Deviled Ham Recipe
on Apr 25, 2019, Updated Apr 20, 2025
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Deviled ham is the perfect excuse to raid your fridge for that chunk of leftover holiday ham you didn’t know what to do with. Creamy, zippy, and ready in 10 minutes, this easy recipe uses a handful of pantry staples to transform ham leftovers into an absolutely delicious, bold, flavorful spread you’ll want to eat straight from the bowl.
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If you’ve only ever had the canned version (we’re looking at you, William Underwood Company), get ready. This homemade deviled ham is in a league of its own—tangy, a little spicy, and just the right amount of creamy.
Whether you make it for an appetizer on crackers, tuck it into sandwiches, or dip your celery sticks into it, this is one of those recipes that turns simple ingredients into something special.
Table of Contents
What is Deviled Ham
Deviled ham is a spicy ham is a spicy ham spread made with ham, mayonnaise, yellow mustard, and seasonings. The term ‘deviled’ refers to the use of hot spices or condiments, and its culinary history dates back to the 18th century.
Like our tasty bratwurst bites, our Wisconsin homemade beer dip, and our delicious homemade guacamole with garlic, this delicious appetizer goes together quickly and won’t break the bank. You don’t need to throw a party to enjoy this easy deviled ham, though; you can snack on it all day long, and no one will judge you!
This Southern recipe is a fun twist on classic ham salad, and it couldn’t be easier to make. A quick blitz in the food processor, a spoonful of Dijon, a splash of Worcestershire, and just enough heat from hot sauce and cayenne pepper to wake up your taste buds.
It’s also a great way to use your leftover Easter ham, ham steaks, potted meat, or even that forgotten hunk of ham from last year’s freezer cleanout. Spread it on white bread, scoop it up with cucumber slices or pita chips—this creamy, tangy, smoky ham spread is what snacking dreams are made of.
And the best part? You can make it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, ensuring you always have a tasty snack on hand. So next time you’re wondering what to do with leftover holiday ham, give this deviled ham salad a try. It’s a delicious way to transform simple ingredients into something special.
📝 Recipe Details
Name: Deviled Ham Spread
Category: Appetizers, Sandwiches, Leftover Ham Recipes
Cuisine: Southern-Inspired American
Skill Level: Easy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Main Ingredients: Leftover holiday ham, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, sweet pickle relish, cayenne pepper
Equipment Needed: Food processor, mixing bowl, airtight container
Summary:
This creamy and tangy Deviled Ham Spread is a quick and flavorful way to use up leftover holiday ham. Made in just 10 minutes using a food processor and a handful of pantry staples, this southern-style ham recipe works as a sandwich filling, cracker spread, or veggie dip. The recipe includes classic flavor boosters like Dijon, Worcestershire, hot sauce, and cayenne, balanced by the richness of cream cheese and the zip of sweet pickle relish.
Why This Recipe Works:
- Uses Leftover Ham: A great way to repurpose leftover ham or ham steaks from Easter or other holiday meals.
- No-Cook & Quick: Made entirely in the food processor—no stovetop required.
- Flavor-Packed: Combines tangy, spicy, and creamy elements for a bold deviled ham salad flavor.
- Versatile: Perfect on white bread, celery sticks, cucumber slices, or as a cracker spread.
- Homemade Alternative: A fresher and tastier upgrade to canned deviled ham products like those from the William Underwood Company.
Good to Know:
This recipe stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. It’s a cousin to tuna salad, pimento cheese, and egg salad—great for sandwiches, picnics, or southern potlucks.
Ingredients for Deviled Ham
You probably have most of these on hand already. Like most of our other delicious food ideas, you can tailor this deviled ham recipe to your own tastes.
- ½ lb cooked ham – Leftover ham, ham steaks, or thick-sliced deli ham all work.
- ¼ small onion – Adds sharpness and a bit of crunch.
- 3 tbsp mayo or cream cheese – Your call. Either one makes it creamy.
- 2 tsp honey – A touch of sweetness to balance the spices.
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard – Bold, tangy flavor.
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce – Adds depth.
- 1 tsp dry mustard – Boosts the ham’s savory notes.
- Dash of hot sauce – Use your favorite (we like Tabasco).
- ½ tsp paprika or cayenne – For a mild heat or a real kick.
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp ground cayenne pepper – Optional, for spice lovers.
- ⅛ tsp salt + ⅛ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish (optional) – Adds a little tangy crunch.
How to Make Deviled Ham
(See the recipe card below for the full recipe.)
Step 1: Chop it up
Roughly chop the ham and onion, then pulse them in your food processor until finely chopped. Don’t overdo it—you want texture, not paste.
