Deviled Ham is a quick and easy ham salad with a little bit of a spicy kick. This particular recipe gets its pizazz from a few dashes of hot sauce, but you can also add other spices like a little ground cayenne pepper, turmeric, or even mined jalapeno.
Enjoy this tasty salad as a spread on crackers or as a dip with celery sticks or baby bell peppers. I like to serve this deviled ham salad in a sandwich on toasted English muffins with southern potato salad, deviled eggs, and Arnold Palmer Lemonade.
There is nothing like a good cherry wood-smoked ham to kick off your recipe. If you love a good smoked ham like my family does, try some of my other great ham recipes like Ham and Bean Soup, Ham and Cheese Quiche, Scalloped Potatoes and Ham, and Ham and Cheese Sliders.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
See the complete list of ingredients below on the recipe card.
- Ham: This is the star of the show. It should be a good quality smoked ham or ham steak. Holiday ham leftovers are great for this recipe.
- Veggies: yellow onion and celery are the best
- Mayonnaise: I prefer Duke’s, but if you have a favorite brand, by all means, use it.
- Dijon Mustard: adds a little tang, but I have used regular prepared mustard in a pinch.
- Sauce: Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce (I like Tabasco Sauce).
How to make Deviled Ham Spread
This is the summary version; for the complete list of ingredients and instructions, see the recipe card below.
First, cut the rind off your ham and then cut it into about 1-inch cubes. Add the cubes to the belly of a food processor and pulse in several short spurts until the meat is finely chopped or minced but not pureed. For me, that usually is about ten short spurts with the pulse button. Add the chopped onions and celery and pulse a couple more times.
Add the ham to a bowl with the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire Sauce, hot sauce, and black pepper. Stir to combine and cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill for 1-2 hours before serving.
Preparation Tips for Success
- For the best taste, use good-quality smoked ham, and don’t forget to remove the rind. Leftover ham is perfect for this recipe.
- I do not find that this dish needs any added salt, but if you do, by all means, use it.
- Add the hot sauce to taste, or add a pinch or two of ground cayenne pepper. I like to use Tabasco Sauce.
- Don’t forget to cover and chill the ham salad in the refrigerator for a couple of hours so all the flavors meld together.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I do not recommend freezing this ham salad because of the mayonnaise. It will separate and affect the texture of the dish. However, you can freeze the smoked ham that you will use to make the deviled ham for 1-2 months. Just place it in a freezer-safe zipper bag and remove as much air as possible. Thaw in the fridge for 1-2 days.
Deviled Ham Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb. diced cooked ham about 3 cups
- ½ cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 2 ribs celery finely chopped
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcesterhsire Sauce
- 2 dashes hot sauce to taste
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add the ham cubes to the belly of a food processor with the chopping blade. Pulse in several short spurts until the meat is finely chopped or minced but not pureed. For me, that usually is about 10 short spurts with the pulse button. Add the onion and celery and pulse 2-3 more times.
- Add the ham mixture to a bowl with the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire Sauce, hot sauce, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill for 1-2 hours before serving.
Notes
- For the best taste, use good-quality smoked ham, and don’t forget to remove the rind.
- I like to chop the other vegetables by hand for a uniform consistency, but you can certainly chop them in the food processor.
- I do not find that this dish needs any added salt, but if you do, by all means, use it.
- Add the hot sauce to taste, or add a pinch or two of ground cayenne pepper.
- Don’t forget to cover and chill for a couple of hours so all the flavors meld together.
Nutrition
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Kira
Never heard of this recipe in my life but oh my , it does look tasty . Great little party food for Xmas too
Beth Pierce
Yes indeed!
Mariam
This is very interesting – I’ve never heard of deviled ham. It does look delicious and is something unique and different to make.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Marian! Enjoy!
Lucy
This recipe was great and the spread makes for the perfect lunch! I loved how easy the recipe was to follow and create myself.
Nick
This looks so easy and flavorful. This is perfect for using up leftover ham without much effort. I love the little spicy kick idea.
Carrie
This was delicious! My mom made a similar ham salad so it brought back great memories.
Karen
Thank you so much for the amazing recipe. the deviled ham turned out sooooo delicious and it was easy to make. Thank you so so much.
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome, Karen!
Tammy
I love this deviled ham recipe! It is even better than my grandma’s recipe. Deeeeeeelish!
Yolanda H
We always have a cooked ham at Christmas – I am very much looking forward to trying your deviled ham recipe- it sounds really tasty and great for sandwiches or on crackers. Yum!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Yolanda! Enjoy!
Victoria Prasad
This recipe sounds perfect for the slow rainy days we have been having! I am usually a little careful with anything with a spicy kick but somehow this is making my mouth water just thinking of it! Thanks for sharing.
Beth Pierce
My pleasure, Victoria!
Clarice
I hate to admit it but yes, we still have some holiday ham leftovers and this is just timely. Thank you for sharing the recipe. Can’t wait to try it as it looks so easy to make.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Clarice! Enjoy!