Description
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.
Ingredients
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.
Instructions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Nutrition
- Calories: 120-140
- Sodium: 400-500mg
- Fat: 8-10 grams
- Carbohydrates: 2-3 grams
- Protein: 8-10 grams