Christmas ham, with its sweet and savory glaze, is a holiday staple that often leaves families with a generous amount of leftovers. Rather than simply reheating slices or making the traditional ham sandwich, there are countless creative ways to repurpose this festive meat. This article explores various dishes that transform Christmas ham into culinary delights, ensuring no morsel goes to waste and your post-holiday meals remain exciting and flavorful.
1. Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole
Start your day off right with a hearty breakfast casserole that combines the rich flavors of ham and cheese. This dish is not only delicious but also convenient, as it can be prepared the night before and simply baked in the morning.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups diced Christmas ham
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 4 cups cubed bread (preferably a day or two old)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the cubed bread, diced ham, bell pepper, and onion to the egg mixture. Stir until the bread is well-coated.
- Fold in the shredded cheeses, ensuring an even distribution.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is set.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
This casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd and can be customized with your favorite vegetables and cheeses.
2. Ham and Potato Soup
Turn your Christmas ham into a comforting bowl of soup that’s perfect for chilly winter days. This creamy ham and potato soup is hearty and flavorful, making it an ideal choice for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups diced Christmas ham
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped chives or parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Slowly add the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a boil.
- Add the diced potatoes and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Use a potato masher to slightly mash some of the potatoes, creating a thicker texture.
- Stir in the diced ham and heavy cream, heating through.
- Add the shredded cheese, stirring until melted and incorporated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped chives or parsley.
This soup is a wonderful way to use up leftover ham and makes for a filling meal when paired with a simple green salad or crusty bread.
3. Ham and Pineapple Pizza
For a quick and easy meal that pleases both kids and adults, make a homemade ham and pineapple pizza. This combination of sweet and savory flavors is a classic, and using Christmas ham adds a special touch.
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-made pizza dough
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup diced Christmas ham
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (drained if canned)
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven according to the pizza dough package instructions (usually around 475°F or 245°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness and transfer to a baking sheet or pizza stone.
- Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Evenly distribute the diced ham, pineapple chunks, and red onion over the cheese.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake according to the dough instructions, usually 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and browned.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
- Slice and serve hot.
This homemade pizza is a fun way to enjoy your leftover ham and can be customized with additional toppings like bell peppers, olives, or jalapeños for an extra kick.
4. Ham and Cheese Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers are a versatile and nutritious meal option. By incorporating Christmas ham into the filling, you create a dish that’s both satisfying and full of holiday flavor.
Ingredients:
- 4 large bell peppers (any color), tops cut off and seeds removed
- 1 1/2 cups cooked rice
- 1 1/2 cups diced Christmas ham
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, diced ham, shredded cheese, peas and carrots, onion, garlic, and diced tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Spoon the filling into the hollowed-out bell peppers, packing it in tightly.
- Place the stuffed peppers in the prepared baking dish and drizzle with olive oil.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
These stuffed peppers are not only colorful and appealing but also a nutritious way to enjoy your Christmas ham leftovers.
SEE ALSO: What Are Typical Christmas Decorations
5. Ham and Spinach Quiche
A quiche is an elegant and versatile dish that works for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. Using Christmas ham in a quiche adds a delightful smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with spinach and cheese.
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 1 1/2 cups diced Christmas ham
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish. Crimp the edges and prick the bottom with a fork.
- Blind bake the crust by placing a sheet of parchment paper over it and filling it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove the weights and
- parchment paper and bake for an additional 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- In a skillet, sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Spread the sautéed onion and spinach mixture evenly over the bottom of the pie crust.
- Sprinkle the diced ham and shredded cheese over the vegetables.
- Pour the egg mixture over the filling, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the quiche is set and the top is lightly golden.
- Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
This quiche is a sophisticated way to use up your Christmas ham and can be served warm or at room temperature, making it a great option for gatherings.
6. Ham and Bean Stew
For a hearty and comforting meal, turn your Christmas ham into a delicious ham and bean stew. This dish is full of flavor and nutrients, perfect for a cold winter day.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups diced Christmas ham
- 1 lb dried white beans (such as cannellini or navy beans), soaked overnight
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large pot, sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Add the soaked beans, chicken broth, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 1-1.5 hours, or until the beans are tender.
- Add the diced ham and continue to simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
This stew is a warm and satisfying meal that makes excellent use of Christmas ham, and it pairs well with a slice of crusty bread.
7. Ham and Cheddar Scones
For a savory twist on traditional scones, try making ham and cheddar scones. These make a delightful breakfast or snack and are perfect for using up leftover ham.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1 cup diced Christmas ham
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the diced ham and shredded cheddar cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead gently until it comes together.
- Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick circle and cut into 8 wedges.
- Place the wedges on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
These scones are a delicious and portable way to enjoy Christmas ham and are perfect for brunch or a savory snack.
8. Ham and Broccoli Pasta Bake
A creamy pasta bake is a comforting and easy way to use up leftover ham. This ham and broccoli pasta bake is cheesy, hearty, and perfect for feeding a crowd.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups diced Christmas ham
- 12 oz pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions, adding the broccoli florets in the last 3-4 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, bringing to a simmer. Cook until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, broccoli, diced ham, and cheese sauce. Mix until evenly coated.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
This pasta bake is a comforting and delicious way to enjoy your Christmas ham leftovers and is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Conclusion
Christmas ham is a versatile ingredient that can be transformed into a variety of delicious dishes. From hearty casseroles and comforting soups to savory scones and elegant quiches, there are countless ways to repurpose your holiday leftovers. By trying these creative recipes, you can ensure that every last bit of your Christmas ham is enjoyed to the fullest, making your post-holiday meals just as special as the festive feast itself.
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