There always seems to be extra ham after Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter. No matter how carefully you plan, you almost always end up with more than you need and then comes the fun (and sometimes the challenge) of finding new and creative ways to use it.
I found myself in that exact situation recently. Instead of letting those delicious, smoky pieces go to waste, I revisited a few of my tried‑and‑true favorites and also came up with a couple of new recipes to make the most of them. Ham is such a versatile ingredient, it adds instant flavor, works beautifully in both light and hearty dishes, and stretches surprisingly far.
Some of the recipes I turned to are perfect for any time of the year but some are fresh, simple, and easy to pull together. Others are a bit more robust, ideal for those cooler fall days when you want something warm and comforting. Either way, leftover ham becomes the star of the show.
Here are a few of my favorite ways to put those flavorful bites to good use.
Copycat Ham and Gruyère Cheese Tarte
Creamy Dill Pickle, Ham and Potato Soup
Hungarian Ham and Navy Bean Soup
Bucatini with Spring Peas, Ricotta, and Smoked Ham
Creamy Ham and Gruyere Cheese Quiche
So if you’re staring at a platter of leftover ham and wondering what to do with it, I’ve got you covered. These recipes are simple, flavorful, and a great way to make the most of every bite.
