Leftover Ham Ideas : Quick Breakfast Ideas

Leftover Ham Ideas – Leftover ham is a versatile and delicious ingredient that can be transformed into a variety of new dishes, making it a perfect base for creative meals after the holiday feast. Whether you’re looking to create comforting casseroles, hearty sandwiches, or flavorful soups, ham adds a savory richness that enhances any recipe.

From simple breakfast ideas like ham and cheese omelets to more elaborate dishes like ham and potato gratin, the possibilities are endless. By using leftover ham, you can reduce food waste while enjoying fresh, tasty meals throughout the week. These leftover ham ideas not only help you make the most of your holiday leftovers but also inspire new and exciting ways to enjoy this beloved ingredient.

Leftover Ham Ideas

Here’s a list of 100+ leftover ham ideas to help you make the most of your holiday ham leftovers, from breakfast dishes to soups, casseroles, and beyond:

Sandwiches & Wraps

1. Ham and Cheese Sandwich – A classic with melted cheese and mustard on crusty bread.
2. Ham and Swiss Croissant – Ham with Swiss cheese and mustard in a buttery croissant.
3. Ham Salad Sandwich – Chopped ham mixed with mayo, relish, and mustard on soft bread.
4. Ham and Egg Breakfast Wrap – Scrambled eggs, ham, and cheese wrapped in a tortilla.
5. Ham and Pineapple Sandwich – Sweet and savory combination with ham, pineapple slices, and Swiss cheese.
6. Cuban Sandwich – Ham, roast pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard pressed in Cuban bread.
7. Ham and Avocado Wrap – Ham with mashed avocado, lettuce, and tomato in a tortilla.
8. Grilled Ham and Cheese – A crispy, melty ham and cheese sandwich grilled to perfection.
9. Ham and Apple Sandwich – Ham with thinly sliced apples, cheddar cheese, and honey mustard.
10. Ham and Coleslaw Wrap – Ham with tangy coleslaw wrapped in a tortilla for a crunchy bite.
11. Ham and Bacon Breakfast Sandwich – Ham, bacon, and a fried egg in a toasted bun.
12. Ham and Pickle Sandwich – Ham with dill pickles and mustard on rye bread.
13. Ham and Tomato Sandwich – Fresh tomato slices with ham and mayo on toasted bread.
14. Ham and Brie Croissant – Soft croissant filled with ham and creamy Brie cheese.
15. Ham and Cheese Bagel – A bagel filled with ham and melted cheese for a hearty breakfast.
16. Ham and Pesto Sandwich – Ham, pesto, mozzarella, and arugula on a baguette.
17. Open-Faced Ham Sandwich – Ham, cheese, and mustard served on toasted bread.
18. Ham, Spinach, and Cheese Wrap – Ham with fresh spinach and cheese wrapped in a tortilla.
19. Ham and Cucumber Sandwich – Light and fresh with ham, cucumber, and cream cheese.
20. Spicy Ham and Jalapeno Sandwich – Ham with spicy jalapenos, cheese, and mustard on a soft roll.

Breakfast Dishes

21. Ham and Cheese Omelette – A simple and satisfying omelette with chunks of leftover ham and melty cheese.
22. Ham and Potato Hash – Diced ham and potatoes sautéed with onions and peppers for a filling breakfast.
23. Ham and Cheese Quiche – A savory pie filled with eggs, ham, and cheese.
24. Ham and Egg Muffins – Baked ham and eggs in muffin tins for a grab-and-go breakfast.
25. Ham and Cheese Croissants – Flaky croissants filled with ham and melted cheese.
26. Ham and Spinach Frittata – A fluffy egg frittata with ham and fresh spinach.
27. Ham and Broccoli Breakfast Casserole – Ham and broccoli baked in a creamy egg casserole.
28. Ham and Cheddar Biscuits – Biscuits made with ham and cheddar cheese for a savory breakfast.
29. Ham and Gravy on Toast – Creamy ham gravy served over toasted bread for a comforting breakfast.
30. Ham and Avocado Toast – Sliced ham with avocado and a poached egg on toast.
31. Ham and Mushroom Scramble – Scrambled eggs with sautéed mushrooms and diced ham.
32. Ham and Cheese Stuffed Crepes – Thin crepes filled with ham and melted cheese, rolled up and served warm.
33. Ham and Sweet Potato Hash – Diced ham paired with sweet potatoes, onions, and peppers.
34. Ham and Cheese Waffles – Savory waffles made with diced ham and melted cheese.
35. Ham and Spinach Breakfast Wrap – Scrambled eggs, spinach, and ham wrapped in a tortilla.
36. Ham, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Burrito – A hearty burrito filled with scrambled eggs, ham, and cheese.
37. Ham and Apple Pancakes – Sweet and savory pancakes made with chopped ham and diced apples.
38. Ham and Cheese Breakfast Strata – A baked casserole of bread, eggs, ham, and cheese.
39. Ham and Hash Brown Skillet – Sautéed ham with crispy hash browns, topped with a fried egg.
40. Ham and Veggie Egg Cups – Baked eggs in muffin tins with ham and your choice of veggies.

