Ham Creations are the secret weapon for quick, tasty meals that never get boring. Whether you’re looking to use up leftover holiday ham or seeking weeknight dinner inspiration, these ham-based ideas bring bold flavor to your table without hours of work.
Ready to transform that humble ham into spectacular Ham Creations? Let’s discover the most versatile meat in your refrigerator!
Delicious Ham Creations: Cheese Pairings
There’s something magical about the combination of savory ham and melty cheese. The salt from the ham cuts through rich cheese for a perfect balance in every bite. These Ham Creations with cheese are crowd-pleasers for any occasion.
Ham and Cheese Empanadas
These hand-held pockets pack serious flavor. The flaky pastry shell cradles diced ham and your favorite melting cheese—think Swiss or sharp cheddar. Add a touch of dijon mustard for extra zing.
Pro tip: Make a big batch and freeze them for quick lunches or snacks.
Ham and Cheese Sticks with Crescent Rolls
Got 20 minutes? Roll ham and cheese inside store-bought crescent dough, bake until golden, and watch them disappear. Kids love these, and adults do too.
Grilled Cheese with Jalapeños and Ham
Take your grilled cheese game up several notches. Layer thinly sliced ham, jalapeños, and a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack between sourdough bread for a sandwich that’s crispy, gooey, and perfectly spicy.
Ham and Cheese Bites
These two-bite wonders work magic at parties. Use puff pastry sheets cut into squares, add diced ham and cheese, then fold into little bundles of goodness.
Impossible Ham Cheese Pie
No crust needed! This crustless quiche-like dish mixes ham, cheese, and vegetables with a simple batter that forms its own crust while baking. It’s perfect for brunch or a light dinner.
Ham Provolone Rollups
These no-cook appetizers come together in minutes. Just layer thin-sliced ham with provolone, add a schmear of cream cheese mixed with green onions, roll up, and slice into pinwheels.
Slow Cooker Ham and Cheese Sandwiches
Let your slow cooker do the work! Ham slices layered with cheese and a tangy butter sauce create sandwiches that are melt-in-your-mouth good.
Cheesy Ham Pie
This savory pie combines cubed ham and sharp cheddar in a creamy custard inside a buttery pie crust. Add sautéed onions and bell peppers for extra flavor and color.
Ham and Gruyere Quiche
Nutty Gruyere elevates ham in this classic French dish. A touch of fresh thyme brings everything together.
Ham and Green Onion Cheese Ball
This retro appetizer deserves its comeback. Cream cheese, chopped ham, green onions, and spices form a crowd-pleasing sphere that’s rolled in chopped nuts.
Ham Creations: Soups for Cozy Comfort
Ham brings incredible depth to soups, turning simple ingredients into special Ham Creations. These warming recipes are perfect for chilly days.
Ham Barley Soup
Hearty barley, cubed ham, and vegetables simmer together for a stick-to-your-ribs soup that tastes even better the next day.
Ham and Kale Soup
Nutrient-rich kale stands up to ham’s bold flavor in this satisfying soup. A splash of cream at the end adds richness without heaviness.
Ham and Wild Rice Soup
The nutty flavor of wild rice pairs beautifully with ham in this Midwestern favorite. Mushrooms add earthy notes that round out the soup.
Pinto Bean Soup with Ham
This humble soup delivers big satisfaction. The beans become creamy while the ham adds smoky depth.
Chicken and Ham Soup
The best of both worlds! This protein-packed soup combines two favorite meats with vegetables and egg noodles.
Black Bean Soup with Ham Hock
A ham hock transforms black beans into something extraordinary. This soup develops complex flavors as it simmers.
Honey Baked Ham Bean Soup
Got leftover honey baked ham? Its sweetness brings a new dimension to classic bean soup.
Cheesy Ham and Broccoli Soup
This creamy soup brings together ham, broccoli, and cheese in a bowl of pure comfort. Try it with a crusty bread bowl for extra points.
Ham and Corn Chowder
Sweet corn kernels pop against savory ham in this creamy, satisfying chowder. Top with crumbled bacon for an extra flavor boost.
Ham Creations: Slow Cooker & Pressure Cooker Magic
Modern cooking tools make Ham Creations even easier to prepare. Let these appliances do the work while you enjoy the delicious results.
Ham Steaks in Crock Pot
A brown sugar and mustard glaze transforms ham steaks in your slow cooker. The results taste like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Ham Hock in Pressure Cooker
Your pressure cooker takes ham hocks from tough to tender in a fraction of the time. Use the resulting meat and cooking liquid in beans, greens, or soups.
Crock Pot Ham and Green Beans
This Southern classic simmers low and slow for beans that absorb all the smoky ham flavor.
Instant Pot Ham Green Beans And Potatoes
A complete meal in one pot! The Instant Pot makes this comfort food classic in about 30 minutes instead of hours.
Family-Favorite Ham Creations: Casseroles & Bakes
These one-dish Ham Creations make weeknights easier without sacrificing flavor. They’re perfect for meal prep and leftovers!
Ham and Noodle Casserole without Soup
Skip the canned soup and make a simple from-scratch sauce for this nostalgic casserole. The results are fresher and more flavorful.
Ham and Gnocchi
Pillowy potato gnocchi paired with diced ham and a simple cream sauce makes for a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal effort.
Ham Creations with Vegetables: Perfect Partners
Ham brings incredible flavor to vegetables, creating balanced Ham Creations that work as sides or main dishes.
Ham and Zucchini Recipes
Diced ham adds protein and flavor to simple sautéed zucchini. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan for a quick side dish.
Fried Cabbage and Ham
This humble dish delivers major satisfaction. The cabbage caramelizes slightly while the ham adds smoky depth.
Ham and Sauerkraut
The tangy bite of sauerkraut balances perfectly with ham’s saltiness. A splash of apple cider brings sweetness that ties everything together.
Ham and Corn
Fresh summer corn gets a flavor boost from diced ham and a touch of cream. This simple side dish elevates any meal.
Hearty Ham Creations with Beans: Classic Comfort
These protein-packed Ham Creations deliver major satisfaction while being budget-friendly and filling.
Black Beans and Ham
This Cuban-inspired dish pairs black beans with ham for a meal that’s both economical and flavorful. Serve over rice with plenty of fresh cilantro.
Party-Ready Ham Creations: Appetizers & Dips
Make your next gathering special with these crowd-pleasing Ham Creations that disappear fast!
Dill Pickle Dip with Ham
Tangy dill pickles, cream cheese, and finely diced ham create an addictive dip that disappears fast. Serve with rye crackers or pretzel chips.
Pickle Ham Roll-up Dip
This deconstructed version of the classic ham and pickle roll-ups transforms the ingredients into a scoopable dip that’s perfect for parties.
More Delicious Ham Creations
Looking for additional ways to enjoy ham? Try making classic ham and dumplings for a hearty meal that stretches your leftovers further. The versatility of Ham Creations means you’ll never get bored with leftover ham again.
