Southwestern Ham Hash: The Ultimate One-Pan Breakfast for Leftover Ham
Discovering new and delicious ways to use up holiday leftovers is a culinary delight, and this Southwestern Ham Hash perfectly fits the bill. It’s a comforting, hearty, and incredibly satisfying breakfast or brunch that comes together effortlessly in a single pan. This recipe isn’t just about minimizing clean-up; it’s a killer way to transform any leftover ham from your holiday feasts into a vibrant, flavorful meal that the whole family will adore. Designed to serve 4 to 6 people, it’s perfect for a leisurely weekend morning or a quick weekday re-imagining of last night’s dinner.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Sprouts Farmers Market. As always, all opinions are my own.
Embrace the magic of holiday leftovers with this incredible Southwestern Ham Hash. Say goodbye to mundane post-holiday meals and hello to a vibrant, flavor-packed breakfast that will become your go-to solution for all that delicious leftover ham you’ll inevitably have after Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or any festive gathering. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of efficiency and taste, ensuring no scrap of that wonderful holiday ham goes to waste.
When the holiday season rolls around, there’s a certain comfort in the traditions we uphold, and for many, a perfectly cooked, succulent ham takes center stage. I cherish the memories of holiday tables laden with food, and a juicy ham was always a highlight, whether it was a grand Thanksgiving dinner, a cozy Christmas meal, or an elegant holiday brunch. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, and its leftovers offer a canvas for culinary creativity.
To ensure the best flavor for our holiday spread (and subsequently, for this hash!), I recently visited my beloved local Sprouts Farmers Market. As a dedicated fan, I always know I can find quality ingredients there. On this particular trip, I selected a Sprouts No Sugar Uncured Spiral Sliced Ham. This ham isn’t just a main course; it’s an experience. It’s rich, deeply savory, and importantly, raised without any antibiotics. What truly sets it apart is its pure, natural flavor – it’s an absolutely delicious centerpiece free from any added sugar or preservatives. This means you can feel fantastic about serving it as the star of your holiday meal, knowing you’re providing something wholesome and incredibly tasty. And, as a food blogger, you know we sometimes get to enjoy Thanksgiving a few times over, which always has its perks!
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The Charm of Leftover Ham: Childhood Memories and Creative Uses
Growing up, family gatherings always meant an abundance of food, and ham was a staple. With so much delicious ham around, finding creative ways to use the leftovers became a fun challenge. This delightful tradition of re-imagining ingredients is exactly why I developed this wonderfully hearty and savory Southwestern Ham Hash skillet. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a solution. This all-in-one meal streamlines your cooking process, offering not only a simple method but also the blissful convenience of only one pan to clean once every last bite has been savored. Imagine a flavorful medley of tender potatoes, crisp peppers, savory ham, and perfectly cooked eggs, all mingling together with a hint of spice – that’s the magic of this hash.
The versatility of leftover ham extends far beyond this hash, though it’s certainly a fantastic starting point. While the ham itself is perfect for your holiday main event, its remnants open up a world of culinary possibilities. Beyond this incredible skillet hash, you can transform leftover ham into gourmet sandwiches, savory egg rolls, flavorful fried rice, comforting soups, and so much more. Don’t let those precious leftovers sit unused; let them inspire your next delicious creation!
The “Southwestern” element of this dish is what truly elevates it. We’re talking about a vibrant blend of bell peppers, onions, and a touch of jalapeño for a gentle kick, all seasoned with warm cumin, smoky paprika, and a hint of chili powder. These spices infuse the ham and vegetables with a depth of flavor that is both comforting and exciting, reminiscent of hearty Tex-Mex cuisine. Paired with the richness of ham and the creaminess of eggs, it creates a balanced and incredibly satisfying profile.
More Savory Breakfasts to Explore
If you’re a fan of savory starts to your day, you’re in for a treat! This Southwestern Ham Hash is just one of many ways to enjoy a hearty breakfast or brunch. Be sure to explore some of my other favorite savory recipes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds:
Savory Dutch Baby | Breakfast Croissant Sandwich | Mexican Bacon Egg & Cheese Biscuit | Ratatouille Humus Toast
Essential Tools for this Recipe
To make your ham hash preparation as smooth as possible, having the right tools makes all the difference. You’ll definitely want a sharp chef’s knife and a sturdy cutting board. These are indispensable for efficiently dicing the potatoes, bell peppers, onion, and jalapeño into uniform, bite-sized pieces, ensuring they cook evenly and beautifully.
