Ham bones may be a staple in many American households, but it’s surprising how often they’re overlooked when it comes to repurposing leftovers. Fortunately, we’re here to help you breathe new life into that tasty morsel. In this post, we’ve curated 13 of the best ham bone recipes to ensure you never have to toss another delicious meal. From hearty soups to savory greens and more, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through our top picks. So, let’s dive in and explore the possibilities!
You might be surprised at just how versatile your leftover ham bone can be. For instance, try pairing it with potatoes for a creamy soup or incorporating it into collard greens for a flavorful twist. Or, go all out with party-perfect rolls that are sure to impress your guests.
Ham Bone And Bean Soup
Starting off our list with a mouthwatering option that’s sure to become a winter staple: ham bone and bean soup. This comforting recipe is a breeze to prepare, requiring just 10 ingredients. If you’re craving a hearty, spicy soup to warm up on a chilly night, this dish hits the spot. By combining humble ingredients like onions, navy beans, and a ham bone with a blend of herbs and spices, we’ve created a flavorfully complex soup that’s sure to become a go-to comfort food.
Party Ham Rolls
Transforming leftover ham bones into mouthwatering party ham rolls is a game-changer for feeding the whole family or satisfying impromptu guests. This versatile recipe can be customized using various types of ham, making it perfect for unexpected gatherings or everyday meals. The combination of freshly baked rolls, melted cheese, tangy mustard, and savory ham creates a flavor-packed snack that will leave you wondering why you ever settled for plain sandwiches before.
To take these rolls to the next level, consider serving them alongside a refreshing salad and juicy tomatoes for a delightful party spread.
Ham And Potato Soup
In a mere 40 minutes, we’ve crafted an incredible ham and potato soup recipe that’s not only simple to prepare but also tantalizingly delicious. This hearty soup is characterized by its thick, creamy consistency, making it the perfect winter dinner option for you and your loved ones. A medley of vegetables adds texture and flavor to this nourishing dish, which can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences.
Simply chop your ham and veggies into bite-sized pieces, then let the soup simmer away. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility – feel free to add parsnips, carrots, or other favorite ingredients to give it an extra boost of flavor.
Collard Greens And Ham Bone
Taking a departure from traditional methods, this collard greens with ham bone recipe is an innovative way to elevate your leafy greens game. For southerners, this dish may hold nostalgic value, as it’s a creative twist on a classic comfort food. The incorporation of a ham bone adds a savory, meaty depth that counterbalances the natural bitterness of the collard greens, resulting in a harmonious flavor profile.
Moreover, this recipe not only provides an opportunity to repurpose leftovers but also offers a refreshing alternative to bland, run-of-the-mill collard green recipes.
Ham Pot Pie
Transform your leftover ham bone into a hearty and comforting ham pot pie, perfect for a satisfying meal. This recipe goes beyond traditional chicken pot pies, showcasing the versatility of this popular dish. By combining tender ham with a medley of vegetables in a rich and creamy sauce, then baking it all in a flaky homemade pie crust, you’ll create a culinary masterpiece that harmoniously balances flavors.
The velvety smoothness of the filling, the savory essence of the ham, and the natural sweetness of the vegetables meld together to produce a truly scrumptious pie that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ham And Potato Croquettes
Transforming leftover ham bones into mouthwatering side dishes is a culinary hack worth exploring. The ham and potato croquette recipe is an excellent example of this creative approach. What sets it apart is its visual appeal, with each bite delivering exceptional flavor. Additionally, the dish freezes beautifully, allowing you to enjoy your creations at a later time. This recipe also cleverly incorporates leftover mashed potatoes and ham bone, minimizing food waste.
By infusing Spanish flair into these croquettes, simply combining ingredients, adding seasoning, and deep-frying each one, you’ll be rewarded with an addictive snack or side dish that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Red Beans And Rice
If you’re a fan of Cajun-inspired cuisine, you’ll undoubtedly fall in love with this mouthwatering red beans and rice recipe. Despite its simplicity, the dish is surprisingly packed with an incredible array of flavors, thanks to the harmonious blend of vegetables, herbs, spices, rice, beans, and the star of the show – a rich ham bone. This hearty comfort food option is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a nutritious choice for the whole family.
To elevate the flavor to new heights, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or a splash of vinegar to each serving. In our experience, this recipe is one of the most scrumptious and crowd-pleasing ways to utilize a ham bone – perfect for any occasion!
Ham Stock
Transforming your leftover ham bone into a versatile ham stock is an incredibly valuable endeavor. This rich, flavorful liquid can serve as the foundation for a multitude of dishes, including stews and soups, allowing you to stretch the life of your ham bone and preserve it for future use by freezing it for up to a year. When faced with a substantial amount of leftover ham bone, consider making a large batch, portioning it out, and storing it in the freezer for convenient access whenever needed.
Pea And Ham Soup
This delectable soup recipe is a game-changer, whether cooked in a slow cooker or on the stovetop. Its unassuming appearance belies its incredible flavor profile, which will have you hooked from the very first spoonful. The combination of peas, ham bone, and diced ham proves to be a match made in heaven, with the saltiness of the hams harmonizing beautifully with the smooth, mild flavors of the peas.
Compared to other soups, this recipe’s thick texture and rich flavor make it surprisingly filling. For added crunch and visual appeal, consider topping it off with some croutons.
Japanese Cold Noodles
If you’re looking for a refreshing and unique way to utilize leftover ham bone, consider trying your hand at Japanese cold noodle recipes. Hiyashi Chuka, as it’s known in Japan, is a popular summer dish that boasts an impressive array of flavors and nutrients. This delectable recipe combines the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and salty notes, all while showcasing an abundance of fresh ingredients. Not only does it tantalize the taste buds, but it also happens to be incredibly healthy.
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its flexibility – feel free to experiment with various ingredients to create a personalized version that suits your tastes.
Pasta Fagioli Ham Bone Soup
This slow cooker pasta fagioli ham bone soup is a hearty, filling recipe that borders on being more of a stew than a traditional soup. The abundance of vegetables, rich ham bone, and generous serving of pasta combine to create a dish that’s both satisfying and flavorful. While it may not be the lightest or most brothy soup out there, the hot, saucy-like broth is a perfect complement to the dish, adding an extra layer of comfort and coziness.
The herbs and spices used in this recipe further enhance its appeal with their fresh, aromatic flavors.
Ham And Cheese Quiche
This versatile quiche recipe is a masterclass in convenience, transforming leftover ham into a delectable dish that’s perfect for any meal occasion. Whether you’re hosting brunch with friends, need a quick lunch solution, or desire a light supper option, this quiche checks all the boxes. By incorporating a medley of cheeses, onions, milk, eggs, and ham, you can keep things straightforward or elevate flavors by adding your favorite ingredients and spices.
Final Thoughts
Having explored the various ways to utilize leftover ham bones, we’ve reached the end of our culinary journey. The range of options is truly impressive, and it’s clear that these humble ingredients can be transformed into a multitude of dishes. While there are undoubtedly more recipes waiting to be discovered, we firmly believe that at least one of the creations on this list will become a new favorite.
