An Easy 10-Minute Boxing Day Lunch with Leftover Christmas Ham
Ham and pineapple might divide opinion on pizza, but I'm firmly in favour.
Add melted cheese and a crispy tortilla, and you've got a brilliant way to give leftover Christmas ham a new lease of life.
These ham, cheese and pineapple quesadillas are exactly the sort of thing I want to eat between Christmas and New Year. Quick, comforting, a little indulgent and made with ingredients already sitting in the fridge.
The secret is a spoonful of Peak & The Pantry Pineapple & Chilli Relish. It brings sweetness, tang and a gentle kick of heat, which works beautifully with salty ham and melted cheese.
No complicated cooking. Just ten minutes, a frying pan and something delicious for lunch.
Serves 2 | 10 minutes
You'll Need
From the pantry
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4 medium flour tortillas
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2–3 tbsp Peak & The Pantry Pineapple & Chilli Relish
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A little oil for frying
Leftovers & fresh ingredients
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100g leftover Christmas ham, shredded
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80g grated cheese, such as Cheddar, Gouda or Red Leicester
To Make
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Heat a frying pan over a medium heat. Lightly brush one side of a tortilla with oil and place it oil-side down in the pan. Turn the heat to low.
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Scatter grated cheese over the tortilla, leaving a little border around the edge. When the cheese begins to melt, add half the ham and Pineapple & Chilli Relish.
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Fold the tortilla in half and cook until the cheese is gooey and fully melted, the ham is heated through and the tortilla is golden and crisp.
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Remove to a plate and repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling. Cut into wedges and eat while warm.
Why This Works
Christmas ham is already cooked, so you're really just warming it through and giving it a completely different flavour.
The cheese brings that lovely gooey richness, while the Pineapple & Chilli Relish adds a little sweetness and acidity to balance the salty ham.
And the crispy tortilla makes everything feel like a proper new meal rather than another plate of leftovers.
It's exactly what Roast Once, Eat Twice is all about. Making a little extra, then turning it into something completely different.
Best Served With
A crunchy green salad, a few pickles or simply an extra spoonful of Pineapple & Chilli Relish on the side.
They're also brilliant cut into smaller wedges for a relaxed Boxing Day buffet.
Easy Swaps
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Swap leftover Christmas ham for roast turkey or chicken.
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Use any leftover Christmas cheese, including Brie.
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Add sliced jalapeños for extra heat.
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Try leftover roasted vegetables instead of ham.
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Add a handful of spinach or finely shredded Brussels sprouts.
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Use corn tortillas if you prefer, adjusting the cooking method to suit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I make with leftover Christmas ham besides sandwiches?
Ham, cheese and pineapple quesadillas are a brilliant alternative. They take just ten minutes and turn cooked Christmas ham into a warm, crispy lunch with melted cheese and fruity chilli relish.
Can I use leftover Christmas cheese in quesadillas?
Absolutely. Cheddar, Red Leicester, Gouda and Brie all work well. It's a great way to use up the cheese board.
Does pineapple go with ham and cheese?
Yes, especially when you balance the sweetness with a little chilli and acidity. Our Pineapple & Chilli Relish works particularly well with salty ham and rich melted cheese.
Can I make these with leftover turkey?
Yes. Shredded roast turkey or chicken makes a delicious alternative to ham. Make sure the filling is heated thoroughly before serving.
Can I make quesadillas ahead of time?
They're best eaten straight from the pan while the tortillas are crisp and the cheese is melted. You can prepare the filling in advance and assemble them when you're ready to eat.
What can I serve with quesadillas?
Try a simple salad, pickled chillies, salsa or an extra spoonful of relish. They're also lovely served as part of a Boxing Day buffet.
A Little More From The Pantry
Our Peak & The Pantry Pineapple & Chilli Relish isn't just for cheese boards. It's brilliant with ham, grilled chicken, sandwiches, burgers and quick lunches like these quesadillas.
At Peak & The Pantry, we're all about making everyday cooking easier and more interesting, with clever pantry shortcuts and good food without the faff.
