4 Leftover Ham Recipe Ideas
4 Leftover HAM Recipe Ideas is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 730 calories per serving. Recipe by Love Served Daily on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 55 min
Cost: $8.59 total, $2.15 per serving
Ingredients
- 5 potatoes Russet Potatoes (peeled and cut into bite‑size pieces)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for sautéing)
- 1 large Onion (finely diced)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (plus extra to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic (minced (about 1 clove))
- 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour (for thickening)
- 4 cups Low‑Sodium Chicken Broth (store‑bought or homemade)
- 2 cups Half‑and‑Half (also called cereal cream)
- 2 cups Diced Ham (leftover ham, diced)
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded, sharp preferred)
- 2 tablespoons Green Onions (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Prep Potatoes
Peel the russet potatoes and cut them into bite‑size pieces.
Time: PT5M
Boil Potatoes
Place the potatoes in a pot of salted water, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until fork‑tender, about 12‑15 minutes.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: medium‑high heat
Sauté Onion
While the potatoes cook, heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, season with a pinch of salt, and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium heat
Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: medium heat
Create Roux
Sprinkle the flour over the onion‑garlic mixture and stir continuously for 2 minutes so the flour cooks but does not burn.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium heat
Add Broth
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and any lumps disappear.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium heat
Thicken Soup Base
Stir in the half‑and‑half, then season with 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook 10‑12 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: medium heat
Finish Soup
Add the diced ham, cooked potatoes, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts completely and everything is heated through, about 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium heat
Garnish & Serve
Ladle the chowder into bowls, garnish with chopped green onions (and extra ham or cheese if desired), and serve hot.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 730
- Protein
- 20g
- Carbohydrates
- 45g
- Fat
- 35g
- Fiber
- 4g
Dietary info: Contains dairy, Contains gluten, Contains pork, Not vegetarian
Allergens: Milk, Wheat
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Russet Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes
- Instead of Olive Oil: Canola oil, vegetable oil
- Instead of Onion: yellow onion
- Instead of Garlic: garlic powder (1/8 tsp)
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: gluten‑free flour blend
- Instead of Low‑Sodium Chicken Broth: regular chicken broth (reduce added salt), vegetable broth
- Instead of Half‑and‑Half: whole milk + heavy cream (3:1)
- Instead of Diced Ham: cooked turkey ham, cooked bacon bits
- Instead of Cheddar Cheese: Monterey Jack, Colby
- Instead of Green Onions: chives
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Measuring Cups
- Whisk
- Wooden Spoon
- Ladle (optional)
- Serving Bowls
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Boiling potatoes until fork‑tender
- Cooking the flour to form a roux without burning
- Whisking in broth to eliminate lumps
- Simmering the sauce until it thickens
- Melting cheese gently to avoid curdling
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use low‑sodium broth so you can control the salt level
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika for subtle depth
- For a gluten‑free version, substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten‑free blend
Troubleshooting
Lumps in the soup after adding broth
Whisk continuously while slowly pouring the broth; if lumps persist, use an immersion blender to smooth.
Cheese curdles or separates
Reduce heat to low and stir gently; add a tablespoon of cream to bring it back together.
Soup too thick
Thin with additional chicken broth or milk, 1/4 cup at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for 3‑4 days
Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months; reheat gently and add a splash of milk if texture changes
Room temperature: Do not leave out more than 2 hours
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the chowder a day ahead; reheat over low heat and stir in a splash of half‑and‑half if it thickens too much
- Leftover ham can be added fresh or pre‑cooked; both work
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Ham Chowder in American cuisine?
Ham chowder is a classic New England comfort dish that evolved from early colonial soups using leftover pork and root vegetables. It reflects the resourceful cooking traditions of early American settlers who turned scraps into hearty meals.
What are the traditional regional variations of Ham Chowder in the United States?
In New England, clam chowder often replaces ham with seafood, while Mid‑Atlantic versions may add corn or beans. Some Southern takes incorporate okra or use a tomato base, but the core concept of a creamy, potato‑rich broth remains consistent.
How is Ham Chowder traditionally served in New England households?
It is typically served hot in deep bowls, topped with fresh chopped green onions or parsley, and accompanied by crusty bread or oyster crackers for dipping. A side salad is common for a balanced meal.
During what occasions is Ham Chowder commonly prepared in American culture?
Ham chowder is popular for family gatherings, especially after holidays like Thanksgiving when leftover ham is abundant. It’s also a favorite comfort food for chilly evenings and weekend family dinners.
How does Ham Chowder fit into the broader American comfort‑food tradition?
It embodies the American comfort‑food ethos of using pantry staples—potatoes, dairy, and leftover meat—to create a rich, satisfying soup that warms both body and spirit.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Ham Chowder versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include diced ham, russet potatoes, onion, garlic, flour, low‑sodium chicken broth, half‑and‑half, and sharp cheddar. Substitutes can be turkey ham, Yukon Gold potatoes, vegetable broth, or a blend of milk and cream for the dairy component.
What other American dishes pair well with Ham Chowder?
Ham chowder pairs nicely with a crisp Caesar salad, cornbread, or a simple apple slaw. For a fuller meal, serve alongside roasted chicken or a grilled cheese sandwich.
What makes Ham Chowder special or unique in American cuisine?
Its uniqueness lies in the combination of smoky ham flavor with a velvety, dairy‑rich base and hearty potatoes, creating a soup that is both filling and comforting—perfect for using leftovers creatively.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Ham Chowder?
Common errors include overcooking the roux, which can give a bitter taste; adding the cheese over high heat, causing it to curdle; and not seasoning gradually, leading to an under‑salted broth. Follow the step‑by‑step temperature cues to avoid these pitfalls.
Why does this Ham Chowder recipe use flour as a thickener instead of cornstarch?
Flour creates a smoother, richer texture that blends well with the dairy, while cornstarch can produce a slightly glossy finish but may not hold up as well when the soup is reheated. The flour‑based roux also adds a subtle nutty flavor.
What does the YouTube channel Love Served Daily specialize in?
The YouTube channel Love Served Daily specializes in approachable, budget‑friendly home cooking videos that focus on using leftovers and everyday pantry staples to create comforting meals for families.
How does the YouTube channel Love Served Daily's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Love Served Daily emphasizes quick, one‑pot or minimal‑cleanup recipes, often featuring leftover ingredients, whereas many other channels focus on elaborate plating or specialty techniques. The channel’s style is relaxed, family‑oriented, and cost‑conscious.
Last updated: August 22, 2026
