Don’t let your leftover gammon go to waste! Try these 50 easy and delicious recipes to transform your leftover gammon into tasty meals the whole family will love.
Gammon is a cut of pork that comes from the hind leg of a pig. It is similar to ham but is usually sold uncooked and requires further preparation. It’s typically cured by either dry salting or brining and can be found in a variety of forms, including bone-in or boneless. Gammon is often cooked by roasting, boiling, or slow cooking and is a popular choice for festive meals or hearty family dinners.
When cooked, gammon is tender and juicy with a salty, slightly smoky flavour, depending on how it has been cured.
I absolutely love gammon. Thick slices of salty, tender meat, served simply with either chips, wedges, sweet potatoes or boiled potatoes and vegetables, with a fried egg or pineapple and maybe a honey glaze. Perfect!
Roast gammon like this is a fresh and slightly smokey alternative to a more traditional and heavier Sunday lunch option or a filling and tasty midweek dinner.
But what about the leftovers?
Leftover gammon is a fantastic ingredient that can be used to make various meals. Whether you’ve got leftover gammon from Christmas, Boxing Day, or a Sunday roast, there are plenty of simple and tasty ways to use it up. From breakfast and lunch ideas to comforting dinners and snacks, here are 50 easy leftover gammon recipes to inspire you.
Please remember this is just a guide. Always make sure gammon is cooked, stored and reheated safely, as you would with any other meat. You can get more information here.
Breakfast Ideas with Leftover Gammon
Gammon is a fantastic breakfast option that’s tasty and high in protein. If you love a bacon sandwich first thing in the morning, you should give some of these ideas a go!
Gammon and Egg Breakfast Burrito
My kids are obsessed with burritos. They’d eat them for breakfast, lunch or dinner if I let them. Leftover gammon and egg breakfast burritos are perfect for either breakfast or an early brunch.
Gammon and Egg Breakfast Burrito Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 slices of gammon (about 150g)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 2 flour tortillas
- 2 tbsp grated cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- A handful of fresh spinach (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Hot sauce or tomato ketchup (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Add the gammon slices and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and slightly crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add a little more oil or butter if needed. Crack the eggs into the pan and scramble gently, stirring often. Season with salt and pepper.
- While the eggs are cooking, heat the olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and lightly caramelised.
- Warm the tortillas in a dry pan for about 30 seconds on each side or microwave them for 20-30 seconds. Lay the warm tortillas flat and place the cooked gammon slices in the centre. Add the cooked eggs, onions, spinach (if using), and grated cheese on top.
- Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it up tightly from the bottom to encase the filling. If you like, serve with hot sauce or a drizzle of tomato ketchup.
You could also add things like roasted tomato, fried mushrooms, or even sliced hash browns for a filling breakfast burrito.
Gammon and Cheese Omelette
Omelettes are a great way to start your day. Delicious, tasty and packed with protein, they make a great breakfast, and the best thing is, you can add anything to an omelette!
Slice or shred your leftover gammon and add it to your favourite omelette recipe, using a food thermometer to make sure the leftover gammon has reached 75 degrees C before serving.
Gammon and Spinach Frittata
Like omelettes, frittatas are a great way to use up your gammon, as well as any other vegetables you might have.
Gammon, Spinach and Potato Frittata Recipe
Ingredients:
- 150g cooked gammon, chopped
- 4 large eggs
- 150g cooked new potatoes, sliced or diced (skin on or off)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- A handful of fresh spinach (roughly 50g)
- 50g grated cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- A splash of milk (about 1 tbsp, optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high. If you’re finishing the frittata under the grill – I do- it helps to make sure the meat is piping hot and gives you a lovely golden top.
- In a bowl, beat the eggs with a splash of milk (if using) and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil or butter in an ovenproof frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in the sliced cooked potatoes and fry for another 5 minutes until lightly golden.
- Stir in the chopped gammon and cook for 2–3 minutes to warm through. Add the spinach and cook for a minute or two until wilted.
- Pour the beaten eggs evenly over the mixture in the pan. Tilt the pan or give it a gentle stir to make sure everything is spread out evenly.
- Let it cook for around 8–10 minutes on low heat until the edges are set and the middle is starting to firm up. Don’t stir.
- Sprinkle the cheese on top (if using), and place the pan under the grill for 3–5 minutes until the top is golden and fully set.
- Let the frittata cool for a couple of minutes, then slice and serve. It’s lovely warm or cold and pairs well with a green salad or baked beans.
