7 of the Best Leftover Ham Recipes to Bookmark for Later

Ryan Nadolny | Ryan Eats Everything

Have a bunch of leftover ham in the fridge? Bookmark these delicious leftover ham recipes to make the most of it.

Spring has sprung! The weather is gradually getting nicer and before you know it, we’ll be basking in the hot sun and enjoying every second.

That said, it feels like every year we get teased with warm weather and the next day it’s freezing again.

Here in Ohio, you may start your morning sipping your coffee on the patio and then by evening you're shoveling your driveway.

It’s a madness we justify by saying things like, "We get to fully experience all four seasons!" But what we really mean is, "I’m moving to the beach!"

Croque Madame Breakfast Cups Recipe Photo

With Easter fast approaching, there is much to be thankful for, including the promise of warmer weather and an end to seasonal depression.

If you’re hosting, you likely have your menu all planned out. Of course a big Easter brunch or dinner often mean lots of leftovers.

Since ham or ham steak is an Easter mainstay for many people, consider these recipes for using up your leftover ham!

Croque Madame Breakfast Cups Recipe Photo by Pizzazzerie

Croque Madame Breakfast Cups Recipe by Pizzazzerie

This croque madame breakfast cups recipe is a fun take on a classic French breakfast sandwich.

Technically, this recipe calls for sliced deli ham, but you can either shave your leftover ham nice and thin, or dice it into small bite-sized cubes.

If you’re not into the egg, try omitting it and trying our croque monsieur recipe instead!

I like to drizzle them with a little hot (spicy) honey. The creaminess of the cheese and the bechamel sauce, mixed with egg and ham, leaves my belly full and my heart happy.

Get the recipe from Pizzazzerie!

Split Pea Soup Recipe Photo by Heartbeet Kitchen

Cozy Split Pea Soup Recipe from Heertbeat Kitchen

I never liked split pea soup. At least I didn’t think I did. It was probably the name that threw me off as a child.

It has one of those names like sauerkraut or Brussels sprouts, that just doesn’t sound appealing. I could not have been more wrong.

This is one of my favorite hearty cold-weather soups. Each bite feels like it absorbs a small amount of your troubles, leaving you with a warm food hug.

There is quite a bit of prep work but it’s totally worth it. Using leftover ham does cut down the cook time quite a bit.

Split pea soup also freezes extremely well - just heat leftovers slowly with a little water to help loosen it back up.

Get the recipe from Heertbeat Kitchen!

Amish Pea Salad with Ham Recipe Photo

Amish Pea Salad with Ham Recipe by My Baking Addiction

I’m not sure when I started liking peas, because I sure didn’t as a young whippersnapper.

I would hide them under my mashed potatoes and strategically eat the top half of the potatoes. As long as no green could be seen, no one was the wiser!

Thankfully, that isn’t the case anymore, because I would be missing out on this great recipe. And I don’t like being left out!

Creamy pea salad is the perfect spring or summer salad. It’s refreshing, yet hearty enough to be eaten as a meal and not just a side.

Get the recipe from My Baking Addiction!

Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe Photo

Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe from Chelsea's Messy Apron

The moment I first tried these little sammies, I knew right away I had just discovered a dish we would be making for years to come.

Thinly sliced leftover ham or deli ham, Swiss cheese, and everyone’s favorite Hawaiian rolls. Plus a few ingredients for the sauce, but that’s it.

Start to finish, you’ll have this easy dinner recipe on the table in 25 minutes. My best suggestion is to make lots of extras.

These little sliders are great the next day, cold, right out of the fridge. Keep a tally of how many you’ve eaten and if that number is under 10, I’ll be shocked.

You aren’t tied to just ham and cheese. Turkey, chicken, meatballs, plain cheese, or my personal favorite - roast beef!

Or give these Hawaiian ham and cheese sliders with pineapple a try with all that leftover ham.

Feeding a vegetarian? Try them with thin cut pears and gouda cheese.

Get the recipe from Chelsea's Messy Apron!

Leftover Easter Ham Breakfast Egg Nests Recipe Photo by Freutcake

Leftover Ham Breakfast Egg Nests Recipe from Freutcake

This is an easy no-fail recipe that comes together quickly and is sure to be a big hit with everyone around your table, young or old.

All you need are some hashbrowns (thaw them first if they're frozen), leftover ham cut into small cubes, eggs, and shredded cheese.

I also love adding a bunch of tasty toppings like thinly sliced green onion, sour cream, salsa, and hot sauce.

To keep things super simple, using a muffin pan to build these delicious egg nests means everything gets cooked evenly and all at once.

It doesn’t get any easier than that!

Get the recipe from Freutcake!

Easy Ham and Bean Soup Recipe Photo

Easy Ham and Bean Soup Recipe from Nutmeg Nanny

If you’re not into peas or split pea soup, how about swapping them out for beans?! This easy ham and bean soup recipe is another favorite.

Very hearty, this soup freezes well, and leftovers won’t last long. If you really want to impart more flavor, try smoking your ham first.

The taste and aroma elevate this recipe to the upper echelon of soups.

Much like split pea soup, when refrigerated the contents become almost gelatinous. Adding a little water helps to thin it.

The beans will soak up a lot of liquid, so adding water or stock will bring it back to its original consistency. Just use a small bit at a time until you are satisfied.

Get the recipe from Nutmeg Nanny!

Freezer Breakfast Burritos Recipe Photo

Freezer-Friendly Breakfast Burritos by Budget Bytes

Have you or someone you know been the victim of a meal planner?! They’re a different breed human.

Can they come to your party? No! They’re meal planning. How dare you ask!

Jokes aside, I wish I could do better at meal planning. I’ve tried and failed so many times. I’m more of a fly by they seat of my pants type.

If you’re not familiar with our friends over at Budget Bytes, check them out and give these freezer-friendly breakfast burritos a go!

Budget Bytes boasts a wide variety of recipes and they break down the cost of each ingredient and how much the total recipe will cost as a whole and individually.

And who doesn’t like saving money?! Take these breakfast burritos. Make them with leftover ham and stash them in the freezer for an easy breakfast on the go.

Get the recipe from Budget Bytes!

Planning a dinner party and need some inspiration?

How about looking for a new slow cooker dinner idea?

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We’re chatting cooking techniques, dessert ideas, and everything in between. If you’re already a member, invite your friends to join us too!

Ryan is a food and writer from Toledo, Ohio where he's had a love affair with food since 1984. When he's not cooking or writing, he's planning the next he wants to eat.

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