Zesty Ham Spread

There’s nothing quite like a classic recipe that brings back fond memories and delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. Old-fashioned Deviled Ham is precisely that – a timeless, savory spread that offers a fantastic solution for repurposing leftover ham. Forget the canned versions; once you experience the rich, creamy, and perfectly seasoned taste of homemade Deviled Ham, you’ll never go back. It’s an economical and incredibly versatile dish, perfect for everything from quick snacks to elegant appetizers and hearty sandwiches. Get ready to transform your holiday leftovers into a delightful culinary treat!

Effortless and Flavorful: Your Go-To Deviled Ham Recipe

One of the best aspects of this Deviled Ham recipe is its incredible simplicity and speed. You can whip up a batch in approximately 5 to 10 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or unexpected guests. While it’s delicious immediately, the flavors truly deepen and meld together if you allow it to refrigerate overnight. This chilling period transforms a good spread into a truly exceptional one, making it an excellent candidate for meal prep or preparing ahead for gatherings.

What Exactly Is Deviled Ham (Ham Salad) and Why Is It So Beloved?

Often referred to as Ham Salad, Deviled Ham is a beloved retro recipe with a rich history, similar in concept to other creamy protein salads like tuna salad or chicken salad. Its “deviled” moniker traditionally refers to dishes that are highly seasoned, often with a spicy kick, and sometimes served hot. In the case of Deviled Ham, this usually means a piquant combination of mustard, hot sauce, and other spices that awaken the palate.

At its heart, Deviled Ham is a savory spread typically crafted from finely minced or processed leftover ham, combined with crisp celery (though our recipe uses onion for a smoother texture and sharper bite), and a creamy base of mayonnaise. What makes this homemade version truly shine is the addition of softened cream cheese, which imparts an extra layer of richness and a silky smooth texture that canned varieties simply cannot replicate. This harmonious blend of salty ham, creamy dressing, and tangy-spicy seasonings creates an irresistible spread that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s the ultimate way to breathe new life into that leftover Easter ham or any holiday roast, transforming it from a simple remnant into a star ingredient.

The process involves taking diced leftover ham and blending it with a luxurious mixture of mayonnaise, softened cream cheese, finely chopped onion, a dash of Tabasco sauce for that signature “deviled” zing, and a touch of mustard for tangy depth. These ingredients are processed until the ham is finely minced and all components are thoroughly combined into a smooth, spreadable consistency. The result is a salty, creamy, and subtly spicy delight that’s incredibly versatile.

Delightful Ways to Serve Deviled Ham

Deviled Ham is remarkably versatile, making it a perfect addition to various meals and occasions. Here are some of the most popular and creative ways to enjoy this delicious spread:

• Classic Crackers: This is arguably the most traditional way to serve Deviled Ham. A generous dollop on your favorite crackers – whether buttery, crisp, or whole-grain – makes for an easy and satisfying snack or party appetizer.
• Hearty Sandwiches: Transform your lunch routine by spreading Deviled Ham between two slices of soft white bread, whole wheat bread, or even a croissant. Add a leaf of crisp lettuce or a slice of tomato for extra freshness. It’s a comforting classic that’s hard to beat.
• Elegant Appetizers: For a lighter, more refined option, serve Deviled Ham on cool, crisp cucumber slices. The refreshing crunch of cucumber provides a lovely contrast to the creamy ham, making it an ideal healthy appetizer for any gathering.
• Celery Sticks: Fill hollowed-out celery stalks with Deviled Ham for another easy and crunchy appetizer.
• Stuffed Tomatoes or Eggs: Scoop out the center of small tomatoes and fill them with Deviled Ham for a colorful appetizer. You can also use it as a creative filling for deviled eggs, replacing or supplementing the yolk mixture.
• Toast Points or Crostini: Lightly toasted bread points or small crostini make an excellent base for a more substantial appetizer.

Pro Tip: Achieving the Perfect Texture

While a food processor makes quick work of preparing Deviled Ham, achieving that finely minced texture is entirely possible without one. If you don’t have a food processor, simply take the time to very finely dice the ham by hand. Aim for pieces that are as small and uniform as possible. Once the ham is finely diced, combine it with the remaining ingredients in a bowl and mix everything thoroughly by hand until well combined and creamy. The extra effort in dicing will be well worth it for the superior texture and flavor.

