Thanksgiving Leftover Ideas for Ham: Make the Most of Your Holiday Feast
Hey readers,
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course, delicious food. But what do you do with all the leftovers after the big feast? Here are some creative and tasty ways to use up your leftover Thanksgiving ham:
Sandwiches and Sliders
Classic Ham Sandwich
The classic ham sandwich is a simple but satisfying way to enjoy your leftovers. Start with two slices of your favorite bread and add a layer of sliced ham. Top with lettuce, tomato, onion, and mayonnaise or mustard.
Ham and Cheese Sliders
For a party-friendly appetizer or snack, cut your leftover ham into small squares. Place a cube of ham, a slice of cheese, and a bread cube on a toothpick and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Salads and Casseroles
Ham Salad
Ham salad is a versatile dish that can be used as a sandwich spread, salad topping, or dip. Simply combine chopped ham with mayonnaise, chopped celery and onion, and seasonings to taste.
Ham and Bean Casserole
This hearty casserole is a great way to use up leftover ham, beans, and vegetables. In a greased baking dish, layer cooked beans, chopped ham, chopped vegetables (such as carrots, celery, and onions), and a creamy sauce. Bake until bubbly and heated through.
Soups and Stews
Ham and Potato Soup
This creamy and comforting soup is perfect for a cold winter day. In a large pot, sauté onions and celery until softened. Add chopped ham, diced potatoes, chicken broth, and seasonings. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender.
Ham and Bean Stew
This hearty stew is packed with protein and flavor. In a large pot, brown chopped ham. Add chopped vegetables (such as carrots, celery, and onions), cooked beans, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the vegetables are tender.
Table: Nutritional Information for Thanksgiving Leftover Ham Ideas
| Dish | Calories | Fat | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ham Sandwich | 300 | 15 | 18 |
| Ham Salad | 250 | 12 | 15 |
| Ham and Bean Casserole | 400 | 18 | 20 |
| Ham and Potato Soup | 275 | 13 | 16 |
| Ham and Bean Stew | 350 | 16 | 22 |
Creative Leftover Ham Recipes
In addition to the ideas above, here are some more creative ways to use up your leftover Thanksgiving ham:
Ham and Egg Breakfast Burritos
Scramble eggs with chopped ham, cheese, and vegetables. Fill tortillas with the egg mixture and top with salsa and sour cream.
Ham and Cornbread Stuffing Waffles
Combine leftover ham and cornbread stuffing with eggs and milk to make waffles. Serve with maple syrup or fruit compote.
Ham and Sweet Potato Hash
Hash browns are the perfect way to use up leftover potatoes. In a skillet, sauté chopped ham, sweet potatoes, and onions until browned.
Conclusion
Don’t let your Thanksgiving ham go to waste! With these creative and delicious ideas, you can enjoy your holiday leftovers all week long. And when you’re done with your ham, be sure to check out our other articles on Thanksgiving leftover recipes.
Happy eating and leftovers galore!
FAQ about Thanksgiving Leftover Ideas Ham
How should I store leftover ham?
Wrap the ham tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. You can also freeze leftover ham for up to 2 months.
How can I reheat leftover ham?
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Remove the ham from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Place the ham in a roasting pan with a little bit of water in the bottom of the pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the ham is heated through.
What are some creative ways to use leftover ham?
Leftover ham can be used in a variety of dishes, including sandwiches, salads, soups, and casseroles. It can also be diced and added to omelets, quiches, and frittatas.
How can I use leftover ham bones?
Ham bones can be used to make a variety of dishes, including soup, stock, and beans. To make soup, simply simmer the ham bones in water with some vegetables and seasonings. To make stock, simmer the ham bones in water for several hours. To make beans, soak the ham bones in water overnight and then simmer them with the beans and seasonings.
Can I freeze leftover ham?
Yes, you can freeze leftover ham for up to 2 months. Wrap the ham tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag.
How should I thaw frozen leftover ham?
To thaw frozen leftover ham, place it in the refrigerator overnight. You can also thaw the ham in the microwave on the defrost setting.
Can I microwave leftover ham?
Yes, you can microwave leftover ham. Place the ham on a microwave-safe plate and cook for 1-2 minutes per pound, or until the ham is heated through.
How can I make leftover ham sandwiches?
To make leftover ham sandwiches, simply spread your favorite condiments on bread and add sliced ham. You can also add cheese, lettuce, tomato, and other toppings.
How can I make leftover ham salad?
To make leftover ham salad, simply combine chopped ham, mayonnaise, celery, onion, and your favorite seasonings.
How can I make leftover ham soup?
To make leftover ham soup, simply simmer chopped ham in broth with vegetables and seasonings. You can add potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, and any other vegetables you like.