Deviled Ham and Swiss Cheese Spread: A Nostalgic Upgrade

I’ll never forget summer afternoons at my grandmother’s house. The air conditioning was always cranked up to arctic levels, and she’d have a spread of snacks ready – usually featuring a little can of Underwood Deviled Ham and some crackers. While I loved the flavor, even as a kid, I knew there had to be a better way. That’s why I created this homemade version: it captures the essence of that childhood treat, but with fresh ingredients and a healthier profile. Plus, I know exactly what’s going into it!

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Yields: 2 cups
• Dietary Type: Not Gluten-Free

Ingredients

• 8 ounces lean cooked ham, cubed
• 4 ounces Swiss cheese, shredded (best quality)
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard (Gulden’s)
• 1 teaspoon sweet pickle relish

Equipment Needed

• Food processor

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients – the cubed ham, shredded Swiss cheese, mayonnaise, spicy brown mustard, and sweet pickle relish – in the bowl of a food processor.
2. Process the mixture for 1-2 minutes, or until smooth and evenly combined. You may need to scrape down the sides of the bowl once or twice to ensure everything is incorporated.
3. Transfer the Deviled Ham and Swiss Cheese Spread to a serving bowl.
4. Serve immediately with your favorite crackers or use as a sandwich filling between two slices of bread.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Cheese Choice Matters: Using a high-quality Swiss cheese will drastically improve the flavor. Look for a variety with good nutty notes.
• Spice It Up: If you like a little more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
• Get the Right Texture: For a smoother spread, process the ingredients for a longer time. For a chunkier texture, process for a shorter time, pulsing occasionally. Don’t over-process, or the mixture might become gummy.
• Make Ahead Magic: This spread is perfect for making ahead. Prepare it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld together beautifully.
• Mustard Mastery: Using Gulden’s spicy brown mustard lends a distinctive tang. If you don’t have Gulden’s on hand, a similar spicy brown mustard will work, but the flavor profile might be slightly different.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve this delightful Deviled Ham and Swiss Cheese Spread chilled or at room temperature. It’s fantastic with an assortment of crackers, such as water crackers, whole wheat crackers, or even pretzel crisps. You can also use it as a sandwich filling for a quick and satisfying lunch.

For storage, transfer any leftover spread to an airtight container and refrigerate immediately. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. While technically you can freeze it, the texture of the mayonnaise might change upon thawing, so it’s best consumed fresh. I don’t recommend keeping it at room temperature for more than two hours.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	154.9 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	N/A	63%
Total Fat	10.9 g	16%
Saturated Fat	4.6 g	23%
Cholesterol	41.1 mg	13%
Sodium	109.8 mg	4%
Total Carbohydrate	2.4 g	0%
Dietary Fiber	0.1 g	0%
Sugars	0.7 g	2%
Protein	11.6 g	23%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicy Deviled Ham: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a kick.
• Smoked Ham Variation: Use smoked ham instead of regular cooked ham for a smoky flavor.
• Cheese Swaps: Experiment with different cheeses. Gruyere, Emmental, or even a sharp cheddar would be delicious.
• Herby Delight: Mix in a tablespoon of finely chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley, chives, or dill.
• Dijon Deviled Ham: Replace the spicy brown mustard with Dijon mustard for a different tang.
• Gluten-Free Option: Serve with gluten-free crackers or crudités like carrot and celery sticks.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different type of mustard?
A: Yes, you can substitute Dijon mustard or yellow mustard, but the spicy brown mustard (like Gulden’s) provides a unique flavor profile that complements the other ingredients.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! In fact, making it a day or two in advance allows the flavors to meld together even more. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Q: Can I freeze this spread?
A: While you can freeze it, the texture of the mayonnaise may change upon thawing, resulting in a less creamy consistency. It’s best to consume it fresh for the best texture.

Q: What kind of ham is best for this recipe?
A: Lean cooked ham works best. You can use leftover ham from a holiday meal or purchase deli ham. Avoid overly salty or heavily seasoned ham.

Q: Can I use a different type of relish?
A: Yes, dill pickle relish can be substituted for sweet pickle relish if you prefer a less sweet and more tangy flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Deviled Ham and Swiss Cheese Spread is more than just a recipe; it’s a trip down memory lane with a modern twist. It’s the perfect appetizer for gatherings, a simple yet satisfying snack, or a quick lunch option. I encourage you to give it a try, experiment with the variations, and share your own personal touch. Pair it with your favorite beverage, maybe an ice-cold beer or a crisp glass of white wine, and enjoy!