Gammon and Potato Hash
Hash has got to be one of my favourite ways to use leftover meat and vegetables, including gammon.
I’ve included it in the breakfast section here because I think that’s how most people eat it, but if I’m honest, we’re more likely to have hash for dinner.
Get my leftover gammon hash recipe here.
Gammon Quiche
My husband often makes gammon quiche (with broccoli) with our leftovers. You can find a delicious recipe here.
Gammon and Mushroom Scramble
A Gammon and Mushroom Scramble is perfect for a quick breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It combines tender pieces of gammon (ham) with mushrooms, scrambled eggs, and sometimes a hint of cheese, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal.
It’s basically scrambled eggs with mushrooms and gammon mixed in. What’s not to like?
The ingredients are:
- Gammon: Cooked gammon is chopped into small cubes or thin slices. It adds a salty, savoury depth to the dish.
- Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms (like button or chestnut mushrooms) are sautéed until golden brown and tender, providing an earthy flavour that pairs well with the gammon.
- Eggs: The scrambled eggs are soft and creamy, seasoned with salt, pepper, and possibly a touch of fresh herbs (like parsley or chives).
- Optional Extras: Some versions may include a sprinkle of grated cheese, such as cheddar or parmesan, to make the scramble even richer.
Gammon and Tomato Breakfast Wrap
The same as your breakfast burrito, really, but with sliced tomatoes. Cooked or not!
Hey, I’m trying to come up with 50 different things; some of them are going to be fairly similar.
Gammon and Blue Cheese Toastie
Looking for something sharp to wake you up? Use your toastie maker (air fryer or grill) to make a gammon toastie with thin slices of gammon, crumbled blue cheese, and tons of butter.
Gammon and Baked Bean Breakfast Bowl
A dish of baked beans and chopped gammon?! Yes, please!
I love a Buddha bowl-style lunch, with all of my favourite bits (cheese, rice, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, peppers, fish, eggs, etc) in a bowl with a dressing or sauce drizzled over. So, why not do this for breakfast?
Hot or cold diced gammon, baked beans, mushrooms, roasted plum tomatoes, scrambled eggs and any other breakfast foods that you love in a yummy breakfast bowl. Perfect!
Gammon and Avocado Toast
No. Avocado is disgusting.
You eat it if you must, but I will not tarnish my gammon with such filth.
Lunch Recipes Using Leftover Gammon
Gammon is perfect for lunch. Anything you can do with sandwich meat (or deli meat), you can do with cooked, leftover gammon. So that’s a great place to start!
Gammon and Cheese Sandwich
As long as it is cooked properly, stored safely, hasn’t been kept for longer than two days, and hasn’t already been reheated, you can eat leftover gammon cold, making it perfect for a sandwich.
Thin slices of gammon with some mature cheddar are the perfect combination! You could also add some pickles or chutney for extra flavour and texture. This is especially ideal if your leftovers are a little dry.
Gammon and Pineapple Pizza
I love homemade pizza with homemade bases and sauce. But if you prefer, buy bases, or even baasic margarita pizzas, and add extra toppings.
Gammon chunks and pineapple are perfect for a pimped-up Hawaiian.
Gammon and Cheese Sliders
Yummy Gammon and Cheese Sliders are small, flavour-packed sandwiches of the roll kind (cob where I grew up, breadcake where I live) that make a brilliant choice for a fun lunch, buffet spread, or easy family dinner. They’re simple to make but always a crowd-pleaser. All you need is:
Gammon: Slices or chunks of cooked gammon – either from a joint or thick-cut ham – provide a salty, savoury base. You can use leftovers or cook some fresh.
Cheese: Melty cheeses like cheddar, Red Leicester, or mozzarella work beautifully. The cheese is layered over the gammon and melted either in the oven or under the grill for that gooey finish and a great cheese pull (my daughter is obsessed with the cheese pull!)
Buns: Soft brioche or mini white rolls are ideal, offering a slightly sweet contrast to the salty gammon. They’re usually brushed with a bit of butter or mustard before baking for added flavour.
Extras (optional): You can add a dollop of chutney, a few slices of pickle, or a smear of mustard or mayo, depending on your taste. Some people like to sprinkle the tops of the buns with sesame seeds or onion flakes before baking.
Assembly: The sliders are often assembled in a baking tray and heated in the oven until the cheese is melted and the tops of the buns are golden.
