Thanksgiving has arrived. And while you may be in the process of preparing for your seasonal feast, we’d like to take a moment to chat about your post-Thanksgiving menu. If you live in a ham-loving household, these leftover ham recipes can help you minimize food waste by reimagining the main course.

The holidays generate a lot of food waste. In 2021, around 305 million pounds were tossed during Thanksgiving alone. To help lessen your kitchen’s contribution, why not transmute your leftovers into entirely new (and delicious meals)?

From Hawaiian pizza to a classic Cuban, these leftover ham recipes will serve you in the days to come.

10 Leftover Ham Recipes to Reduce Food Waste

1. Ham and Cheese Croissant 

If you’re unsure where to start your leftover journey, a sandwich provides the perfect place. This staple features a buttery, flaky croissant and can be enjoyed morning, noon, and night.

2. Homemade Hawaiian Pizza

There’s nothing more fun than a pizza party! This recipe is perfect if you still have family and friends visiting in town. Plus, a Hawaiian pizza is the ideal antidote to fall’s gloomy weather.

3. Ham and Potato Casserole

This comfort meal allows you to reuse two Thanksgiving staples: ham and mashed potatoes. The hearty meal is a waste-reducing, easy-to-make crowd-pleaser.

4. Ham Chowder

This recipe transforms your Thanksgiving ham into a creamy cup of chowder that’s sure to keep you cozy. 

5. Ham and Broccoli Mac and Cheese

For a meal that will please kids and adults alike, whip up this ham and broccoli mac and cheese—and use the rest of your long weekend to, well, rest!

6. Monte Cristo

Consider the Monte Cristo your ham sandwich’s sophisticated sibling. Simply assemble, dip in egg yolk, and pan fry to bring a Parisian air to your American household.

7. Ham and Cheese Strata

Ham and cheese are a dynamic duo, and the pair shines in this a.m. option. For an easy morning pick-me-up, ham and cheese egg strata is pretty much the best of breakfasts.

8. Ham and Bean Soup

For a low-maintenance dish, combine leftover ham and beans in a warming soup. Pro tip: Freeze portions to enjoy well into winter.

9. Chicken Cordon Bleu 

Chicken, ham, and cheese. Breaded and fried. Is there anything the cordon bleu can’t do?

10. Cuban Sandwich

Last but not least, the Cuban sandwich. One of the most beloved sandwiches in the world, this crunchy, gooey melt will be sure to satisfy any lingering guests.