There is something incredibly comforting and nostalgic about the Easy Southern Deviled Ham Spread Recipe. This classic Southern favorite takes humble ingredients like leftover ham and turns them into a creamy, tangy, and flavorful spread that’s perfect for sandwiches, crackers, or just straight from the bowl. It’s a delightful balance of smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet notes with a subtle kick that makes every bite memorable. Whether you’re looking to jazz up your snack game or impress guests at a casual gathering, this recipe delivers every time with just a handful of simple ingredients and easy steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this spread is simple, but each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. From creamy mayo to punchy mustard and a touch of horseradish for heat, every component is a star in this Easy Southern Deviled Ham Spread Recipe.
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced: Leftover holiday ham works perfectly for that rich, smoky base flavor.
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise: Start with less and add more if needed to control creaminess.
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard: Or Dijon for a more sophisticated twist that adds tang.
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish, drained: Adds sweetness and a crunchy texture contrast.
- 1 hard-boiled egg, finely chopped (optional): Traditionally adds richness and depth.
- 1 tablespoon finely minced onion: Sweet or yellow onion gives a subtle sharpness that brightens the spread.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Brings depth and umami to the mix.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a gentle savory undertone without overpowering.
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste: Adds a mild heat and earthiness.
- 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish: For a noticeable but balanced spicy kick.
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped: Adds fresh herbal notes and vibrant green color.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Gives color and a mild smoky flavor.
- Dash of hot sauce (Louisiana-style preferred): Rounds out warmth and complexity.
How to Make Easy Southern Deviled Ham Spread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ham Base
Begin by finely dicing your cooked ham into pieces about 1/4-inch small. This texture is crucial because it needs to be finely chopped enough to spread smoothly but still have little chunks for that satisfying bite. If you use a food processor, pulse carefully to avoid turning it into a paste. A sharp knife and some patience work just as well to achieve uniform pieces.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Foundation
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and fully combined. This creamy base sets the stage for all the other flavors to blend beautifully. Taste it early and adjust – more mustard for tang, more mayo for richness – keeping the mixture creamy without being too thick or runny.
Step 3: Add the Flavor Components
Next, fold in the drained pickle relish, finely minced onion, and chopped hard-boiled egg if you’re using it. These ingredients introduce sweetness, bite, and richness that make the spread feel balanced and exciting. If you want that extra pop, toss in your fresh chives here for brightness and fresh appeal.
Step 4: Combine and Season
Now add your chopped ham into the creamy mixture and fold everything together gently. Season the spread with garlic powder, fresh black pepper, paprika, horseradish, and a dash of hot sauce. Taste as you go and tweak the seasonings to your preference. The mixture should be moist enough to spread easily but not so wet that it’s runny.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Transfer your deviled ham spread into a covered container and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting time deepens the flavors and firms up the spread so it holds together well on crackers or bread. Give it one last stir before serving and adjust seasonings if you think it needs a little boost.
How to Serve Easy Southern Deviled Ham Spread Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of paprika or additional chopped chives on top adds an inviting pop of color and flavor. A few thinly sliced pickles or a dash of hot sauce right before serving can elevate the experience and keep things visually appealing.
Side Dishes
This spread pairs beautifully with crispy crackers, toasted baguette slices, or crunchy vegetables like celery and carrots for dipping. It also shines as a filling in sandwiches alongside fresh greens and tomato slices, making simple meals feel special.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Easy Southern Deviled Ham Spread Recipe in a rustic stoneware bowl or a vintage glass jar for charm. Layer it in small mason jars as gifts, or use it to stuff celery sticks for a classic Southern party appetizer with a cute twist. The creamy texture invites creativity!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover deviled ham spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it taste even better the next day, so leftovers are truly a bonus!
Freezing
While you can freeze this spread, it’s best used fresh or refrigerated since freezing may slightly change the texture due to the dairy content. If you do freeze it, thaw overnight in the fridge and stir well before serving.
Reheating
This spread is traditionally served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. If desired, simply bring it out of the fridge a bit early to soften and enhance the flavors before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without mayonnaise?
Mayonnaise is key for the creamy texture and tang in this recipe, but you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo alternative for a different twist. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will change slightly.
Is hard-boiled egg necessary in the spread?
The chopped hard-boiled egg is optional but traditional in many Southern versions. It adds richness and a delicate texture, but if you’re not a fan, the spread is still delicious without it.
Can I use fresh ham instead of cooked ham?
This recipe calls for cooked ham since it’s safer and better suited for spreading. Raw or fresh ham should be cooked fully before using to ensure flavor and food safety.
How spicy is this deviled ham spread?
The heat level is mild to moderate, thanks mainly to horseradish and hot sauce. You can easily adjust the spice by adding more horseradish or hot sauce to suit your preference.
What is the best way to serve this at a party?
Serve the spread chilled alongside an array of crackers, toasted bread, and fresh veggies. Small bowls with garnishes on top look inviting, and offering toothpicks or small spoons lets guests serve themselves easily.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a nostalgic yet fresh Southern delight, the Easy Southern Deviled Ham Spread Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s simple to make, customizable to your taste buds, and endlessly versatile for snacks or entertaining. Whip it up for your next gathering and watch everyone fall in love with this creamy, tangy, and deeply flavorful classic.
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Easy Southern Deviled Ham Spread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Spread
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Southern
Description
This Easy Southern Deviled Ham Spread is a creamy, tangy, and mildly spicy spread perfect for sandwiches, crackers, or as a party appetizer. Made with finely chopped cooked ham, mayonnaise, mustard, pickle relish, and a blend of flavorful seasonings, it brings a traditional Southern twist to your leftovers or deli ham in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
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 the cooked ham into small, uniform pieces about 1/4-inch in size. Use a food processor with caution to avoid turning the ham into a paste, or chop by hand with a sharp knife for the right texture that spreads easily yet still has bite.
- Create the Creamy Foundation: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and blended. Adjust mustard or mayonnaise amounts to suit your taste, aiming for a creamy but not overly thick base.
- Add the Flavor Components: Gently fold in the drained pickle relish, minced onion, chopped hard-boiled egg if using, and fresh chives. Ensure an even distribution to balance sweetness, texture, and fresh herbaceous notes with the ham’s smokiness.
- Combine and Season: Add the chopped ham to the creamy mixture and fold until well-coated. Season with garlic powder, black pepper, horseradish, paprika, and a dash of hot sauce. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed so the mixture holds together nicely 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 to firm up the texture. Before serving, stir gently and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve chilled with crackers or use as a sandwich spread.
Notes
- Use leftover cooked ham or store-bought deli ham for convenience.
- Adjust mayonnaise and mustard quantities to achieve desired creaminess and tanginess.
- The hard-boiled egg is traditional but optional; it adds texture and creaminess.
- Pulse ham lightly in a food processor to avoid a paste-like consistency.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld and improve spreadability.
- Customize heat level by varying horseradish and hot sauce amounts.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and use within 3-4 days.
