Creamed Ham (or turkey) is the perfect way to use leftover ham or turkey after a big holiday meal! Easy to make, with just 5 ingredients, this delicious meal can be on your table in no time!
If you just had a big holiday meal and you have leftover ham or turkey kicking around your fridge, here’s something new to try. This was a favourite of mine when I was a kid and I still really enjoy it. It’s both simple and rich and it has a cozy feel to it that’s nice after a big elaborate holiday meal, or a filling Sunday dinner.
I especially enjoy this meal with ham because of the way the smokiness infuses the sauce, but turkey is delicious too (although you might need a touch more salt).
You could easily make a vegetarian version of this if you want – say creamed mushrooms, or creamed broccoli, or creamed peas (like the Brits do). It’s really just a white sauce with add-ins, in this case ham. This is so easy guys. You’re going to love it.
This goes super well over simple mashed potatoes (which you might also have a ton of left over in your fridge!), with a veggie or two on the side.
Tips to make Creamed Ham, Creamed Turkey or Creamed Chicken budget friendly:
- Use leftovers! This recipe is the best after Thanksgiving or Christmas, or even Sunday dinner, when you have a bunch of leftover turkey or leftover ham to use up! It’s also a great way to use leftover mashed potatoes.
- Make it vegetarian: You could definitely make this without meat – or with less meat. Instead use whatever vegetables you have on hand – broccoli, carrots, peas or whatever is hanging out in your fridge. Just use a bit more salt, and maybe some vegetable bouillon to add a bit of flavour.
- Rotisserie Chicken: If rotisserie chickens are cheap where you live, turn this meal into easy creamed chicken. The sauce only takes minutes to make and in that time you can take the meat off the chicken.
FAQs – Creamed Ham/Turkey/Chicken/Vegetables in White Sauce
Can I freeze creamed ham or turkey?
Yes, I have made this before and frozen it and when I thawed it I didn’t even notice any difference in the texture of the sauce. This is a great way to eat leftovers at a later date!
Can I use skim milk to make creamed ham or creamed turkey?
Yes! I always use skim milk and I still find the sauce rich and creamy! 🙂
Can I make this without meat?
You can definitely make this dish without meat – it is really just a basic white sauce with add-ins. If you make it vegetarian, I would add a bit more salt, and maybe some of your favourite herb or vegetable bouillon for extra flavour. I think creamed peas, carrots or broccoli would all be delicious!
How should I serve creamed ham or creamed turkey?
I really love it over mashed potatoes, but many people like to serve creamed turkey or ham over toast, or even biscuits. You could also serve it over rice or pasta! It’s very versatile.
Creamed Ham (or Turkey) – The BEST way to use leftover ham (or turkey)
Creamed Ham (or creamed turkey or chicken) Ingredients
Melt 4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) butter in a medium sized pot over medium heat.
Slowly add 4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) all-purpose flour, whisking constantly to make a smooth mixture. Cook the mixture for about a minute, whisking constantly.
Gradually add 2 and 1/2 cups of milk, whisking during every addition.
Tip: The mixture will initially seize up but as you add more milk it will start to loosen.
Slowly the mixture will become more liquid. Continue to whisk it very well in order to avoid lumps. Add milk a few tablespoons at a time, whisking as you add it, until it’s all incorporated.
Initially the mixture will be thin. Stir with a wooden spoon, scraping the bottom of the pot, until it thickens. Depending on the temperature of the burner this could take 5-15 minutes.
You’re supposed to stir it constantly, but I definitely take breaks to do other things – just don’t go off and forget about it. You’ll end up with scorched milk on the bottom of your pot and it won’t taste great.
It’ll be done not long after it starts to slightly boil and thicken.
Stir in around 2 cups of chopped ham (or turkey).
This recipe is very flexible – you can work with more or less meat.
Season with salt, starting with 1/2 teaspoon and adding more to taste, depending on the saltiness of your ham or turkey. I often use about 1 teaspoon in total.
Serve over mashed potatoes, with vegetables on the side.
Enjoy! 🙂
Creamed ham (or turkey)
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter (4 tablespoons)
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2.5 cups milk (I use skim)
- 2 cups ham leftover ham (or turkey) works perfectly for this
- 1/2 tsp salt plus more to taste, depending on saltiness of ham
Instructions
- Melt butter in a medium sized pot over medium heat.
- Slowly add flour, whisking constantly to make a smooth mixture. Cook the mixture for about a minute, whisking constantly.
- Gradually add milk, whisking during every addition. Mixture will initially seize up but as you add more milk it will start to loosen.
- Slowly the mixture will become more liquid. Continue to whisk it very well in order to avoid lumps. Add milk a few tablespoons at a time, whisking as you add it, until it's all incorporated.
- Initially the mixture will be thin. Stir with a wooden spoon, scraping the bottom of the pot, until it thickens. Depending on the temperature of the burner this could take 5-15 minutes.
- The sauce will be done not long after it starts to slightly boil and thicken. Stir in chopped ham (or turkey).
- Season with salt, starting with 1/2 teaspoon and adding more to taste, depending on the saltiness of your ham or turkey. I often use about 1 teaspoon in total.
- Serve over mashed potatoes, with vegetables on the side.
Enjoy! 🙂
Nutrition
This recipe was originally published on April 19, 2017.
You might also like:
Louise Migneault says
Today I tried your recipe. Delicious and very simple to do. I did with ham and I had small peas in it.
Thanks !
Myra says
Hi Louise! I’m so glad you tried the recipe and liked it! It is a favourite of mine 🙂 Hope you’re well during this crazy time!