That leftover spiral ham sitting in your fridge still has plenty of good meals left in it. A few slices today, a soup tomorrow, a casserole by the weekend, and you’ve stretched one holiday centerpiece into a whole week of dinners without anyone complaining about “ham again.”
The trick is treating leftover ham like the flavor-packed ingredient it is, not a sad container of scraps. It’s already cooked, already seasoned, and salty-sweet in a way that makes soups richer, eggs heartier, and pasta sauces taste like you worked a lot harder than you did. Ham and potato soup, ham fried rice, and a good cheesy casserole are the three most reliable ways to use up a big batch fast, while a ham bone simmered into split pea soup gets every last bit of flavor out of the bone itself.
Whether you’ve got a cup of diced ham or a whole bone with plenty of meat clinging to it, there’s a recipe ahead sized right for it.
Quick picks:
- Best for a crowd: Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole
- Best for using a ham bone: Split Pea Soup With a Ham Bone
- Best weeknight dinner: Ham Fried Rice
- Best for brunch: Ham and Cheese Quiche
1. Ham and Potato Soup
This soup turns diced ham and leftover potatoes into a creamy, comforting bowl in under 40 minutes. Simmer 2 cups diced ham, 4 cups cubed potatoes, 1 chopped onion, and 4 cups chicken broth until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes. Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and 1 cup shredded cheddar, then season with black pepper. Ladle it up warm with a sprinkle of chives. For more cozy bowls like this, browse our best soup recipes.
2. Ham and Cheese Quiche
A good quiche makes leftover ham feel like brunch at a nice restaurant. Whisk 6 eggs with 1 cup heavy cream, fold in 1 cup diced ham, 1 cup shredded Gruyère, and 2 tablespoons chopped chives. Pour into a 9-inch pie crust and bake at 375°F for 35 to 40 minutes, until the center is just set. Let it rest 10 minutes before slicing. Pair a wedge with something from our best egg recipes for a full breakfast spread.
3. Ham and Bean Soup
A ham bone and a bag of dried beans make one of the most satisfying soups you can build from leftovers. Soak 1 pound dry navy beans overnight, then simmer with the ham bone, 2 cups diced ham, 1 chopped onion, 2 carrots, and 6 cups water for about 1.5 hours, until beans are tender. Season with thyme and black pepper near the end. The broth turns rich and savory as the bone cooks down. Check our best bean recipes for more ways to use a bag of dried beans.
4. Ham and Cheese Sliders
These sliders disappear fast at any gathering. Split 12 Hawaiian rolls and layer with 1 pound sliced ham and 8 slices Swiss cheese. Brush tops with a mix of 4 tablespoons melted butter, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon poppy seeds. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes, covered with foil for the first 10. The cheese melts into gooey pockets between salty ham and that buttery, slightly sweet roll. Find more easy party food in our best easy slider recipes.
5. Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole
This casserole turns simple ingredients into a bubbling, golden dinner the whole table will fight over. Layer 4 cups sliced potatoes, 2 cups diced ham, and 2 cups shredded cheddar in a baking dish. Pour over a mix of 1 cup milk, 1 cup sour cream, and 1 can cream of mushroom soup. Bake covered at 375°F for 45 minutes, then uncovered for 15 more until golden on top. It’s rich, cheesy, and feeds a crowd easily. Browse our best comforting casserole recipes for similar bakes.
6. Ham Fried Rice
Diced ham turns basic fried rice into a full meal in about 15 minutes. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a wok, scramble 2 eggs, then push aside and stir-fry 3 cups cold cooked rice, 1 cup diced ham, 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, and 3 green onions. Add 3 tablespoons soy sauce and 1 teaspoon sesame oil, tossing until heated through. Cold, day-old rice keeps the grains separate instead of mushy. For another fast fried rice fix, try our flavor-packed vegetable fried rice recipe.
7. Ham and Egg Breakfast Casserole
This bake is the easiest way to turn ham into a make-ahead breakfast. Whisk 8 eggs with 1 cup milk, then pour over a baking dish layered with 2 cups diced ham, 1 cup shredded cheese, and 4 cups cubed bread. Bake at 350°F for 40 to 45 minutes, until puffed and set in the middle. It’s custardy inside with crisp, golden edges on top. See our best breakfast for dinner recipes for more dishes worth having any time of day.
8. Creamy Ham and Pea Pasta
A silky cream sauce makes ham and peas taste like a restaurant pasta night. Cook 12 ounces penne, then toss with a sauce made from 2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons flour, 2 cups milk, and 1 cup Parmesan. Stir in 1.5 cups diced ham and 1 cup frozen peas, simmering until the sauce thickens and clings to the noodles. Black pepper and a little extra Parmesan on top finish it off nicely. Sixteen ounces of pasta, twenty minutes of cooking, dinner done.
9. Split Pea Soup With a Ham Bone
A leftover ham bone is the secret to the deepest, most savory split pea soup you’ll make all year. Simmer the ham bone with 2 cups dry split peas, 1 chopped onion, 2 carrots, 2 celery stalks, and 8 cups water for about 1.5 hours. The peas break down into a thick, velvety base while the bone slowly releases smoky flavor. Shred any remaining meat back into the pot before serving. Explore our best homemade soup recipes for more long-simmered favorites.
