The beauty of making a baked ham — whether for Easter, Christmas, another holiday, or any large gathering —  is that there are bound to be leftovers. That’s one of the best parts of making a ham; you know you will heading towards leftover ham recipes in the week! Of course, you’ll want to make a ham sandwich or two….but there are plenty of other ways to put that ham to good use. Leftover ham will last for up to 5 days in the fridge, so you have lots of chances to add that porky, smoky flavor to all kinds of dishes.

How to Freeze Leftover Ham

Leftover ham freezes perfectly, so you don’t have to put all of it to immediate use. Simply wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap or another type of wrap that really clings to the ham. Place the wrapped ham in a freezer-proof bag, press out any excess air, seal it, and freeze it for up to 6 months. You can also slice or dice your ham before freezing. Ham that has been cut up or sliced will also need to be well wrapped before freezing and is best when used within 4 months.

To defrost frozen cooked ham, simply transfer it to the fridge and let it defrost. Small pieces or cubed ham will take about a day to thaw. A larger piece of ham may take up to 2 days. Do not defrost ham at room temperature, which would encourage bacteria to row.

Leftover Ham Recipes: Leftover ham becomes a springboard for all kinds of new meals (and it also freezes beautifully!)

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Best Ham Sandwich

My favorite version of a ham sandwich is with rye bread, lots of crunchy lettuce, slices of an assertive cheese (like Provolone or sharp cheddar), grainy mustard, mayonnaise, some verrrrrrryyyyy thinly sliced onion, and maybe sliced tomato, if they are in season. Simple and classic. But I would also say that instead of the mustard and mayo, you might also try Pimento Cheese Spread, Herbed Mayonnaise, or Roasted Red Pepper and Basil Mayonnaise. Also, layer some ham into a grilled cheese sandwich — its own perfect kind of pleasure.

Ham in Salads

Diced or chopped ham is a great addition to all kinds of salads, from green salads to creamy pasta salads. Try adding 1 cup of diced or chopped ham to Classic Macaroni Salad, Cobb Salad, Egg and Potato Salad (instead of the bacon), Deviled Egg Potato Salad, Kale Crunch Salad, Roasted Chickpea, Apple and Feta Salad, or Spring Vegetable and Rice Salad.

Ham in Casseroles

You can also give a casserole a boost with your leftover ham. Try adding it to Huevos Rancheros Breakfast Casserole, Southwest Quinoa Casserole, Baked Tortellini, Funeral Potatoes, Baked Macaroni and Cheese, Cauliflower au Gratin, Cheesy Jambalaya Bake, or Creamy Scalloped Potatoes.

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12 Leftover Ham Recipes

And then give these recipes a go! Quiches, soups, omelets…there are so many great ways to use that leftover ham in flavorful and smart ways. Not wasting food has never tasted so good!

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