So, you've just hosted a grand holiday feast, and now you're left with a mountain of leftover ham. Don't let it go to waste! There are countless ways to transform that surplus ham into mouth - watering dishes that go far beyond the typical leftover ham soup or sandwich. In this article, we'll explore some amazing recipes from our Test Kitchen that will make you look forward to enjoying your leftovers in new and delicious ways.

Ham and Cheese Quiche

Quiche is a classic dish that can be easily customized with leftover ham. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a pie crust in a 9 - inch pie plate. You can either make your own crust or use a store - bought one for convenience. In a large bowl, whisk together 3 eggs, 1 cup of milk, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of dry mustard. Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of diced ham to the egg mixture. Pour the mixture into the prepared pie crust. Bake for about 40 - 45 minutes, or until the center is set and the crust is golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. This quiche makes a great breakfast, lunch, or dinner option and can be served with a side salad.

Ham and Vegetable Fried Rice

Fried rice is a quick and easy dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium - high heat. Add 1/2 cup of diced onions and cook until they are translucent. Then, add 1/2 cup of diced carrots and 1/2 cup of frozen peas. Stir - fry for a few minutes until the vegetables start to soften. Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet and crack 2 eggs into the empty space. Scramble the eggs with a spatula and then mix them with the vegetables. Add 2 cups of cooked rice and 1 cup of diced ham to the skillet. Stir - fry for a few more minutes to combine all the ingredients. Season with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, and a pinch of sugar. Continue to stir - fry for another 2 - 3 minutes until the rice is heated through and well - coated with the sauces. You can garnish the fried rice with chopped green onions for an extra burst of flavor.

Ham and Spinach Stuffed Shells

Stuffed shells are a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for using up leftover ham. Cook 12 large pasta shells according to the package instructions. While the shells are cooking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup of chopped spinach, 1 cup of diced ham, 1 egg, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix the ingredients well. Drain the cooked pasta shells and let them cool slightly. Stuff each shell with the ham and spinach mixture and place them in a 9x13 - inch baking dish. Pour 1 cup of marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with an additional 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10 - 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let the stuffed shells rest for a few minutes before serving.

Ham and Sweet Potato Hash

This hash is a great way to use up leftover ham and sweet potatoes. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and dice 2 sweet potatoes into small cubes. Toss the sweet potato cubes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Spread the sweet potato cubes on a baking sheet and roast for 25 - 30 minutes, or until they are tender and golden brown. While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup of diced onions and cook until they are soft. Then, add 1 cup of diced ham and cook for a few minutes until the ham is heated through. Add the roasted sweet potatoes to the skillet and stir to combine. You can season the hash with a pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper for a little extra kick. Serve the hash hot, and it can be a great side dish or a main course on its own.

In conclusion, leftover ham doesn't have to be a boring problem. With these recipes, you can turn your surplus ham into a variety of delicious and satisfying dishes. So, the next time you have leftover ham after a big meal, don't hesitate to try out these creative recipes from our Test Kitchen and enjoy your leftovers in a whole new way.