15 Leftover Ham Recipes so Your Holiday Feast Doesn't Go to Waste
From ham and egg sandwiches to gnocchi with arugula and ham, you'll wish for more leftovers to try all these recipes.
MARCUS NILSSON
A holiday ham is a beautiful, enormous piece that makes a statement, feeds a crowd, and somehow seems to last in your fridge until the next holiday season. (That may be a bit of an exaggeration.)
Say goodbye to leftover boredom because we have plenty of ideas that allow you to use your leftover ham in flavorful, distinct combinations. That way, you'll almost certainly devour the remains of your holiday feast before your next get-together. Here are 15 recipes that put that holiday dish to work.
Ham-and-Egg Croissant Sandwiches
Wake up and smell the ham because these café-worthy breakfast sandwiches are worth having extra ham. Pick up your favorite bakery croissants beforehand and have them ready so you can whip up this sandwich recipe.
Open-Faced Croque Monsieur
This luxe French sandwich gets a steep upgrade with hand-sliced ham. Plus, the open-face style of this grilled cheese-adjacent dish lets you enjoy the ham even more. Add a fried egg on top to make it a Croque Madame!
Tomato and Ham Breakfast Casserole
A casserole is fantastic any time of day. This ham-filled dish is excellent for breakfast or if you decide to turn it into breakfast for dinner. You can also prep it ahead of time to have an easy morning meal that just pops into the oven.
Croque Madame and Tot Casserole
Hello, indulgence. France meets the U.S. in this rich sandwich-inspired tater tot casserole that makes excellent use of leftover sliced or cubed ham.
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French Ham and Cheese Sandwich
Keep it classic with this recipe for a traditional French-style ham and cheese. It’s all about the contrast of the crusty baguette with the soft ham, plus sharp cheese, in this combo.
Ham and Leek Quiche
Your leftovers are getting a super-classy makeover with this quiche! Make your own crust, or go for a pre-made pie crust with this savory quiche that’s great hot or even at room temperature for a winter picnic.
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Sunny-Side-Up Sheet Pan Breakfast
Who says leftovers don’t deserve the sheet pan meal treatment? Cook a morning feast with ham, sunny-side-up eggs, and veggies—with only one dish to wash!
Ham and Potato Pizza
Try Midwestern-style meat and potatoes that you can eat with your hands. Thick-cut ham is the star of this pie that the whole family can make together and enjoy.
Crunchy Baked Chicken With Ham and Swiss
Your weeknight dinner is efficient and delicious with this crispy, gooey baked chicken that makes great use of ham leftovers. Top chicken cutlets with ham and breadcrumbs, then set them under the broiler for optimum crunch.
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Eggs Benedict
Eggs Benedict is always a treat, especially when made yourself. Leftover ham definitely works between poached eggs and toasted English muffins and is so decadent covered in hollandaise sauce. If you have leftover spinach or greens, squeeze those on there, too.
Monte Cristo
Perhaps the most indulgent sandwich known to humankind, the Monte Cristo takes French toast and makes it into a grilled cheese with powdered sugar and jam for a truly epic creation. This could be the start of a tasty new day-after-holiday tradition.
Drunken Cheesy Bread
Part fondue, part bread pudding, but all cooked and assembled in one dish, this cheesy bread is an excellent party appetizer. It's also just as cozy to dig into for a night on the couch. Go ham!
Scallop and Corn Chowder
Making chowder is simple and oh-so-rewarding, plus it’s perfect for spooning out of a mug after a long day of cooking. Swap out the small diced bacon for ham in this recipe, and you’ll be pleased with the holiday flavor infused into this soup.
Slow-Cooker Cuban Sandwiches
Level up your homemade Cubano by using leftover sliced ham. Let the slow cooker do most of the work while you await an excellent warm sandwich.
Crispy Gnocchi With Arugula and Ham
Swap out prosciutto in this recipe for small pieces of diced ham. It will add savory flavor and protein, and it makes for a delicious day-after dish. Plus, you’ll get some fresh greens in a one-pot meal too.
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