Buzz
Easter, a lively holiday celebrating spring, often leaves us with an abundance of leftover eggs and ham. While it's common to have a bit too much leftover ham after family gatherings, sometimes even a crowd isn’t enough to finish it all. Whether you miscalculated how much ham you needed, or your family had to skip out due to illness, there are creative ways to make use of this leftover meat. Here are seven delicious meal ideas to help you use up those final bits of tasty ham, but act fast – the ham safety window is closing soon.
Create Ham Egg Cups
A brunch favorite of mine, ham egg cups are small, savory, and easy to prepare in bulk with a cupcake tin. Start by buttering each section of the tin, then place medium-thin slices of ham in each divot. The ham will naturally fold and ripple as you form it into a cup shape—imperfection is perfectly fine. If the ham breaks or cracks, simply patch it together. Once you’ve shaped the ham, crack an egg into each cup, seasoning with a pinch of salt. Bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until the eggs reach your desired doneness. Use a knife or spoon to gently loosen the edges, and the ham cups will pop right out, ready for your brunch spread.
Add Toppings to Your Pizzas
One of my go-to ways to cook with pre-packaged food is using grocery store pizzas. Whether you opt for the well-known Digiorno brand or choose the store's own version from the fridge section, just make sure it’s still in its 'raw' form. Pick a plain pizza or one with toppings that pair well with ham. Be sure to grab a can of pineapple chunks, and you know exactly why. Chop up your leftover ham and sprinkle it, along with the pineapple, on top of your pizza. Follow the baking instructions on the box, and you'll have a delicious homemade Hawaiian pizza. You can skip the pineapple if you prefer, but let's not get into that debate.
Make a Hearty Soup
Soup is an excellent way to use up those leftover two pounds of protein. More ham is always better—no one likes a soup that's too light on meat. Ham works just as well in soup as chicken, but it adds a richer, more savory flavor. Chop your ham into small cubes or chunks, then toss it into any soup you like. For deeper, bolder flavor, add the ham at the start, before you add the liquid. This allows the edges to sear and creates a flavorful base for your soup. Once you add the stock, it will lift all those delicious bits from the pot and incorporate them into the soup. I love a classic split pea and ham soup, but a hearty ham chowder or ham and rice soup are just as good.
Incorporate It into a Sauce
The rich saltiness and umami in ham make it an ideal companion for a variety of sauces. You can either enhance a sauce that already stands strong on its own or create a new one centered around the ham. Add a cup of chopped ham to your favorite spaghetti sauce and allow it to simmer, infusing the dish with flavor. For a more ham-forward dish, try a ham gravy for your biscuits. Prepare a white roux, stir in some chipped ham, and let it thicken into a luscious sauce to pour over biscuits and eggs.
Casseroles are perfect for incorporating ham. These hearty dishes are a mix of different savory ingredients, so adding just one more, like ham, is no problem. Throw some chopped ham into a potato gratin or mac and cheese sauce, or layer it into lasagna. If you’re feeling creative, why not try a monte cristo casserole?
Casseroles are great for adding extra ingredients, and ham fits right in. Typically, casseroles are a medley of savory flavors, and ham adds even more depth. Whether you mix chopped ham into a potato gratin or mac and cheese, or layer it into lasagna, the flavors will meld beautifully. You could even try a monte cristo casserole for a fresh twist.
Ham makes a great addition to salads, providing a savory, meaty element. Any salad that’s already delicious with deli ham will be even better with chunks of roasted ham. For a chopped salad, slice the ham into pieces that are similar in size to the other ingredients. For chunkier salads, such as those with whole olives or halved baby potatoes, leave the ham in thick strips.
A green leafy salad is always in search of a standout ingredient, and ham is the perfect choice. Any salad that tastes good with deli ham will taste even better with generous pieces of roasted ham. For chopped salads, cut the ham into pieces that match the size of the other ingredients. For chunkier salads with items like whole olives or halved potatoes, keep the ham in larger, more substantial strips to complement the texture.
Create a sensational salad that stands out.
You might not have realized it, but bacon is practically a salad itself. So why not apply the same logic to ham? Start by chopping the ham into quarter-inch cubes. Add a tablespoon of mayonnaise to the mix and stir until it’s perfectly combined. For a delightful meal, pile the ham salad between two slices of bread, and if you like, add a leafy lettuce for a colorful touch. And here’s a fun post-Easter tip: chop up a hard boiled egg dyed green and toss it in with another spoonful of mayo for a spring-inspired ham and egg salad sandwich.
