49 Quick Ways to Use Up a Package of Deli Meat

Updated: Apr. 12, 2024

Some of the best meals start with a package of deli ham, turkey or roast beef. These delicious recipes will help you fix dinner (or breakfast!) in a flash.

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Italian Brunch Torte

We always serve this impressive layered breakfast bake with a salad of mixed greens and tomato wedges. It is one of our most requested dishes and can be served warm or cold. —Danny Diamond, Farmington Hills, Michigan

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Ham and Swiss Sliders

My next-door neighbor shared this ham and Swiss sliders recipe with me, and I simply cannot improve it! You can make it ahead and cook it quickly when company arrives. The combo of poppy seeds, ham and cheese, horseradish and brown sugar makes it so delicious. —Iris Weihemuller, Baxter, Minnesota
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Low-Carb Lasagna

I love this recipe because you don’t miss the pasta in the lasagna. It looks, smells and tastes like the real deal! You can add ricotta cheese or any other kind of cheese you like for variation. —Tammy Kirk, Raleigh, North Carolina
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Kilbourn Sandwich

This is a fun take on a Monte Cristo. It makes a big batch, so you can stock your freezer and cook up sandwiches whenever you need a quick meal. —Dan Seering, Verona, Wisconsin
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Air-Fryer Ham and Brie Pastries

Fancy appetizers don’t have to be difficult. In fact, this recipe proves it’s easy to make something impressive. You can prep these pastries ahead of time and pop them into the air fryer just as your guests arrive. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
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Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders

These Kentucky hot brown sliders are perfect for Derby parties, though I serve them at parties throughout the year. A traditional hot brown is an open-faced sandwich, which isn’t great for gatherings, but this recipe turns them into finger food. I like to cover and refrigerate my assembled sandwiches so I can just pop them in the oven when company arrives. — Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, Virginia
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Chiles Rellenos Croque-Madame

A traditional croque-madame is a heartier version of a croque-monsieur because it's served with an egg on top of the sandwich. Instead of bechamel and Gruyere, this playful version includes pepper jack, chiles and chipotle. —Lauren Wyler, Dripping Springs, Texas
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Philly Cheesesteak Sliders

These Philly cheesesteak sliders are a wonderful way to use leftover roast beef, but using sliced roast beef from the deli also works. —Debra Waggoner, Grand Island, Nebraska
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Smoked Gouda & Roast Beef Pinwheels

Our local deli makes terrific roast beef sandwiches. This pinwheel appetizer re-creates the taste. My family says the pinwheels have so many flavors for such a little treat. —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia
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Hot Italian Party Sandwiches

It doesn’t get much easier or more delicious than this hot Italian sandwich recipe. They’re packed with not one, but three deli meats: ham, salami and pastrami. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas. Next, find out the difference between pastrami and corned beef.
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Muffin-Tin Scrambled Eggs

I have to make a large batch of these handheld breakfast cups because my husband and boys can polish them off in no time. These also freeze very well, if there are any left! —Jill Darin, Geneseo, Illinois
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Asparagus-Stuffed Chicken Breast

With its pretty presentation and sensational flavors, this rich asparagus stuffed chicken breast makes any meal feel special. —Louise Ambrose, Kingston, New York
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Slow-Cooked Reuben Spread

I’m a big fan of Reuben sandwiches and anything with that flavor combination. For an appetizer, I blend deli corned beef with Swiss and a few other items to make a spread for rye bread or crackers. —June Herke, Watertown, South Dakota
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Hearty Muffuletta

Famous in Louisiana, a muffuletta is a combo of deli meat, cheese and olive salad layered into an Italian bread shell. I was happy when a friend and co-worker gave me this recipe so I could make it myself. More than a meal, it’s a dining experience! —Ruth Hayward, Lake Charles, Louisiana
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Corned Beef Sandwiches

My daughter shared this corned beef sandwich recipe with me. It's become a favorite of our entire family. —Kathryn Binder, Pickett, Wisconsin
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Ham Pickle Pinwheels

