Tasty Ways to Use Up Leftover Ham

Leftover Ham Recipes

🥢 Ham Fried Rice

This quick fried rice is perfect for using up small bits of ham. Made with leftover rice, frozen mixed vegetables, and simple pantry staples, it’s a satisfying weeknight meal that comes together in no time.

🌽 Corn and Ham Chowder

This creamy chowder combines tender potatoes, sweet corn, and savory ham in a rich, flavorful broth. It’s a hearty, satisfying way to use up leftover ham—and perfect for chilly evenings.

🧀 Ham and Cheese Casserole

Comfort food at its best! This creamy, cheesy pasta casserole is loaded with chunks of ham and baked until bubbly. It’s a family-friendly dinner that turns leftovers into something special.

🍲 Ham and Wild Rice Soup

This creamy, hearty soup is full of earthy wild rice, vegetables, and savory ham. It’s ideal for chilly days and makes a great make-ahead lunch or dinner. Serve with bread or crackers on the side.

🫘 Ham and Bean Soup

A simple, one-pot soup that puts leftover ham to delicious use. With beans, vegetables, and a flavorful broth, this wholesome dish is perfect for feeding a crowd or freezing for later.

🥪 Cuban Sandwich (Cubano)

Leftover ham never looked so good. This pressed sandwich layers sliced ham, roast pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on soft bread—then crisps up golden and melty on the griddle. A bold, flavorful way to repurpose leftovers that doesn’t feel like leftovers at all.

🥫 Ham and Pinto Bean Soup

This hearty, budget-friendly soup is made with canned pinto beans, vegetables, and flavorful chunks of ham. It’s easy to make and perfect for using up leftovers—great with a slice of cornbread or a side of white rice.

🍝 Baked Pasta with Ham

This comforting casserole is loaded with tender pasta, creamy cheese sauce, and savory chunks of ham. It’s baked until bubbly and golden—perfect for a hearty dinner or using up holiday leftovers.

🥗 Ham Pasta Salad

This creamy pasta salad is loaded with ham, crisp vegetables, and tender pasta—all tossed in a homemade dressing. It’s a crowd-pleasing side dish that’s perfect for parties, barbecues, or using up leftover ham after the holidays.

🦴 Bonus Ideas Using the Ham Bone (or Leftover Pieces)

If your leftover ham includes the bone—or you just have extra chopped ham—these soups are easy to adapt. You can either:

• Add your ham bone in place of a smoked ham hock or shank for extra depth of flavor
• Or stir chopped ham into the finished soup for a simple, smoky touch

🫘 Navy Bean Soup

Classic and comforting, this popular soup is made with navy beans, vegetables, and smoky flavor from a ham hock—but a leftover ham bone works just as well. You can also stir in chopped ham instead.

🥣 Cuban White Bean Soup (Caldo Gallego)

Traditionally made with ham or smoked meat, this rustic soup is filled with white beans, potatoes, and greens in a savory broth. Add your leftover bone or ham pieces for a deeply flavorful variation.

🍲 Potaje de Lentejas (Cuban Lentil Soup)

This hearty lentil soup includes root vegetables, spices, and the smoky richness of a ham shank or hock. Use your leftover ham bone or stir in chopped ham for a comforting twist.

Storing leftover ham

To keep your ham fresh and safe to eat, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use it within 3 to 4 days, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). For longer storage, place it in an airtight container or zip-top bag, label it with the contents and date, and freeze for 1 to 2 months.

To defrost frozen ham, transfer it to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Avoid defrosting at room temperature for food safety.

For more food safety tips and storage guidelines, visit: usda.gov and foodsafety.gov.