15 Tasty Leftover Ham Recipes

Leftover ham is a versatile ingredient that can star in everything from hearty breakfasts to comforting dinners.

Instead of letting it go to waste or relegating it to endless ham sandwiches, get creative with these 15 flavorful dishes.

Each recipe is designed to make the most out of your leftover ham by adding it to pasta, casseroles, soups, and more.

1. Ham and Cheese Quesadillas

These Ham and Cheese Quesadillas are a quick, savory way to turn leftover ham into a family-friendly meal. Gooey cheese, crispy tortillas, and the salty bite of ham make for an easy lunch or dinner.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 8 flour tortillas (medium size)
2. 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
3. 1 cup leftover ham, diced or thinly sliced
4. 2 tablespoons butter or cooking spray (for the pan)
5. Optional fillings: diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, jalapeños

Recipe Steps:

1. Preheat Pan: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add butter or a light coating of cooking spray.
2. Assemble Quesadillas: Place one tortilla on the skillet. Sprinkle cheese evenly over the tortilla, then top with diced ham and any optional fillings. Place another tortilla on top.
3. Cook Until Golden: Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side or until the tortilla is crisp and the cheese is melted. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning.
4. Slice and Serve: Transfer the quesadilla to a cutting board, slice into wedges, and serve hot. Pair with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for dipping.

2. Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup

Turn leftover ham into a comforting, creamy soup loaded with hearty potatoes and plenty of cheese.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4–6

Ingredients:

1. 2 tablespoons butter
2. 1 small onion, diced
3. 2 carrots, peeled and diced
4. 2 celery stalks, diced
5. 3 cups diced potatoes (russet or Yukon gold)
6. 4 cups chicken broth
7. 2 cups leftover ham, diced
8. 1 cup milk (or half-and-half)
9. 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for garnish)
10. 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
11. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Sauté Vegetables: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add Potatoes and Broth: Stir in diced potatoes and pour in chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender about 10–15 minutes.
3. Thicken the Soup: In a small bowl, whisk together milk (or half-and-half) with the flour until smooth. Slowly stir this mixture into the soup. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 3–5 minutes.
4. Add Ham and Cheese: Stir in diced ham and shredded cheddar cheese, cooking just until the cheese melts.
5. Season and Serve: Add salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls, garnish with extra cheese if desired, and enjoy warm.

3. Ham Fried Rice

Upgrade classic fried rice with savory leftover ham. Add your favorite veggies to make this a one-pan meal everyone will love.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2. 1 onion, chopped
3. 2 garlic cloves, minced
4. 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, etc.)
5. 2 cups cooked and cooled rice (preferably day-old)
6. 1½ cups leftover ham, diced
7. 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or to taste)
8. 2 eggs, lightly beaten
9. 2 green onions, sliced (optional garnish)
10. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until onion is translucent.
2. Cook Veggies and Ham: Stir in mixed vegetables and ham. Cook for 2–3 minutes, letting them get lightly browned.
3. Add Rice and Season: Add cooked rice. Drizzle soy sauce over the rice, stirring to mix well. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
4. Scramble Eggs: Push the rice to one side of the pan. Pour the beaten eggs into the other side and scramble until fully cooked.
5. Combine and Serve: Stir the scrambled eggs into the rice. Top with sliced green onions (if using) and serve hot.

4. Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole

A satisfying breakfast (or brunch) option featuring layers of bread, ham, cheese, and fluffy eggs.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 45 minutes (plus optional overnight chill)
• Servings: 6

Ingredients:

1. 6 slices of bread, cubed (day-old bread works best)
2. 1½ cups leftover ham, diced
3. 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Swiss, Gruyère)
4. 6 eggs
5. 1½ cups milk
6. Salt and pepper to taste
7. Optional add-ins: sautéed mushrooms, spinach, chopped onions

Recipe Steps:

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
2. Layer Ingredients: Spread the cubed bread in the dish. Top with ham, cheese, and any optional add-ins.
3. Whisk Eggs and Milk: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine and Bake: Pour the egg mixture over the bread and ham. Bake immediately for about 35–40 minutes, or cover and refrigerate overnight before baking in the morning.
5. Check Doneness: The casserole is done when the center is set. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

5. Hawaiian Ham and Pineapple Pizza

Give your leftover ham a tropical twist with sweet pineapple chunks and tangy tomato sauce on a crisp pizza crust.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 20–25 minutes
• Servings: 2–4 (depending on pizza size)

Ingredients:

1. 1 prepared pizza crust (homemade or store-bought)
2. ½ cup pizza sauce
3. 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
4. 1 cup leftover ham, diced
5. 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
6. Optional toppings: sliced onions, bell peppers

Recipe Steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Heat oven to the temperature recommended for your pizza crust (usually around 425°F / 220°C).
2. Assemble Pizza: Spread pizza sauce over the crust. Sprinkle on about half the mozzarella. Scatter ham and pineapple evenly, then top with remaining cheese.
3. Add Extras (Optional): If you like, add sliced onions or bell peppers for extra flavor.
4. Bake: Place pizza on a baking sheet or pizza stone. Bake for 10–15 minutes or until the crust is golden and cheese is melted.
5. Slice and Serve: Let the pizza cool slightly, then slice and enjoy.