My mom introduced me to this ham pickle pinwheels appetizer a number of years ago, and I've been making them for parties ever since. They are easy to make and are always well received by guests. —Gloria Jarrett, Loveland, Ohio
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Chicken Cordon Bleu Pizza

This recipe combines my two favorite foods—pizza and chicken cordon bleu. I’ve made this for my family and the teachers at my school. Now the teachers ask me to make it for them for lunch! —Justin Rippel, Colgate, Wisconsin
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Ham 'n' Cheese Biscuit Stacks

These finger sandwiches are filling enough to satisfy hearty appetites. I've served the fun little stacks at every event, including holiday gatherings, showers and tailgate parties. —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey
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Chicken Cordon Bleu Crescent Ring

A classic cordon bleu has chicken, cheese and ham. To change it up, roll everything inside crescent dough for a hand-held meal. —Stella Culotta, Pasadena, Maryland
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Creamy Prosciutto Pasta

I'm always looking for dinners that I can put together quickly. I re-created a favorite pasta dish from an Italian restaurant by using grocery store convenience products. Add crusty bread and a salad for a complete meal. —Christine Ward, Austin, Texas
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Deli Roast Beef Sandwiches with Mashed Potatoes

Just like Mom or Grandma used to make—but so much quicker! Store-bought mashed potatoes and gravy and deli roast beef help you turn out this heartwarming combination before you can say, “Order up!” —Ruth Ann Bott, Lake Wales, Florida
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Italian Steak Sandwiches

My sister came up with these quick sandwiches that use minced garlic and other seasonings to bring pizzazz to deli roast beef. Add some carrot sticks or a tomato salad for a fantastic lunch in no time. —Maria Regakis, Somerville, Massachusetts
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Onion Beef au Jus

Garlic, onions, soy sauce and onion soup mix flavor the tender beef in savory hot sandwiches that are served with a tasty rich broth for dipping. The seasoned beef makes delicious cold sandwiches too. —Marilyn Brown, West Union, Iowa
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Breakfast Loaf

I love to make this mile-high breakfast sandwich when we have company for the weekend. If you'd like, add sliced mushrooms and olives. —Amy McCuan, Oakley, California
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Waffle Sandwich

Breakfast for lunch or dinner? Why not, when the recipe's this easy! I like to serve it with some crisp, juicy sweet apples. Sometimes I add raisins and nuts to the filling of the waffle sandwich for sweetness and crunch. —Michele McHenry, Bellingham, Washington
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Reuben Rounds

Fans of the classic Reuben sandwich will go crazy for baked pastry spirals of corned beef, Swiss and sauerkraut. They're so easy to make, and bottled Thousand Island dressing makes the perfect dipping sauce. —Cheryl Snavely, Hagerstown, Maryland
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Cuban Sliders

These wonderful little rolls are baked until lightly toasted and the cheese melts. The leftover King's Hawaiian ham sliders keep really well in the fridge, and they make a lovely cold snack. Followers of my blog, houseofyumm.com, go nuts for these! —Serene Herrera, Dallas, Texas
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Grilled Pesto, Ham and Provolone Sandwiches

These Italian-style sandwiches are loaded with zesty flavors. To lighten them a little, use fat-free mayo. We serve them with minestrone or a crisp salad. —Priscilla Yee, Concord, California
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Stuffed Chicken Rolls

Just thinking about this dish sparks my appetite. The ham and cheese rolled inside are a tasty surprise. Leftovers reheat well and make a perfect lunch with a green salad. —Jean Sherwood, Kenneth City, Florida
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Turkey Dijon Melts

I make this when I crave comfort food but don’t have the time or energy for a big meal. It works well with deli or leftover turkey. —Sarah Marshall, Creedmoor, North Carolina
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Grandma's Baked Ham Salad Sandwiches

This is another tried-and-true recipe I found in my grandma’s recipe box. I love seeing her handwriting on faded notecards. — Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
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Mandarin Turkey Pinwheels