Gammon and Bean Soup
If you are looking for comforting Recipes with cooked gammon, then a soup is perfect.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 400g tin chopped tomatoes
- 400g tin cannellini beans, drained
- 400g tin butter beans, drained (other beans like kidney or haricot are great, too. Use what you’ve got)
- 500ml vegetable or chicken stock
- 200–250g cooked gammon, shredded or chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: handful of fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Optional: crusty bread to serve
Method:
- Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and carrot. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veg starts to soften.
- Stir in the garlic and thyme, and cook for a further minute until fragrant.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, cannellini beans, butter beans, and stock. Stir well and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer gently for 20–25 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the soup has thickened slightly.
- Stir through the cooked gammon and simmer for another 5 minutes to heat through.
- Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Remember, the gammon is already salty, so you may not need much extra salt.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if using, alongside warm crusty bread for dipping.
Gammon and Vegetable Wrap
This might just be me, but when we’ve got meat and veggies left over, especially roast veggies, I love to warm them up and toss them into a wrap with some mayo. Easy, tasty and a lovely way to mix all of the flavours and textures.
Gammon and Cheese Pasta Bake
I love a pasta bake!
For a gammon pasta bake, I’d follow this recipe, swapping the chicken for diced gammon.
Gammon and Coleslaw Baguette
Spread a crusty baguette with butter, add slices of cold gammon, crispy lettuce leaves and a dollop of creamy coleslaw!
Cold Gammon and Pickle Salad
Alternatively, for a healthier lunch, dice cold gammon and serve it with diced pickles and your favourite salad veggies and sauce.
Gammon and Potato Cakes
Ingredients:
- 500g floury potatoes (e.g. Maris Piper or King Edward), peeled and chopped
- 200–250g cooked gammon, finely chopped
- 1 spring onion or small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 tsp English mustard or wholegrain mustard (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2–3 tbsp plain flour for shaping
- Oil for frying (vegetable or sunflower oil works well)
Method:
- Boil the potatoes in salted water for 10–15 minutes or until tender. Drain well and mash until smooth. Leave to cool slightly.
- Mix the mashed potato with the chopped gammon, onion, parsley, and mustard (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Stir in the beaten egg to help bind the mixture.
- Divide the mixture into 6–8 equal portions and shape into flattened cakes. Lightly dust each one with flour to stop them from sticking.
- Heat a little oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Fry the cakes in batches for 3–4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and heated through. Add more oil if needed between batches.
- Serve hot, either on their own or with a fried egg on top, a dollop of chutney, or a simple side salad.
Gammon and Red Onion Chutney Sandwich
I love the flavour of red onion chutney or marmalade, and it complements salty gammon perfectly in a chunky sandwich.
Dinner Ideas with Leftover Gammon
If you’ve got plenty of gammon left, and you want to do something a little more substantial with it, then one of these easy dinners can be a great choice.
Gammon Mac and Cheese
Perfect for leftover ham. Get my gammon macaroni cheese recipe here.
Gammon and Broccoli Bake
Like a pasta bake, but with added broccoli.
Ingredients:
- 300g cooked gammon, chopped or shredded
- 1 medium head of broccoli (approx.. 250g), cut into florets
- 300ml milk
- 25g butter
- 25g plain flour
- 100g grated mature cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 tsp. Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 200g cooked pasta (e.g. penne or fusilli), optional for a heartier dish
- A handful of breadcrumbs (optional, for a crispy topping)
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan) / Gas Mark 6.
- Cook the broccoli in boiling water for 3–4 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce:
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth, then cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring, until thickened. Remove from the heat and stir in the mustard (if using), grated cheese, and season to taste. - Combine the ingredients:
In a large ovenproof dish, mix the cooked gammon, broccoli, and (if using) cooked pasta. Pour over the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat everything evenly. - Top the bake with a little extra grated cheese and a sprinkling of breadcrumbs if you like a crispy finish.
- Bake in the oven for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbling.
- Serve hot with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or steamed veggies on the side.
Leftover Gammon Pie
The perfect way to use up leftovers, no matter what ingredients you’ve got.
Get my easy gammon pie recipe here.
Gammon and Mushroom Risotto
I absolutely love risotto; it’s one of my favourite meals. We should really eat it more.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 150g chestnut mushrooms, sliced
- 200g arborio rice
- 100ml white wine (optional)
- 750ml hot vegetable stock
- 200g cooked gammon, diced
- 25g grated parmesan
- Knob of butter
Method:
- Heat the oil in a large pan. Cook the onion and mushrooms for 5–7 minutes until soft.
