If there’s one thing the festive season guarantees, it’s leftovers. After Christmas lunch and the New Year’s spread, the fridge is usually packed – and right at the centre of it all sits a generous piece of gammon. Too good to waste, too versatile to repeat in the same way twice, it’s worth keeping a few clever ideas up your sleeve for the days that follow the feast.
Gammon earns its place on the festive table. It feeds a crowd, takes well to bold flavours and stretches effortlessly into easy meals long after the plates are cleared. Think relaxed Boxing Day lunches, impromptu braais and simple, satisfying dishes that don’t feel like leftovers at all.
Here’s how to turn that festive gammon into something worth looking forward to again.
A centrepiece that keeps giving
Gammon is a host’s best friend. It looks celebratory, pairs beautifully with fresh summer sides and doesn’t need much fuss to shine. Once the main event is over, the slices lend themselves to everything from hearty sandwiches to comforting bakes.
Economical, flavourful and endlessly adaptable, it’s the kind of festive staple that keeps meals easy when you’d rather be relaxing.
Gammon and caramelised onion quiche
When you’re craving something a little more grounding, a savoury quiche ticks every box. Sweet, slow-cooked onions, salty gammon and mature cheese come together in a creamy filling that works just as well warm or cold.
Cheesy gammon braaibroodjies
Nothing says holiday quite like a braai that comes together without planning. Layer slices of gammon with good cheese, a swipe of mustard-mayo and a touch of something sweet or tangy, then grill until golden and melty.
Perfect for feeding hungry guests who appear out of nowhere, these toasted sandwiches are casual, comforting and always a hit.
Try this recipe.
Boxing day gammon rolls
After a big Christmas Day, lighter eating feels right. Fill soft rolls with sliced gammon, a sharp cabbage slaw and a creamy dressing for a fresh, balanced bite. Ideal for beach days, picnics or poolside lunches, these rolls are quick to assemble and travel well – exactly what you want between swims and naps.
Sticky glazed gammon with crispy potatoes
Leftover gammon can still steal the show. Warm it through with a punchy glaze – something sweet with a smoky edge works wonders – and serve it alongside crisp, smashed potatoes for contrast. It’s the kind of dish that feels special enough for a relaxed family supper, without hours in the kitchen. Add a simple salad and dinner is done.
The festive season doesn’t end when the main meal does. With a little imagination, leftover gammon becomes the starting point for relaxed, delicious dishes that carry you through the days after Christmas and into the New Year. Keep this guide close – your fridge will thank you.
Compiled by Maegan-Leigh Jacobs
First published on Food and Home
Also see: The ultimate guide to reheating leftovers like a pro
