10+ Healthy Leftover Ham Recipes to Try Today

Leftover ham is a delightful ingredient to work with, providing a host of flavorful options for your meals. Using leftover ham in creative ways not only reduces waste, but also adds a delicious twist to your dishes. You can transform this holiday staple into various healthy recipes that the whole family will enjoy.

From soups and casseroles to breakfast delights, there are numerous ways to reinvent your leftover ham. These recipes offer nutritious choices that make the most out of your cooking while keeping meals exciting. Get ready to explore some tasty ideas that will inspire you to cook with confidence!

1) Ham and Vegetable Stir-Fry

Making a ham and vegetable stir-fry is a great way to use up leftover ham. It’s tasty, colorful, and packed with nutrition. You can add your favorite veggies to keep it interesting.

Start by chopping your leftover ham into bite-sized pieces. Sauté it in a pan with a bit of oil until slightly browned. Then, toss in vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots.

Cook everything together until the veggies are tender. For extra flavor, add some soy sauce or teriyaki sauce. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups chopped leftover ham
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or teriyaki sauce)
• Cooked rice or noodles

Cooking Instructions

1. Chop the leftover ham into bite-sized pieces.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
3. Add the ham and sauté until slightly browned.
4. Toss in the mixed vegetables and cook until tender.
5. Stir in soy sauce or teriyaki sauce.
6. Serve over cooked rice or noodles.

2) Whole Grain Ham and Cheese Sandwich

A whole grain ham and cheese sandwich is a tasty way to use leftover ham. With whole grain bread, it adds fiber and nutrients to your meal.

You can choose your favorite cheese, like Swiss or cheddar, to make it even better. Add some fresh vegetables, like lettuce or tomatoes, for extra crunch.

For a warm sandwich, grill it until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted. It’s a simple yet satisfying lunch option.

Ingredients

• 2 slices of whole grain bread
• 2 slices of ham
• 1 slice of cheese (Swiss or cheddar)
• Lettuce or spinach (optional)
• Slices of tomato (optional)
• Light mayonnaise or mustard (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Lay out the slices of bread.
2. Spread mayonnaise or mustard on one side if using.
3. Layer ham and cheese on top.
4. Add lettuce and tomato if desired.
5. Top with another slice of bread.
6. Grill in a pan over medium heat (350°F or 175°C) until golden brown. Flip and repeat. Enjoy!

3) Ham and Lentil Soup

Ham and lentil soup is a warm and comforting dish. It’s a perfect way to use up leftover ham, and it’s packed with flavor. The lentils make it hearty, so it fills you up nicely.

To make this soup, you’ll want to start by sautéing some onions, carrots, and celery. This adds great flavor to your broth. Then, you add in your leftover ham, lentils, and seasonings.

Let it cook until everything is tender. In about an hour, you’ll have a delicious soup that everyone will love. Serve it with a slice of bread for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 2 cups diced leftover ham
• 1 cup dried lentils
• 6 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional herbs (like thyme or bay leaves)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the ham and cook for another 3 minutes.
4. Add lentils and chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 40-50 minutes until lentils are tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

4) Ham and Veggie Omelette

A ham and veggie omelette is a tasty way to use leftover ham. It’s quick to make and packed with nutrients.

You can customize it with your favorite vegetables. Spinach, bell peppers, and onions all work well. Just chop them up and add them to your eggs.

Start by whisking a couple of eggs. Then, cook them in a pan with a splash of oil. Add the ham and veggies, and cook until everything is set.

This dish is perfect for breakfast or a light lunch. Plus, it’s a simple way to enjoy ham in a new way!

Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• 1 slice of ham, chopped
• 1/4 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/4 cup baby spinach
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Whisk the eggs in a bowl.
2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
3. Pour in the eggs and cook until slightly firm.
4. Add ham and vegetables.
5. Cook until the eggs are fully set.
6. Season with salt and pepper, then serve.

5) Quinoa Salad with Ham and Spinach

Quinoa salad with ham and spinach is a tasty way to use leftover ham. The combination of flavors makes it filling and healthy. Plus, it’s easy to prepare.

Start by cooking quinoa according to package instructions. Once it’s fluffy, mix in diced ham and fresh spinach. You can also add some colorful cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.