10. Ham Mac and Cheese
Stirring diced ham into mac and cheese turns a side dish into dinner. Cook 1 pound elbow macaroni, then toss with a sauce of 4 tablespoons butter, 4 tablespoons flour, 3 cups milk, and 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar. Fold in 2 cups diced ham and pour into a baking dish. Top with 1 cup breadcrumbs and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes, until bubbly and golden. Pair it with something crisp from our best sides to serve with mac and cheese.
11. Ham and Pineapple Pizza
Sweet pineapple and salty ham is a flavor pairing that earns its popularity. Spread 1 cup pizza sauce over a prepared crust, top with 2 cups shredded mozzarella, 1.5 cups diced ham, and 1 cup pineapple chunks. Bake at 450°F for 12 to 15 minutes, until the crust is crisp and cheese is bubbling. The caramelized pineapple edges add a little char and tang against the rich cheese. It’s a fun way to use ham without touching the stove for long.
12. Ham and Broccoli Frittata
A frittata is the quickest way to turn ham, eggs, and whatever vegetables you have into a full meal. Whisk 8 eggs with 1/4 cup milk, then pour over 1.5 cups diced ham and 2 cups steamed broccoli sautéed in an oven-safe skillet. Cook on the stovetop 5 minutes, then bake at 375°F for 15 minutes, until puffed and set. Sprinkle feta or cheddar on top before serving. Find more skillet-to-oven ideas in our best omelet recipes.
13. Ham and Corn Chowder
Sweet corn and smoky ham make a chowder that tastes like a cozy fall afternoon. Sauté 1 chopped onion and 2 diced potatoes in butter, then add 4 cups chicken broth, 2 cups corn kernels, and 1.5 cups diced ham. Simmer 20 minutes, then stir in 1 cup heavy cream and simmer 5 more minutes until thickened. A little smoked paprika on top adds warmth. Browse our best summer soup recipes for more chowders worth making year-round.
14. Ham and Cheese Stromboli
Rolled up in pizza dough, ham and cheese become a crisp, golden loaf that slices like a savory jelly roll. Roll out 1 pound pizza dough into a rectangle, layer with 8 ounces sliced ham, 8 ounces sliced provolone, and a little mustard. Roll tightly, seal the edges, and brush with egg wash. Bake at 400°F for 25 minutes, until deep golden brown. Slice thick and serve warm with marinara for dipping.
15. Ham and Broccoli Rice Casserole
This casserole stretches a small amount of ham into a filling dinner using rice and broccoli. Mix 3 cups cooked rice, 2 cups steamed broccoli, 1.5 cups diced ham, 1 can cream of chicken soup, and 1.5 cups shredded cheddar. Spread in a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes, until bubbling at the edges. It’s creamy, cheesy, and a good way to sneak in extra vegetables. Serve it alongside picks from our best rice side dishes for a bigger spread.
16. Ham and Cheese Biscuits
Warm, flaky biscuits studded with ham and cheese make a snack that barely needs a plate. Mix 2 cups biscuit mix with 3/4 cup milk, 1 cup diced ham, and 1 cup shredded cheddar until just combined. Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 12 to 14 minutes, until golden on top. They’re best warm, when the cheese is still a little melty. Pack extras for lunchboxes or breakfast on the go.
17. Ham and Spinach Stuffed Shells
Stuffed shells filled with ham and spinach feel special enough for a Sunday dinner. Cook 20 jumbo shells, then stuff each with a mix of 2 cups ricotta, 1.5 cups chopped spinach, 1 cup diced ham, and 1 egg. Arrange over 2 cups marinara in a baking dish, top with 1 cup mozzarella, and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. The filling stays creamy while the sauce bubbles around the edges. It’s a great way to use up a cup or two of ham without much effort.
18. Ham and Cabbage Skillet
A simple skillet of cabbage and ham makes a light dinner that still feels hearty. Sauté 1 sliced onion in butter, add 4 cups shredded cabbage and 1.5 cups diced ham, and cook over medium heat for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage softens and turns slightly golden at the edges. Season with black pepper and a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end. It’s a one-pan dinner with almost no cleanup.
19. Savory Ham and Cheese Crepes
Thin, delicate crepes wrapped around ham and cheese turn into an elegant little dinner or brunch dish. Whisk 1 cup flour, 2 eggs, 1.5 cups milk, and a pinch of salt into a smooth batter, then cook thin crepes in a buttered skillet. Fill each with diced ham, shredded Gruyère, and a spoonful of béchamel, fold, and warm in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes. The cheese melts into every fold. Serve two or three per person for a filling meal.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Ham Safely
Leftover ham stays safe to eat for 3 to 4 days when refrigerated at 40°F or below. Store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in foil to keep it from drying out.
For longer storage, freeze ham in freezer bags with the air pressed out. It keeps well for 1 to 2 months without losing much texture or flavor.
When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to keep slices from turning tough. Warm it gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, or in the microwave at 50% power in short bursts.
Always reheat ham to an internal temperature of 165°F if it’s being served hot. A ham bone can go straight into soup from the fridge or freezer without thawing first, since it simmers for a long stretch anyway. If you’re working through a bigger cut, our best leftover pork recipes and our best side dishes for ham have plenty more ideas to round out the week.