6. Ham and Broccoli Pasta Bake

Creamy pasta, tender broccoli florets, and diced ham come together in this crowd-pleasing casserole.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4–6

Ingredients:

1. 8 ounces penne or fusilli pasta
2. 2 cups broccoli florets
3. 2 tablespoons butter
4. 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
5. 2 cups milk
6. 1½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
7. 1½ cups leftover ham, diced
8. Salt and pepper to taste
9. Optional topping: breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Cook pasta according to package directions. Add broccoli florets during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
2. Make Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux. Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly. Cook until it thickens slightly.
3. Add Cheese and Ham: Stir in about half the shredded cheese until melted. Mix in diced ham. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Combine and Transfer: Combine the pasta-broccoli mix with the cheese sauce. Transfer to a baking dish. Top with remaining cheese (and optional buttered breadcrumbs).
5. Bake and Serve: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.

7. Ham and Swiss Sliders

These bite-sized sandwiches are layered with savory ham, melty Swiss cheese, and a buttery glaze—perfect for parties or a quick dinner.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 20 minutes
• Servings: 12 sliders

Ingredients:

1. 12 slider buns (Hawaiian rolls work well)
2. 1 pound leftover ham, thinly sliced
3. 12 slices Swiss cheese (or enough to cover each bun)
4. 4 tablespoons butter, melted
5. 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
6. 1 teaspoon poppy seeds (optional)
7. 1 teaspoon onion powder
8. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Assemble Sliders: Place the bottom halves of slider buns in a baking dish. Layer ham and cheese on each bun, then cover with the top halves.
3. Make Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Brush and Bake: Brush the glaze generously over the sliders. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 5 more minutes, until cheese is melted and tops are golden.
5. Serve Hot: Separate the sliders and serve while warm.

8. Ham, Spinach & Cheese Quiche

A simple quiche that pairs savory ham with leafy spinach and creamy cheese. Perfect for brunch or a light dinner.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 40–45 minutes
• Servings: 6–8

Ingredients:

1. 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
2. 1 cup leftover ham, diced
3. 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (or frozen, thawed, and drained)
4. 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyère)
5. 4 eggs
6. 1 cup milk (or half-and-half)
7. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Layer Filling: Place pie crust in a pie dish. Evenly distribute ham, spinach, and cheese in the crust.
3. Make Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
4. Assemble and Bake: Pour the egg mixture over the ham, spinach, and cheese. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the center is set.
5. Cool and Serve: Let the quiche rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm.

9. Ham and Cheddar Biscuits

These tender biscuits studded with ham and cheddar are delicious on their own or as a savory side.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 25 minutes
• Servings: 8–10 biscuits

Ingredients:

1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
2. 1 tablespoon baking powder
3. ½ teaspoon salt
4. ½ cup cold butter, cubed
5. 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
6. ¾ cup leftover ham, finely diced
7. ¾ cup milk (plus extra if needed)

Recipe Steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Set oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut in Butter: Add cold butter cubes. Use a pastry cutter or two forks to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add Cheese and Ham: Stir in cheddar cheese and diced ham. Gradually mix in milk until the dough comes together (add a little more if it’s too dry).
5. Shape and Bake: Turn dough onto a floured surface. Pat it into a ¾-inch thick round. Cut with a biscuit cutter or shape by hand. Place biscuits on the baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden.

10. One-Pot Ham & Rice Skillet

A simple one-pot meal combining savory ham, rice, veggies, and a flavorful broth. Great for busy weeknights!

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 1 tablespoon olive oil
2. 1 small onion, chopped
3. 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, etc.)
4. 1½ cups leftover ham, diced
5. 1 cup long-grain rice (uncooked)
6. 2 cups chicken broth
7. ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
8. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Sauté Onion and Veggies: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion; cook until translucent. Stir in mixed vegetables.
2. Add Ham and Rice: Stir in diced ham and uncooked rice, letting the rice toast slightly for 1–2 minutes.
3. Pour in Broth: Add chicken broth and dried thyme, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low and cover.
4. Simmer: Cook for about 15–18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
5. Fluff and Serve: Season with salt and pepper. Fluff with a fork and serve warm.

