Deviled Ham Spread: A Culinary Classic

My grandmother, bless her heart, was the queen of tea sandwiches. Every holiday, shower, or afternoon visit involved a tower of perfectly crustless triangles filled with a variety of savory delights. While cucumber and watercress were staples, the true star was always her deviled ham spread. I can still picture her in her floral apron, carefully spreading the mixture onto soft white bread, a faint smile playing on her lips. The taste – a delightful blend of salty, savory, and slightly spicy – instantly transports me back to her cozy kitchen, filled with warmth and laughter.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Servings: 30
• Yields: 30 tea sandwiches
• Dietary Type: Varies depending on mayonnaise used. Can be gluten-free if served with gluten-free crackers or celery.

Ingredients

• 3 (2 1/4 ounce) cans deviled ham
• 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon prepared horseradish
• 1/4 cup chopped stuffed olives
• 2-4 tablespoons mayonnaise

Equipment Needed

• Mixing Bowl
• Measuring Spoons
• Measuring Cup
• Spoon or Spatula

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients: the deviled ham, dry mustard, prepared horseradish, and chopped stuffed olives.
2. Add 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise to start.
3. Blend all the ingredients together thoroughly using a spoon or spatula.
4. Add more mayonnaise, one tablespoon at a time, until the mixture reaches your desired consistency. You may need up to 4 tablespoons in total. The goal is a spreadable, yet not overly wet, consistency.
5. Chill the deviled ham spread in the refrigerator until ready to use. This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Spice it up: For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
• Olive variations: Experiment with different types of olives. Kalamata olives or green olives with pimentos can add unique flavor profiles. Make sure to pit and chop them finely.
• Fresh herbs: Incorporate finely chopped fresh parsley, chives, or dill for added freshness and visual appeal. A tablespoon or two should do the trick.
• Make it ahead: This spread is perfect for making ahead of time. Prepare it a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will only improve over time.
• Adjust the texture: If the spread is too thick, add a teaspoon of pickle relish juice or sweet pickle juice to thin it out. If it’s too thin, add a bit more deviled ham or finely chopped hard-boiled egg.
• Mayonnaise matters: Use a good quality mayonnaise for the best flavor. Different brands have different tanginess levels, so choose one you enjoy.
• Horseradish heat: Prepared horseradish varies in potency. Start with the smaller amount and add more to taste.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This deviled ham spread is incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas for serving and storing it:

• Tea sandwiches: The classic way to serve this spread is on tea sandwiches. Use soft white bread, remove the crusts, and cut into triangles or rectangles.
• Crackers: Serve the spread with an assortment of crackers for a quick and easy appetizer. Ritz crackers, wheat thins, or club crackers are all excellent choices.
• Celery sticks: Fill celery sticks with the spread for a healthy and refreshing snack.
• Deviled eggs: Add a spoonful of the spread to the yolks when making deviled eggs for a unique and flavorful twist.
• Lettuce wraps: For a low-carb option, serve the spread in lettuce wraps.
• Storage: Store leftover deviled ham spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to use a clean spoon each time you scoop out the spread to prevent contamination. It is not recommended to freeze the spread, as the mayonnaise may separate and the texture may change.

Nutritional Information

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and quantities used.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	23.5 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	18 kcal	N/A
Total Fat	2 g	3%
Saturated Fat	0.7 g	3%
Cholesterol	4.7 mg	1%
Sodium	93.5 mg	3%
Total Carbohydrate	0.4 g	0%
Dietary Fiber	0 g	0%
Sugars	0.1 g	0%
Protein	0.8 g	1%

Variations & Substitutions

• Smoked ham: Instead of canned deviled ham, you can use finely ground smoked ham for a richer, smokier flavor.
• Pickle relish: Substitute the chopped stuffed olives with sweet pickle relish or dill pickle relish for a different tang.
• Cream cheese: For a creamier spread, add 2-4 ounces of softened cream cheese to the mixture.
• Greek yogurt: To lighten the spread, use Greek yogurt in place of some or all of the mayonnaise.
• Spicy mustard: Swap the dry mustard for Dijon mustard or spicy brown mustard for a bolder flavor.
• Vegan Option: Use vegan mayonnaise and check that the horseradish doesn’t contain any non-vegan ingredients. You can often find vegan deviled ham alternatives as well, or make your own using smoked tofu.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make this deviled ham spread without a food processor?

A: Absolutely! This recipe is designed to be made by hand. Simply combine all the ingredients in a bowl and blend well with a spoon or spatula.

Q: How long will the deviled ham spread last in the refrigerator?

A: When stored properly in an airtight container, the spread will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Q: Can I use a different type of olive?

A: Yes, you can experiment with different types of olives to find your favorite flavor combination. Just be sure to pit and chop them finely before adding them to the mixture.

Q: What can I do if the spread is too dry?

A: If the spread is too dry, add a teaspoon of pickle relish juice or sweet pickle juice to thin it out. You can also add a small amount of mayonnaise.

Q: Can I freeze this spread?

A: Freezing is not recommended. The mayonnaise may separate and the texture may change upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh.

Final Thoughts

Deviled ham spread is a timeless classic that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it on tea sandwiches, crackers, or celery sticks, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and substitutions to create your own signature version. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I do, and that it brings back fond memories or creates new ones! This spread pairs beautifully with a crisp, dry white wine or a refreshing iced tea. Enjoy!