When it comes to cooking, making use of leftovers is not only practical but also allows you to get creative in the kitchen. One versatile ingredient that you can use in a variety of dishes is leftover cooked ham. Whether you have a few slices or a substantial amount, there are plenty of delicious dishes you can make with it.
One classic dish you can make with leftover ham is a delicious ham and cheese omelette. Simply chop up the ham into small pieces and mix it with some grated cheese. Beat a few eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper, pour the mixture into a heated pan, and add the ham and cheese. Cook until the eggs set and the cheese melts, and your flavorful omelette is ready to be enjoyed.
Another tasty option is to make a ham and pea soup. Start by sautéing some chopped onions and garlic in a pot, then add diced ham and cook until it becomes slightly crispy. Add frozen peas, chicken broth, and a pinch of thyme, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, then use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Serve hot with crusty bread for a comforting meal.
If you’re looking for something more substantial, consider making a ham and potato casserole. Start by slicing cooked potatoes and layering them in a greased baking dish. Top the potatoes with diced ham and grated cheese. In a separate bowl, whisk together some eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Pour the egg mixture over the ham and potatoes, and bake in the oven until golden and bubbly. This dish makes for a satisfying dinner or brunch option.
These are just a few ideas to get you started, but the possibilities are endless when it comes to using leftover cooked ham. Whether you incorporate it into sandwiches, salads, or pasta dishes, leftover ham is a versatile ingredient that can elevate your meals and help reduce food waste. So next time you have some cooked ham on hand, don’t let it go to waste – get creative in the kitchen and enjoy some delicious meals!
Delicious Recipes to Make With Leftover Cooked Ham
If you have leftover cooked ham, don’t let it go to waste! There are plenty of delicious and easy recipes you can make with it. From comforting casseroles to hearty sandwiches, here are some ideas to inspire your next meal:
1. Ham and Cheese Quiche: Whip up a tasty quiche by combining chopped ham, shredded cheese, eggs, and milk. Pour the mixture into a pie crust and bake until golden and fluffy.
2. Ham and Vegetable Stir-Fry: Sauté leftover ham with your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. Add some soy sauce and spices for extra flavor, then serve over steamed rice or noodles.
3. Ham Salad Sandwiches: Mix diced ham with mayonnaise, mustard, pickles, and a splash of lemon juice. Spread the mixture onto bread slices and top with lettuce or tomato for a delicious sandwich.
4. Ham and Bean Soup: Simmer leftover ham with beans, carrots, onions, and garlic to create a flavorful and hearty soup. Season with herbs and spices, and let it simmer until the flavors meld together.
5. Ham and Potato Hash: Sauté diced ham with potatoes, onions, and bell peppers until crispy and golden. Serve as a delicious breakfast or dinner option, topped with a fried egg if desired.
6. Ham and Cheese Sliders: Arrange sliced ham and cheese on mini rolls, then brush with a mixture of melted butter, mustard, and spices. Bake until golden and gooey for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack.
7. Ham and Egg Breakfast Burritos: Scramble eggs with diced ham, cheese, and your favorite veggies. Spoon the mixture onto tortillas, roll them up, and enjoy a satisfying breakfast on the go.
8. Ham and Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast: Make a pocket in chicken breasts and stuff them with chopped ham, spinach, and cheese. Bake until the chicken is cooked through and the filling is oozing with flavor.
9. Ham and Cheese Omelette: Whip up a fluffy omelette filled with diced ham and shredded cheese. Customize with your favorite veggies or herbs for a delicious and protein-packed breakfast or brunch.
10. Ham and Pineapple Pizza: Top a pizza crust with leftover ham, pineapple chunks, and cheese for a tropical twist on a classic favorite. Bake until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
With these mouthwatering recipes, you can transform your leftover cooked ham into delicious meals that will impress your family and friends.
Ham and Cheese Quiche Recipe
If you’re looking for a delicious way to use up leftover cooked ham, this ham and cheese quiche recipe is a perfect choice. With its flaky pastry crust, creamy filling, and savory ham and cheese, it’s a satisfying dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 pie crust, homemade or store-bought
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish, trimming any excess crust. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the diced ham and shredded cheese. Spread the mixture evenly over the pie crust.
