Are you tired of throwing away leftover ham after the holidays? Don’t worry, I’ve got a solution for you! Here are 25 delicious casserole recipes that can help you use up all that yummy cured meat and avoid wasting it. When it comes to ham, there’s more than one type. You’ll find city ham, country ham, and boneless ham on the market. City ham is brine-cured and often sold fully cooked, while country ham is dry salt-rubbed and usually sold uncooked.
Boneless ham, as the name suggests, has had its bone removed before processing. All these hams come in both smoked and unsmoked varieties, and you can find them in sizes ranging from 5 to 18 pounds. It’s likely that you’ll end up with leftover ham after the holidays, especially if you’ve bought a larger size. So, what’s the best way to store your leftover ham? If you keep it in the fridge, it will be safe to eat for up to five days.
But if you want to extend its shelf life and keep it fresh for up to 4 months, you should store it in the freezer, wrapped in aluminum foil or placed in heavy-duty freezer bags. Freezing your leftover ham will also give you a chance to try out more of these recipes on this list. Some must-try casserole recipes include Ham & Potato Au Gratin and Ham Tetrazzini. If you’re feeling adventurous, #17 is definitely worth a try. Do you have leftover ham sitting in your fridge right now?
If so, don’t waste it! Try out any of these 25 casseroles made with leftover ham recipes and enjoy the flavors of the holidays all year round.
Creamy Ham Casserole
This scrumptious casserole sets the tone for the delicious options that follow. By combining leftover ham, mushroom soup, egg noodles, and any desired vegetables, you can enjoy a satisfying meal at lunchtime or in the evening. To give it an extra boost of flavor and creaminess, don’t forget to include a generous helping of cream cheese. While cheddar is a classic choice for shredded cheese, feel free to experiment with your favorite varieties and add them to the mix.
Ham & Spinach Quiche
The culinary identity crisis that arises when considering this particular dish is understandable. At first glance, one might wonder: is it a pie, a casserole, or perhaps something entirely different? The answer, however, lies in its preparation and presentation. While its crustless nature may lead some to assume it’s a quiche, the definition of a casserole suggests otherwise.
Cooked in a deep dish without the presence of a traditional pie crust, this quiche-turned-casserole effortlessly satisfies the criteria, defying categorization while still providing a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ham Casserole With Rice & Broccoli
If you’re looking for another delicious way to repurpose leftover ham, consider making this effortless casserole. A perfect blend of textures and flavors, it combines the savory goodness of ham with the natural sweetness of broccoli and rice. The crowning glory is a rich, creamy soup that adds depth and complexity to each bite. But what really sets this dish apart is its satisfying crunchy topping, achieved by sprinkling crushed Ritz crackers on top. It’s a game-changer.
Ham & Potato Au Gratin
For those who can’t imagine a meal without the comforting combination of potatoes and ham, this casserole is an absolute must-try. Its unique appeal stems from its harmonious blend of sliced potatoes, frozen peas, cubed ham, and a rich savory sauce. To add texture and depth, it also incorporates sharp white cheddar cheese, which serves as a masterful binder for the layered ingredients, while chicken broth infuses the dish with an abundance of flavor.
Cheesy Ham & Veggie Bake
This versatile veggie and ham dish can be prepared in about an hour’s time, assuming you have all the necessary ingredients readily available. The key components include a mixed vegetable pack, uncooked pasta, cheese, breadcrumbs, and of course, leftover ham. Feel free to substitute fresh vegetables of your choice for added variety, cutting them into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking with the ham.
German Sauerkraut Casserole With Ham
This recipe heavily relies on sauerkraut as a primary component. If you’re having trouble sourcing canned or bottled varieties, fear not – making your own from scratch is always an option. Alternatively, you can opt for a fresh and shredded cabbage substitute. When utilizing fermented vegetables like sauerkraut, it’s essential to thoroughly rinse the ingredient and squeeze out any excess liquid to remove the excess saltiness before incorporating it into the dish.
Southwestern Ham Casserole
This particular leftover ham casserole recipe may appear to be a hasty combination of ingredients, but the result is surprisingly harmonious. The medley includes shell pasta, leftover ham, frozen peas, bell pepper, seasoned breadcrumbs, and melted cheese. What sets this dish apart from others is its spicy kick, courtesy of two distinct types of chili: fire-roasted Hatch chiles and jalapenos.
