Description
This Easy Southern Deviled Ham Spread is a flavorful, creamy, and slightly tangy spread perfect for sandwiches, crackers, or appetizers. Made with diced cooked ham, mayonnaise, mustard, sweet pickle relish, and a blend of seasonings and herbs, it offers a classic taste with a hint of smokiness and spice. Simple to prepare and great for using leftover holiday ham, it’s a versatile Southern favorite that’s ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
Ham Base
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced (leftover holiday ham works perfectly)
Creamy Foundation
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise (start with less, add more as needed)
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard (or Dijon for a more sophisticated flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Flavor Components
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish, drained
- 1 hard-boiled egg, finely chopped (optional but traditional)
- 1 tablespoon finely minced onion (sweet or yellow onion work best)
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
Seasonings
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish for heat
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika for color and mild smokiness
- Dash of hot sauce (Louisiana-style preferred)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ham Base: Finely chop your cooked ham into small, uniform pieces about 1/4-inch in size. A food processor can be used to pulse the ham carefully to avoid making a paste. If chopping by hand, use a sharp knife for evenly sized pieces that will spread easily but maintain texture.
- Create the Creamy Foundation: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and well-blended. Taste and adjust the amounts to achieve your preferred tanginess and creaminess.
- Add the Flavor Components: Gently fold in the drained sweet pickle relish, minced onion, and chopped hard-boiled egg (if using). Stir in fresh chives for brightness. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Combine and Season: Add the chopped ham into the creamy mixture and fold gently until well-coated. Season with garlic powder, freshly ground black pepper, prepared horseradish, paprika, and a dash of hot sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking, ensuring the mixture holds together without being dry.
- Rest and Serve: Transfer the deviled ham spread to a covered container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and for easier spreading. Before serving, stir gently and taste again, adjusting seasonings if necessary.
Notes
- For a smoother spread, pulse the ham more in the food processor but avoid turning it into a paste.
- You can substitute Dijon mustard for yellow mustard for a sharper flavor.
- Omitting the hard-boiled egg makes the spread lighter; it’s optional but traditional.
- Deviled ham keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Serve on crackers, toasted bread, or use as a sandwich filling.
