25 Ham Dinner Ideas That’ll Make You Drool (and Probably Go Back for Seconds)
Let’s be real—ham doesn’t get enough credit. Everyone raves about turkey during the holidays, steak when they want to feel fancy, and chicken when they’re pretending to eat healthy.
But ham? Ham is the unsung hero of the dinner table. It’s savory, juicy, a little salty, and ridiculously versatile. Honestly, you can dress it up or down and it’ll still steal the show.
So, if you’re staring at that giant ham in your fridge thinking, “What on earth am I supposed to do with all this meat?”—don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.
Here are 25 ham dinner ideas that range from classic comfort foods to fresh new twists. And yep, I’ve tried most of these myself (because quality control is important, right?).
1. Classic Glazed Ham
You can’t talk ham dinner ideas without mentioning the OG glazed ham. Slather it in a brown sugar and honey glaze, bake it until caramelized, and you’ve got a centerpiece worthy of any holiday table. The crispy edges are basically candy.
2. Ham and Cheese Sliders
These little sandwiches are dangerous. You stack ham, Swiss cheese, and a buttery mustard glaze on Hawaiian rolls, then bake until melty. They disappear in minutes—ask me how I know.
3. Ham and Potato Casserole
Nothing says cozy like a bubbling casserole. Layer potatoes, cheese, and ham, then bake it into cheesy perfection. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to curl up in sweatpants afterward.
4. Ham and Bean Soup
Ever had that “it’s freezing outside and I need comfort food ASAP” moment? That’s where ham and bean soup saves the day. Slow simmered with white beans, veggies, and chunks of ham, it tastes even better the next day.
5. Ham and Pineapple Pizza
Yep, I said it—pineapple belongs on pizza. Pair it with ham, mozzarella, and tomato sauce, and suddenly you’ve got the sweet-savory combo that stirs endless debates. (But seriously, try it. You’ll thank me.)
6. Split Pea and Ham Soup
This one’s thick, hearty, and basically feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Toss in leftover ham bones for extra flavor. Bonus: it freezes like a dream, so make a big batch.
7. Ham Fried Rice
Got some cold rice hanging out in your fridge? Perfect. Toss it in a hot pan with diced ham, peas, carrots, soy sauce, and scrambled eggs. Quick, easy, and cheaper than takeout.
8. Ham and Broccoli Quiche
This is breakfast-for-dinner perfection. Whisk eggs, milk, ham, and broccoli, pour into a flaky crust, and bake until golden. Quiche sounds fancy, but honestly? It’s just scrambled eggs in a pie.
9. Ham Mac and Cheese
Regular mac and cheese is already amazing. Add ham and suddenly it’s next-level. Those salty bites cut right through the creamy cheese sauce—chef’s kiss.
10. Ham and Asparagus Pasta
Ever feel like you need a “lighter” ham dinner? Toss diced ham with asparagus, garlic, and pasta in a lemony cream sauce. It tastes fresh but still indulgent.
11. Baked Ham and Cheese Omelet
Forget the skillet flip struggle—just bake the whole thing in the oven. Add ham, cheddar, and maybe some peppers for a low-effort, high-reward dinner.
12. Ham and Cheese Stromboli
Picture this: pizza dough rolled up with ham, mozzarella, and herbs, then baked until golden. Slice it open and the cheese just oozes out. Perfect game-night food.
13. Ham and Brussels Sprouts Skillet
Hear me out: roasted Brussels sprouts + crispy ham chunks = magic. Toss them together in a skillet with garlic and olive oil, and suddenly Brussels sprouts aren’t boring anymore.
14. Ham Tetrazzini
This creamy pasta bake usually stars chicken, but ham makes it even better. Think spaghetti, mushrooms, cream sauce, and a cheesy breadcrumb topping. Comfort food gold.
15. Ham Cobb Salad
Not every ham dinner has to be heavy. A Cobb salad with ham feels fancy but takes minutes: lettuce, tomatoes, eggs, avocado, blue cheese, and a vinaigrette. Boom—healthy-ish dinner.
16. Ham and Cheese Stuffed Potatoes
Bake potatoes, scoop them out, mix the filling with ham and cheese, then bake again. The result? Crispy skins filled with gooey, cheesy goodness. You’ll probably need two.
17. Ham Ramen
Instant ramen, but make it gourmet. Add sliced ham, a soft-boiled egg, scallions, and a splash of soy sauce. Cheap dinner? Yes. Delicious? Absolutely.
18. Ham and Corn Chowder
This thick, creamy soup is comfort in a bowl. The ham gives it a smoky depth while the corn adds sweetness. Pair it with crusty bread and you’re golden.
19. Ham Enchiladas
Wrap ham, cheese, and maybe some veggies in tortillas, smother with enchilada sauce, and bake. It’s a fusion twist that works way better than you’d think.
20. Ham and Mushroom Risotto
Risotto can feel intimidating, but trust me—it’s worth the stirring. Add diced ham and mushrooms, finish with Parmesan, and you’ve got a rich, restaurant-level dinner at home.
21. Ham and Spinach Frittata
Frittatas are like omelets without the stress. Ham + spinach + cheese baked into fluffy eggs = effortless weeknight dinner.
22. BBQ Ham Sandwiches
Shred ham, toss it with barbecue sauce, and pile it high on buns with coleslaw. Honestly, it’s pulled pork’s underrated cousin.
23. Ham and Cheese Puff Pastries
Need something that looks fancy but takes no effort? Wrap ham and cheese in puff pastry, bake until golden, and boom—dinner (or appetizers) done.
24. Ham and Rice Casserole
Simple but satisfying. Mix rice, ham, veggies, and a creamy sauce, then bake until bubbly. Great for cleaning out the fridge.
25. Leftover Ham Breakfast Hash
Okay, this one’s technically “breakfast,” but I’d eat it for dinner any day. Fry potatoes, onions, peppers, and chunks of ham together, then top with a fried egg. Absolute perfection.
Final Thoughts
There you go—25 ham dinner ideas that prove ham deserves way more love. From hearty soups to cheesy pastas and even healthy-ish salads, ham can do it all. Honestly, I’d argue ham might be the most versatile meat in your kitchen.
Next time you’re staring down those leftovers, remember: you don’t have to eat the same boring ham sandwich three nights in a row. You’ve got options—lots of them. And IMO, some of these dinners might just outshine the ham you had on the holiday table in the first place.
