Leftover ham bones are like hidden treasures waiting to be discovered in your fridge. With a little creativity, you can transform that bone into delightful meals that warm your heart and belly. Let’s explore some simple yet tasty recipes that make the most of this flavorful ingredient!
Split Pea Soup

Imagine a warm bowl of soup, rich with flavor and hearty texture, perfect for a chilly evening. Split pea soup with a leftover ham bone is a classic dish that combines the natural sweetness of peas with the smoky, savory essence of ham. The cooking technique involves simmering the ingredients slowly to allow all the flavors to meld beautifully.
- 1 leftover ham bone
- 2 cups split peas, rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
This recipe is special because it’s not only super comforting but also incredibly easy to make. As the peas cook down, they create a creamy texture without any cream needed! Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up that leftover ham bone, ensuring nothing goes to waste. Grab some crusty bread, and you have a meal that’s sure to impress your family.
Related Videos

The Split Pea Soup Recipe I can't live without!
(youtube.com)

Easy Split Pea Soup Recipe
(youtube.com)
Ham and Bean Stew

There’s something so satisfying about a hearty stew bubbling away on the stove, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. Ham and bean stew is a perfect way to repurpose that ham bone into a dish that’s both filling and flavorful. The technique involves slow cooking to bring out the best in all the ingredients, creating a comforting, one-pot meal.
- 1 leftover ham bone
- 2 cups dried white beans (like navy or great northern)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
This stew is a crowd-pleaser because it’s packed with protein and flavor, making it a nutritious choice for any dinner table. The combination of beans and ham creates a wonderful savory depth, while the spices add a lovely warmth. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, meaning less cleanup for you after enjoying this delicious meal. Serve it up with some cornbread for an extra special touch!
Related Videos

White Beans and Ham Soup // I love it! ❤️
(youtube.com)

Ham and Bean Soup | Recipe in comments Spice up your …
(facebook.com)

The Best Ham and Bean Soup with Cheat Cornbread
(youtube.com)
Ham Bone Risotto


Baked Risotto with Ham from Linda's Best Recipes
Ingredients: Arborio rice, chicken broth, parmesan cheese, butter, olive oil

Leftover Christmas ham and Parmesan risotto from The Telegraph
Ingredients: Leftover ham, white wine, lemon, parmesan rind, risotto rice Total Time: 1 hr.

Parmesan risotto recipe with ham from The Hungry Bites
Ingredients: Ham, cured egg yolk, olive oil, chicken stock, parmigiano reggiano Total Time: 40 mins.
Risotto is a dish that seems fancy but is surprisingly easy to make, especially when you have a leftover ham bone to flavor it. This creamy Italian classic becomes even more delicious with the addition of that savory ham bone, which infuses the rice with incredible taste as it cooks. The technique involves slowly stirring the rice and adding broth gradually, which creates that signature creamy texture.
- 1 leftover ham bone
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
This recipe shines because it turns a simple ingredient into a gourmet dish that feels special enough for company. The creamy risotto paired with the tender peas and the savory flavor from the ham bone creates a delicious harmony that’s hard to resist. Plus, making risotto is a fun cooking experience that allows you to get hands-on in the kitchen. It’s a dish that’s sure to impress anyone who sits down at your table!