- Stir in the rice and cook for 1–2 minutes. Add wine if using, and let it reduce.
- Gradually add the stock, stirring until absorbed. Continue for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender.
- Stir in the gammon, parmesan, and butter, and cook until the gammon is warm. Season to taste and serve creamy and warm.
Gammon and Sweetcorn Chowder
A thick and creamy soup made with sweetcorn, diced potatoes, and chunks of cooked gammon. A dash of cream or milk adds richness, while thyme and bay leaf bring warming depth. Serve with crusty bread for a cosy lunch or light dinner.
Gammon and Spinach Carbonara
An easy twist on classic carbonara using shredded gammon and wilted spinach in a creamy, egg-based sauce. Quick to make and perfect for busy weeknights.
Try this recipe, swapping bacon for gammon.
Gammon and Roasted Vegetable Traybake
A simple one-tray meal: chunks of gammon tossed with peppers, red onion, courgette, and baby potatoes. All are roasted together with olive oil and herbs until golden and crisp. Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze to finish.
Gammon and Creamy Mustard Sauce with Mash
Anything with mash, to be honest!
Ingredients:
- 300g cooked gammon, sliced
- 100ml double cream
- 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard
- 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper
- Buttery mash, to serve
Method:
- Warm the cream and mustard together in a pan. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.
- Add the sliced gammon and heat through.
- Season and serve over fluffy mash with green beans or peas.
Gammon and Puff Pastry Tart
Golden puff pastry topped with crème fraîche, shredded gammon, caramelised onions, and a scattering of cheese — baked until crispy and bubbling. Delicious hot or cold.
Gammon and Lentil Stew
A hearty, wholesome dish made with red or green lentils, carrots, onions, and chunks of gammon simmered together in a flavourful stock. Great for batch cooking and freezes well.
Gammon and White Bean Casserole
In winter, nothing beats a casserole. Casseroles are a great way to use tougher leftovers, and adding beans bulks them out if you don’t have as much meat as you’d like.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2 tins cannellini beans (drained)
- 300g gammon, chopped
- 400g tin chopped tomatoes
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
Method:
- Fry the onion and garlic for 5 minutes. Add beans, gammon, tomatoes, and paprika.
- Simmer for 20 minutes until thick and bubbling.
- Serve with crusty bread or jacket potatoes.
Gammon and Butternut Squash Curry
A mild, creamy curry using roasted butternut squash, coconut milk, and diced gammon.
Try adding gammon to this curry recipe.
Gammon and Roast Potato Hash
Perfect for leftovers — crisped-up roast potatoes fried with onions, diced gammon, and a handful of peas or peppers. Top with a runny fried egg!
This is my go-to leftovers dinner, perfect for your Christmas leftovers especially!
Gammon and Pea Risotto
Peas are an easy addition to any dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 small leek or onion, finely chopped
- 200g risotto rice
- 750ml stock
- 200g cooked gammon, diced
- 100g frozen peas
- 30g parmesan
Method:
- Cook the leek in butter until soft. Add rice and stir for 1 minute.
- Gradually add stock, stirring until absorbed.
- Stir in the gammon and peas for the last 5 minutes. Finish with parmesan and black pepper.
Gammon and Sweet Potato Bake
Layers of sliced sweet potato, cooked gammon, and cheese in a creamy sauce, baked until bubbling and golden. A sweet-and-salty twist on a traditional gratin.
Gammon and Caramelised Onion Tart
A savoury tart with golden pastry, sticky caramelised onions, chopped gammon, and crumbled feta or cheddar.
Gammon and Chorizo Pasta
A flavour-packed pasta dish combining smoky chorizo with savoury gammon and a tomato-based sauce. Add a handful of spinach or frozen peas for colour and extra veg.
Gammon and Cauliflower Cheese Bake
Ingredients:
- 1 medium cauliflower, cut into florets
- 300g gammon, chopped
- 400ml milk
- 25g butter
- 25g flour
- 100g mature cheddar, grated
- 1 tsp mustard
Method:
- Steam the cauliflower until it is just tender.
- Make a cheese sauce by melting butter, adding flour, and then whisking in milk and cheese.
- Combine with the gammon and cauliflower in an ovenproof dish.
- Bake at 200°C (180°C fan) for 20–25 minutes until golden.
Gammon and Root Vegetable Gratin
Sliced potatoes, parsnips, and carrots are layered with creamy sauce and gammon pieces, then baked until soft and bubbling with a crispy top.
