An oval baking dish filled with sliced potatoes, cubed ham, and chopped herbs.

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It happens whenever we serve ham for Easter. On Monday morning, The One and I open the fridge, logy from overindulging in carbs, and find a chunk of porcine goodness staring us down.

It goes without saying that The One will make his split-pea soup using the bone instead of hocks. But we’re always left scratching our heads asking, “How are we going to use up all this leftover ham?”

One year, I came up with the ham, cheese, and potato casserole below, and since then, it’s become a yearly staple. I encourage you to try it if you haven’t. Honestly, it’s reason enough to buy and cook a whole ham.

And, of course, there are Julia’s eggs Benedict, cheesy-porky omelets, more potatoes and ham, and just about any salad–leafy or potato–can benefit from ham.

Still need more ideas? Fold some into easy empanadas. Stir chunks into your favorite sourdough bread. (Don’t forget to toss in a handful or two of grated cheese and lots of black pepper). Slip some into grilled cheese sandwiches. I could go on and on.

Tell me: If you’re a ham lover, what do you do with all your leftovers?

xo,

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A ham, cheese, and potato casserole in a large rectangular dish, on a red-and-white striped towel.
David Leite
1 of 5

Ham, Cheese, and Potato Casserole

This ham, cheese, and potato casserole is our new definition of decadent comfort food. Layers of cooked ham, thinly sliced potatoes, shallots, and gooey cheese are baked in a rich cream sauce until crispy and golden.

I’ve made this ham and potato casserole probably five times, and it’s outstanding. I use regular milk instead of cream just to lighten it a bit. And I saute some garlic with the shallot instead of rubbing it on the dish.

Always delicious and always gets rave reviews. It’s even delicious at room temperature or cold the next morning.

davey
A cooked ham and cheese omelet in a small skillet with a spatula sliding underneath to flip it.
Steve Painter
2 of 5

Ham and Cheese Omelet

This ham and cheese omelet is so tasty that you'll make it often, even if you're not short on time or energy. Toss some salty ham in there and you've got a winning meal, any time of the day.
A Dutch oven filled with ham and potatoes sarladaise on a white and red linen cloth.
Marcus Nilsson
3 of 5

Ham and Potatoes Sarladaise

Ham and potatoes sarladaise is just a fancy French way of saying “Hey, got leftover ham? This is a fantastically comforting thing to make with it!” The addition of parsley and garlic make it rustic and quick to prep.

The ham and potatoes sarladaise was a wonderful dish to make with leftover ham. My family loved it! I did add onions while frying the potatoes, though! Definitely would make this again.

lori
Two Julia Child's eggs Benedict on a white plate with a side of asparagus.
nicolesy
4 of 5

Julia Child’s Eggs Benedict

This eggs Benedict from beloved Julia Child is made with hollandaise sauce, poached eggs, buttery brioche (or English muffins), and ham. The perfect brunch recipe. (How can you say no to Julia!)

Amazing! This eggs Benedict recipe is divine, especially the Hollandaise!

mike m.
Maple syrup being poured over a monte cristo sandwich that is on a piece of parchment paper.
Alex Farnum
5 of 5

Monte Cristo Sandwich

The Monte Cristo sandwich may sound fancy, but it's really nothing more than the collision of a ham and cheese sandwich and French toast. Not fancy. But definitely delicious.

Leftover Ham FAQs

How long can leftover ham be stored in the fridge?

Leftover ham can be stored in the fridge for up to four days. Store it in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Can you freeze leftover ham?

Yes. Sliced or chopped leftover ham can be frozen in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.

What’s the best way to reheat ham to avoid it drying out?

Reheat your ham in the oven or on the stovetop with some additional liquid to prevent it from becoming tough or dry.

To reheat the ham in the oven, place it in a baking dish with a few tablespoons of broth or water. Cover tightly and heat in a 325°F oven until warmed through, about 10 minutes per pound.

To reheat the ham on the stovetop, place the ham in a skillet with a few tablespoons of broth or water. Cover the skillet and set over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

If you’ve got a leftover ham bone, don’t toss it! It adds incredible flavor to this slow cooker split pea soup, which is another great use for leftover ham.

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About David Leite

I count myself lucky to have received three James Beard Awards for my writing as well as for Leite’s Culinaria. I’m the author of The New Portuguese Table and Notes on a Banana. For more than 25 years, I’ve been developing and testing recipes for my site, my books, and publications. My work has also appeared in the New York Times, Martha Stewart Living, Saveur, Bon Appétit, Gourmet, Food & Wine, Yankee, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, Washington Post, and more. I’m also a cooking teacher, memoirist, and inveterate cat lady.

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6 Comments

  3. Yum! I like that Green Eggs and Ham idea, avocado makes everything better. I make ham quiche sometimes with spinach and mushrooms. And I have a delicious ham salad wrap recipe that uses up the little bits too small for slicing. But I still love a thick slice of fresh baked ham on sourdough bread with real mayonnaise best.

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