​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Deviled Ham Recipe: Easy Southern Spread

Southern cuisine has always celebrated the art of making something special from simple ingredients, and deviled ham embodies this philosophy perfectly. This versatile spread bridges generations, appearing at everything from elegant tea parties to casual tailgates. The beauty of deviled ham lies in its adaptability – you can make it as mild or as zesty as your taste buds desire.

The term “deviled” in cooking traditionally refers to foods that are spiced, seasoned, or prepared with hot or spicy seasonings. In this case, the devil comes from the sharp tang of mustard, the brightness of pickle relish, and sometimes a dash of hot sauce. When you combine these bold flavors with tender, smoky ham and creamy mayonnaise, you create a spread that’s both familiar and exciting.

This recipe serves as your foundation, but don’t hesitate to make it your own. Some families swear by adding a touch of horseradish for extra kick, while others prefer a sweeter version with more pickle relish. The key is finding the balance that makes your taste buds sing and your guests ask for the recipe.

Ingredients List

Base Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked ham, diced (leftover holiday ham works perfectly)
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise (start with less, add more as needed)
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard (or Dijon for a more sophisticated flavor)
• 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish, drained

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 hard-boiled egg, finely chopped (optional but traditional)
• 1 tablespoon finely minced onion (sweet or yellow onion work best)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish for heat
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika for color and mild smokiness
• Dash of hot sauce (Louisiana-style preferred)

Substitution Notes:
For a lighter version, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. If you’re avoiding eggs, simply omit the hard-boiled egg – the spread will still be delicious. Those preferring a smokier flavor can use honey ham or add a pinch of smoked paprika.

Timing

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Chilling Time: 30 minutes (recommended)
Total Time: 40 minutes

This recipe is wonderfully efficient for busy schedules. The active preparation takes just 10 minutes of chopping and mixing, while the optional chilling time allows flavors to meld beautifully. You can easily prepare this deviled ham up to three days ahead of serving, making it perfect for meal prep or party planning.

For the best results, allow the spread to rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This brief chill time helps the flavors marry and makes the spread easier to handle when serving.

How to Make It

1. Prepare the Ham Base

Start by finely chopping your cooked ham into small, uniform pieces about 1/4-inch in size. The key to exceptional deviled ham is achieving the right texture – you want pieces small enough to spread easily but large enough to provide satisfying bites of ham flavor. A food processor works wonderfully for this, but pulse carefully to avoid turning the ham into paste. If chopping by hand, use a sharp knife and take your time for even pieces.

2. Create the Creamy Foundation

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk these ingredients together until smooth and well-blended. This creates your flavor base, so taste and adjust – if you prefer more tang, add extra mustard; for richness, increase the mayonnaise slightly. The mixture should be creamy but not too thick, as you’ll be folding in solid ingredients.

3. Add the Flavor Components

Fold in the drained pickle relish, minced onion, and chopped hard-boiled egg (if using). Mix gently but thoroughly, ensuring even distribution. The pickle relish adds crucial sweetness and texture, while the onion provides a subtle bite that complements the ham’s smokiness. If using fresh chives or other herbs, add them now for the brightest flavor.

4. Combine and Season

Add the chopped ham to your creamy mixture and fold together until well-coated. Season with garlic powder, black pepper, and any optional spices like paprika or horseradish. Taste and adjust seasonings – this is your opportunity to make the deviled ham perfectly suited to your preferences. The mixture should hold together nicely but not be dry.

5. Rest and Serve

Transfer the deviled ham to a covered container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows flavors to develop and makes the spread easier to handle. Before serving, give it a quick stir and taste once more, adjusting seasonings if needed.

Nutritional Information

Per 1/4 cup serving (recipe makes approximately 8 servings):

• Calories: Approximately 120-140
• Protein: 8-10 grams
• Fat: 8-10 grams
• Carbohydrates: 2-3 grams
• Sodium: 400-500mg (varies by ham type)

This deviled ham provides quality protein from the ham and eggs, making it a satisfying snack that helps maintain energy levels. The spread contains beneficial nutrients including B vitamins from the ham, healthy fats from mayonnaise, and small amounts of vitamins from the vegetables. While it’s naturally low in carbohydrates, the sodium content can be significant depending on your ham choice, so consider lower-sodium ham varieties if you’re watching salt intake.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Lower Calorie Version: Replace half the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for reduced calories and added protein. This substitution creates a slightly tangier flavor that many people prefer.