The star kitchen tool for this one-pan wonder is undoubtedly a cast iron skillet. Its ability to retain and distribute heat evenly is crucial for achieving perfectly crisped potatoes and a beautifully cooked hash. Plus, it transitions seamlessly from stovetop to oven, making it the ideal vessel for this hearty meal. If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, a heavy-bottomed oven-safe skillet will also work.
Crafting Our Southwestern Ham Hash!
Let’s dive into the simple steps to create this incredibly flavorful and satisfying Southwestern Ham Hash. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can transform humble ingredients into a breakfast masterpiece.
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies
Begin by heating your chosen cooking oil (I personally love using a neutral oil like canola for this, though olive oil also works well) in a large skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, add your diced Yukon gold potatoes, red and green bell peppers, and yellow onion. The key here is to let them cook until they are beautifully softened and the potatoes are tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork. This usually takes about 7 to 8 minutes, with frequent stirring to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking.
Next, stir in the chopped ham, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, coarse salt, and chili powder. The aromatic spices will immediately begin to bloom, filling your kitchen with an irresistible fragrance. Continue to cook for just 1 to 2 minutes more, stirring continuously, until the garlic becomes wonderfully fragrant. Be careful not to overcook the garlic, as it can quickly burn and turn bitter. This short cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the ham to warm through without drying out.
Step 2: Make Room for Eggs
Once your hash mixture is perfectly seasoned and cooked on the stovetop, remove the skillet from the heat. Now, it’s time to prepare for the eggs. Using the back of a large spoon, create distinct wells or indentations within the hash mixture. You can choose to make room for either 4 or 6 eggs, depending on how many servings you need and how egg-centric you want your hash to be. Gently crack an egg into each well, ensuring the yolk remains intact. Finally, generously sprinkle grated cheddar cheese evenly over the entire vegetable and ham mixture, allowing it to melt beautifully as it bakes.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven at 400˚F (200˚C). Bake for approximately 8 to 10 minutes. The ideal outcome is when the egg whites are fully set and firm, but the yolks remain deliciously runny, creating that wonderful velvety texture when broken. Keep a close eye on it during the last few minutes, as oven temperatures can vary.
Once baked to your liking, remove the skillet from the oven. For a final flourish and a burst of fresh flavor, garnish your Southwestern Ham Hash with a generous sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper and plenty of vibrant, chopped cilantro. Serve this hearty meal immediately, letting everyone enjoy the comforting warmth and dynamic flavors. The combination of crispy potatoes, savory ham, spicy peppers, and perfectly cooked eggs makes for an unforgettable breakfast or brunch experience.
This ham hash is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s perfect for a cozy weekend brunch, a satisfying weekday breakfast, or even a light dinner. The flavors are robust yet harmonious, offering a delicious start to any day.
Looking for More Breakfast Inspiration?
If this Southwestern Ham Hash has sparked your appetite for exciting breakfast ideas, then you’re in luck! I have a treasure trove of recipes waiting for you. Be sure to check out my comprehensive breakfast recipes page for even more delicious ways to start your day. From sweet treats to savory delights, you’ll find plenty of inspiration to keep your mornings flavorful and fun!
Southwestern Ham Hash Recipe Card
Equipment
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Wusthof Knife Set
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Utility Cutting Board
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Cast Iron Skillet
Ingredients
- 2 tsp cooking oil I used canola
- 1 lbs Yukon gold potatoes diced into bite sized pieces
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper diced
- 1 jalapeno diced
- 1 1/2 cups Sprouts No Sugar Uncured Spiral Sliced Ham chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese grated
- Fresh cilantro roughly chopped
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400˚F (200˚C).
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In a medium skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat, warm the cooking oil. Once hot, add the diced potatoes, bell peppers, onion, and jalapeño. Cook for about 7 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened and you can easily pierce the potato with a fork.
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Stir in the chopped ham, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, pepper, salt, and chili powder. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes more, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and the spices are well distributed.
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Remove the skillet from the heat. Use a spoon to make 4 wells (or 6 if you prefer and use 6 eggs!) in the hash mixture. Crack an egg into each well and sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the vegetables and ham.
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Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the egg whites are fully set but the yolks are still wonderfully runny. Remove the skillet from the oven.
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Garnish generously with freshly ground black pepper and chopped cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Southwestern Ham Hash!