25 Recipes That Turn Leftover Ham Into a Whole New Meal

Christmas dinner is great, but what do you do with all that leftover ham once the holiday glow fades? Sandwiches are fine, but they’re not exactly exciting after the third day. Instead of letting it take up fridge space until it mysteriously vanishes, turn it into something you’ll actually look forward to eating with these hearty breakfasts to cozy dinners. These leftover ham recipes will give your Christmas ham a second chance to shine.

A round dish filled with creamy chicken pot pie, topped with seven golden biscuits, and garnished with herbs. Peas and carrots are visible. A bowl of mixed peas and carrots, garlic, and spices are nearby. — Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Mini Ham and Cheese Breakfast Pies

A tray of pastries with cheese and spinach on it. — Mini Ham and Cheese Spinach Pies. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These portable breakfast pies combine ham, cheese, and spinach in a flaky crust. Easy to grab and go, they’re perfect for busy mornings or a casual dinner. Leftover ham transforms into a delicious meal that works any time of day.
Get the Recipe: Mini Ham and Cheese Breakfast Pies

Roasted Sweet Potato Apple Ham Sandwich

A grilled ham sandwich with greens and apples on a cutting board. — Sweet Potato Apple Ham Sandwich. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This hot-pressed sandwich layers roasted sweet potato, ham, apple, and melted cheddar cheese with a honey mustard spread. It’s a unique way to use up leftover ham while creating a flavor-packed meal. Every bite balances sweet, savory, and creamy goodness.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Ham Apple Sweet Potato Sandwich

Chopped Ham Salad

Ham salad in a white bowl with a spoon. — Chopped Ham Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A fresh take on ham salad, this recipe includes diced ham, crisp vegetables, and a tangy Dijon dressing. Perfect for sandwiches, crackers, or a light lunch, it’s an easy and tasty way to repurpose leftover ham into something vibrant and new.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Ham Salad

BBQ Hawaiian Pizza

A pizza is sitting on top of a piece of paper. — BBQ Hawaiian Pizza. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Pineapple, ham, and tangy BBQ sauce come together on a crispy pizza crust for a sweet-and-savory meal. Add mozzarella cheese for gooey perfection. This recipe is a great way to turn leftover ham into a quick and flavorful dinner everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Hawaiian Pizza

Easy Ham Breakfast Quesadilla

Breakfast quesadilla with ham, eggs, cheese and strawberries on a plate. — Breakfast Quesadilla. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Scrambled eggs, melted cheese, and leftover ham fill this crispy breakfast quesadilla. It’s a quick and easy way to repurpose ham into a hearty, protein-packed meal that’s perfect for busy mornings or meal prepping ahead of time.
Get the Recipe: Easy Ham Breakfast Quesadilla

Crustless Ham and Cheese Quiche

A freshly baked broccoli and cheese quiche in a pie dish. Surrounding the quiche are ingredients including whole eggs, a bowl of pepper, and fresh broccoli florets. Plates, forks, and a red-striped napkin are nearby on a wooden table. — Photo credit: The Cookin Chicks.

This quiche is a great way to turn leftover ham into a meal that works for any time of day. Skipping the crust keeps it simple while still delivering a rich, cheesy flavor. It’s quick to prep and pairs well with a side salad or fruit for a balanced and easy breakfast or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Crustless Ham and Cheese Quiche

Ham and Cheese Roll-Up Biscuits

A cinnamon roll topped with melted cheese sits on a gray plate. A fork is placed to the right on a wooden table. — Photo credit: Saving Talents.

Biscuits filled with ham and cheese and baked until golden, then topped with creamy cheese sauce. These roll-ups are perfect for a quick dinner or a snack that’s easy to pull together. A smart way to give leftover ham a whole new purpose without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Rollup Biscuits

Smoky Ham and Cheese Sliders

Close-up of several golden-brown, baked slider buns filled with layers of ham and cheese, topped with herbs and a glaze, arranged on a bed of green lettuce leaves. — Photo credit: Learning To Smoke.

