Leftover ham often ends up as the star of a simple sandwich or soup, but why stop there? With a little creativity, that leftover ham can transform into extraordinary meals.
Let’s dive right into these 15 unique leftover ham recipes for dinner that are guaranteed to impress your family and add new life to your leftovers.
Plus, I’ll recommend a few handy tools and ingredients to make your cooking even easier.
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1. Ham and Brie Puff Pastry Pockets
Serve leftover ham and creamy brie cheese with cranberry mustard sauce on the side after wrapping them in puff pastry sheets and baking them till brown.
This dish makes a perfect dinner idea because it’s quick to prepare, yet feels elegant and indulgent.
The flaky pastry paired with the rich flavors of brie and ham is irresistible.
For convenience, try ready-to-use puff pastry sheets like Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry Sheets and a silicone baking mat to ensure a perfect bake every time.
2. Savory Ham Pancake Stacks
Turn breakfast into dinner with savory pancakes layered with ham slices.
For a twist of sweetness and salt, drizzle with maple syrup and garnish with fresh chives.
A non-stick griddle like the Presto Electric Griddle ensures evenly cooked pancakes. Don’t forget to grab organic maple syrup for a rich, natural flavor.
3. Ham and Sweet Potato Gnocchi Bake
Combine sweet potato gnocchi, diced ham, spinach, and a creamy sage sauce in a casserole dish.
Generously dust with freshly grated Parmesan and bake until it transforms into a rich, bubbling mantle.
Use a high-quality cheese grater like the Microplane Zester to get fine, even shavings of Parmesan.
4. Ham and Kimchi Fried Rice
Craving a dish with serious zing? Stir-fry ham with spicy kimchi, day-old rice, and finish with a glistening fried egg.
This is an easy one-pan meal perfect for busy nights. A carbon steel wok makes stir-frying a breeze, ensuring even heat distribution.
5. Ham and Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Layer ham, sharp cheddar, thin apple slices, and Dijon mustard between two slices of sourdough bread.
Grill until crispy for a delightful crunch and savory-sweet flavor.
A sandwich press like the Cuisinart Griddler helps achieve that perfect golden crust.
6. Ham and Chickpea Curry
Simmer ham chunks with chickpeas, coconut milk, curry paste, and spinach for a hearty, protein-packed curry.
Serve with warm naan bread or jasmine rice.
Get perfectly fluffy rice with the Zojirushi Rice Cooker and use a quality curry paste to save time without compromising flavor.
7. Ham-Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuff bell peppers with a mix of diced ham, quinoa, black beans, salsa, and cheese.
Bake until the peppers soften to a sweet tenderness and the cheese melts into a shimmering pool of warmth.
A set of nesting bowls makes preparing the filling a breeze, keeping your kitchen counter clutter-free.
8. Ham and Broccoli Alfredo Pizza
Swirl a velvety Alfredo sauce across the pizza dough, creating a luscious base for savory ham, vibrant broccoli, and a generous scattering of mozzarella.
Bake until the crust crackles with crispness and the cheese melts into a fragrant, bubbling blanket.
For pizza with an impeccably crisp crust, use a pizza stone.
9. Ham and Pineapple Tacos
Combine ham, grilled pineapple, pickled onions, and a drizzle of spicy mayo in soft tortillas for a tropical-inspired taco.
A cast iron skillet glides effortlessly from stovetop to oven, making it ideal for one-pan cooking.
10. Ham and Lentil Shepherd’s Pie
Replace traditional ground meat with diced ham in a lentil-based shepherd’s pie, topped with creamy mashed sweet potatoes. Bake until golden.
A potato masher will give you smooth, fluffy mashed potatoes effortlessly.
11. Ham and Roasted Garlic Polenta Bowls
Serve creamy polenta topped with ham, roasted garlic, sautéed mushrooms, and a drizzle of truffle oil.
Use instant polenta to save time and a garlic roaster for perfectly caramelized garlic.
12. Ham and Zucchini Fritters
Shred zucchini and mix it with diced ham, eggs, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. Pan-fry for crispy fritters, served with a dollop of sour cream.
Use a box grater for evenly shredded zucchini.
13. Ham and Spinach Shakshuka
Add diced ham and spinach to a tomato-based shakshuka, crack eggs into the sauce, and bake until the eggs are just set.
With a cast iron skillet, you can easily transfer dishes from the stovetop directly to the oven.
14. Ham and Blue Cheese Flatbread
For a gourmet touch, top flatbread with ham, crumbled blue cheese, caramelized onions, and honey.
Pre-made flatbread like Stonefire Naan can be a lifesaver on busy nights.
Why These Leftover Ham Dinner Recipes Stand Out
Unlike the usual leftover ham recipes, these ideas take your leftovers to the next level.
From bold international flavors to elevated comfort food classics, these dishes prove that leftovers don’t have to be boring.
With the right tools and ingredients, you can create meals that feel fresh and exciting.
Bonus Tips for Making the Most of Leftover Ham
- Freeze for Later: If you can’t use all your ham at once, slice it into portions and freeze it in airtight bags. A vacuum sealer helps preserve freshness.
- Stock Your Pantry: Keep versatile ingredients like puff pastry, gnocchi, and curry paste on hand for quick and creative meals.
- Invest in Tools: The right kitchen tools save time and make cooking more enjoyable. Consider upgrading with items like a non-stick griddle, wok, or pizza stone.
With these recipes and tips, you’ll never look at leftover ham the same way again. Try one tonight, and let your kitchen become the heart of creativity and flavor!
Final Thoughts
These 15 recipes don’t just save money and reduce waste – they elevate everyday ingredients into restaurant-worthy meals that your family will request again and again.
From elegant ham and brie puff pastries to globally-inspired dishes like kimchi fried rice, each recipe empowers you to be the creative chef you’ve always wanted to be.
Don’t let those ham leftovers languish in your fridge.
Take action tonight – pick a recipe that speaks to your taste buds, and rediscover the joy of turning “leftover night” into “I can’t believe I made this” night.