Gammon and Garlic Butter Green Beans
A speedy side: tender green beans tossed in garlic butter with small pieces of crispy fried gammon. Great as part of a roast dinner or alongside grilled meat.
Quick and Easy Snacks Using Leftover Gammon
If you’ve got less gammon or just want an alternative to another similar meal, these snacks are all perfect.
Gammon and Cheese Puff Pastry Twists
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet of ready-rolled puff pastry
- 100g cooked gammon, finely chopped
- 75g grated cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp. Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for glazing)
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan) / Gas Mark 6.
- Unroll the pastry and spread a thin layer of mustard (if using) over the surface.
- Scatter the gammon and cheese evenly over one half of the pastry, then fold the other half on top.
- Cut into strips, twist each one, and place on a lined baking tray.
- Brush with beaten egg and bake for 15–20 minutes until puffed and golden.
Gammon and Tomato Bruschetta
A quick appetiser — toasted slices of crusty baguette topped with a mix of diced ripe tomatoes, finely chopped gammon, a drizzle of olive oil, and a touch of garlic. Finished with fresh basil and a pinch of black pepper, this is a fresh take on a classic Italian favourite, made more filling with savoury gammon.
Gammon and Cream Cheese Pinwheels
Soft tortilla wraps spread with cream cheese, sprinkled with finely chopped gammon and rolled up tightly before being sliced into bite-sized pinwheels. Great for lunches or party platters. Click here for the full recipe.
Gammon and Jalapeño Quesadillas
Ingredients:
- 2 large flour tortillas
- 100g cooked gammon, chopped
- 75g grated cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 small handful sliced jalapeños (from a jar)
- Splash of oil for frying
Method:
- Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat.
- Place one tortilla in the pan, scatter with cheese, gammon, and jalapeños, then top with the second tortilla.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, pressing down lightly, until golden and the cheese has melted.
- Slice into wedges and serve with sour cream or salsa.
Gammon and Blue Cheese Crostini
A posh little nibble for your next gathering — crisp toasted baguette slices topped with a smear of blue cheese, warm shredded gammon, and a drizzle of honey or fig chutney.
Gammon and Sweetcorn Fritters
Crispy on the outside and soft in the middle, these fritters mix chopped gammon, sweetcorn, spring onion, and a simple batter. Perfect for frying up in a pan or air fryer, and delicious served with a dollop of sour cream or chilli jam.
Gammon and Cheddar Scones
A savoury twist on the classic scone packed with sharp cheddar and diced gammon. Perfect served warm with a bit of butter or even split and filled with mustard and rocket for a rustic sandwich-style snack.
Gammon and Egg Scotch Eggs
Ingredients:
- 4 medium eggs, hard-boiled and peeled
- 300g cooked gammon, finely chopped
- 100g sausage meat
- 1 tsp English mustard
- 1 egg, beaten (for coating)
- 50g plain flour
- 75g breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying
Method:
- Mix the sausage meat, gammon, and mustard.
- Divide into 4 portions and shape around each egg.
- Roll in flour, dip in beaten egg, then coat in breadcrumbs.
- Deep-fry or bake at 200°C (180°C fan) for 25–30 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Serve warm or cold with a tangy chutney.
Gammon and Cheese-Stuffed Mushrooms
Large flat mushrooms filled with a mix of chopped gammon, soft cheese, cheddar, and a touch of garlic. Baked until golden and bubbling — perfect as a starter, side, or canape.
Gammon Air Fryer Bites
Little nuggets of chopped gammon, coated in a lightly seasoned crumb and crisped up in the air fryer. Great for dipping in BBQ sauce or honey mustard — ideal for picky eaters or party snacking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Leftover gammon is incredibly versatile. You can use it in pasta dishes, soups, pies, and sandwiches, or even crisp it up in the air fryer for a quick snack.
Cooked gammon can last up to 2 days in the fridge if stored in an airtight container. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Reheat only once, and always use a food thermometer to make sure the meat is over 75 degrees C before serving.
You can slice it for sandwiches, dice it for stews, or shred it into pasta dishes and soups.
Yes! Gammon works well in creamy pasta dishes like carbonara, as well as tomato-based pasta bakes.
Try gammon and vegetable soup, gammon and potato gratin, gammon and leek pie, or gammon and rice stir-fry.
Puff pastry bakes, creamy gammon pasta, gammon and bean stew, and gammon and sweetcorn fritters are all great options.
Store it in an airtight container. Reheat gently with a splash of water or sauce to prevent it from drying out.