For the dressing, a simple mix of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper works well. Just toss everything together, and your salad is ready to enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 4 oz. diced ham
• 1 cup baby spinach leaves
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse quinoa under cold water.
2. Cook quinoa with 2 cups of water in a pot over medium heat until it boils.
3. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Fluff quinoa with a fork and let it cool.
5. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, ham, spinach, and cherry tomatoes.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
7. Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine.

6) Ham and Sweet Potato Hash

Ham and Sweet Potato Hash makes a delicious meal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It’s a great way to use leftover holiday ham. The sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and a hearty texture.

Start by sautéing chopped sweet potatoes in a skillet until they’re tender. Then, add diced ham and cook until heated through. You can also mix in veggies like bell peppers or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.

Topping the hash with eggs is a tasty choice. You can fry or scramble them right in the skillet. This dish is colorful and satisfying!

Ingredients

• 2 cups sweet potatoes, diced
• 1 cup ham, diced
• 1 cup bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 2 cups spinach (optional)
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
2. Add sweet potatoes and cook until tender.
3. Stir in diced ham and any optional veggies. Cook until everything is heated.
4. In a separate pan, cook the eggs to your liking.
5. Serve the hash topped with eggs. Enjoy!

7) Ham and Avocado Wrap

The Ham and Avocado Wrap is a quick and tasty way to use leftover ham. It combines creamy avocado with savory ham for a satisfying meal.

Start by laying out a tortilla. Spread some yogurt or a dressing of your choice in the center. Layer on slices of ham and avocado. You can add lettuce or spinach for some extra crunch.

Next, fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll it tightly. Cut it in half to make it easier to handle. This wrap is perfect for lunch or a light dinner.

Ingredients

• Tortilla
• Sliced ham
• Avocado
• Leafy greens (like spinach or lettuce)
• Yogurt or dressing

Cooking Instructions

1. Lay a tortilla flat on a surface.
2. Spread yogurt or dressing in the center.
3. Layer on slices of ham and avocado.
4. Add leafy greens if desired.
5. Fold in the sides and roll tightly.
6. Cut the wrap in half and serve.

8) Cauliflower and Ham Casserole

Cauliflower and ham casserole is a delicious way to use up leftover ham. This dish is creamy, cheesy, and filled with great flavors. It’s perfect for a comforting meal any day of the week.

To make this casserole, start with steamed cauliflower and diced ham. You can add cheese for extra richness. A hint of cream or yogurt gives it a creamy texture.

This recipe is easy to prepare and can be baked in the oven. Just mix everything together, place it in a baking dish, and let it cook until bubbly.

Ingredients

• 4 cups cauliflower florets
• 2 cups cooked ham, diced
• 1 cup shredded cheese (like cheddar)
• ½ cup cream or Greek yogurt
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Steam the cauliflower until tender.
3. In a large bowl, mix the cauliflower, ham, cheese, and cream.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes.

9) Ham and White Bean Stew

Ham and white bean stew is a delicious way to use leftover ham. This dish is hearty and satisfying, perfect for any meal. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients from the beans and vegetables.

You can make this stew with just a few simple ingredients. It cooks slowly to blend all the flavors, making it comforting and tasty.

Feel free to adjust the vegetables based on what you have at home. Carrots, celery, and onion are great starting points.

Enjoy this warm bowl during chilly days!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked ham, diced
• 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté onion, carrots, and celery until soft.
2. Add the diced ham and cook for a few minutes.
3. Stir in the white beans and chicken broth.
4. Add thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes at 350°F (175°C).

10) Zucchini and Ham Frittata

A Zucchini and Ham Frittata is a great way to use leftover ham. It combines eggs with fresh zucchini and ham for a nutritious meal. This dish is perfect for breakfast or any time of the day.

You can easily customize it by adding your favorite veggies or cheeses. It’s simple to make and packed with flavor. Serve it with a side salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup diced zucchini
• 1 cup diced ham
• ½ cup shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella)
• ¼ cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
3. Add salt, pepper, diced zucchini, ham, and cheese.
4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
5. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet.
6. Cook for 3-4 minutes, then transfer to the oven.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until set.
8. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.