This September 2020 photo shows a sliced baked ham on parchment paper in Washington, D.C. Leftover ham, which will last for up to five days in the fridge, can be a springboard for other meals during the week. Of course you’ll want a sandwich or two, but there are many other ways to put that porky, smoky flavor to good use. (Cheyenne Cohen via AP)

The beauty of making a baked ham for Easter (or any holiday or large gathering) is that there’s bound to be leftovers.

Leftover ham, which will last for up to five days in the fridge, can be a springboard for other meals during the week. Of course you’ll want a sandwich or two, but there are many other ways to put that porky, smoky flavor to good use.

Freezing it

First off, you can always freeze leftover ham if you can’t use it all within several days. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or some type of reusable wrap that really clings to it. Place the wrapped ham in a freezer-proof bag. Press out any excess air, seal, and freeze for up to 6 months.

You can also slice or dice your ham before freezing. Diced or sliced ham will also need to be well wrapped before freezing, and is best when used within 4 months. Don’t forget to label your ham with the date.

To defrost cooked ham, transfer it to the fridge and let it defrost. Small pieces of cubed ham will take about a day to defrost. A larger piece of ham may take up to 2 days. Do not defrost ham at room temperature, which can allow bacteria to form.

Best ham sandwich

There are ham sandwiches, and there are Ham Sandwich Masterpieces. My favorite version is made with toasted sourdough or country white bread, lots of crunchy lettuce, slices of an assertive firm cheese (like Provolone or sharp cheddar), coarse or grainy mustard, mayonnaise, some thinly sliced onion, and maybe a slice of tomato, if they are in season. Simple and classic.

Also, layer some ham into a grilled cheese sandwich — its own perfect kind of pleasure.

A versatile addition

Diced or chopped ham is a great addition to salads: Add a cup or so to macaroni salad, Cobb salad, potato salad or kale salad. Or make a simple ham salad with chopped ham, mayo, minced celery and onion, and a bit of mustard and relish.

You can also give a casserole a boost. Add ham to dishes like baked tortellini or baked macaroni and cheese. It’s also a good addition to vegetable gratins and potato dishes of all kinds, such as scalloped potatoes. And don’t forget about braised greens like collards or mustard greens.

If a recipe calls for bacon, consider using ham.

Eggs are always a perfect partner to ham, whether scrambled, in an egg sandwich, or as part of Eggs Benedict. A classic Denver omelet is a perfect way to enjoy ham in a new guise.

Not wasting food has never tasted so good.

The Classic Denver Omelet

Ingredients:

2 or 3 large eggs

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

1 tablespoon unsalted butter, divided

3 tablespoons chopped cooked ham

2 tablespoons chopped onion

2 tablespoons chopped bell pepper

2 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Directions:

Whisk the eggs with salt and pepper in a small bowl and set aside.

Melt half of the butter in an 8-inch omelet pan or shallow skillet, preferably nonstick, over medium-high heat. Add the ham and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 2 minutes, until it starts to brown on the edges. Add the onion and bell pepper and stir occasionally for another 3 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly. Transfer the ham and vegetables to a small bowl.

Return the pan to the heat and add the rest of the butter. Swirl the pan so the butter coats the bottom evenly. Pour in the eggs and quickly shake and swirl it so the eggs cover the entire bottom. Let the eggs firm up, about 30 seconds, then use a rubber spatula to lift the edges of the omelet up, so any uncooked egg on the top runs underneath.

Sprinkle half of the eggs with the sauteed vegetables and ham and the cheese, if using, and let it cook for another 30 seconds. Flip the untopped side of the eggs over the filling, and slide it onto a plate.