These sliders use King’s Hawaiian rolls, ham, cheese, and a flavorful mix of toppings for a quick and crowd-pleasing dish. They can be baked on the grill or in the oven, making them a versatile option. Both kids and adults love them, and they’re always gone in a flash.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Ham and Cheese Sliders

Ham and Cannellini Bean Soup

Two bowls of hearty bean and ham soup with carrots and celery, garnished with fresh herbs, sit on a wooden board. A ladle is in the larger pot of soup nearby, with a sprig of parsley and a striped napkin beside it. — Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This comforting soup pairs leftover ham with creamy cannellini beans in a savory broth. It’s simple to make and perfect for a chilly evening. Add some crusty bread on the side, and you’ve got a hearty meal that makes great use of what’s already in your fridge.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cannellini Bean Soup

Ham Pot Pie with Biscuits

Flaky biscuits and a creamy ham filling come together in this comforting pot pie. It’s a practical way to use up ham leftovers while creating a filling meal that everyone will enjoy. With pantry staples and simple prep, it’s a dish that delivers big results without much hassle.
Get the Recipe: Ham Pot Pie with Biscuits

Ham Fried Rice

A black plate filled with colorful fried rice, including peas, corn, carrots, and small pieces of meat. The dish is placed on a dark cloth with a portion of the rice dish visible beside it. — Photo credit: Air Fryer Yum.

Leftover ham gets a second life in this fried rice recipe. Toss it with cold rice, veggies, and seasonings for a quick, flavorful meal that’s ready in no time. This dish is perfect for using up odds and ends in the fridge and makes a great lunch or dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Ham Fried Rice

Sautéed Onion, Ham and Cheese Empanadas

A plate with golden-brown empanadas neatly arranged, sitting on a blue and white checkered cloth. One empanada is partially eaten and placed on a nearby plate to the right, showing a meaty filling. — Photo credit: Little Black Skillet.

These empanadas combine sautéed onions, ham, and melted cheese in a flaky crust. Using store-bought pie dough keeps things simple, and baking them instead of frying makes cleanup easier. They’re perfect as a snack, appetizer, or light meal with plenty of flavor in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Ham, Cheese and Onion Empanadas

Senate Bean Soup

A bowl of hearty bean soup with pieces of ham and vegetables, served on a white plate. A slice of cornbread is visible on the side, with a gold spoon nearby. — Photo credit: Life, Love, and Good Food.

A classic recipe that’s perfect for leftover ham, Senate Bean Soup combines hearty navy beans, potatoes, and a rich broth. It’s comforting and filling, making it a great choice for busy weeknights or meal prep. Serve it with a side of crackers or bread for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Senate Bean Soup

Funeral Sandwiches

A tray of baked sliders with melted cheese and ham, topped with poppy seeds. The sliders are on a wooden board lined with parchment paper. A blue and white checkered cloth and a bunch of grapes are nearby. — Photo credit: The Fresh Cooky.

Ham and Swiss cheese sliders made with soft Hawaiian rolls and a buttery Dijon glaze. These are a great go-to for parties or easy dinners. Quick to assemble and packed with flavor, they’re a crowd favorite and a smart way to put leftover ham to good use.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Sandwiches

Spinach Ham Quiche Lorraine

A close-up of a quiche with a golden-brown crust. The surface is topped with melted cheese, chopped spinach, and diced ham, set in a clear glass pie dish. — Photo credit: My Rad Kitchen.

This savory quiche brings together smoky ham, spinach, and creamy Gruyere cheese in a flaky crust. It’s a great way to use leftover ham while creating a dish that feels special enough for brunch but easy enough for a weeknight dinner. Serve it warm or at room temperature.
Get the Recipe: Quiche Lorraine

Ham Tagliolini Au Gratin

A baked spaghetti casserole in a rectangular dish, topped with melted cheese and chunks of ham. The dish is on a woven mat with a colorful plaid cloth nearby. — Photo credit: The Pasta Project.

This creamy tagliolini pasta au gratin is a simple yet rich way to use up holiday ham. Inspired by Cipriani’s famous recipe, this version swaps béchamel for fresh cream, keeping it straightforward without losing its decadence. A comforting dish perfect for any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Ham Taglioni Au Gratin

Hot Ham and Cheese Bagel

A bagel sandwich with ham and melted cheese is sliced in half and displayed on a wooden board, surrounded by mixed greens. A small dish of mustard and slices of ham are in the background. — Photo credit: Dinners Done Quick.