- In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Pour this mixture over the ham and cheese in the pie crust.
- Bake the quiche in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
- Remove the quiche from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
This ham and cheese quiche is a versatile dish that can be customized to your taste. Feel free to add other ingredients like sautéed vegetables, herbs, or different types of cheese. Serve it with a side salad or fresh fruit for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy!
Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
If you have leftover cooked ham and are wondering what to do with it, this delicious ham and bean soup recipe is a perfect way to use it up. With hearty white beans, flavorful vegetables, and tender ham, this soup is a comforting and satisfying meal option.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover cooked ham, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the diced ham, white beans, chicken broth, dried thyme, and bay leaf to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
This ham and bean soup is hearty, nutritious, and easy to make. It’s perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner, especially during colder months. Serve it with some crusty bread for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information | Per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 250 |
Protein | 15g |
Carbohydrates | 30g |
Fat | 8g |
Sodium | 800mg |
Ham Fried Rice Recipe
If you have some leftover cooked ham, one great way to use it up is by making a delicious ham fried rice. This recipe is quick and easy, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a simple lunch. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
Ingredients | Quantity |
---|---|
Leftover cooked ham | 2 cups |
Cooked rice | 3 cups |
Eggs | 2 |
Carrots (diced) | 1/2 cup |
Peas | 1/2 cup |
Green onions (chopped) | 1/4 cup |
Soy sauce | 2 tablespoons |
Vegetable oil | 2 tablespoons |
Salt | To taste |
Pepper | To taste |
Instructions:
- In a wok or large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced carrots and cook for about 2 minutes, until they start to soften.
- Push the carrots to one side of the wok and crack the eggs into the other side. Scramble the eggs until they are fully cooked.
- Add the cooked ham, peas, and green onions to the wok. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes.
- Add the cooked rice to the wok and break up any clumps. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until the rice is heated through.
- Add the soy sauce, salt, and pepper to the wok. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Continue stir-frying for another 2 minutes, making sure everything is well mixed and heated.
- Remove from the heat and serve hot.
Enjoy your homemade ham fried rice!
Ham and Potato Casserole Recipe
If you have leftover cooked ham and potatoes, this Ham and Potato Casserole recipe is a delicious and easy way to repurpose those ingredients into a satisfying meal. With just a few additional ingredients, you can create a flavorful and hearty casserole that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover cooked ham, diced
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until they become translucent.
- Add the diced ham to the skillet and cook until it is heated through.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and milk until well combined.
- Add the milk mixture to the skillet and stir until the sauce thickens.
- Season with dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- In the greased baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes. Pour half of the ham and sauce mixture over the potatoes.
- Repeat the previous step to create a second layer using the rest of the potatoes and ham mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
This Ham and Potato Casserole is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or as a side dish. It’s perfect for using up leftover ham and potatoes, and its creamy and cheesy flavors make it a crowd-pleasing favorite.
FAQ
What are some ideas for using up leftover cooked ham?
There are many delicious ways to use up leftover cooked ham. You can make sandwiches, salads, omelettes, quiches, soups, casseroles, and even ham and cheese sliders. The options are truly endless!
How can I make a ham and cheese omelette with leftover cooked ham?
To make a ham and cheese omelette with leftover cooked ham, start by beating some eggs in a bowl. Then, heat a pan over medium heat and add some butter or oil. Pour the beaten eggs into the pan and let them cook slightly. Add the chopped leftover ham and grated cheese onto one half of the omelette. Fold the other half over the filling and cook until the cheese has melted. Serve hot and enjoy!
Can I freeze leftover cooked ham?
Yes, you can freeze leftover cooked ham. Wrap it tightly in a freezer-safe container or plastic wrap, and make sure to label it with the date. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 or 3 months. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating or using in a recipe.
What is a tasty recipe for using up leftover cooked ham?
One delicious recipe for using up leftover cooked ham is ham and potato soup. To make it, sauté some diced onions and minced garlic in a pot with melted butter. Add diced potatoes, chicken broth, and leftover ham. Simmer until the potatoes are tender. Then, add some cream or milk, and season with salt, pepper, and herbs. Heat through and serve hot. It’s a comforting and hearty dish!