11. Ham and Broccoli Casserole

A comforting combination of ham, broccoli, and a creamy sauce, all baked under a layer of cheese.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
2. 2 cups leftover ham, diced
3. 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom (or chicken) soup
4. ½ cup milk
5. 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
6. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Set to 375°F (190°C). Grease a casserole dish.
2. Blanch Broccoli (If Fresh): Boil or steam fresh broccoli florets for 2–3 minutes, then drain. (Skip if using thawed frozen broccoli.)
3. Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine soup, milk, half of the shredded cheese, ham, and broccoli. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Assemble and Bake: Pour the mixture into the casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese. Bake for 20 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is melted.
5. Serve: Let it rest a few minutes before serving.

12. Ham and Bean Soup

A hearty, protein-packed soup that makes great use of leftover ham in a flavorful broth.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 1 hour (or more if simmering longer for flavor)
• Servings: 6

Ingredients:

1. 1 tablespoon olive oil
2. 1 onion, chopped
3. 2 carrots, chopped
4. 2 celery stalks, chopped
5. 2 garlic cloves, minced
6. 1 ham bone (if available) or 2 cups diced ham
7. 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
8. 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
9. 1 bay leaf
10. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot. Cook onion, carrots, and celery until softened. Stir in garlic.
2. Add Ham and Beans: If using a ham bone, place it in the pot. Otherwise, stir in the diced ham. Add beans.
3. Pour in Broth: Pour in broth and add the bay leaf. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
4. Simmer: Let the soup simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour. If using a ham bone, remove it, shred any remaining meat, and return the meat to the soup.
5. Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot, optionally with crusty bread.

13. Ham and Cheese Omelet

A quick, protein-rich breakfast (or brunch) using leftover ham and plenty of cheese.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 10 minutes
• Servings: 1 omelet

Ingredients:

1. 2–3 eggs
2. 2 tablespoons milk or water
3. ¼ cup leftover ham, diced
4. ¼ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or your favorite)
5. 1 tablespoon butter
6. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Whisk Eggs: In a small bowl, whisk together eggs, milk (or water), salt, and pepper.
2. Heat Pan: Melt butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
3. Cook Eggs: Pour the egg mixture into the skillet. Use a spatula to gently lift the edges as they cook, letting the uncooked egg flow underneath.
4. Add Ham and Cheese: Once almost set, sprinkle ham and cheese on one side of the omelet.
5. Fold and Finish: Fold the other side over the filling. Cook for another minute or until the cheese melts. Slide onto a plate and enjoy.

14. Ham Hash with Eggs

Crispy potatoes, savory ham, and perfectly cooked eggs make this hash an instant comfort food hit.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 25 minutes
• Servings: 2–3

Ingredients:

1. 2 tablespoons oil or butter
2. 2 cups diced potatoes (parboiled or leftover cooked potatoes)
3. 1 small onion, chopped
4. 1 cup leftover ham, diced
5. 2–3 eggs
6. Salt and pepper to taste
7. Optional garnish: chopped green onions or parsley

Recipe Steps:

1. Sauté Potatoes and Onion: Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add potatoes and onion. Cook until potatoes are golden and onions are translucent.
2. Add Ham: Stir in diced ham. Continue cooking until the ham is lightly browned. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Make Wells for Eggs: Create small wells in the hash with a spatula. Crack an egg into each well.
4. Cover and Cook: Cover the skillet and cook until the eggs reach your desired doneness (about 3–4 minutes for soft yolks).
5. Serve: Top with chopped green onions or parsley if desired.

15. Ham and Potato Frittata

Similar to an omelet but easier to prepare for a crowd, this frittata is loaded with ham, potatoes, and cheese.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 25–30 minutes
• Servings: 4–6

Ingredients:

1. 6–8 eggs
2. 1 cup cooked potatoes, diced (leftover roasted or boiled potatoes work great)
3. 1 cup leftover ham, diced
4. 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or your favorite)
5. ¼ cup milk
6. Salt and pepper to taste
7. 1 tablespoon butter or oil

Recipe Steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Sauté Potatoes and Ham: Melt butter (or heat oil) in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add diced potatoes and ham, cooking until lightly browned.
3. Whisk Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk eggs with milk, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine and Cook on the Stovetop: Pour the egg mixture into the skillet over the ham and potatoes. Cook for about 2–3 minutes, until the edges begin to set.
5. Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the center is set. Slice and serve warm.