Step 2: Mix the good stuff
Transfer to a bowl and stir in mayo or cream cheese, honey, Dijon, Worcestershire, dry mustard, garlic powder, paprika, hot sauce, and cayenne (if using). Fold in the sweet relish if you like a sweet-tangy bite.
Step 3: Chill and serve
Spoon into an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. It gets even better as it chills.
How to Eat Deviled Ham
This stuff is so good, you’ll want to try it every which way:
- On crackers or white bread or leftover Easter dinner rolls.
- With celery sticks or cucumber slices
- Tucked into pita pockets with lettuce
- Spread on toast or bagels
- Spooned into deviled eggs
- Topped on baked potatoes
- Straight from the bowl (no judgment)
It’s also a great alternative to tuna salad or chicken salad when you want something different.
Customizing the Recipe
Make it your own with easy swaps:
- Try yellow or spicy brown mustard instead of Dijon.
- Use smoky chipotle hot sauce or sweet chili sauce.
- Add chopped pickles, olives, or roasted red peppers.
- Stir in a spoonful of brown sugar for a sweet kick.
- Use smoked ham for even more flavor.
- Want it chunky? Skip the food processor and chop by hand.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Store it:
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freeze it:
Yes! Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
Make-ahead:
Great for party planning or quick weekday snacks—just prep it the night before and you’re ready to go.
Recipe Ratings and Reviews
People love this recipe because:
- It’s quick and super easy.
- It balances bold flavors with just enough heat.
- It’s better than the canned meat product by miles.
- It works for holidays, lunches, or a snack board.
- It’s a great way to repurpose leftover ham.
Reviewers suggest pairing it with white bread, crackers, or tucking it into mini peppers for a fun appetizer.
Why You’ll Love This
The beauty of deviled ham salad lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients like diced ham, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and sweet pickle relish, you can whip up a flavorful spread in no time. The addition of hot sauce, such as cayenne pepper or Worcestershire sauce, gives it that signature spicy kick that wakes up your taste buds.
Think of it as a delightful twist on traditional tuna salad or chicken salad. You can easily customize it to suit your preferences—try using smoked ham for an extra layer of flavor, or mix in some cream cheese and chopped onions for added creaminess and crunch. This classic Southern recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
This is more than just a way to use up ham—it’s a go-to recipe that turns leftovers into something crave-worthy. Whether you’re hosting a party, packing a lunch, or just peeking into your fridge for something snackable, this deviled ham checks every box.
So next time you find yourself staring at leftover holiday ham, skip the canned stuff and give this homemade version a try. Bold flavor, creamy texture, and endless ways to serve it—it might just become your new favorite ham recipe.
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Deviled Ham Recipe
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb Ham, Cooked and cut into chunks.
- 1/4 Onion
- 3 tbs Salad Dressing , Or mayonnaise
- 2 tsp Honey
- 1 tsp Prepared Mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tsp Dry Mustard
- 1 dash Hot Sauce
- 1/2 tsp Paprika
- 1/8 tsp Salt
- 1/8 tsp Ground White Pepper
Instructions
- Use a food processor to process ham and onion until very finely chopped and then transfer to a bowl.
- Add remaining ingredients to ham mixture and thoroughly combine it all together.
- Refrigerate the deviled ham, sealed and air-tight, until ready to use.
Notes
✅ 1. Use fully cooked leftover ham for the best flavor.
Whether it’s leftover holiday ham, ham steaks, or thick deli slices, using cooked ham adds depth and makes this an easy ham recipe that’s ready in minutes.✅ 2. Don’t overprocess the ham in your food processor.
Pulse just until finely chopped for the ideal texture—too much blending can turn it into a paste instead of a creamy, spreadable ham salad.✅ 3. Let the deviled ham chill before serving.
Store it in an airtight container and refrigerate for at least an hour. This helps the flavors blend and gives the spread its signature creamy texture.✅ 4. Adjust the heat to your liking.
Start with a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper, then taste and add more if you like it spicier. It’s easy to customize with tabasco sauce, chili flakes, or even smoked paprika.✅ 5. Add sweet pickle relish for a tangy twist.
This optional ingredient gives the deviled ham salad a sweet, crunchy contrast that pairs perfectly with savory ham and mustard.Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
More Leftover Ideas
Leftover Recipes
Steak & Beef Enchiladas – A Leftover Steak Recipe
Pork Recipes
Tacos de cerdo sobrantes (Leftover Pork Tacos)
Beef Recipes
I like a mix of sweet and savory dishes, that way I can switch to one as soon as I get tired of the other.
I love this post AND this deviled ham recipe. Can’t wait to try it out on my husband’s family next week!!!