Lunch meat (also known as cold-cuts or deli meat) is an unsung hero of the food world. While it’s often overlooked in favor of more exotic meats, there’s nothing quite like a good old-fashioned sandwich with your favorite sliced lunch meat. While it would probably be easy to make a whole list of ways to enjoy your lunch meat in sandwiches, it would also be easy to forget about all the other delicious ways you can use it.

If you want to expand your lunch meat horizons, here are some of the healthiest lunch meat recipes that will inspire you to use this all-star ingredient in new and exciting ways.

What is Lunch Meat? 

Lunch meat is a type of pre-cooked or cured meat that is thinly sliced and served cold or at room temperature. It is commonly used in sandwiches, on platters with cheese and other snacks, or as an ingredient in various kinds of recipes. As mentioned earlier, lunch meat is also known as cold cuts, deli meat, or sliced meat. Some common types of lunch meat include ham, turkey, roast beef, bologna, and salami. These meats are often sold in supermarkets and delis, in packages or by the pound. They can be enjoyed on their own or as part of a larger meal. Lunch meat is a convenient and portable food that is easy to pack and take with you on the go. It is also a popular choice for busy people who don't have time to cook a full meal. 

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How Long Does Lunch Meat Last For?

The shelf life of lunch meat depends on a number of factors, including the type of meat, how it was processed, and how it has been stored. Here are some general guidelines for how long different types of lunch meat will last:

• Unopened package of deli meat: 3-5 days in the refrigerator
• Opened package of deli meat: 3-5 days in the refrigerator
• Cooked deli meat: 3-4 days in the refrigerator
• Unopened package of hard salami: 2-3 months in the pantry; 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator
• Opened package of hard salami: 3-5 days in the refrigerator

It's important to note that these are just general guidelines and the actual shelf life of lunch meat may vary. To extend the shelf life of your lunch meat, it's best to store it in the coldest part of your refrigerator and use it as soon as possible after opening. If you're not sure whether your lunch meat is still good to eat, it's always best to err on the side of caution and throw it out.

Types of Lunch Meat

Here are some common types of lunch meat:

• Ham: Ham is a type of pork that is cured and often smoked. It can be served sliced thin or in thicker pieces.
• Turkey: Turkey is a type of poultry that is often served as lunch meat. It can be cooked and sliced thin, or it can be sold as pre-sliced deli meat.
• Roast beef: Roast beef is a type of beef that is cooked by roasting it in an oven. It is often served thinly sliced as a sandwich meat.
• Bologna: Bologna is a type of sausage made from ground pork and spices. It is typically sliced thin and served as a sandwich meat.
• Salami: Salami is a type of cured sausage made from ground pork and spices. It comes in a variety of flavors and can be sliced thin and served as a sandwich meat.
• Pastrami: Pastrami is a type of deli meat made from cured and smoked beef. It is typically served thinly sliced on sandwiches.
• Tuna: Tuna is a type of fish that can be canned and served as a sandwich meat.
• Chicken: Chicken is a type of poultry that is often cooked and sliced thin for use as a sandwich meat.

What are some delicious recipes you can make with lunch meat?

Lunch meats are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of ways. With so many different flavors and types of lunch meat, you can use them in some creative recipes you might not have thought of before. The possibilities are endless, and you’ll be sure to find a new favorite lunch meat recipe with enough creativity and inspiration.

To help get you started, here are some creative and healthy lunch meat recipes that will help spark some innovation in you and get the most out of your lunch meat creations.

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1. Hawaiian Pizza

The classic combination of ham and pineapple makes for a delicious pizza. For this recipe, you can use any type of lunch meat that you like. Just spread your favorite sauce over a pizza crust and add pineapple chunks or slices, ham lunch meat and cheese. Then bake until the cheese gets nice and bubbly. You can also add any other toppings you like, such as olives or mushrooms. 

2. Lunch Meat Salad

Salads are a great way to use up lunch meat, especially if you have leftovers. You can mix your favorite lunch meat with mayonnaise or ranch dressing and top it with lettuce, tomatoes and shredded cheese. Or simply add lunch meat to any other type of salad recipe that you like. If you want to use lunch meat in a more traditional salad, try adding it to a green salad with sliced carrots and cucumbers. Nymble too provides a wide range of meat and vegan salad options to try from. 

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3. Cold Cut Quiche

A quiche is a type of pie with a custard-like filling. You can make a quiche with lunch meat by mixing it together with eggs, milk and cheese in one bowl and your choice of veggies or meat in another. Pour the mixture into a pre-baked pie crust and bake until the quiche is golden brown.

