Lunch meat isn’t just for sandwiches—it’s a versatile ingredient that can be used to create a variety of delicious and easy dinner recipes. Whether you have leftover turkey breast from the holidays or slices of deli ham from the grocery store, there are countless creative ways to turn these cold cuts into satisfying meals for the whole family.
1. Turkey and Cheddar Cheese Sliders
Sliders are a fun and easy way to use up turkey lunch meat. Simply layer slices of turkey breast and cheddar cheese between small rolls or slider buns. For extra flavor, add a dollop of ranch dressing or cream cheese before assembling. Bake the sliders in a preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. These sliders make a quick meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights and are a good use of any leftover deli meat.
Best Way to Serve: These sliders are ideal for a quick lunch or dinner, and they’re also a hit at parties as finger food.
Popular Choice: Turkey and cheddar sliders are a popular choice because they’re easy to make and always crowd-pleasers.
2. Leftover Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls
Crescent rolls are a great base for many creative recipes, and they’re a fantastic way to use leftover ham. Roll out the crescent dough and place slices of leftover ham and cheddar cheese on each piece. Roll them up, brush with a little melted butter, and bake according to the package instructions. These crescent rolls are a delicious way to make use of deli ham and are sure to be a hit at the dinner table.
Great Addition: Adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top before baking adds a nice crunch and flavor to these rolls.
Favorite Way: Many people consider crescent rolls one of their favorite ways to use deli meat creatively.
3. Chicken and Cheese Quesadillas
Quesadillas are a quick meal idea that can be customized with different flavors depending on what you have on hand. Use slices of leftover deli chicken breast, cheddar cheese, and any favorite cold cuts you have in the fridge. Add some bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor. Cook the quesadillas on a griddle or in a pan until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy. Serve with sour cream or salsa for a complete meal.
Good Use: Quesadillas are a great way to make good use of leftover deli meat and vegetables.
Simple Ways: This recipe is one of the simplest ways to create a delicious dinner quickly.
4. Turkey Sandwich with Avocado and Bacon
A turkey sandwich doesn’t have to be boring. Elevate it by adding slices of avocado, crispy bacon, and a spread of cream cheese or mayonnaise. Use slices of bread like whole wheat or sourdough for added texture. Layer the turkey, avocado, bacon, and any other favorite ingredients like lettuce or tomato. This sandwich is not only satisfying but also full of flavor.
Exciting Way: Adding avocado and bacon is an exciting way to transform a regular turkey sandwich into something special.
Amount of Deli Meat: Depending on how hearty you want your sandwich, you can adjust the amount of deli meat you use.
5. Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole
Breakfast casseroles aren’t just for breakfast—they make a hearty dinner as well. Combine leftover ham slices, eggs, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and cubes of day-old bread in a baking dish. Season with garlic powder and onion soup mix, and bake until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown. This dish is a great use for deli ham and can be made ahead of time.
Natural Ingredients: Using fresh, natural ingredients like eggs and cheese ensures the best flavor.
Room Temperature: Let the casserole sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Monte Cristo Sandwich
The Monte Cristo is a classic sandwich that combines ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese between slices of bread, then dips the sandwich in a beaten egg before grilling it to golden perfection. Often served with a dusting of powdered sugar and a side of jam, this sandwich is a delicious and indulgent treat.
Classic Combination of Ham: The combination of ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese is a classic that never disappoints.
Great Uses: This sandwich is a great use for leftover deli meats, turning them into a gourmet meal.
7. Homemade Lunchables with Deli Meat
Why buy store-bought Lunchables when you can make your own at home? Use slices of deli turkey, ham, or chicken, and pair them with cheese slices, crackers, and a small portion of fruit or vegetables. This DIY version is healthier and can be customized to include your favorite ingredients.
Homemade Lunchables: These homemade Lunchables are perfect for kids’ lunches or as a fun and easy lunch option for adults.
Easy Lunch: Making your own Lunchables is an easy lunch idea that’s both nutritious and convenient.
8. Turkey and Vegetable Stir-Fry
Stir-fries are a great way to incorporate different types of lunch meat into your dinner routine. Use thin slices of turkey breast, bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. Stir-fry the vegetables in a hot pan with a little olive oil and soy sauce, then add the turkey and cook until heated through. Serve over rice for a complete meal that’s full of flavor.
Delicious Ways: Stir-fries are delicious ways to use leftover deli meat and vegetables, creating a balanced and flavorful dish.
