Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and, of course, a table full of delicious food. And while nothing quite beats the holiday meal itself, those Thanksgiving leftovers are a tradition all their own.
Transforming those extra portions into new dishes can keep the holiday flavors going all weekend long. Leftover ham, especially, is a versatile ingredient that adds a savory touch to a variety of dishes—from breakfast casseroles to cozy soups. One of our favorite ways to use leftover ham is in these Warm Holiday Ham Crescents, which bring together family-friendly flavors in an easy-to-make bite.
How to safely store holiday leftovers
Food safety is key when it comes to leftovers, so a quick refresher can go a long way.
Thanksgiving leftovers should be stored within two hours of serving, keeping them fresh and safe. Make sure to keep cooked ham refrigerated and wrapped in airtight containers or bags, and try to use it within three to four days. Reheating leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F ensures food safety and once again brings out the savory richness of the ham.
The perfect post-holiday lunch
Once your leftovers are ready to be transformed, these Warm Holiday Ham Crescents from the National Pork Board are a fun way to create new memories with family around the kitchen. Simply layer your ham with melty cheese and tuck it into a flaky crescent roll, then pop it in the oven. They make a perfect, easy snack or light lunch for post-holiday movie marathons or football games. And the best part? Even picky eaters can’t resist a warm, cheesy crescent roll.
Pair your crescents with a bowl of tomato soup or a nice, leafy salad for a complete meal
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The holiday may be over, but the joy of family meals can keep going. Enjoying these simple, warm dishes together can bring back the comfort of the holiday spread with a twist. So, don’t let those leftovers sit in the fridge; bring them to life with a little creativity and keep the spirit of Thanksgiving going just a little longer.
Recipe courtesy of the National Pork Board, Des Moines, Iowa.
Warm Holiday Ham Crescents
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. fully cooked ham brown-sugar, shaved
- 8 oz. crescent dinner rolls refrigerated
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese OR Swiss, cut diagonally
- 3 Tbsp. mayonnaise OR salad dressing
- 1 Tbsp. dijon style mustard
Instructions
- Separate package of crescent rolls into triangles; place on waxed paper. Place cheese triangle over each dough triangle. Divide ham among the 8 dough/cheese triangles. Beginning at widest end, roll up to form a crescent. Place on baking sheet that has been coated with cooking spray. Bake at 375 degrees F for 13 to 15 minutes. Meanwhile, in small bowl, stir together mayonnaise and mustard; serve with Ham Crescents.