8 Creative Leftover Ham Recipes: What to Make After Christmas

Ham-ming It Up: 8 Creative Leftover Ham Recipes That Beat Another Sad Sandwich

Let’s be real. The Christmas ham was a glorious, glazed centerpiece. But now, on December 26th, you’re staring down a mountain of leftover ham taking up valuable real estate in your fridge. The thought of another basic ham sandwich is… well, it’s just not going to cut it.

But what if that ham wasn’t a burden, but a secret weapon? A pre-cooked, flavor-packed ingredient ready to transform into a week’s worth of delicious, easy meals. We’re talking about moving beyond the sandwich and into a world of soups, casseroles, and breakfasts that are arguably better than the original feast. Ready to give your leftover ham a brilliant second act? Let’s get to it.

1. The Ultimate Ham & Potato Soup

This is the cozy hug of a meal you need after the holiday chaos. It’s creamy, chunky, and so much more satisfying than a sandwich. It turns simple ingredients into a comforting masterpiece.

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp butter or olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 3 cups milk or half-and-half
• 4 cups diced potatoes (Yukon Gold are perfect)
• 3 cups diced leftover ham
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Veggies: In a large pot, melt the butter. Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened. Add the garlic and cook for one more minute.
2. Create the Base: Sprinkle the flour over the veggies and cook for another minute, stirring constantly. This gets rid of the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the broth and milk until smooth.
3. Simmer and Cook: Add the diced potatoes, ham, and thyme. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
4. Season and Serve: Season generously with salt and pepper. Let it rest for 10 minutes to thicken before serving with crusty bread.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s a one-pot wonder that turns humble leftovers into the main event. The ham makes the broth incredibly savory, and it tastes even better the next day.

2. Cheesy Ham & Broccoli Pasta Bake

This is the king of comfort food and the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It’s basically a fancy, grown-up mac and cheese with the bonus of using up your leftovers. Who can say no to that?

Ingredients

• 1 lb short pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp flour
• 3 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups diced leftover ham
• 2 cups broccoli florets, lightly steamed
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same pot, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Cook until slightly thickened. Off the heat, stir in the cheddar cheese until melted.
3. Combine Everything: To the cheese sauce, add the cooked pasta, diced ham, and broccoli. Stir until everything is coated.
4. Top and Bake: Pour into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Mix the Parmesan and panko together and sprinkle over the top. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s a complete, satisfying meal in one dish. It freezes beautifully, making it a lifesaver for a future easy dinner. IMO, it’s the best way to get anyone to eat their broccoli.

3. Hawaiian Ham Sliders

These sliders are legendary for a reason. They are warm, cheesy, sweet, savory, and utterly addictive. They’re the perfect solution for a casual lunch or a game-day snack.

Ingredients

• 1 package (12 count) Hawaiian sweet rolls
• ½ cup (1 stick) butter, melted
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp poppy seeds
• ½ lb sliced leftover ham
• 6 slices Swiss or provolone cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Rolls: Without separating the individual rolls, slice the entire sheet of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, creating a top and bottom “slab.”
2. Assemble: Place the bottom half in a baking dish. Layer with ham and cheese. Place the top half of the rolls back on.
3. Make the Glaze: Whisk the melted butter, Dijon, Worcestershire, and poppy seeds together. Pour this mixture evenly over the top of the rolls, letting it seep down the sides.
4. Bake: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake for 5-10 more minutes until the tops are golden and the cheese is bubbly.

Why You’ll Love It

They are ridiculously easy and always a hit. The sweet and savory combo is a total crowd-pleaser, and they are the ultimate no-fuss feeding-a-group food.

4. Ham & Cheddar Crustless Quiche

This is your elegant, easy breakfast, brunch, or even dinner solution. Without the fuss of a crust, it’s all about the fluffy eggs, creamy cheese, and savory ham. It’s gluten-free and protein-packed.

Ingredients

• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup milk or half-and-half
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 ½ cups diced leftover ham
• ½ cup chopped green onions
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Whisk the Base: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together until well combined. Whisk in the Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the Goodies: Stir in the shredded cheese, diced ham, and green onions.
3. Bake: Pour the mixture into a greased 9-inch pie dish. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes, until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
4. Rest and Serve: Let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s the perfect clean-out-the-fridge meal. You can add in leftover sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peppers. It’s simple, sophisticated, and delicious hot or cold.

