Got leftover ham just sitting in your fridge? You're in luck! There are so many tasty ways to turn that ham into something delicious. From a cheesy quiche to a cozy soup, the options are endless. You can whip up a quick ham fried rice or plunge into creamy scalloped potatoes. And let's not forget a hearty casserole packed with veggies. Curious about the best recipes? Stick around to find out how to make the most of your leftovers!
Ham and Cheese Quiche
Ham and cheese quiche is a delightful dish that combines the savory flavors of leftover ham with the creaminess of cheese and the fluffiness of eggs, all encased in a flaky crust.
This versatile recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner. It's an excellent way to utilize leftover ham, and you can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs for extra flavor.
Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-made pie crust (9-inch)
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or your choice)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions or spinach (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Fit the pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and prick the bottom with a fork.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream (or milk), salt, pepper, and nutmeg until well combined.
Stir in the diced ham, shredded cheese, and any optional ingredients like green onions or spinach.
Pour the mixture into the prepared pie crust and spread it evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the quiche is set and the top is lightly golden.
Allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Extra Tips:
For an even richer flavor, consider sautéing any vegetables you plan to add before mixing them into the egg mixture.
You can also experiment with different types of cheese to find your perfect combination.
This quiche can be served warm or at room temperature, making it ideal for meal prep.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
Enjoy your delicious ham and cheese quiche!
Ham and Potato Soup
Ham and Potato Soup is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for using up leftover ham while warming you up on chilly days. This creamy soup combines tender potatoes, savory ham, and a medley of vegetables, making it a delicious and satisfying meal.
With its rich flavors and easy preparation, you'll find this recipe to be a go-to for both busy weeknights and cozy weekends.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups diced leftover ham
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the diced potatoes, ham, garlic powder, thyme, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
Once cooked, stir in the milk and heavy cream, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat through for an additional 5 minutes, and then serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Extra Tips:
For a richer flavor, consider adding a bay leaf during the simmering process and removing it before serving.
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot or use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup.
Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other vegetables you have on hand, such as corn or green beans. Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days and reheats well on the stove or in the microwave.
Ham Fried Rice
Ham Fried Rice is a delicious and easy way to use up leftover ham while creating a satisfying meal. This dish is packed with flavor from the combination of sautéed vegetables, savory soy sauce, and the smoky taste of ham.
It's a versatile recipe, allowing you to incorporate whatever vegetables or spices you have on hand, making it a great way to clear out your refrigerator while enjoying a homemade meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 1 cup diced leftover ham
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
Stir in the mixed vegetables and garlic, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and pour the beaten eggs into the empty side, scrambling them until fully cooked.
Once the eggs are done, add the cooked rice and diced ham to the skillet, mixing everything together. Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring well to combine, and cook for another 3-5 minutes until heated through.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Extra Tips:
For the best flavor and texture, use day-old rice as it's drier and less sticky than freshly cooked rice. This helps achieve that desirable fried rice consistency.
Feel free to customize your ham fried rice by adding other ingredients like bell peppers, mushrooms, or even pineapple for a sweet twist. If you prefer a little heat, add some chili flakes or sriracha while cooking.
Finally, make certain your skillet or wok is hot enough before adding the ingredients; this will help develop a nice char and improve the overall flavor of the dish.
Scalloped Potatoes With Ham
Scalloped potatoes with ham is a comforting and flavorful dish that makes excellent use of leftover ham. This creamy, cheesy casserole features layers of tender potatoes and savory ham, baked to perfection.
It's an ideal way to transform your leftovers into a hearty meal that everyone will love. Perfect for a family dinner or as a side dish for gatherings, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until translucent.
Stir in the flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, cooking for an additional minute. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream until the mixture thickens slightly.
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes, followed by half of the diced ham, and half of the cheese. Pour half of the cream mixture over the layers.
Repeat the process with the remaining potatoes, ham, cheese, and cream mixture. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
Tips:
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding some grated nutmeg or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cream mixture.
You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyère or mozzarella, for a unique twist.
Make sure to slice the potatoes evenly for consistent cooking, and let the dish rest for 10 minutes after removing it from the oven to allow the layers to set.
Enjoy your scalloped potatoes with ham as a delicious main course or a side dish to your favorite proteins!
Ham and Broccoli Casserole
Ham and Broccoli Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that makes excellent use of leftover ham while incorporating nutritious broccoli. This casserole combines tender broccoli, diced ham, creamy sauce, and a crispy topping for a satisfying meal that's perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd.
It's easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient choice for busy schedules.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked broccoli florets
- 2 cups diced leftover ham
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup crushed crackers (such as Ritz) or breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked broccoli, diced ham, cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, cheddar cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
In another bowl, mix the crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
Extra Tips:
For added flavor, consider mixing in some sautéed onions or bell peppers with the ham and broccoli.
You can also substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or a homemade white sauce for a different taste.
If you prefer a cheesy casserole, feel free to add more cheese on top or layer some in between the casserole mixture.
This dish can be easily customized with other vegetables like peas or corn and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it a great make-ahead option.