Paula Deen’s Best Ham Salad Sandwich: A Southern Classic Reimagined

I remember my grandmother always having a container of ham salad in her refrigerator. It was a staple, a comforting and familiar presence amidst the chaos of family gatherings. As a child, I’d sneak spoonfuls straight from the bowl, savoring the salty, savory, slightly sweet flavor. It was always served on toasted white bread, cut into neat triangles, a perfect little bite of nostalgia. This recipe reminds me of her, of simple pleasures and the unwavering love that only a grandmother can offer.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 4-6
• Yield: Approximately 3 cups
• Dietary Type: Not specified, contains meat and dairy

Ingredients

• 2 cups leftover ham, chopped in a food processor
• 1 cup finely diced celery
• 1/4 cup finely minced sweet onion
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, diced
• 1/4 cup hot pickle relish, drained
• 1/2 cup good quality mayonnaise

Equipment Needed

• Food processor
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing the ham. Using a food processor, chop the leftover ham until it reaches a finely ground consistency. Be careful not to over-process it into a paste. You want some texture remaining.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped ham, finely diced celery, and finely minced sweet onion.
3. Add 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the bowl. The Dijon adds a subtle tang that balances the richness of the ham and mayonnaise.
4. Next, gently fold in the diced hard-boiled eggs and drained hot pickle relish. The eggs add a creamy element, while the relish provides a zesty kick. Make sure the relish is well-drained to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
5. Finally, add 1/2 cup of good quality mayonnaise. Gently stir all ingredients together until they are well combined. The amount of mayonnaise can be adjusted to achieve your desired consistency. If you prefer a drier salad, start with less mayonnaise and add more as needed. Conversely, if you like it creamier, add a bit more mayonnaise.
6. Spread the ham salad generously onto slices of your favorite bread. Paula recommends white bread, but you can use any bread you prefer. Consider toasting the bread lightly for added texture and flavor.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Ham Quality Matters: As Paula Deen herself emphasizes, the key to a truly exceptional ham salad is the quality of the ham. Opt for a high-quality, flavorful ham, preferably a Smithfield ham if you can find it. The better the ham, the better the salad.
• Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs: For perfectly cooked hard-boiled eggs, place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 10-12 minutes. Immediately transfer the eggs to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and make them easier to peel.
• Pulse, Don’t Puree: When using the food processor to chop the ham, pulse it in short bursts to avoid turning it into a paste. You want to retain some texture in the salad.
• Sweet Onion Subtlety: Sweet onions are milder than yellow or white onions. If you don’t have sweet onions, you can substitute a regular onion, but soak it in cold water for 10 minutes to reduce its sharpness.
• Spice It Up: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. You could also use a spicier pickle relish.
• Make Ahead Magic: Ham salad is perfect for making ahead of time. The flavors meld together beautifully as it sits. Prepare the salad a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve Paula Deen’s Ham Salad Sandwich on your favorite bread, toasted or untoasted. It’s delicious as a classic sandwich, or you can get creative! Try serving it as a topping for crackers or lettuce cups for a lighter option. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika or a sprig of fresh parsley for added visual appeal.

Leftover ham salad should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. It is not recommended to freeze ham salad, as the mayonnaise can separate and the texture can become compromised upon thawing. Reheat is not necessary, as this salad is intended to be served cold.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	340.8 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	122 g	36%
Total Fat	13.7 g	21%
Saturated Fat	4.4 g	21%
Cholesterol	259.3 mg	86%
Sodium	2502.1 mg	104%
Total Carbohydrate	14.9 g	4%
Dietary Fiber	1.6 g	6%
Sugars	11.3 g	45%
Protein	38.3 g	76%

Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Bread Alternatives: While white bread is traditional, feel free to experiment with other types of bread. Whole wheat, rye, sourdough, or even croissants would be delicious.
• Mayonnaise Alternatives: For a lighter version, use light mayonnaise or a combination of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt. You can also experiment with flavored mayonnaises, such as roasted garlic or chipotle mayo.
• Relish Variations: If you’re not a fan of hot pickle relish, you can substitute it with sweet pickle relish, dill pickle relish, or even chopped cornichons.
• Vegan Ham Salad: For a vegan version, use plant-based ham alternatives, vegan mayonnaise, and crumbled tofu instead of hard-boiled eggs.
• Add-Ins: Get creative with your add-ins! Consider adding chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for added crunch. Diced bell peppers, chopped green onions, or fresh herbs like dill or parsley would also be delicious additions.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use leftover baked ham for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Leftover baked ham is perfect for ham salad. Just make sure to remove any bones or skin before chopping it.

Q: How long does ham salad last in the refrigerator?
A: Ham salad will typically last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, stored in an airtight container.

Q: Can I freeze ham salad?
A: It’s not recommended to freeze ham salad, as the mayonnaise can separate and the texture can become compromised upon thawing.

Q: Can I make this recipe without a food processor?
A: Yes, you can. Simply chop the ham very finely by hand. It will take a little longer, but the results will be similar.

Q: Is it necessary to drain the hot pickle relish?
A: Yes, it’s important to drain the relish well to prevent the salad from becoming watery.

Final Thoughts

Paula Deen’s Best Ham Salad Sandwich is a timeless classic that’s sure to please. It’s easy to make, customizable to your preferences, and perfect for a quick lunch, a picnic, or a casual gathering. So, gather your ingredients, channel your inner Southern cook, and whip up a batch of this delicious ham salad. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and substitutions to create your own signature version. Enjoy, and share your feedback! Perhaps pair it with a refreshing glass of sweet tea and a side of coleslaw for the ultimate Southern experience.