Curry, smoked turkey and mandarin oranges give these pinwheels their unique flavor. My cousin and I made them for an open house and people came back for seconds...and then thirds! —Lorie Miner, Kamas, Utah
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Meat Lover's Bread Salad

Growing up, we loved visiting a sandwich joint in Nebraska. The awesome sandwiches inspired my salad of bread and cold cuts for meat lovers everywhere. —Molly Atherton, Kansas City, Missouri
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Ham Barbecue

I’ve turned to this recipe countless times. The sandwiches are tasty and so easy to make, and leftovers are perfect for lunches later in the week. —Jennifer Middlekauff, New Holland, PA
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Ham & Mandarin Salad

I created this salad at the request of all the men in our house. They asked for something tangy, sweet, spicy and manly. This fit the bill. —Patricia Swart, Galloway, New Jersey
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Turkey & Swiss Biscuit Sliders

One of my favorite things to whip up in the kitchen is homemade buttermilk biscuits. Simple sandwiches are a wonderful way to showcase these melt-in-your-mouth treats. —Cindy Esposito, Bloomfield, New Jersey
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Garden-Fresh Chef Salad

For much of the year, I can use my garden's produce when I make this cool salad. In spring, the salad mix and radishes come from my crop. In summer, I use the tomatoes, cabbage and carrots. What a good feeling! —Evelyn Gubernath, Bucyrus, Ohio
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Turkey Focaccia Club

My family thinks this sandwich is pure heaven thanks to the cranberry-pecan mayo. It's so good that they ask me to make it all year long. —Judy Wilson, Sun City West, Arizona
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Turkey-Jalapeno Sandwiches

When a turkey sandwich meets modern Thai, it’s a fun mix of classic and trendy food. I love it when my mixing and matching turns out so tasty. —Stacy Mullens, Gresham, Oregon
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Waffle Monte Cristos

We love the sweet, smoky flavor of these morning sandwiches. I use store-bought frozen waffles to save time, but have at it if you want to put your waffle maker to good use. —Kelly Reynolds, Urbana, Illinois
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Ham and Swiss Sliders

My next-door neighbor shared this ham and Swiss sliders recipe with me, and I simply cannot improve it! You can make it ahead and cook it quickly when company arrives. The combo of poppy seeds, ham and cheese, horseradish and brown sugar makes it so delicious. —Iris Weihemuller, Baxter, Minnesota
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Sage Chicken Cordon Bleu

It's nice to surprise the family with special meals like this during the week. I usually double the recipe so we can enjoy leftovers the next day. —Martha Stine, Johnstown, Pennsylvania
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Croque-Madame

My son and I love having a croque-madame (a fried egg atop our grilled ham and cheese) for lunch. If eggs aren't your favorite, you can make the sandwich without it (which makes it a croque-monsieur). —Carolyn Turner, Reno, Nevada
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Chicken Reuben Roll-Ups

My Nebraska-native husband loves Reuben sandwiches and anything with chicken, so I combined his two favorites in a fun roll-up. —Ashli Kottwitz, Hermitage, Tennessee
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Makeover Reuben Melt

This twist on a classic Reuben keeps the corned beef and uses a sauce made with Swiss (and plenty of thousand-island flavor). Fresh slaw on top replaces the sauerkraut. —Jenni Sharp, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Smoked Mozzarella Chicken with Pasta

Take an ordinary chicken breast into wow territory with just a few extra ingredients. Use prosciutto instead of ham to make the dish extra smoky. —Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, Florida
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Chicken Alfredo Lasagna

My family was growing tired of traditional red sauce lasagna, so I created this fun twist using a creamy homemade Alfredo sauce. Store-bought rotisserie chicken keeps prep simple and fast. —Caitlin MacNeilly, Uncasville, Connecticut
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Prosciutto Pinwheels

Fancy-looking and filling, these sensational appetizers are a lot easier to make than they look. With just a few ingredients and our easy directions, it'll be a snap! —Kaitlyn Benito, Everett, Washington