Wondering what to do with leftover ham? Dice it into quiche, casseroles and fried rice, simmer the bone into soup or beans, or pile it into hot sandwiches. Here are 22 easy leftover ham recipes for brunch, dinner, soup and lunch, plus how long leftover ham keeps and how to freeze it.
Jump to:
- Breakfast and brunch
- Casseroles and bakes
- Soups and ham bone recipes
- Quick dinners
- Sandwiches and snacks
- Salads
- How long leftover ham lasts
Breakfast and Brunch
1. Ham and Cheese Quiche
Quiche is one of the best uses for leftover ham. This easy version is a hit with kids and adults and works for brunch, lunch or a light dinner.
Recipe: Ham and Cheese Quiche
2. Ham and Cheddar Quiche Cups
Mini quiches baked in a muffin tin are perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts, and they’re simple enough for kids to help make.
Recipe: Ham and Cheddar Quiche Cups
3. Ham, Bacon and Caramelized Onion Tart
Sweet caramelized onions and smoky ham make an elegant savory tart. Serve big slices with a green salad as a main, or small ones as a brunch side.
Recipe: Ham, Bacon and Caramelized Onion Tart
4. Ham and Cheese Bread
A hearty quick bread studded with diced ham and cheese, so filling it’s almost a meal on its own. Toast slices for breakfast or serve it with soup.
Recipe: Ham and Cheese Bread
Casseroles and Bakes
5. Ranch Ham and Cheese Pasta Bake
Created to use up holiday leftovers, this cheesy pasta bake with ranch flavor is a family-friendly dinner that comes together fast.
Recipe: Ranch Ham and Cheese Pasta Bake
6. Ham Bonaparte Casserole
A family-favorite casserole based on classic Beef Bonaparte, with diced ham in place of ground beef. Comfort food at its best.
Recipe: Ham Bonaparte Casserole
7. Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
All the flavors of chicken cordon bleu, with chicken, ham and Swiss cheese, in an easy casserole. A smart way to use up both leftover ham and chicken.
Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
8. Ham and Swiss Potato Pizza
Potatoes, ham and melted Swiss cheese turn pizza night into a cozy leftover dinner.
Recipe: Ham and Swiss Potato Pizza
9. Ham and Noodle Tarts
Kid-sized tarts with ham, noodles and cheese. Let the kids help assemble them for an easy family dinner.
Recipe: Ham and Noodle Tarts
Soups and Ham Bone Recipes
10. Ham and Cabbage Soup
A comforting soup to serve with warm rolls. Add whatever vegetables you have, such as broccoli or carrots.
Recipe: Ham and Cabbage Soup
11. Slow Cooker Ham and White Bean Soup
A smoky, hearty soup that cooks itself. The recipe uses a ham hock, and a meaty leftover ham bone works just as well.
Recipe: Slow Cooker Smoky Ham and White Bean Soup
12. Ham Bone and Beans
The classic answer to what to do with a leftover ham bone: simmer it with dried beans until the meat falls off and the beans are creamy.
Recipe: Ham Bone and Beans
Quick Dinners
13. Ham Fried Rice
Leftover ham plus leftover rice makes one of the fastest dinners there is, stir-fried in a single pan.
Recipe: Ham Fried Rice
14. Ham Jambalaya
Give leftover ham a Cajun kick in this one-pot rice dish. Serve with a green salad and iced tea.
Recipe: Ham Jambalaya
15. Ham Quesadillas
Crispy, cheesy quesadillas are ready in minutes. Serve with sour cream and chopped tomatoes.
Recipe: Ham Quesadillas
Sandwiches and Snacks
16. Hot Ham and Pepper Cheese Hoagies
Warm hoagies with ham and melted pepper cheese are a classic way to use holiday leftovers.
Recipe: Hot Ham and Pepper Cheese Hoagies
17. Cuban-Style Ham Sandwich
A pressed sandwich inspired by the Cuban classic gives leftover ham some Latin flavor at lunch.
Recipe: Cuban Style Ham Sandwich
18. Warm Ham Crescents
Ham wrapped in store-bought crescent dough and baked until golden. Pair with tomato soup for an easy supper.
Recipe: Warm Holiday Ham Crescents
19. Ham Pinwheels
Roll ham and your favorite fillings in tortillas, slice and serve as a lunchbox treat or party appetizer. Spinach tortillas add color.
Recipe: Ham Pinwheels
20. Luau Ham Sandwich
Ham and pineapple are a classic pair. This sandwich gives your lunch a tropical twist.
Recipe: Luau Ham Sandwich
Salads
21. Apple, Ham and Goat Cheese Salad
Smoky ham, sweet apples, goat cheese and walnuts make a fresh, lighter meal after the holidays.
Recipe: Autumn Apple, Ham and Goat Cheese Salad
22. Ham Caesar Pasta Salad
Caesar salad meets pasta salad, with diced ham for protein. Great for packed lunches.
Recipe: Ham Caesar Pasta Salad
How Long Does Leftover Ham Last?
According to the FoodSafety.gov cold storage chart, cooked ham slices, half hams and spiral-cut hams keep 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator, and a whole cooked ham about 1 week. Soups made with ham keep 3 to 4 days.
Can You Freeze Leftover Ham?
Yes. Slice or dice the ham, wrap it tightly or seal it in freezer bags, and label it with the date. Use frozen cooked ham within 1 to 2 months for the best quality, and thaw it in the refrigerator. Freeze the ham bone too, so it’s ready for beans or soup.