Heart-Healthy Option: Use olive oil-based mayonnaise and add finely diced celery for extra crunch and fiber. The celery also adds freshness and reduces the overall calorie density.

Reduced Sodium: Choose low-sodium ham and rinse your pickle relish before using. You can also make your own pickle mixture using fresh cucumbers, vinegar, and a small amount of sugar.

Gluten-Free Adaptation: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your mayonnaise and mustard labels to ensure no gluten-containing ingredients are present.

Plant-Based Version: While not traditional, you can create a similar spread using seasoned, chopped mushrooms or seasoned tofu as the base, maintaining the creamy, tangy flavor profile that makes deviled ham so appealing.

Serving Suggestions

Deviled ham shines on buttery crackers, but don’t limit yourself to this classic pairing. Spread it on toasted baguette slices for elegant appetizers, or use it as a sandwich filling with crisp lettuce and tomato. The spread works beautifully in cucumber cups for a fresh, low-carb presentation that’s perfect for summer gatherings.

For heartier applications, try deviled ham as a filling for stuffed eggs – simply mix it with the egg yolks for an elevated deviled egg experience. It also makes an excellent addition to tea sandwiches when paired with thin cucumber slices on white bread with crusts removed.

Consider serving alongside other Southern favorites like pimento cheese, pickled vegetables, and sweet tea for an authentic regional experience. A cold glass of lemonade or iced tea complements the spread’s rich, salty flavors perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over-processing the ham is the most frequent error – you want texture, not paste. Pulse your food processor carefully or chop by hand for better control over the final texture.

Adding too much mayonnaise initially can make the spread too loose. Start with less than you think you need; you can always add more, but you can’t take it away. The spread should hold together well but not be dry.

Skipping the resting time means missing out on fully developed flavors. Even 15 minutes in the refrigerator makes a noticeable difference in taste and texture.

Not draining the pickle relish can make your spread watery and dilute the flavors. Pat the relish dry with paper towels if it seems particularly wet.

Under-seasoning leaves you with bland results. Taste frequently during preparation and don’t be afraid to adjust seasonings to your preference.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Store your deviled ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The spread actually improves after the first day as flavors continue to meld. If the mixture seems slightly dry after storage, stir in a teaspoon of mayonnaise to restore the proper consistency.

For best quality, consume within three to four days of preparation. The spread doesn’t freeze well due to the mayonnaise base, which can separate and become grainy when thawed.

When serving at parties, keep the deviled ham chilled by setting the serving bowl in a larger bowl filled with ice. Don’t leave it at room temperature for more than two hours for food safety reasons.

If you’re meal prepping, consider storing the spread in individual containers for grab-and-go convenience throughout the week.

Conclusion

This deviled ham recipe proves that the best comfort foods often come from the simplest ingredients combined with love and attention to detail. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, looking for a quick snack, or wanting to try a piece of Southern culinary history, this spread delivers satisfaction in every bite.

The beauty of homemade deviled ham lies in its versatility and the control you have over every flavor element. Start with this recipe as your foundation, then make it uniquely yours by adjusting seasonings and add-ins to match your family’s preferences.

Give this recipe a try and discover why deviled ham has been a beloved Southern staple for generations. Share your variations in the comments below – I’d love to hear how you make this classic spread your own!

FAQs

Can I use deli ham instead of leftover cooked ham?
Absolutely! Deli ham works perfectly for this recipe. Choose a good-quality, not-too-salty variety and chop it finely. Honey ham or smoked turkey can also be substituted for different flavor profiles.

How long does homemade deviled ham last in the refrigerator?
Properly stored in an airtight container, deviled ham stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. The flavors actually improve after the first day, making it an excellent make-ahead option.

Can I make this recipe without eggs?
Yes! The hard-boiled egg is traditional but optional. Your deviled ham will still be delicious without it – you might want to add an extra tablespoon of mayonnaise for creaminess if omitting the egg.

What’s the best way to achieve the right texture?
Aim for pieces of ham that are finely chopped but not pureed. If using a food processor, pulse in short bursts rather than continuous processing. The ideal texture should spread easily but still have small, distinct pieces of ham.

Can I reduce the sodium in this recipe?
Choose low-sodium ham and mayonnaise, and rinse your pickle relish before using. You can also increase the proportion of fresh vegetables like minced celery to dilute the saltiness while adding crunch.

What crackers pair best with deviled ham?
Buttery round crackers are classic, but the spread also works beautifully on water crackers, toast points, or even fresh vegetables like cucumber rounds or celery sticks for a lighter option.

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