safely frozen for up to 3 months, preserving their quality for future meals.
Can I use the ham bone for anything?
Yes, absolutely! The ham bone is a culinary treasure, perfect for creating a rich and profoundly flavorful stock. This homemade stock serves as an excellent base for a variety of comforting soups, such as classic split pea soup, hearty white bean soup, or a vibrant vegetable soup. If you’re not planning to make stock immediately, you can easily freeze the ham bone for later use, ensuring none of that delicious flavor goes to waste.
How should I reheat ham without drying it out?
To reheat ham and keep it wonderfully moist, especially larger portions, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil with a small amount (1-2 teaspoons) of liquid, such as broth or water. Then, bake it in the oven at a low temperature, around 275°F (135°C), until it’s thoroughly warmed through. For smaller individual portions, you can reheat them in the microwave, ensuring they are covered to retain moisture. Remember: never put aluminum foil in the microwave.
So, whether you’re pondering what to do with a leftover spiral ham, a classic bone-in ham, a hearty picnic ham, or a convenient boneless ham, this collection of healthy and easy recipes has you covered. Get ready to transform your holiday leftovers into exciting new meals!
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📋 More Delicious Leftover Recipes
If you’ve mastered your leftover ham and are looking for more ways to cleverly repurpose holiday ingredients, explore these fantastic recipes for other delicious leftovers. From cranberry sauce to turkey, you’ll find inspiring ideas to keep your kitchen creative and minimize food waste all year round!
