Simple Leftover Ham Recipes

 Leftover ham is one of those ingredients that just keeps on giving. Whether you have a few slices of a holiday ham or extra meat from a Sunday dinner, it can be the heart of so many wonderful dishes. Its savory flavor and tender texture make it perfect for quick, hearty meals. Plus, it’s a great way to save time, reduce food waste, and keep your meals budget-friendly. Below, you’ll find three simple and creative recipes to transform that leftover ham into something truly delicious.

Recipe 1: Ham and Cheese Omelette

An omelette is the ultimate go-to meal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It’s fast, customizable, and utterly satisfying. Leftover ham adds a rich smoky flavor to this classic dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons milk
• ½ cup leftover ham, diced
• ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Crack the eggs into a bowl, add the milk, and whisk until combined. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add the butter or olive oil. Swirl it around to coat the pan evenly.
3. Pour the egg mixture into the pan, tilting it gently to spread the eggs out into a thin layer.
4. Once the eggs start to set, sprinkle the diced ham and shredded cheese on one half of the omelette.
5. Use a spatula to carefully fold the other half of the omelette over the filling. Cook for another minute until the cheese melts.
6. Slide the omelette onto a plate and serve warm.

Tip: Add a handful of spinach, tomatoes, or green onions for some extra flavor and nutrition.

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Recipe 2: Ham and Potato Soup

A bowl of warm, creamy soup is the perfect comfort food. This ham and potato soup is hearty, simple to make, and guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 cups leftover ham, diced
• 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup milk or heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant (about 2-3 minutes).
2. Stir in the diced potatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
3. Add the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook until the potatoes are tender (about 15 minutes).
4. Use a potato masher to lightly mash some of the potatoes in the pot to thicken the soup.
5. Stir in the diced ham and milk (or cream). Heat the soup through, but don’t allow it to boil.
6. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley (optional), and enjoy.

Variation: For a cheesy twist, stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese right before serving—cheddar works beautifully with this soup!

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Recipe 3: Ham Fried Rice

Ham fried rice is a quick, one-pan dish that’s as easy as it is tasty. It makes a great dinner or even a packable lunch.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
• 1 cup leftover ham, diced
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (thawed)
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beaten eggs and scramble until just set. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet and stir in the diced ham. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
3. Stir in the peas, carrots, and cooked rice. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is warmed through and slightly crispy.
4. Drizzle the soy sauce over the rice and toss to combine. Add the scrambled eggs back into the skillet along with the green onions. Stir well.
5. Season with salt and pepper (if needed), and serve hot.

Tip: If you have leftover veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini, toss them in for extra flavor and texture!

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Get Creative with Your Leftovers

Leftover ham is such a versatile ingredient. These recipes are just the beginning—you can use it in casseroles, pasta dishes, salads, or even homemade pizzas. The possibilities are endless! The key is to have fun experimenting and turn your leftovers into something new and exciting. Next time you find yourself with leftover ham, don’t just reheat it—reinvent it. Happy cooking!