7 Tasty Things to Do With All That Leftover Ham

After Easter, there’s a good chance you’ve got a serious hunk of leftover ham taking up space in the fridge. That’s what we call a good problem to have. And while layering a few slices onto toast and topping them with a fried egg is never a bad idea, there’s plenty more you can do with all that extra meat. 

Whether you made our Glazed Ham With Pomegranate Relish or the Hot Maple Glazed Ham, the leftovers are primed for greatness. From savory breakfasts to weeknight dinners, these ideas will help you go hog wild for more ham.

1. Sandwiches, obvi

If you didn’t serve rolls at your Easter feast, consider this your second chance: Our pillowy Skillet Dinner Rolls are tailor-made for leftover ham. They’re the perfect delivery vehicle; just add sharp cheddar, grainy mustard and a few lettuce leaves for color (and crunch). Want something with a little more heft? Our Homemade Sourdough or No-Knead Seeded Bread will keep the sandwiches coming all week. We’re also planning to swap the deli meat for leftover ham in a loaded Hex Hoagie, because nothing plays better with salty pork than the hoagie's tangy artichoke spread. Still not satisfied? Our lineup of epic sandwiches will give that roast the encore it deserves.

2. Fried rice is nice

A cup or two of leftover cubed ham is ready to star in your favorite fried rice, whether that’s a kimchi-flecked Korean-inspired version, a hibachi-style classic or a wok-stirred shrimp situation. Ham crisps up like a dream and suits just about any combo of rice, veg and egg you’ve got on-hand.

3. Comfort food, auf Deutsch

If you’re not immediately setting aside 14 ounces of leftover ham for German Ham & Cheese Noodle Kugel, what are you even doing? This cozy, traditional comfort dish is weeknight gold with its short ingredient list, hearty serving size and quick preparation. Add it to your after-Easter lineup. You won’t regret it.

4. Breakfast sammies, done better

If your post-holiday instinct was to make a breakfast sandwich, we can relate. Salty slices of leftover ham are practically begging to be crisped on your Double Burner Griddle and topped with a perfectly fried egg (or two). Swap ham in for bacon in our Breakfast Sandwiches for a Crowd, or follow your bliss and fold it into a quick scramble with a shower of grated cheese before spooning it over buttered, toasted sourdough.

5. Creamy pasta daydreams

It’s no secret that mac and cheese pairs well with ham, but that’s just the beginning: Fold small cubes into our Creamy Pasta with Peas to highlight ham’s natural affinity for peas, or balance the heat of Spicy Fusilli Vodka Sauce with a generous handful. One-Pot Ricotta Pasta with Corn, Lemon & Basil gets even dreamier with ham in the mix, while German-inspired Cheesy Spätzle Casserole is basically made for it. In other words, creamy pastas + leftover ham = a match made in heaven.

6. Soup-er bowl

Maybe your first move with leftover ham was adding it to soup. Great call, because it adds richness and body to just about any brothy bowl. We’re planning to stir cubes into Brothy Tuscan Cannellini Beans & Greens or Lemony Parmesan & Chickpea Soup with Escarole—two fast, flavorful options we're grateful for after a weekend of hosting.

7. Collards, calling

Traditionally, collards are simmered with a smoked ham hock or turkey leg, but no one’s judging if you shortcut with cubed ham. Our classic recipe is especially excellent alongside Tee’s Fried Chicken Wings and a slab of Honey Brown Butter Cornbread.

Basically, you can’t go wrong with leftover ham; you could even give some to your hammiest neighbor!