Deviled Ham Spread Recipe is one of those classic, comforting snacks that instantly brings a bit of old-school charm to your table. It’s creamy, tangy, and packed with savory goodness — perfect for a quick lunch, a casual party, or even an afternoon nibble when you want something satisfying but simple. This spread is incredibly versatile and loved by folks of all ages, making it a real crowd-pleaser you’ll reach for again and again.
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What Makes This So Good
This Deviled Ham Spread Recipe shines because it perfectly balances rich, creamy textures with a punch of tangy and savory notes. The tiny bits of ham add a wonderful bite, while the Dijon mustard and pickle relish bring brightness that keeps every spoonful exciting.
- Big Flavor, Minimal Fuss: You mix just seven simple ingredients in one bowl, and voilà — a delicious spread ready in minutes.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love the creamy, mild tang while adults appreciate the subtle layers of flavor.
- Simple Ingredients: No fancy products needed — just staple pantry items and leftover ham.
- Works Any Night: Great as a snack, an appetizer, or part of a light meal — you’ll find plenty of uses.
Ingredient Guide
Getting the ingredients right helps you nail the deliciousness of this Deviled Ham Spread Recipe. Here’s how to choose and tweak your components for the best taste and texture.
- Cooked Ham: Finely chopped is key — it should be tender and moist, not dry. Leftover ham or deli ham works well; just avoid anything too salty or smoky.
- Mayonnaise: I like using a good quality, creamy mayo here to keep things rich but smooth.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds that gentle kick and depth without overpowering—don’t swap for yellow mustard unless you prefer a sweeter note.
- Sweet Pickle Relish: The perfect touch of sweetness and crunch that breaks up the creaminess beautifully.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A small dash brings umami magic — it’s subtle but essential for that “deviled” character.
- Ground Black Pepper & Paprika: Freshly cracked pepper spices things up lightly, while paprika adds warmth and color.
- Toast or Crackers: Choose sturdy bases that offer a nice crunch without overpowering the spread.
Quick Reminder: Full measurements are in the recipe card below.
How to Make Deviled Ham Spread Recipe
Step 1 — Prep & Ready
Start by finely chopping your cooked ham so it blends smoothly without turning to mush. This keeps the spread pleasantly chunky. Gather all your other ingredients and measure them out to keep things moving quickly. No need to preheat anything here since there’s no cooking involved—just fresh flavors coming together.
Step 2 — Cook with Confidence
Technically, this step is more about mixing! Combine the chopped ham, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, sweet pickle relish, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and paprika in a medium bowl. Use a sturdy spoon or spatula and stir until everything is beautifully combined. You’ll notice the spread has a creamy, slightly chunky texture that’s easy to spread but still offers some bite—just the way you want it.
Step 3 — Finish & Serve
Give your spread a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if needed — sometimes a pinch more pepper or a tad of extra relish can brighten it up perfectly. Serve it right away on a pile of crunchy toasted bread or your favorite crackers. I love how the crispy edges of toast contrast with the creamy, flavorful spread. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge and will keep well for a few days.
Extra Helpful Tips
Since this Deviled Ham Spread Recipe is all about balance, here are some insider tips from my kitchen that’ll help you get it just right every time.
- Watch for This Sign: When the spread looks glossy and well-combined but still has visible ham chunks, you know it’s perfect.
- Temperature Trick: Serve it chilled, but bring it out 10 minutes before eating so the flavors open up nicely.
- Prep-Ahead Option: Mix the spread a few hours or even a day ahead to let the flavors meld — it tastes even better after resting.
- Avoid This Common Mistake: Resist adding too much mayo at once; add gradually to keep the texture creamy but not overly runny.
Serve & Enjoy
Easy Enhancements
To make this Deviled Ham Spread Recipe even more exciting, try stirring in a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of fresh chives, dill, or parsley. A little shredded cheddar or finely chopped hard-boiled egg can add richness for a heartier bite. And for that extra “wow,” a tiny drizzle of honey contrasted with some sharp mustard gives a delightful sweet-and-tangy twist.
Tasty Pairings
This spread pairs wonderfully with crunchy veggie sticks, crisp apple slices, or a side crisp salad to lighten the plate. For drinks, a cold lemonade, iced tea, or a refreshing light beer balance the richness perfectly, making it a relaxed and tasty combo you'll love.
Quick Plating Tips
Serve the Deviled Ham Spread in a pretty bowl with a small butter knife or spreader. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika or finely chopped herbs right on top. For casual gatherings, lay it out on a wooden board alongside an array of crackers and sliced bread for a rustic, inviting look that’s sure to get compliments.
Store, Freeze & Reheat
Fridge Storage
Keep your leftover Deviled Ham Spread Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s completely normal for the texture to firm up slightly when chilled, but just give it a good stir before serving again.
Freezer Friendly?
I don’t usually recommend freezing this spread because the mayonnaise and relish can separate, causing a watery texture once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated only.
Reheat Like New
You really don’t need to reheat this spread, but if you want it less firm, just let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving as it can alter the creamy texture. If you want it warm, gently toast the bread separately and spread it warm.
Deviled Ham Spread Recipe FAQs
For best results, use cooked ham only. Fresh ham isn’t cooked and won’t have the right texture or flavor for this spread. If you have fresh ham, be sure to cook it fully before chopping and incorporating.
You can swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangier spread. Keep in mind these will change the flavor slightly and may affect the creaminess, so adjust seasonings to taste.
Stored properly in an airtight container, this spread stays fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. After that, the texture and taste may begin to decline.
Absolutely! Making it a few hours or even a day in advance lets the flavors meld and intensify, making your Deviled Ham Spread Recipe taste even better when served.
Final Flavor Thoughts
I hope this Deviled Ham Spread Recipe becomes your go-to when you want a quick, flavorful snack or appetizer. If you make it, don’t forget to leave a star rating or share what twist you tried next time — maybe a pinch of cayenne or some fresh dill? Cooking is all about fun and discovery, so dive in and enjoy every creamy, tangy bite!
Print📖 Recipe
Deviled Ham Spread Recipe
This classic Deviled Ham Spread is a creamy and tangy appetizer made with finely chopped cooked ham, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, sweet pickle relish, and a blend of spices. Perfect for serving on toast or crackers, it makes a savory and easy-to-prepare snack or party spread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 1 cup of deviled ham spread, serving 4 to 6 as an appetizer
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Deviled Ham Spread Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked ham, finely chopped
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- Toast or crackers for serving
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the finely chopped cooked ham, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, sweet pickle relish, Worcestershire sauce, ground black pepper, and paprika.
- Mix Thoroughly: Stir the mixture well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated into a smooth spread.
- Serve: Spoon the deviled ham spread onto toast or crackers. It can be served immediately or chilled for enhanced flavors.
- Storage: Store any leftover spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, pulse the ham and ingredients briefly in a food processor before mixing by hand.
- Adjust the amount of mustard and relish according to your taste preferences for tanginess and sweetness.
- This spread pairs well with various types of crackers and toasted breads, such as rye or sourdough.
- Add a dash of hot sauce if you prefer a spicy kick.
- Ensure leftovers are kept refrigerated and consumed within 3 days for food safety.
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