Happy Monday-after-Easter, friends! I hope your holiday was filled with lots of family time and good food. If you’re anything like us, we imagine you may still be in a slight food coma from the delicious Easter ham and big holiday meal. Or maybe you’re coming down off of a sugar rush from one too many peanut butter eggs or chocolate bunnies. Which might mean that coming up with meal ideas for this week is a struggle. You’re also probably wondering what you’re going to do with that leftover ham!
Have no fear, we’re here to help with three creative ways to use leftover Easter ham.
Slow Cooker Ham & Potato Soup
The perfect option if you want to prep it and forget it, this slow cooker soup option is hearty and the perfect cozy meal! All you do is add two cups of cubed leftover Stoltzfus Meats ham into the slow cooker with some veggies like carrots, onions, and celery. Add the broth and let the slow cooker do its thing. Find the full recipe at Dinner then Dessert.
Ham Fried Rice
In the mood for takeout after cooking the big holiday meal? Here’s an alternative that will help you use up some of that ham, takes 30 minutes or less to whip up, and is a one-skillet meal. I personally make this dish often with any leftover meat that I have on hand: pork chops, chicken breast, rotisserie chicken, or ham. One helpful hint I have found is that preparing the rice ahead of time takes this dish to the next level. I usually cook the rice the night before or earlier in the day, allow it to cool, and refrigerate it until ready to add it to the dish. Simply scramble some eggs, toss in some chopped veggies (whatever you have in your fridge), add the rice and ham to heat through, and sprinkle with some soy sauce. This recipe is so versatile, you can really add whatever you want to it! And, bonus, the fried rice freezes really well in ziplock bags. Simply reheat in the microwave with a couple tablespoons of water.
Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry
This option is a fun twist on a traditional ham and cheese sandwich and another great way to use your leftover Easter ham. All you do is warm up a delicious mixture of butter, flour, salt, pepper, milk, ham, spinach, and cheese. Add spoonfuls of the mixture onto squares of puff pastry, fold into smaller squares, and bake until the puff pastry is golden. You can find the full recipe from I Am Baker.
We hope these recipe ideas have you inspired with some fun ways to use your leftover Easter ham! But, hey, you don’t have to wait until you have leftover ham to make these recipes… we think they’re good enough to make all on their own! You can purchase ham slices, ham ends, or boneless ham nuggets from both of our retail locations or our online store as ham options that will give you just enough to use in these recipes.
As always, if you try any of these recipes please be sure to let us know by posting a picture on social media or commenting below! You can share with us on Facebook at Stoltzfus Meats & Deli or Instagram @stoltzfusmeats.