A toasted bagel layered with ham and melted cheese is always a crowd favorite. Quick to prep and even faster in an air fryer, it’s ready in 10 minutes or less. Great for breakfast, lunch, or a quick snack, this simple meal turns leftover ham into something satisfying and versatile.
Get the Recipe: Hot Ham and Cheese Bagel

Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup

A bowl of creamy chicken soup garnished with shredded cheese and chopped herbs. Visible ingredients include pieces of chicken, bacon, and green peppers. A spoon rests in the bowl, with celery and garlic on the side. — Photo credit: Nutritious Deliciousness.

Tender chunks of ham and chicken simmered in a creamy, flavorful broth bring all the classic flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu into a warm, hearty soup. This dish is perfect for cold nights when you need something filling and comforting, and it’s a great way to use leftover ham and chicken.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup

Pasta with Peas and Ham

A plate of creamy pasta with pieces of ham and peas, garnished with fresh basil. A fork is placed next to the plate on a marble surface, and a green striped napkin is visible in the background. — Photo credit: Binky’s Culinary Carnival.

This classic Italian dish combines the savory taste of ham with the sweetness of peas, all mixed into a comforting bowl of pasta. Simple, satisfying, and quick to make, it’s an excellent weeknight dinner option that gives leftover ham a starring role.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Peas and Ham

Cheesy Ham and Broccoli Noodles

A white plate with a serving of cheesy pasta bake featuring broccoli, chunks of ham, and melted cheese. A fork rests on a yellow-striped napkin next to the plate, and a casserole dish is partially visible in the background. — Photo credit: Cooking With Carlee.

This one-dish casserole combines pasta, ham, broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce for a family-friendly dinner. It’s an easy way to repurpose leftover ham into a meal that feels complete and wholesome, with the added bonus of sneaking in some veggies.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Ham and Broccoli Noodles

Classic Ham Salad

A wooden board with ham salad on lettuce leaves, a bowl of the same salad, and several round crackers topped with ham salad. The salad consists of diced ham, celery, and mayonnaise. — Photo credit: Cooking With Carlee.

Turn leftover ham into a classic ham salad that’s great for sandwiches, crackers, or lettuce wraps. With fresh veggies and a tangy dressing, this versatile dish is quick to make and works as a snack, lunch, or picnic staple. A simple and fresh way to enjoy ham again.
Get the Recipe: Classic Ham Salad

Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

A baked casserole in a white dish with a golden-brown cheesy crust, garnished with chopped herbs. Small bowls of chopped herbs and ground pepper are placed nearby on a wooden surface. A metal serving spoon rests beside the dish. — Photo credit: Spend With Pennies.

Thinly sliced potatoes layered with savory ham and baked in a creamy sauce make this classic dish a hearty, crowd-pleasing favorite. Perfect for turning leftover ham into a comforting meal, it’s a filling dish that pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed veggies.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Ham and Cheese Frittata

A close-up of a golden-brown frittata with visible slices, topped with asparagus and herbs. — Photo credit: The Food Blog.

This one-pan frittata brings together eggs, ham, and cheese for a quick and satisfying meal. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect option for breakfast, lunch, or even dinner. Great for using up leftover ham, it’s easy to make and always a hit with the family.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Frittata

Ham & Egg Breakfast Casserole

A baked egg casserole with chopped herbs and ham pieces in a rectangular glass dish. Beside it, a white bowl holds whole brown eggs, and a few sprigs of fresh parsley are on the marble countertop. — Photo credit: Kim Schob.

This hearty breakfast casserole combines diced ham, fluffy eggs, and tender potatoes for a filling start to the day. It’s a great way to use up leftovers while feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. Easy to assemble and bake, it’s a no-fail breakfast option.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Egg Breakfast Casserole

Ham & Cheese Buttermilk Waffles

A plate of freshly cooked waffles sits on a marble table, accompanied by a smaller plate with butter and syrup. Nearby, a bowl contains grated cheddar cheese and diced ham. A whisk and eggs are on the table, surrounded by purple flowers. — Photo credit: Foodess.

These buttermilk waffles are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and loaded with ham and cheddar cheese. With syrup pooling in every pocket, they hit the sweet-and-savory mark perfectly. A creative way to use leftover ham for a breakfast that feels extra special.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Buttermilk Waffles

Gina Matsoukas

Founder and Writer at Running to the Kitchen | About

Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.