Customize Your Creation: Deviled Ham Variations

This Deviled Ham recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to easily adjust it to your personal taste preferences. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

• Spice Level: If you love a bolder kick, feel free to add more mustard or hot sauce. Consider different types of hot sauces like Sriracha or Chipotle Tabasco for a smoky flavor.
• Sweet & Tangy: A teaspoon or two of sweet pickle relish is a classic and delightful addition that provides a nice balance of sweetness and tang. Dill relish can also be used for a different flavor profile.
• Creaminess Factor: Our recipe incorporates cream cheese for an extra creamy and rich texture. However, if you prefer a lighter spread or don’t have cream cheese on hand, you can certainly use all mayonnaise. Just be aware that the final texture will be slightly less dense.
• Herbs and Spices: Freshly chopped chives, parsley, or dill can add a vibrant freshness. A pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper can also enhance the flavor profile.
• Crunch Factor: For added texture, consider mixing in finely diced celery, bell peppers, or even a few chopped pecans.
• Onion Alternatives: If sweet onion isn’t your preference, finely minced red onion or even a touch of onion powder can be used. For a milder onion flavor, chives are an excellent substitute.

Proper Storage for Maximum Freshness

One of the beauties of Deviled Ham is that it often tastes even better the day after it’s made, allowing the flavors to fully meld. To store, transfer the Deviled Ham to an airtight container and refrigerate it. It will maintain its delicious flavor and texture for up to 4 days. It is generally not recommended to freeze Deviled Ham, as the mayonnaise and cream cheese can separate upon thawing, leading to a less appealing texture.

More Delicious Leftover Ham Recipes

Don’t let any precious ham go to waste! Leftover ham is a culinary goldmine, perfect for creating a variety of comforting and flavorful dishes. Here are some other fantastic ways to transform your holiday ham into new family favorites:

• Easy Ham and Cheese Quiche: A versatile and satisfying dish, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner.
• Ham and Cheese Biscuits: Flaky, buttery biscuits studded with savory ham and melted cheese – an instant crowd-pleaser.
• Ham and Asparagus Casserole: A comforting and hearty casserole featuring tender ham and fresh asparagus baked in a creamy sauce.
• Ham and Cheese Crescent Breakfast Casserole: An incredibly easy and flavorful breakfast bake, ideal for feeding a hungry crowd.
• Creamy Ham and Tortellini Soup with Beans: A warm and inviting soup that combines savory ham with cheesy tortellini and hearty beans.

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Watch the video below to see how to make this easy recipe:

Click here to watch the Deviled Ham recipe video on YouTube!

Deviled Ham

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars based on 10 votes

By Christin Mahrlig

Prep: 10 mins

Cook: 0 mins

Total: 10 mins

Servings: 6

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This savory ham spread is a wonderful way to use up leftover ham. Serve on crackers or make a sandwich with it. Tastes better when made in advance.

Equipment

• Food Processor

Ingredients

• 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup finely chopped sweet onion
• 1 teaspoon mustard
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon hot sauce (I use Tabasco Sauce)
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 cups diced ham
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)

Instructions

1. Place cream cheese, mayonnaise, and onion in a food processor and pulse 4 or 5 times until combined.
2. Add remaining ingredients (mustard, hot sauce, white pepper, garlic powder, diced ham, and optional Worcestershire sauce) and pulse until the ham is finely chopped and the mixture is smooth. Be careful not to over-process.
3. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to serve. For best flavor, chill for at least 1-2 hours or overnight.

Notes

Some ham can be very salty. Taste your ham for saltiness before adding Worcestershire sauce. If your ham is already quite salty, it’s best to omit the Worcestershire sauce.

Deviled Ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture.

Nutritional information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on brands of products used. Not to be used for specific dietary needs.

Nutrition

Calories: 183kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 877mg | Potassium: 32mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 137IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 0.5mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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