5. Split Pea & Ham Soup

A classic for a reason. This soup transforms your ham bone (or even just the scraps) into a thick, hearty, and deeply flavorful meal. It’s the definition of comfort in a bowl.

Ingredients

• 1 leftover ham bone with some meat still on it (or 2 cups diced ham)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 lb dried green split peas, rinsed
• 8 cups water or broth
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large stockpot, heat oil and sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
2. Simmer the Bone: Add the ham bone, split peas, water, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer.
3. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the peas have broken down and the soup is thick.
4. Shred and Serve: Remove the ham bone and bay leaves. Shred any meat from the bone and return it to the pot. Season with salt and pepper.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s the most efficient way to use every last bit of your ham. The long, slow cooking develops an incredible, smoky depth of flavor that you just can’t rush.

6. Ham Fried Rice

Turn your leftover ham into a 20-minute weeknight superhero. This fried rice is faster than takeout, more delicious, and a brilliant way to use up leftover rice and veggies.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked and cooled white rice (day-old is best!)
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup diced leftover ham
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Scramble the Eggs: Heat 1 tbsp of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the eggs and scramble until cooked. Remove and set aside.
2. Stir-fry: Add the remaining oil to the skillet. Add the ham, peas, and carrots. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 30 more seconds.
3. Combine Everything: Add the cold rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps. Pour the soy sauce over the rice and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until heated through.
4. Finish: Stir the cooked eggs and green onions back into the rice. Serve immediately.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s incredibly fast, versatile, and a complete meal in one pan. The salty ham is the perfect protein for fried rice. FYI, it’s also a great way to use up any leftover rice 🙂

7. Ham & Bean Cassoulet

This rustic, French-inspired dish sounds fancy but is incredibly simple to make. It’s a hearty, warming stew that’s perfect for a cold winter night.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 3 cups diced leftover ham
• 2 (15 oz) cans cannellini or Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté: In a large Dutch oven, heat oil and sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
2. Simmer: Add the ham, beans, diced tomatoes (with their juice), broth, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil.
3. Bake: Cover and transfer to a 350°F (175°C) oven. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the flavors have melded and the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Serve: Remove the bay leaves. Season to taste and serve with a thick slice of crusty bread.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s a set-it-and-forget-it kind of meal that fills your kitchen with an amazing aroma. It’s humble, hearty, and deeply satisfying.

8. Breakfast Ham & Egg Muffin Cups

Say goodbye to boring breakfasts. These portable muffin cups are a protein-packed way to start your day and a fantastic way to use up smaller bits of ham.

Ingredients

• 8 large eggs
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 cup diced leftover ham
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack)
• ¼ cup chopped spinach or bell peppers (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Whisk Eggs: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Divide Fillings: Grease a 12-cup muffin tin. Evenly distribute the diced ham, cheese, and any other veggies among the cups.
3. Pour and Bake: Carefully pour the egg mixture over the fillings in each cup, filling about ¾ full.
4. Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, until the eggs are fully set. Let cool for 5 minutes before removing from the tin.

Why You’ll Love It

They are the ultimate make-ahead breakfast. You can store them in the fridge for a quick grab-and-go meal all week, or freeze them for later.

🎁 Recommended Holiday Kitchen Essentials

🍳 Here Are a Few of My Favorite Holiday Kitchen Essentials — Tools That Make Christmas Cooking Easier, Faster, and Way More Fun (From Baking Cookies to Preparing Cozy Casseroles and Festive Drinks!)

1. Crock-Pot 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker
   Perfect for big families or meal prepping — set it, forget it, and come home to tender, juicy meals every time.
   👉 Check it out on Amazon
2. Christmas Cookie Cutter Set
   Bake adorable festive cookies that everyone will love.
   👉 Get yours now on Amazon
3. Stand Mixer (5–6 Quart)
   Makes mixing doughs and batters effortless during holiday baking.
   👉 Grab it here on Amazon
4. Glass Punch Bowl Set
   Serve Christmas drinks and punches beautifully.
   👉 Shop now on Amazon
5. Ceramic Baking Dish Set
   Ideal for creamy casseroles and sweet desserts — oven to table in style.
   👉 View it on Amazon

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I personally love and use for my own recipes.

So, the next time you open the fridge and see that mountain of leftover ham, don’t sigh—smile. You’re not looking at leftovers; you’re looking at a week of delicious, stress-free meals. From cozy soups to cheesy bakes, your post-Christmas ham is ready for its encore. Now go forth and conquer that fridge. Your future, well-fed self will thank you.