Variety of Ways: You can customize this stir-fry in a variety of ways by using different vegetables and sauces.
9. Chicken Pot Pies
Chicken pot pies are a comforting and filling meal that’s perfect for using leftover deli chicken. Combine shredded chicken with a mixture of vegetables like peas, carrots, and corn in a creamy sauce made with vegetable stock and cream. Pour the mixture into a pie crust, top with another layer of crust, and bake until golden brown.
Best Ways: Pot pies are one of the best ways to use leftover chicken in a comforting and hearty dish.
Homemade Lunch Meat: If you make your own homemade lunch meat, it can be a perfect filling for pot pies.
10. Leftover Roast Beef and Black Bean Chili
Turn leftover roast beef into a hearty chili by adding black beans, diced tomatoes, onions, and a blend of spices like chili powder, cumin, and black pepper. Simmer until the flavors meld together and serve with a side of cornbread or over rice.
Keto Diet: This chili is also suitable for those following a keto diet, as it’s low in carbs and high in protein.
Extra Firm Tofu: For a vegetarian twist, substitute the roast beef with extra firm tofu, which absorbs the flavors of the chili beautifully.
11. Ham and Cheese Homemade Pizza
Pizza night is always a hit, and it’s a great way to use up leftover ham. Spread pizza dough with tomato sauce, then top with slices of ham, mozzarella cheese, and any other favorite toppings like bell peppers or onions. Bake until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted.
Homemade Pizza: Making pizza at home allows you to control the ingredients and create a healthier, more personalized meal.
Slices of Lunch Meat: Thin slices of lunch meat like ham work perfectly on pizza, adding flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
12. Turkey and Cheddar Cheese Soup
This comforting soup combines turkey, cheddar cheese, and vegetables in a creamy broth made with vegetable stock. Add slices of bread for dipping or serve with a side salad for a complete meal. This soup is a wonderful way to use leftover turkey and is sure to warm you up on a chilly evening.
Delicious Recipes: Soups like this are among the most delicious recipes for using up leftovers.
Vegetable Stock: Using vegetable stock as the base adds depth of flavor to the soup while keeping it light.
13. Ham and Cheese Monte Cristo Roll-Ups
For a twist on the classic Monte Cristo, try making roll-ups. Layer slices of ham, turkey, and cheese on a tortilla, roll it up, and dip it in an egg mixture before frying until golden brown. Serve with a side of jam for dipping.
Exciting Way: This is an exciting way to enjoy the flavors of a Monte Cristo in a fun, handheld form.
Finger Food: These roll-ups make great finger food for parties or casual dinners.
14. Homemade Chicken Salad with Black Beans
Chicken salad is a versatile dish that can be made with leftover deli chicken. Combine shredded chicken with black beans, diced bell peppers, and a light dressing made with mayo, lime juice, and a pinch of cumin. Serve on a bed of lettuce or in a sandwich.
Favorite Recipes: Chicken salad is one of those favorite recipes that can be customized to your taste.
Shelf Life: Make sure to store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge, and consume it within 2-3 days to ensure freshness.
15. Classic Pot Roast with Deli Meat
For a twist on the traditional pot roast, use slices of leftover deli meat like roast beef or turkey. Layer the meat with sliced potatoes, carrots, and onions in a slow cooker, then add vegetable stock and season with table salt, black pepper, and your favorite herbs. Cook on low until the vegetables are tender and the flavors are well combined.
Internal Temperature: Ensure the internal temperature of the dish reaches a safe level before serving.
Simple Ways: This pot roast is one of the simplest ways to create a hearty and satisfying meal using deli meat.
16. Ham and Cheese Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed bell peppers are a nutritious and filling meal. For this recipe, fill halved bell peppers with a mixture of cooked rice, diced ham, cheddar cheese, and black beans. Bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.
Delicious Ways: Stuffed peppers are one of the most delicious ways to enjoy a healthy dinner that’s packed with flavor.
Amount of Deli Meat: Adjust the amount of deli meat based on how hearty you want the filling to be.
17. Turkey and Avocado Keto Wraps
If you’re following a keto diet, these wraps are a perfect low-carb dinner option. Use large lettuce leaves as the wrap and fill them with slices of turkey, avocado, and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese. Add some black beans for extra protein, and roll them up for a quick and healthy meal.
Keto Diet: These wraps are perfect for anyone on a keto diet, as they are low in carbs but high in flavor and nutrients.
Best Lunch Meat: Turkey is often considered the best lunch meat for wraps because it’s lean and flavorful.