You can make a quiche in any flavor, but it’s especially easy to use high quality lunch meat in a ham and cheese quiche and is also one of the most common ways to use cold cuts in cooking.

4. Cold Cut Vegetable Wraps.

If you have some lunch meat left over, try using it to make a quick wrap for lunch. You can use wraps or tortillas, and fill them with a variety of immunity boosting foods and sliced veggies such as mushrooms, bell peppers and broccoli along with shredded cheese. Add your favorite cold cuts to this mix and top the wraps with your favorite dressing.

You can use mayonnaise, ranch or Italian-style dressing to add some flavor to your lunch meat and veggies wrap. If you prefer a healthier option, try using hummus instead of mayo or cheese.

5. Lunch Meat Omelet

If you’re looking for a quick and easy lunch, try making an omelet. You can use any type of lunch meat that you like, but be sure to chop it finely so that it will mix evenly with the eggs. Add cheese to your omelet or layer it on top as it cooks.

If you want a more substantial meal, add vegetables like mushrooms and peppers. With a little bit of creativity, you can make a variety of omelets that are packed with protein and flavor, and even use a few different types of lunch meat.

6. Scrambled Eggs with Lunch Meat

Scrambled eggs with slicked chicken is a quick and easy breakfast or lunch option that can be prepared in just a few minutes. To make scrambled eggs with chicken lunch meat, you will need: a couple of eggs, milk, diced chicken, butter, salt and pepper. To prepare the dish, beat the eggs and milk together in a small bowl. Heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat until it is melted. Add the diced chicken to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes. Pour the beaten eggs into the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until the eggs are fully cooked. Season the eggs with salt and pepper. A truly easy and nutritious on-the-go recipe that anyone can cook.

7. Mac n Cheese with Lunch Meat

Macaroni and cheese with lunch meat will have a creamy, cheesy flavor with a slightly salty and savory taste from the diced lunch meat. The lunch meat will add a subtle meaty flavor to the dish and a satisfying texture. The noodles will be tender and coated in the creamy cheese sauce. The dish will have a comforting and rich taste overall.

To make macaroni and cheese with lunch meat, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the macaroni noodles according to the package instructions. In a separate saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour until a paste forms. Slowly add milk and stir until the sauce thickens. Stir in shredded cheese and diced lunch meat until the cheese is melted. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked noodles and stir until the noodles are evenly coated. Serve the macaroni and cheese hot.

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8. Baked Potatoes with Lunch Meat

Baked potatoes with lunch meat is a simple and delicious meal that can be easily prepared in the oven or microwave. To make baked potatoes with lunch meat, you will need: 4 medium-sized potatoes, 4 slices of lunch meat (such as ham, turkey, or roast beef), 1/2 cup shredded cheese, and any desired toppings (such as sour cream, chives, or bacon bits). To prepare the dish, bake or microwave the potatoes until they are tender. While the potatoes are cooking, heat the lunch meat in a skillet over medium heat until it is warm. Once the potatoes are done, slice them open and top them with the warm lunch meat, shredded cheese, and any desired toppings. Serve the baked potatoes hot and enjoy!

9. Cold Cut Tacos

Cold cut tacos are a twist on the classic taco, but they're just as easy to make and come with their own unique taste. To make these tacos, simply cut up a few slices of cold cuts like ham or turkey and add them to your tortilla along with some cheese, tomatoes and lettuce. You can also add some mustard for extra flavor if you want.

You can use just about any type of cold cut that you like, but some people prefer ham lunch meat or turkey lunch meat over others. If you want to get really creative with your tacos, try adding some salsa, chili peppers or jalapeno peppers for an extra kick.

10. Chicken Alfredo 

Pastas go brilliantly with lunch meat, and reduces the effort of prepping and marinating the chicken separately. Chicken Alfredo is one such pasta dish that can be made super quickly and efficiently. Lunch meats such as ham or chicken can be cut into cubes or small chunks, along with other ingredients such as onion, garlic, peas and mushrooms.  

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Add the cooked pasta and diced chicken to the saucepan and stir until the pasta and chicken are coated in the Alfredo sauce. Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot. 

Final Thoughts

Whether you're trying to reinvent the wheel or make a delicious meal out of leftovers, there are always new ways to make use of and enjoy lunch meat. The possibilities with lunch meat are endless, and you'll never be bored with the variety of lunch meat recipes that are available.

While these are only a few of the many ways to prepare lunch meat, they're also some of the most creative ways that can inspire you to come up with your own lunch meat recipes. Just remember to experiment with different flavors and ingredients when making your own lunch meat creations, and don't be afraid to try new things.

Try Nymble, Streamline your Everyday Cooking Experience 

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