Soups & Stews

41. Ham and Potato Soup – A creamy, comforting soup made with diced ham, potatoes, and vegetables.
42. Split Pea Soup with Ham – A hearty soup made with split peas and leftover ham for flavor.
43. Ham and Bean Soup – A rustic soup with ham, beans, and vegetables in a rich broth.
44. Ham and Corn Chowder – A creamy soup with ham, corn, potatoes, and onions.
45. Ham and Lentil Soup – A healthy and filling soup made with lentils and leftover ham.
46. Ham and Vegetable Soup – A light yet flavorful soup with ham and mixed vegetables.
47. Ham and Sweet Potato Soup – A slightly sweet and savory soup made with ham and roasted sweet potatoes.
48. Ham and Wild Rice Soup – A creamy soup made with ham, wild rice, and vegetables.
49. Ham and Cabbage Soup – A simple yet delicious soup made with cabbage and ham for a hearty meal.
50. Ham and Tomato Soup – A rich and savory tomato soup enhanced with bits of ham.
51. Ham and Kale Soup – A hearty soup with kale, potatoes, and ham in a savory broth.
52. Ham and Cheddar Soup – A creamy soup made with sharp cheddar cheese and diced ham.
53. Ham and Mushroom Soup – A comforting soup with earthy mushrooms and diced ham in a creamy broth.
54. Ham and Carrot Soup – A light soup made with carrots, ham, and a vegetable broth.
55. Ham and Rice Soup – A flavorful, easy soup made with ham, rice, and vegetables.
56. Ham and Sweet Corn Soup – A sweet and savory soup with fresh corn and leftover ham.
57. Ham and Green Bean Soup – A light soup made with green beans and ham in a savory broth.
58. Ham and Zucchini Soup – A refreshing yet filling soup with zucchini and ham.
59. Ham and Leek Soup – A savory soup made with tender leeks and ham for a rich, comforting meal.
60. Ham and Pea Soup – A rich, creamy soup made with green peas and leftover ham.

Casseroles & Bakes

61. Ham and Cheese Casserole – A cheesy casserole with ham, pasta, and a creamy sauce.
62. Ham and Potato Gratin – Layers of ham and potatoes in a creamy, cheesy sauce, baked to perfection.
63. Ham and Broccoli Casserole – A comforting casserole made with ham, broccoli, and cheese.
64. Ham and Stuffing Casserole – A savory casserole made with ham and leftover stuffing.
65. Ham and Spinach Bake – A baked casserole with ham, spinach, cheese, and breadcrumbs.
66. Ham and Rice Casserole – A simple casserole made with rice, ham, and cheese in a creamy sauce.
67. Ham and Sweet Potato Casserole – A sweet and savory casserole with ham and mashed sweet potatoes.
68. Ham and Mac and Cheese – A cheesy pasta bake with ham and macaroni for a comforting meal.
69. Ham and Green Bean Casserole – A classic green bean casserole with chunks of leftover ham.
70. Ham and Mushroom Bake – A savory casserole made with ham, mushrooms, and cheese.
71. Ham and Potato Bake – A comforting dish made with sliced potatoes, ham, and a creamy cheese sauce.
72. Ham and Spinach Quiche – A savory quiche filled with ham, spinach, and cheese.
73. Ham and Pepper Casserole – A baked dish with ham, bell peppers, and onions in a creamy sauce.
74. Ham and Egg Casserole – A breakfast casserole made with ham, eggs, cheese, and bread.
75. Ham and Squash Casserole – A hearty casserole made with ham and roasted squash.
76. Ham and Asparagus Casserole – A light casserole made with ham and fresh asparagus.
77. Ham and Baked Bean Casserole – A hearty casserole made with ham and baked beans for a savory dish.
78. Ham and Cauliflower Casserole – A low-carb casserole made with cauliflower and ham.
79. Ham and Cornbread Casserole – A savory cornbread casserole with ham and a touch of cheese.
80. Ham and Potato Torte – A layered potato and ham torte baked to golden perfection.

