10 Creative Recipes for Leftover Ham

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Leftover ham is more than just sandwich filler—it’s the start of a dozen smart, satisfying meals. These leftover ham recipes make the most of every slice, from cozy soups like Instant Pot Split Pea Soup and Creamy Ham and Potato Soup, to brunch-worthy favorites like Ham and Cheese Quiche and Spinach & Sun Dried Tomato Frittatas. If you’re after something hearty, try Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole, Breakfast Pot Pie, or a crowd-pleasing Ham Salad Recipe. Even unexpected dishes like Chicken Fried Rice and The Best Macaroni Salad benefit from the savory depth ham brings. And don’t miss the sweet-savory classic: Iowa Ham Balls. These recipes prove there’s no reason leftover ham should ever go to waste!

Ham Salad Recipe

A bowl of creamy ham salad mixed with chopped celery and mayonnaise, garnished with black pepper, sits on a wooden surface with round crackers nearby.
Photo credit: Spend with Pennies

Got leftover ham? Turn it into a tasty Ham Salad! This recipe uses a food processor to quickly combine ham with celery, relish, and a tangy mustard-mayo dressing for a perfect sandwich filling or cracker topping.
Get the Recipe: Ham Salad Recipe

Instant Pot Split Pea Soup

A white bowl filled with chunky split pea soup, featuring pieces of ham, carrots, and potatoes, garnished with chopped herbs. A piece of bread is visible in the background.
Photo credit: Spend with Pennies

This Instant Pot Split Pea Soup is a hearty and flavorful twist on a classic favorite! Loaded with split peas, veggies, bacon, and leftover ham, this recipe is perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal. Pressure cooking makes it quick and easy to get a delicious soup on the table in no time!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Split Pea Soup

Ham and Cheese Quiche

A baked quiche with a golden, flaky crust sits on a white plate. One slice is being served. The quiche is topped with chopped herbs, and a small bowl of extra herbs and two drinks are nearby on a rustic table.
Photo credit: Carlsbad Cravings

This ham and cheese quiche by Carlsbad Cravings is the perfect dish to use leftover holiday ham! It’s a creamy, cheesy, savory, custardy quiche in a buttery pie crust that will have everyone begging for seconds. Serve for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner!
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Quiche

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

A close-up of a creamy baked casserole topped with melted cheese, small pieces of ham, and fresh herbs, served in a white baking dish with a golden spoon scooping out a portion.
Photo credit: Carlsbad Cravings

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! It’s packed with chicken, ham, swiss and monterey jack cheese, and hash browns in a creamy sauce, then topped with buttery panko breadcrumbs. This casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Iowa Ham Balls

An image of a large baking dish full of Iowa ham balls in a sweet and sour sauce.
Photo credit: House of Nash Eats

These aren’t your typical meatballs! Iowa Ham Balls are a treasured regional dish, blending leftover ham and ground pork in a delectable, sweet sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or main course, this recipe brings a unique taste of Iowa to your table.
Get the Recipe: Iowa Ham Balls

The Best Macaroni Salad

Four white bowls filled with creamy macaroni salad with vegetables and bacon, placed on a light blue plate. A red and white checkered cloth is visible in the background.
Photo credit: Culinary Hill

This easy macaroni salad uses both ham and bacon, tossed in a creamy Midwest-style dressing. It’s a big-batch favorite for potlucks and parties!
Get the Recipe: The Best Macaroni Salad

Chicken Fried Rice

A rectangular white plate with chicken fried rice, containing diced chicken, scrambled eggs, peas, carrots, corn, and rice. Brown wooden chopsticks rest on the upper right edge of the plate.
Photo credit: Cooking Classy

This Chicken Fried Rice recipe is a healthy and delicious twist on a classic! It uses brown rice and lean chicken breast, making it a guilt-free way to enjoy your favorite takeout dish. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

Creamy Ham and Potato Soup

This Creamy Ham and Potato Soup recipe is easy to make, ready to go in about 30 minutes, and SO flavorful and creamy and delicious!
Photo credit: Gimme Some Oven

This Creamy Ham and Potato Soup is the perfect cozy comfort food for a chilly day. This recipe is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor from ham, potatoes, and a blend of herbs. It’s sure to become a family favorite!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ham and Potato Soup

Spinach & Sun Dried Tomato Frittatas

Mini Spinach & Sun Dried Tomato Frittatas / @loveandlemons
Photo credit: Love and Lemons

These mini spinach and sun-dried tomato frittatas are perfect for a light breakfast, brunch, or even a simple dinner. They’re dairy-free, gluten-free, and packed with flavor from fresh herbs and a hint of red pepper flakes. Plus, they’re a great way to use up leftover spinach and sun-dried tomatoes!
Get the Recipe: Spinach & Sun Dried Tomato Frittatas

Breakfast Pot Pie

A close-up of a skillet filled with creamy pot pie topped with a golden, flaky crust. A wooden spoon scoops out the filling, revealing vegetables like corn and peppers. Fresh herbs are sprinkled on top.
Photo credit: Carlsbad Cravings

Dive into a comforting breakfast with this hearty pot pie recipe! Featuring a savory mix of hash browns, ham, and veggies smothered in gravy, this dish is topped with a sensational Gouda Biscuit Crust. It’s easy to make, perfect for leftovers, and sure to become a new family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Pot Pie

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About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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