MEGAN FRANCES LLOYD
// writer

What to do with Leftover Ham

WHAT TO DO WITH LEFTOVER CHRISTMAS HAM

Originally published by Tramontina USA 2018

The holidays are full of big batches of cooking: creamy potatoes, spiced pies, peppermint everything, and of course, the Christmas ham. Though nobody ever seems to leave a scoop of mashed potatoes behind, the ham always seems to linger. But you’ll need more for lunch than just pie and a slice of ham. We’re here to help you take advantage of every last bit of the holiday ham with a few new ideas. 

SANDWICHES

The ham sandwich is an easy go-to that you’ve likely already thought of. But go for more than just white bread and American cheese.

  • Use a few French tricks like the simple, crusty baguette with good butter, aged cheese, and a few slices of ham, or spend some time making bechamel sauce for a croque monsieur.

  • Make the best grilled cheese of your life with a melty cheese like white cheddar or fontina, fig jam, caramelized onions, and ham.

  • Go cuban with a pressed cubano full of thin slices of ham, mustard, pickles, and pulled pork.

  • For some some southern comfort, grill a thick slice of ham, fry an egg, and stuff it all into a homemade biscuit with homemade mayo and a dash of hot sauce.

SOUPS

Nothing warms you up and relaxes your tired post-holiday body like a bowl of warm soup.

  • Top creamy potato soup or corn chowder with diced bits of holiday ham.

  • Whip up a quick green pea and ham soup.

  • Use the ham bone to make a southern ham hock soup with black eyed peas or beans of your choosing. 

BREAKFASTS

Protein in the morning is just what you need to keep you going during the holidays.

  • Whisk up a ham and cheese omelette with gruyere and spinach.

  • Bake a kitchen sink frittata with all your vegetable leftovers, herbs, and diced ham.

  • Finely cut ham and mix into cheddar scones.

  • Grate sweet potatoes for breakfast hash with a fried egg, ham, and minced chives. 

SIDES & MAINS

Salty, a little greasy, and with a touch of sweet, ham loves practically any and every side or main dish that you do.

  • Substitute the bacon for crispy ham in a German-style potato salad.

  • Slow-cook collard greens and ham with onions and garlic for a typical vegetable southern side.

  • Bake diced ham into individual pot pies, quiche lorraine, or savory bread pudding.

  • Bake a hawaiian pizza with ham and grilled pineapple chunks.

  • Toss into your favorite creamy pasta sauce or bake into a cheesy broccoli pasta casserole.

  • Simmer a ham and pea risotto.

Your new ham leftover tricks may become the best part of the holiday cooking experience.