Salads, Sides & Snacks

81. Ham and Cheese Salad – Chunks of ham, cheese, and veggies served over greens with your favorite dressing.
82. Ham and Potato Salad – A creamy salad made with diced ham, potatoes, and a tangy dressing.
83. Ham and Pasta Salad – A refreshing salad with ham, pasta, veggies, and a creamy dressing.
84. Ham and Pea Salad – A light salad made with ham, peas, and a creamy mayo-based dressing.
85. Ham and Cucumber Salad – A refreshing salad made with diced ham and crisp cucumbers.
86. Ham and Apple Salad – Ham with crisp apples, celery, and walnuts in a tangy vinaigrette.
87. Ham and Pineapple Salad – A tropical salad with ham, pineapple, and a creamy dressing.
88. Ham and Spinach Salad – A fresh salad made with spinach, ham, and a balsamic vinaigrette.
89. Ham and Bean Salad – A hearty salad made with ham, beans, and a zesty vinaigrette.
90. Ham and Pimento Cheese Spread – A savory spread made with ham and creamy pimento cheese, perfect for crackers.
91. Ham and Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms – Mushrooms filled with a ham and cheese mixture, baked until golden.
92. Ham and Spinach Stuffed Bell Peppers – Bell peppers stuffed with a ham, spinach, and cheese mixture.
93. Ham Croquettes – Ham mixed with mashed potatoes, rolled into balls, and fried until crispy.
94. Ham and Cheese Quesadillas – Ham, cheese, and a little salsa sandwiched in a tortilla and grilled.
95. Ham and Potato Fritters – Ham and mashed potatoes mixed together, fried until golden.
96. Ham and Cheese Pinwheels – Rolled tortillas filled with ham, cheese, and veggies, sliced into pinwheels.
97. Ham and Corn Fritters – Ham mixed with corn and fried into crispy, golden fritters.
98. Ham and Cheese Scones – Savory scones made with ham and cheddar cheese.
99. Ham and Rice Stuffed Tomatoes – Tomatoes stuffed with a ham and rice mixture, baked until tender.
100. Ham and Cheese Skewers – Skewered ham, cheese, and veggies, perfect for snacking or an appetizer.

These ideas are sure to transform your leftover ham into fresh, exciting meals for days to come!

Recipes

Here are 20 of the best leftover ham recipe ideas with detailed instructions:

1. Ham and Cheese Omelette

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup diced leftover ham
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Butter or oil for cooking

Instructions:

1. Crack eggs into a bowl, add salt and pepper, and whisk until frothy.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or oil.
3. Pour the beaten eggs into the skillet and let them cook for 1-2 minutes, until the edges begin to set.
4. Add diced ham and cheese to one half of the omelette.
5. Fold the other half over and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the eggs are fully cooked. Serve immediately.

2. Ham and Potato Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 cups diced leftover ham
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 3 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp butter

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat and sauté the onions and garlic until soft.
2. Add potatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
3. Add the diced ham and simmer for another 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the cream, and season with salt and pepper.
5. For a creamy texture, use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup or mash some of the potatoes with a spoon.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

3. Ham and Cheese Croissant

Ingredients:

• 2 croissants, split in half
• 1/2 cup leftover ham, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup Swiss cheese
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread mustard on both halves of the croissants.
3. Layer with ham and top with Swiss cheese.
4. Place the croissant halves on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the croissant is slightly crispy.
5. Serve warm as a breakfast or lunch option.

4. Ham and Potato Gratin

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover ham, diced
• 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a greased baking dish, layer thinly sliced potatoes, ham, and cheddar cheese.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, and season with salt and pepper.
4. Pour the cream mixture over the potato layers, then top with extra cheese.
5. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, removing the foil in the last 15 minutes to allow the top to brown.
6. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

5. Ham and Spinach Frittata

Ingredients:

• 6 eggs
• 1/2 cup leftover ham, diced
• 1/2 cup spinach, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ham and spinach, cooking for about 2 minutes until the spinach wilts.
3. In a bowl, whisk the eggs with Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet, stirring gently to distribute the ham and spinach.
5. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, until the eggs are set.
6. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

6. Cuban Sandwich

Ingredients:

• 2 hoagie rolls
• 1/2 cup leftover ham, sliced
• 1/4 cup roast pork, sliced
• 2 slices Swiss cheese
• 2 tbsp yellow mustard
• 4-6 pickle slices

Instructions:

1. Preheat a panini press or grill pan.
2. Spread mustard on the inside of each roll.
3. Layer with ham, roast pork, Swiss cheese, and pickles.
4. Close the sandwich and press it in the panini press or on the grill pan, pressing down until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Serve hot, cut in half.

