12 Ham Dishes You’ll Make Again and Again

Ham is often thought of as a once-in-a-while meal, served on big holidays and then forgotten in the fridge — but it has way more to offer. It works hot or cold, sliced or shredded, glazed or chopped into something totally new. You can slow cook it, pressure cook it, bake it until caramelized, or toss slices into the air fryer and still get a full-flavored result without the work other meats usually require. From sweet glazes like bourbon maple or cherry pomegranate, to cozy dishes like ham and potato soup or mac and cheese muffins, it proves useful across every meal. This list pulls together recipes that give ham a second look, not just as a centerpiece, but as the kind of ingredient you want to keep around all week.

Bourbon Maple Glazed Ham

Sliced baked ham on a white plate, garnished with fresh parsley. — Bourbon Maple Glazed Ham. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Would you like to save this?

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!

A rich blend of bourbon and maple syrup creates a glaze that caramelizes beautifully over the ham, giving each slice a sweet, smoky crust. The sugars in the glaze draw forward the meat’s natural smokiness. Serve thick slices with sides that balance its sweetness — think greens, roasted veggies, or mashed starches.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Maple Glazed Ham

Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup

A bowl of hearty soup with chunks of potato, meat, and vegetables, served in a speckled gray bowl with a spoon. — Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Chunks of ham simmer with potatoes, broth, aromatics, and cream until everything melds into a comforting, thick bowl. The ham adds depth to the broth, while potatoes absorb flavor and give body. Finish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese. It’s a one-pot meal that warms from the inside out.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup

Crock Pot Spiral Ham

Spiral ham on a plate with asparagus and peaches in the background. — Crock Pot Spiral Ham. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This version uses the slow cooker to infuse the ham’s spiral-cut layers with flavor. Glaze seeps into every ring while the heat keeps things tender. After the cook, a quick finish under broil gives the edges a caramelized crunch. You get moist interior and glazed exterior without juggling many steps.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Spiral Ham

Ham Fried Rice

A rectangular white plate with fried rice containing carrots, ham, eggs, and sliced green onions is shown beside fresh green onions, a garlic bulb, and an onion on a gray surface. — Ham Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

So easy and so delicious, this is an amazing meal for any night of the week. Make it with leftover ham and whatever veggies are in your fridge! Grab a fork – or chopsticks – and dig in!
Get the Recipe: Ham Fried Rice

Mac and Cheese Muffins with Ham

Leftover ham becomes bite-sized cubes that stir-fry with rice, vegetables, egg, and seasonings like soy sauce and sesame. The ham adds a smoky, salty edge that lifts the whole dish. It’s a great way to turn leftovers into dinner, and rice soaks up flavor beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese Muffins with Ham

Air Fryer Ham Steaks

Turn creamy mac into handheld muffins by mixing in diced ham, then baking in muffin tins until edges crisp. The result is gooey inside, golden crust outside, with pockets of savory ham mixed in. Serve as a side or snack that sneaks in protein.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ham Steaks

Baked Ham with Honey, Bourbon, and Orange Glaze

This triple-glazed ham layers honey, bourbon, and orange zest or juice for a glaze that’s bright, sweet, and complex. As it bakes, the sugars deepen and cling to the ham’s surface. Slice with care to preserve glaze and serve with sides that let citrus notes shine through.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ham with Honey, Bourbon, and Orange Glaze

Air Fryer Ham Steak

A plate with two slices of ham, a serving of mashed potatoes, and several stalks of cooked asparagus. — Air Fryer Ham Steak. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Same as above, the ham steak in the air fryer method cooks quickly, caramelizes slightly, and stays juicy in the middle. Quick, easy, and great when you don’t want to heat up the oven.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ham Steak

Instant Pot Ham

Sliced ham with oranges and mint. — Instant Pot Ham. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A mustard-forward glaze made with Dijon, sweetener (honey or brown sugar), herbs, and maybe a splash of citrus. The tang of the mustard cuts through the ham’s fat and adds a bite. As it bakes, the glaze thickens into a seasoned coating. Serve with something green to refresh the palate.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Ham

Best Crock Pot Ham

A close-up of a spiral-sliced baked ham with a bone in the center, served on a white plate; green beans are visible in a bowl in the background. — Best Crock Pot Ham. Photo credit: Maria’s Mixing Bowl.

Slow cooked to perfection, this ham braises in a flavorful mixture of glaze and broth. The long, slow heat helps the glaze seep into every fold. When the time’s right, it’s already tender and ready to serve or glaze further. A go-to for days you want dinner waiting for you.
Get the Recipe: Best Crock Pot Ham

Cheddar Ham Breakfast Pizza

A Cheddar and Ham Breakfast Pizza in a pan with a slice missing. — Cheddar Ham Breakfast Pizza. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Ham, cheese, eggs, and breakfast toppings sit atop a pizza crust (or biscuit base), baked until set and golden. It’s a cross between omelet and pizza, savory, satisfying, and brunch-ready. The ham adds salty heft that balances melted cheese and eggs.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Ham Breakfast Pizza

Cherry and Pomegranate Glazed Ham

Fruit-forward glazing with cherry preserves, pomegranate juice or molasses, and heat from spices gives this ham a ruby hue and tangy sweetness. As it bakes, the glaze reduces and thickens, creating a bold, fruity crust. Best paired with sides that offer contrast, like greens or roasted root vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Cherry and Pomegranate Glazed Ham