Ham & Cauliflower Rice Casserole
For a deliciously satisfying casserole that’s also low in carbs, look no further than this recipe. The star of the show is cauliflower, which takes the place of traditional starches like rice or pasta by being steamed and grated to perfection.
What really sets this dish apart, however, is its impressive combination of creamy cheese, almond milk, spinach, and eggs – a perfect blend for those following a keto lifestyle.
Ham, Egg, & Cheese Casserole
For a post-holiday brunch, look no further than this versatile recipe that repurposes leftover ham and stale bread into a satisfying breakfast treat. The beauty of this dish lies in its ability to be customized to your taste. Start with the basics: thinly sliced ham and cubed bread. Then, feel free to add some freshness with shredded carrots, spring onions, and bell peppers if you’re looking to introduce some color and texture.
Alternatively, keep things simple by sticking to a trio of essentials: eggs, milk, and bread. Whichever route you choose, this dish is sure to hit the spot.
Ham Tetrazzini
A culinary surprise awaits – Ham Tetrazzini is often mistaken as an Italian dish due to its name, but in reality, it’s a quintessential American creation. The best part? Its adaptable nature allows for personalization and experimentation with various pasta types, cream soups, and more! While traditional recipes may call for spaghetti, feel free to substitute it with fettuccini, angel hair, linguine, or even egg noodles, making this dish an exciting canvas for your culinary creativity.
Mac & Cheese Ham Casserole
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that brings joy to many. But let’s take it up a notch! By adding some savory ham and sweet peas to the mix, we’re creating a flavorful twist on this beloved dish. To give it an extra kick, we’ll add some aromatic spices like paprika and mustard powder. The key to making this mac and cheese truly special is in the cheese blend itself. We’re combining gouda, cheddar, and American cheese for a creamy, melted masterpiece.
Feel free to experiment with different melty cheeses that you love – the possibilities are endless!
Breakfast Ham Casserole
Envision a harmonious union of morning staples on a single plate: crispy hash browns, savory ham, and creamy scrambled eggs. Now, picture all these flavors and textures melded together into a breakfast casserole that’s as satisfying as it is convenient.
Ham Lasagna
Surprisingly, lasagna is a type of casserole that brings together the humble and the hearty. It’s an innovative way to repurpose leftover ham, pairing it with earthy mushrooms, creamy cottage cheese, and layered lasagna sheets for a satisfying meal. The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability – feel free to add your favorite veggies like spinach or artichokes to give it your personal touch.
With these simple ingredients, you can transform a mundane leftover into a delightful culinary experience.
Oven Baked Jambalaya
Another simple yet satisfying dish is this leftover ham casserole recipe. This hearty creation combines a medley of ingredients, including rice, mixed vegetables, chicken, seafood, sausage, and of course, diced leftover ham. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare. Simply preheat your oven to the desired temperature, combine all the ingredients in a baking dish, and let the magic happen.
To ensure even cooking, it’s recommended to give the casserole a gentle stir halfway through the baking time. Once done, simply remove any bay leaves (if used) before serving.
Asparagus & Ham Strata
Strata is a versatile dish that can be elevated by the addition of a crusty bread layer at its base, allowing it to absorb and meld with the flavors of the accompanying ingredients. This ease-of-preparation aspect also makes it an ideal choice for breakfast or brunch, where a satisfying start to the day is desired. For those seeking an extra kick, a light dusting of cayenne powder on top can add a welcome depth to the dish.
Furthermore, if asparagus isn’t your preferred green, artichokes, spinach, or any other leafy vegetable of your choice can be seamlessly substituted, allowing you to tailor the recipe to suit your personal taste.
Ham Shepherd’s Pie
One alternative to traditional potato and ham recipes is a creative spin that replaces ground beef with a medley of broccoli and cauliflower florets, harmoniously paired with savory ham. This unique combination is then elevated by a rich, creamy cheese sauce that brings everything together. To complete the dish, a generous layer of mashed potatoes – either homemade or from a boxed mix – adds a comforting touch, reimagining the classic shepherd’s pie experience.