7. Ham and Cheese Stuffed Bell Peppers

Ingredients:

• 4 large bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
• 2 cups leftover ham, diced
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, sauté onions and ham until soft. Add the rice, tomato sauce, and season with salt and pepper.
3. Stuff each pepper with the ham and rice mixture.
4. Place stuffed peppers in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes.
5. Remove the foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. Ham and Bean Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover ham, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic in olive oil until soft.
2. Add ham, chicken broth, and beans to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
3. Season with salt and pepper, and serve hot.

9. Ham and Pineapple Pizza

Ingredients:

• 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup leftover ham, diced
• 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a baking sheet.
3. Spread pizza sauce over the dough, then top with ham, pineapple, and cheese.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.
5. Slice and serve.

10. Ham and Spinach Pasta Bake

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover ham, diced
• 1 lb pasta (penne or rigatoni)
• 1 1/2 cups spinach, chopped
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 jar marinara sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions, then drain.
3. In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, ham, spinach, ricotta, marinara sauce, and half of the mozzarella.
4. Transfer to a greased baking dish and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

11. Ham and Cheese Sliders

Ingredients:

• 12 slider rolls
• 1 lb leftover ham, sliced
• 12 slices Swiss cheese
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Arrange the bottom halves of the slider rolls in a baking dish.
3. Layer with ham and cheese, then top with the other half of the rolls.
4. Mix melted butter, mustard, and garlic powder, then pour over the sliders.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
6. Serve warm.

12. Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole

Ingredients:

• 3 cups leftover ham, diced
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups cubed bread
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a greased casserole dish, layer cubed bread, ham, and cheese.
3. In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, salt, and pepper, then pour over the bread mixture.
4. Bake for 30-40 minutes, until set and golden brown on top.

13. Ham and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover ham, diced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp honey

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onions and broccoli, stir-frying for 5 minutes until tender.
2. Add ham, soy sauce, and honey, and cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
3. Serve warm with rice or noodles.

14. Ham and Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms

Ingredients:

• 12 large mushroom caps, stems removed
• 1 cup leftover ham, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix ham, cream cheese, mozzarella, and breadcrumbs.
3. Stuff the mushroom caps with the mixture and place them on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender and the tops are golden brown.

15. Ham and Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup leftover ham, diced
• 1/2 cup spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice chicken breasts horizontally to create a pocket.
3. Stuff the chicken with ham, spinach, and cheese, securing with toothpicks.
4. Season with salt and pepper, then bake for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.

16. Ham and Cheese Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover ham, diced
• 2 cups cooked pasta (bowties or rotini)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix pasta, ham, cheese, mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper.
2. Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.

17. Ham and Sweet Potato Hash

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover ham, diced
• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, sauté sweet potatoes until tender, about 10 minutes.
2. Add onions, peppers, and ham, then cook for another 5 minutes.
3. Season with salt and pepper and serve with a fried egg on top.

18. Ham and Corn Fritters

Ingredients:

• 1 cup leftover ham, diced
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine ham, corn, flour, egg, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat, and drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the skillet.
3. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

19. Ham and Cheddar Stuffed Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 2 cups leftover ham, diced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Bake potatoes in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 1 hour or until soft.
2. Cut a slit in the potatoes and scoop out the insides.
3. Mash the potato with ham, cheese, sour cream, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff the potato skins with the mixture and bake for another 15 minutes.

20. Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry
• 1 cup leftover ham, sliced
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Swiss)
• 1 egg, beaten

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the puff pastry on a baking sheet.
3. Layer with ham and cheese.
4. Roll up the pastry and slice into pinwheels.
5. Brush with beaten egg and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

These recipes offer a delicious way to repurpose leftover ham into new, flavorful dishes!

Maggie Culp

Hi, I’m Maggie Culp, the founder of PartyVibesFun.com, based in North Little Rock, Arkansas, United States! With a passion for creating unforgettable celebrations, I specialize in turning any event into a fun and vibrant experience. From birthday parties to themed gatherings, I’m here to help you bring your party ideas to life with ease and excitement. Whether you’re looking for unique games, creative themes, or party planning tips, I’m dedicated to making sure every moment of your event is filled with joy. Let’s create memories together and make your next party the talk of the town!