The first rule of any holiday meal is: There Will Be Leftovers!
Whether it’s Christmas or Easter or the many holiday brunches in-between, a big, gorgeous roast ham sits centerstage. But what are we going to do with all the leftovers?
Here are our 5 BEST Leftover Ham Recipes that will have it gone in no time!
We’ve got recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with everything from a cozy soup to an indulgent breakfast casserole.
Pick one to try out this week and let me know how you liked it in the comments below.
what to do with leftover ham?
First things first, what’s the best way to keep leftover baked ham and other cooked meats from going bad?
My simple rule is, if you don’t plan on using it within 3-4 days—Freeze It!
I like to slice the ham off the bone (if there is one), and divide it into 1-pound portions.
Weigh each portion out using a kitchen scale, then place in a resealable freezer bag, label it (ie. “Ham, 1 pound”) and freeze it for later.
I freeze the bone too. It makes incredible stock or soup. The ham and the bone will keep in the freezer for up to 6 months.
healthy leftover ham recipes
Now let’s get to the good stuff: how to use leftover ham!
make split pea soup for dinner!
When the weather gets chilly I make sure my pantry is stocked with the ingredients to make this hearty, comforting Split Pea and Ham soup.
Another idea: Swap out the chorizo for ham in this Pinto Bean and Potato Minestrone.
leftover ham casserole
I love this Torta de Jamón Breakfast Casserole because it’s like two celebrations in one!
Use your leftover ham from one holiday dinner to make a delicious breakfast casserole for your next big family brunch.
PS: Use ham instead of sausage to make these Freezer-Friendly Breakfast Burritos.
whip up a big bowl of pasta salad
Also known as a lunchtime lifesaver! If you have a batch of this Ham and Broccoli Pasta Salad with Creamy Yogurt-Rosemary Dressing you’ll be set all week.
A different cozy classic: Add chopped ham to this Green Chile Mac and Cheese recipe.
stack up the ultimate breakfast bruschetta
You know you want to, especially when it’s this Roasted Tomato and Mushroom Bruschetta with ham, and fried eggs on top. This is what weekend dreams are made of!
Also ridiculously good: Brush ham slices with tequila and brown sugar like I did in this bacon recipe.
we can never have enough dinner recipes
Especially when they are as beautiful and delish as these Pasta and Ham Stuffed Vegetables. Use whatever vegetables are in season to make this healthy dinner recipe. Tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, and winter squash all work!
One more healthy dinner idea: Substitute leftover ham for the chicken in this Mexican Chopped Salad recipe.
did we use all your ham yet?
There’s enough leftover ham recipes here to use up every last bit! If you try any of them I want to see it! Tag @holajalapeno and #holajalapeno on Instagram so I can see what you made.
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