How To Make The Most Of Your Leftover Ham
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After a big holiday meal, you might be left with a fridge full of leftovers, including a delicious ham. Don’t let that Leftover Ham go to waste! I’ll share my top tips for storing leftover ham, recipe ideas, and cooking tips to help you make the most of this versatile ingredient.
Leftover Ham
I hope you had a wonderful holiday season filled with delicious food and quality time with loved ones. Now that the festivities have come to an end, you might be left with some leftover ham. Fear not, my friends! Leftover ham is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of delicious dishes. In this post, I’ll share some tips on how to store leftover ham, recipe ideas, and tips for cooking with ham.
To prevent food waste and get the most out of your ham, it’s important to use it up before it goes bad. One tip is to plan out meals in advance and incorporate small amounts of ham into dishes for extra flavor. For example, you can add ham to scrambled eggs or a breakfast sandwich, sprinkle it on top of a salad, or use it as a pizza topping.
Another tip is to freeze small portions of ham for later use in soups, stews, or casseroles. This is a great way to have a quick and easy protein source on hand when you need it. With these tips, you can make the most of your ham and enjoy delicious meals while reducing food waste.
Storing Leftover Ham
First things first, let’s talk about how to store leftover ham. Proper storage is key when it comes to keeping leftover ham fresh and safe to eat. You should store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer. For refrigerator storage, it’s best to use the ham within 3-5 days. For freezer storage, the ham can be stored for up to 6 months. It’s important to be aware of how long leftover ham can be stored to prevent food borne illness.
Recipe Ideas
Now, onto the fun part – recipe ideas! There are many delicious dishes that can be made with leftover ham. Here are some of my favorites:
Leftover Ham and Cheese Breakfast Muffins
Leftover Ham and Bean Soup
One-Skillet Ham and Cheese Gnocchi
Ham and Cheese Pockets
Ham And Cheese Sliders
Club Sandwich
Olive Ham and Cheese Loaf
Deviled Ham
Hawaiian Pizza
Split Pea Soup
Croque Monsieur
Leftover Ham and Cheese Penne
Chef Salad
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Black Eyed Peas Recipe
Tips For Cooking With Leftover Ham
Here are some tips and tricks for cooking with leftover ham:
- Use the ham bone for extra flavor – If you have a leftover ham bone, don’t throw it away! Ham bones can be used to add extra flavor to soups, stews, and broths. Simply place the ham bone in a pot with water and vegetables, and let it simmer for a few hours to create a flavorful broth. You can then use this broth as a base for soups, stews, and casseroles.
- Incorporate small amounts of ham into dishes for extra flavor – Leftover ham can be added to a variety of dishes for extra flavor. For example, you can add small amounts of ham to scrambled eggs, omelettes, salads, or pasta dishes. You can also use ham as a pizza topping or in a grilled cheese sandwich for a tasty twist.
- Slice and store leftover ham for later use – If you don’t plan to use all of your ham right away, slice it into thin pieces and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. This makes it easy to grab a quick protein source for meals. Frozen ham can be stored for up to 6 months.
- Get creative with leftovers – Don’t be afraid to get creative with your ham! You can use it to make a variety of dishes, such as quiches, frittatas, casseroles, and soups. You can also use leftover ham in place of bacon in recipes, such as potato soup or mac and cheese, for a delicious twist.
By using these tips, you can make the most of your leftover ham and enjoy delicious meals while reducing food waste. So next time you have leftover ham, don’t let it go to waste – get creative in the kitchen and try something new! By storing it properly, trying new recipes, and getting creative with your cooking, you can make the most of your leftover ham and enjoy delicious meals for days to come.