Ham & Pineapple Pasta Bake
Savoring the flavors of a classic Hawaiian pizza, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves the harmonious blend of salty ham, rich cheese, and sweet pineapple. Each bite transports you to a tropical paradise, where the creamy cheese and savory ham come together in perfect harmony with the juicy sweetness of pineapple, creating a culinary experience that will leave you wanting more.
Ham & Cheese Croissant Casserole
Imagine a breakfast dish that combines the flaky, buttery goodness of croissants with the rich flavors of cheese. This unique take on strata is sure to impress, whether you’re serving it to guests or just want to treat yourself to something special. The result is a sublime and utterly delicious breakfast that’s unlike any ordinary strata. Perfect for a weekend brunch or a special occasion, this dish is sure to become a new favorite.
Ham & Cornbread Bake
To satisfy your cravings for a hearty, hassle-free casserole that’s ready in no time, look no further! This recipe delivers on all fronts. Simply combine all the ingredients – minus a portion of grated cheese, reserved for topping – in a large bowl and transfer the mixture to your go-to baking dish. Next, pop it into the oven to let the magic happen.
Once cooked through, remove from the heat and finish by sprinkling the remaining cheese on top, followed by a pinch of pepper flakes for an added kick. Finally, broil for 5 minutes to achieve a golden-brown crust that’s sure to please.
Slow Cooker Ham & Cheese Breakfast Casserole
While the holiday season is all about indulgence, it’s also important to have some quick and easy breakfast options up your sleeve. One such recipe is perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings. The best part? It can be prepared while you’re doing other things, like unwrapping presents or getting ready for the day. Simply combine the ingredients in your slow cooker, set it to cook, and come back to a delicious breakfast treat that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
With options ranging from 1.5 hours on high heat to 4 hours on low, you can let it simmer while you attend to other tasks, making it the perfect solution for your holiday morning routine.
Ham Pot Pie
This unconventional casserole is essentially an improvisational chicken pot pie minus the star of the show – the chicken. Instead, it’s a hearty combination of leftover ham, corn, potatoes, and carrots, topped with a flaky puff pastry crust.
The structure may be familiar, but this dish’s unique filling makes it stand out from your average chicken pot pie.
If you’re looking to prepare it well in advance, rest assured that this casserole can be refrigerated for up to 5 days without compromising its quality or safety.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Chicken cordon bleu’s signature combination of chicken, ham, and cheese takes on a new form in this creative spin-off. Instead of separating the ingredients like traditional cordon bleu recipes, this casserole-style dish brings them together in perfect harmony. The result is a rich, satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor.
To add some extra texture and crunch, the top layer features an assortment of cheeses and breadcrumbs – the ultimate combination for a family-friendly favorite that’s sure to become a staple in your household.
Monte Cristo Sandwich Bake
The Monte Cristo casserole is a creative translation of the popular ham, cheese, and egg-dipped sandwich. To make it, start by creating layers in a large baking dish, beginning with a layer of bread at the bottom. Add sliced ham on top, followed by a layer of melted cheese, then another layer of bread. Next, pour over the mixture a seasoned egg batter that helps bind everything together. This results in an impressive giant Monte Cristo sandwich casserole.
Ham & Cheese Enchilada Casserole
Indulge in a Mexican food lover’s delight – a casserole version of enchiladas that can be savored at any time of day. While traditionally enjoyed for breakfast, this recipe is perfect for whenever a flavorful meal strikes your fancy.
The best part? You can customize the heat level to suit your taste buds. Simply add some diced jalapenos to each roll and get ready to ignite your senses with every bite!
Ham & Turkey Cheesy Casserole
Are you guilty of going overboard with holiday leftovers, finding yourself with an abundance of turkey and ham the day after? If so, a clever recipe can help minimize waste and put that delicious meat to good use.
The bottom line
Say goodbye to holiday leftovers and hello to a deliciously repurposed meal with this collection of innovative ham casserole recipes. Whether you’re looking to reduce food waste or simply enjoy a satisfying second helping, these creative concoctions will guide you in turning last night’s leftover ham into a culinary masterpiece.
