10 Creative Ways to Use Leftover Serrano Ham

Serrano ham is a delicious cured ham from Spain that is often enjoyed in thin slices. However, you may find yourself with leftover serrano ham from time to time. Instead of throwing it away, get creative with these 10 tasty ways to use up leftover serrano ham!

Make Mini Ham & Cheese Sandwiches

One of the easiest ways to use up leftover serrano ham is to make small sandwiches. Simply layer sliced serrano ham and cheese between slices of bread or rolls. You can spread a little butter or mayo on the bread for extra flavor. These mini sandwiches make great snacks, appetizers, or even a light lunch. Try using different cheeses like cheddar, gruyere, or brie.

Add to Omelets, Frittatas or Quiches

Chopped or diced serrano ham is a perfect addition to egg dishes like omelets, frittatas and quiches. The saltiness of the ham complements the fluffy eggs wonderfully. For an easy breakfast, make an omelet with ham, spinach and goat cheese. Or add ham to a crustless quiche baked in a muffin tin for grab-and-go breakfasts.

Use in Pasta Dishes

Serrano ham adds great flavor to all sorts of pasta recipes. Chop it up and add to your favorite pasta sauce for an extra meaty kick. You can also let slices crisp up in a pan, then toss them with hot pasta and Parmesan cheese for a delicious and easy weeknight dinner. For an impressive dish, wrap slices of ham around mozzarella and add to baked ziti or lasagna.

Top Pizzas and Flatbreads

Before baking pizza or flatbreads top them with slices or slivers of serrano ham for a tasty addition. The ham will get nice and crispy in the high oven heat. It pairs especially well with white sauce or pesto pizzas. You can also add diced ham to the pizza dough or flatbread dough itself for ham in every bite.

Make Serrano Ham Rolls

For an easy appetizer simply roll up slices of serrano ham with softened cream cheese or goat cheese. Secure with a toothpick if needed. You can also spread the ham slices with pesto tapenade or mashed avocado before rolling. Serve the ham rolls on a platter alongside crackers or bread.

Stuff into Baked Potatoes

Baked potatoes get an upgrade when you add serrano ham. After baking the potatoes, cut them open and fluff the insides with a fork. Then top with chopped ham, shredded cheese, green onions, sour cream or other favorite baked potato toppings. The serrano ham adds a lovely salty flavor to complement the starchy potato.

Toss with Salad Greens

Torn or chopped pieces of serrano ham make a tasty topping for green or grain salads. The saltiness pairs perfectly with bitter greens like arugula, radicchio or frisée. For a heartier salad, add chopped ham to salad greens along with ingredients like cherry tomatoes, chopped hard-boiled egg and avocado.

Fold into Omelets or Breakfast Tacos

In addition to omelets, add diced serrano ham to breakfast tacos or burritos for a protein punch. Sauté the ham pieces in a bit of oil until lightly crisped. Then assemble tacos or burritos with the ham, scrambled eggs, cheese, potatoes or beans and other favorite fillings.

Make Serrano Ham Croquettes

For an easy hot hors d’oeuvre or side dish, you can make baked serrano ham croquettes. Simply combine chopped ham with mashed potatoes, breadcrumbs, egg and spices. Shape into balls or patties, coat in breadcrumbs and bake until golden and crispy outside. Serve with mustard or can be dipped into aioli.

Add to Soups, Beans or Grains

Serrano ham can be used to add flavor to all sorts of soups like bean soups, vegetable soups, chicken soups and more. You can also add it to rice or grain bowls for a protein and flavor boost. Beans, chickpeas and lentils also benefit from the savory, salty flavor of chopped serrano ham.

As you can see, leftover serrano ham has tons of delicious uses outside of just eating it plain in slices. With a bit of creativity, you can give meals a tasty Spanish flair. Try dicing it up to add to eggs, pasta, pizza, salads, baked potatoes and more. Or keep it simple and make mini ham sandwiches for snacking. With options like ham rolls, croquettes or salad toppings, you can even serve serrano ham as an appetizer at your next party.

So next time you have leftover or extra serrano ham, look at it as an opportunity to enhance dishes with its signature salty flavor. No need to waste this delicious cured ham! With this guide, you’ll be ready to start cooking up creative new ways to put every last slice to good use.