By Marie-Antoinette Issa.
The Christmas tree has been taken down, the Boxing Day sales braved and the celebrations for NYE beckon! However, the leftovers remain - and one of the most delicious (and versatile) is Christmas ham.
While cheesy croissants or ham sandwiches are an easy option, there is so much more you can do with this power protein than simply slap it between two slices of bread! If you're looking to make the most of your leftovers, here are five creative ways to transform your Christmas ham into new, mouthwatering dishes:
A fritter is a great way to use up your ham, especially when paired with fresh veggies like zucchini. The beauty of a fritter lies in its flexibility - you can toss in whatever ingredients you have on hand. Start by combining grated zucchini, diced ham and a generous spoonful of ricotta. Then, mix in some flour and egg to bind it all together.
Heat a little oil in a pan and spoon the mixture into the pan, flattening each fritter slightly as you cook. Fry until golden brown on both sides and you're ready to serve! These ham, zucchini and ricotta fritters make the perfect snack, light lunch, or dinner, offering a savoury way to use up your Christmas ham while adding a fresh and filling twist.
Leftover Christmas ham is a fantastic topping for homemade pizza, and a Capricciosa is the perfect dish to showcase it. Inspired by the classic Capricciosa, you can easily replace the traditional ham with your leftover Christmas ham for a delicious twist. Simply spread tomato sauce over your pizza dough, then layer with slices of your leftover ham, along with other classic toppings like mushrooms, olives and artichokes.
Add a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese before baking until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly. The smoky, savoury flavour of the ham pairs beautifully with the earthy mushrooms and briny olives, creating a pizza that’s both satisfying and festive. It’s a quick and creative way to enjoy your leftovers while enjoying a fresh, homemade meal.
Leftover ham can be the star of a fresh and vibrant salad, and one great way to use it is by adding it to a grilled corn and quinoa salad. This one combines the earthy flavours of quinoa, the sweetness of charred corn and the savoury richness of bacon - however, this can easily be substituted for your Xmas day leftover.
Simply toss your leftover ham, cut into small chunks, with the quinoa, grilled corn and a handful of fresh herbs. The addition of a tangy dressing made from olive oil, lemon and a touch of feta cheese elevates the flavours, making this salad a light yet satisfying meal. It’s an easy, wholesome way to repurpose leftover ham while creating a refreshing dish that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
If you’re looking to use up some leftover ham from your Christmas dinner, fried rice is a brilliant option. Start by stir-frying diced ham in a hot wok or frying pan, then add chopped onions, garlic and any leftover vegetables you have in the fridge. Once everything is cooked through, toss in the cold rice and stir-fry it all together, adding a splash of soy sauce, a drizzle of sesame oil and a sprinkle of spring onions for extra flavour. This dish comes together in minutes and is perfect for a quick, satisfying meal after the holiday chaos.
Finally, given that ham can be frozen for up to four months, a hearty and comforting post-Summer soup could be the perfect dish to create with your leftovers, so save this recipe for green peas and smoked ham for later! Start by sauteeing some onions, carrots and celery in a pot, then add some vegetable or chicken stock, dried split peas and your leftover ham.
Let it simmer for an hour or so, allowing the flavours to meld together. The ham adds a rich, smoky flavour to the soup, while the peas give it a lovely, creamy texture. Serve with a slice of crusty bread for a satisfying meal that’s both warming and filling. You can even freeze individual portions to enjoy later.
