The Absolute Best Uses For Leftover Ham

Ham is an essential part of an Easter dinner, but there's something tricky about this salty pork product — hams are huge. Sure, you can buy ham slices or quarter hams, but it's not unusual to see 12 or 15 pound hams at the store. So, after you prepare the perfect ham for dinner on Sunday, you have to ask: what should you do with all that leftover ham come Monday? Luckily, ham is a great protein to use again and again, as these 15 leftover ham recipes prove.

You can just eat your ham slices on bread with some mayo, mustard and American cheese, but then the big question arises: what should you do with the ham bone? Enter: salty, savory ham and bean soup, which extracts all of that glorious flavor from the hock. For some, ham and bean soup is as much of an Easter tradition as dyeing eggs.

For the Ham and Bean Soup recipe, click here.

Eggs aren't the only thing you can "devil" — you can make a darn good deviled ham salad with leftover ham, mayo, mustard and hot sauce. Mix it up, spread over crackers and enjoy.

For the Deviled Ham Salad recipe, click here.

One of the best springtime brunch recipes is this quiche, which uses chopped ham and new potatoes. Shred your cheese fresh to ensure that desirable melty texture.

For the Ham and Potato Crustless Quiche recipe, click here.

Of course, a ham sandwich is the go-to for leftover meat. But this ain't your mama's sandwich. It's way, way better. This uses cheese butter for a luxe spread, which is balanced with some sweet strawberry jam and pleasantly bitter arugula. Put it all on a crusty baguette, and you're eating well.

For the Spiral Ham Sandwich recipe, click here.

Broccoli, ham and cheese are an iconic trio that really shine when mixed with eggs. Mix them all together, cook in a muffin tin, and you have a perfect grab-and-go breakfast for busy mornings.

For the Broccoli, Ham and Cheese Muffins recipe, click here.

Hash recipes are great for breakfast, lunch or dinner, and this hash has it all. There's tons of squash, peppers and onions for vitamins, bacon and ham for salty protein deliciousness and, of course, cracked eggs for that must-have yolky drip.

For the Bacon Butternut Hash With Ham and Eggs recipe, click here.

Fresh peas and carrots are some of the best spring produce around, and this hearty green soup highlights them well. The secret to tons of smoky, salty flavor, however, comes from the ham bone. Seriously. Save your ham bones.

For the Smoky Pea Soup With Ham and Cream recipe, click here.

If you've gotten into making your own pizza and bread over the last year or so, take your skills to the next level by using your leftover ham for this impressive stromboli recipe. This yeast dough is stuffed with cheese, ham and pizza sauce, making it a kid-friendly hit for dinner.

For the Ham and Cheese Stromboli recipe, click here.

Sauerkraut balls are a favorite appetizer for New Year's Eve, but honestly, we can eat these pork-filled bites all day, every day. Just make sure you know the principles of frying food at home before you get started.

For the Crispy Sauerkraut Ham Fritters recipe, click here.

It should be no surprise that ham is one of those ingredients that pair extremely well with mac and cheese. But if you needed proof, throw your leftovers in this Swiss-heavy mac and cheese recipe.

For the Ham and Swiss Mac and Cheese recipe, click here.

Minced ham is an essential ingredient in Chinese egg foo yung. Make these loaded egg pancakes with shrimp, bean sprouts, more veggies and a scrumptious orange sauce and serve with more favorite takeout dishes you can make at home.

For the Egg Foo Yung, Southern Style recipe, click here.

If you took a ton of time and effort to make Easter dinner, odds are you want to keep your leftovers as simple as possible. Luckily, this ham and black eyed pea soup is one of the best things you can make in a slow cooker. Just toss everything in your Crock-Pot and sit back.

For the Ham, Black Eyed Pea and Potato Slow Cooker Soup recipe, click here.

You don't need a ham bone to make an amazing ham soup. This easy, satisfying soup recipe uses diced ham and is just as delicious.

For the Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup recipe, click here.

Broccoli and cheese are an incredible combination. This dynamic duo only gets better in a frittata with added ham and peppers.

For the Broccoli Frittata With Ham and Peppers recipe, click here.

These easy ham and cheese sliders have two secrets. One: They can be made ahead of time and frozen for quick lunches. Two: They don't just use leftover ham, they also use leftover chicken, making them one of the all-time best ways to use your leftovers.

For the Ham and Cheese Sliders recipe, click here.

More from The Daily Meal:

A Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking the Perfect Ham

Why Do We Eat Ham on Easter?

What to Make With Leftover Prime Rib

Lamb, Prime Rib and 10 Other Easter Entrees That Aren't Ham

32 Spring Brunch Recipes For Any Occasion