13 Ham Ideas People Use for Those “In-Between” December Evenings

After holiday parties settle down, 13 ham ideas offer a smart way to make dinners feel special during those in-between December nights. Simple meals work best when everyone’s tired from the festive pace. You’ll appreciate easy options for enjoying quiet evenings or spur-of-the-moment guests.

Close-up of four ham and cheese sliders on sesame seed buns, arranged in two stacks. The cheese is melting and oozing out of the sides, making these Ham and Cheese Sliders irresistible.
Melty Ham and Cheese Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Ham Salad

A bowl filled with ham salad, containing chopped ham, celery, hard-boiled eggs, and herbs, mixed with mayonnaise.
Ham Salad. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

During those chilly December evenings, nothing feels quite as easy as this Ham Salad. The cool, creamy texture paired with a little crunch invites folks back for seconds. Each bite feels both familiar and just a little unexpected when you bring it out. People never seem to leave any behind.
Get the Recipe: Ham Salad

Savory Egg Prosciutto Bagel

Close-up of a savory pastry topped with a sunny-side-up egg, sliced ham, yellow bell pepper, and garnished with chopped parsley, served on a sesame seed bun.
Savory Egg Prosciutto Bagel. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Biting into this Savory Egg Prosciutto Bagel brings together all those comforting flavors people crave in winter. Perfect for grabbing as you rush between holiday events, it always goes quickly at a buffet. A single warm bite feels like true comfort. Guests often ask for the recipe before heading home.
Get the Recipe: Savory Egg Prosciutto Bagel

Ham and Split Pea Soup

A bowl of split pea soup with chunks of ham, diced carrots, and herbs, with a spoon resting inside.
Ham and Split Pea Soup. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Cold nights are a little easier with this Ham and Split Pea Soup on the table. The soothing warmth seems to fill the whole room, while each spoonful offers a gentle reminder of home. Holiday gatherings feel more relaxed with something this cozy. Guests linger a little longer when it’s around.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Split Pea Soup

Sweet Brown Sugar Ham and Veggies

A baked dish with slices of glazed ham, roasted sweet potato cubes, and green beans, garnished with rosemary sprigs.
Sweet Brown Sugar Ham and Veggies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

When a table fills with lots of snacks and sweets, this Sweet Brown Sugar Ham and Veggies stands out. There is a simple charm and balance in the warm, homey taste. People usually smile after the first bite. Everyone tends to reach for another serving before the evening is done.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Brown Sugar Ham and Veggies

Ham and Potato Soup

A bowl of creamy chicken and vegetable soup with potatoes, corn, carrots, and fresh parsley, served with a metal spoon.
Ham and Potato Soup. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Steaming bowls of this Ham and Potato Soup seem to make worries melt away. Friends look forward to the thick, hearty comfort after a long winter day. It fits right between holiday celebrations or quick weeknight meals. A pot never seems to last very long.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Potato Soup

Sweet Brown Sugar and Pineapple Ham

Glazed ham layered with pineapple slices and a hint of brown sugar, garnished with rosemary sprigs.
Sweet Brown Sugar and Pineapple Ham. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

One bite of this Sweet Brown Sugar and Pineapple Ham feels like a special December treat. The sweet and savory mix turns ordinary nights into something worth remembering. Every slice disappears a bit faster than expected. People usually ask what made it taste so good.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Brown Sugar and Pineapple Ham

Hearty Ham and Bean Soup

A bowl of white bean soup with pieces of ham, garnished with chopped parsley, and a spoon resting in the bowl.
Hearty Ham and Bean Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Serving this Hearty Ham and Bean Soup instantly creates a welcoming mood. There is something about the aroma that brings everyone to the kitchen. Shoveling out second helpings is practically expected. Those in-between evenings gain a sense of occasion thanks to just a simple bowl.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Ham and Bean Soup

Ham and Cheese Quiche

A close-up of a slice of quiche on a plate, with a fork beside it. The quiche has a golden crust and a creamy, egg-filled interior.
Ham and Cheese Quiche. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Some evenings call for a meal that feels a bit more put-together, and this Ham and Cheese Quiche gets that nod. The creamy, cheesy middle paired with ham makes for satisfying, simple comfort. Each slice suits both fancy and quick dinners. People end up chatting around the table a little longer.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Quiche

Comforting Ham and Potato Casserole

A wooden spoon lifts a serving of cheesy casserole with chunks of ham and potatoes from a baking dish.
Comforting Ham and Potato Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Opening the oven to this Comforting Ham and Potato Casserole means winter feels a little less harsh. Each forkful combines simple ingredients for genuine warmth. People often go back for seconds before it cools. It manages to fit perfectly between busy nights and holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Comforting Ham and Potato Casserole

Melty Ham and Swiss Sliders

Three ham and cheese sliders on seeded buns are placed on parchment paper. Bright green parsley is visible in the background.
Melty Ham and Swiss Sliders. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Warm from the oven, these Melty Ham and Swiss Sliders bring out the chatter at any table. With gooey cheese and savory ham, everyone wants to grab one while they’re hot. They disappear quickly during December’s busy evenings. Guests remember them long after the night wraps up.
Get the Recipe: Melty Ham and Swiss Sliders

Copycat Honey Baked Ham

Close-up of seasoned and roasted meat with crispy edges.
Copycat Honey Baked Ham. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Standing by the buffet, this Copycat Honey Baked Ham always draws a crowd. Familiar flavors meet a hint of something special that people notice right away. December evenings become something to look forward to when it’s served. People tend to gather for just one more slice.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Honey Baked Ham

Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls

A plate of baked crescent rolls filled with slices of ham and melted cheese, topped with black sesame seeds and garnished with parsley.
Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Nothing disappears faster than this Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls platter once the evening starts. Warm, golden, and oh-so-comforting, it fits perfectly on December tables. People find themselves grabbing seconds without even thinking. Even a big tray doesn’t last for long.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls

Melty Ham and Cheese Sliders

Close-up of four ham and cheese sliders on sesame seed buns, arranged in two stacks. The cheese is melting and oozing out of the sides, making these Ham and Cheese Sliders irresistible.
Melty Ham and Cheese Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Batches of these Melty Ham and Cheese Sliders rarely last more than a few minutes once served. Friends tend to hover nearby, hoping to snag another warm bite as December evenings grow darker. Each one feels like a mini treat. Guests often mention them the next time everyone gathers.
Get the Recipe: Melty Ham and Cheese Sliders

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

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