Delicious and Easy Ham Spread Recipes: Perfect for Snacking and Entertaining

Ham spread is a versatile and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy snack, a delicious sandwich filling, or an elegant appetizer for your next party, ham spread is a great option. This article will explore several delicious ham spread recipes, providing detailed instructions and tips to help you create the perfect spread every time.

Why Ham Spread is a Great Choice

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s consider why ham spread is such a fantastic option:

* **Versatility:** Ham spread can be used in sandwiches, crackers, vegetables, or even as a dip. Its adaptability makes it a staple in many kitchens.
* **Flavor:** The salty, savory flavor of ham pairs well with various ingredients, creating a balanced and delicious spread.
* **Ease of Preparation:** Most ham spread recipes require minimal cooking and can be prepared in just a few minutes.
* **Cost-Effective:** Ham spread is an excellent way to use leftover ham, reducing waste and saving money.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** Whether you’re serving it to kids or adults, ham spread is generally well-received and enjoyed by most people.

Essential Ingredients for Ham Spread

Before we start with the recipes, let’s cover the core ingredients you’ll need for most ham spread variations:

* **Ham:** The star of the show! You can use leftover cooked ham, deli ham, or even canned ham. The quality of the ham will directly impact the final flavor, so choose wisely. If using leftover ham, remove any bones, skin or excessive fat before proceeding.
* **Mayonnaise:** This provides moisture and creaminess to the spread. You can use full-fat, low-fat, or even vegan mayonnaise, depending on your dietary preferences.
* **Dijon Mustard:** This adds a tangy, sharp flavor that complements the ham perfectly. Adjust the amount to your taste. Yellow mustard can be used as a substitute but will deliver a different flavor profile.
* **Celery:** This adds crunch and a fresh, mild flavor. Finely chop the celery for even distribution.
* **Onion/Shallots:** These add a pungent, savory flavor. Finely chop the onion or shallots to avoid overpowering the spread.
* **Pickles/Relish:** These add a tangy, sweet, and crunchy element. Sweet pickle relish, dill pickle relish, or even chopped dill pickles can be used.
* **Seasonings:** Salt, pepper, and paprika are essential seasonings. You can also experiment with other spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne pepper for added flavor.

Basic Ham Spread Recipe

This is a foundational recipe that you can customize to your liking. It’s simple, quick, and delicious.

**Ingredients:**

* 2 cups cooked ham, finely chopped or ground
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
* 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
* 1/4 cup finely chopped onion or shallots
* 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish (or dill pickle relish)
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/8 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
* Salt to taste (be mindful of the saltiness of the ham)

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Ham:** Ensure that the ham is finely chopped or ground. A food processor can be used for this step, but be careful not to over-process it into a paste. You want a slightly chunky texture.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a medium-sized bowl, combine the finely chopped ham, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, chopped celery, chopped onion (or shallots), and pickle relish.
3. **Season:** Add black pepper and paprika (if using). Taste the mixture and add salt as needed. Remember that ham is already salty, so add salt sparingly.
4. **Mix Well:** Thoroughly mix all the ingredients until well combined. The mixture should be creamy and well-distributed.
5. **Chill:** Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the spread to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial for achieving the best taste.
6. **Serve:** Serve the ham spread with crackers, toast, vegetables, or in sandwiches. It can also be used as a filling for deviled eggs or celery sticks.

**Tips and Variations:**

* **Texture:** Adjust the amount of mayonnaise to achieve your desired consistency. For a creamier spread, add more mayonnaise. For a chunkier spread, use less.
* **Flavor:** Experiment with different mustards. Stone-ground mustard, honey mustard, or even horseradish mustard can add unique flavor profiles.
* **Heat:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Sweetness:** Add a touch of honey or maple syrup for a sweeter spread.
* **Herbs:** Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill can add freshness and flavor. Finely chop the herbs before adding them to the spread.
* **Nuts:** Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for added texture and flavor.

Spicy Jalapeño Ham Spread

If you like a little heat, this jalapeño ham spread is perfect for you. The jalapeños add a spicy kick that complements the savory ham.

**Ingredients:**

* 2 cups cooked ham, finely chopped or ground
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
* 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
* 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
* 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
* 1-2 jalapeños, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* Salt to taste

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Ham:** Finely chop or grind the cooked ham. A food processor can be used, but avoid over-processing.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ham, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, celery, red onion, pickle relish, and jalapeños.
3. **Season:** Add black pepper, garlic powder, and salt to taste. Be mindful of the saltiness of the ham and adjust accordingly.
4. **Mix Well:** Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
5. **Chill:** Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. **Serve:** Serve with crackers, tortilla chips, or in sandwiches.

**Tips and Variations:**

* **Heat Level:** Adjust the amount of jalapeños to control the heat level. For a milder spread, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños.
* **Cheese:** Add shredded cheddar cheese or pepper jack cheese for added flavor and creaminess.
* **Smoked Paprika:** Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a smoky flavor.

Honey Mustard Ham Spread

This variation combines the savory flavor of ham with the sweet and tangy flavor of honey mustard.

**Ingredients:**

* 2 cups cooked ham, finely chopped or ground
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 2 tablespoons honey mustard
* 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
* 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions
* 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Salt to taste

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Ham:** Finely chop or grind the cooked ham.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ham, mayonnaise, honey mustard, celery, green onions, and pickle relish.
3. **Season:** Add black pepper and salt to taste.
4. **Mix Well:** Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
5. **Chill:** Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
6. **Serve:** Serve with crackers, pretzels, or in sandwiches.

**Tips and Variations:**

* **Honey Mustard:** Use your favorite brand of honey mustard. You can also make your own by combining Dijon mustard with honey.
* **Apple:** Add finely diced apple for a sweet and crunchy element.
* **Walnuts:** Add chopped walnuts for added texture and flavor.

Deviled Ham Spread

This classic ham spread is perfect for making deviled eggs or using as a sandwich filling. It has a rich, savory flavor with a hint of spice.

**Ingredients:**

* 2 cups cooked ham, finely chopped or ground
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Salt to taste

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Ham:** Finely chop or grind the cooked ham.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ham, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.
3. **Season:** Add salt to taste.
4. **Mix Well:** Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
5. **Chill:** Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
6. **Serve:** Use as a filling for deviled eggs, sandwiches, or crackers.

**Tips and Variations:**

* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the spice level.
* **Smoked Ham:** Use smoked ham for a deeper, richer flavor.
* **Hard-Boiled Eggs:** Add chopped hard-boiled eggs for added protein and creaminess.

Ham and Cheese Spread

This variation combines the classic flavors of ham and cheese for a creamy and satisfying spread.

**Ingredients:**

* 2 cups cooked ham, finely chopped or ground
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
* 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Salt to taste

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Ham:** Finely chop or grind the cooked ham.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ham, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and celery.
3. **Season:** Add black pepper and salt to taste.
4. **Mix Well:** Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
5. **Chill:** Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
6. **Serve:** Serve with crackers, bread, or vegetables.

**Tips and Variations:**

* **Cheese:** Use different types of cheese, such as Swiss, provolone, or Gruyere.
* **Garlic:** Add a clove of minced garlic for added flavor.
* **Bell Pepper:** Add finely chopped bell pepper for added color and flavor.

Ham Spread with Cream Cheese

Adding cream cheese creates an extra creamy and spreadable texture. This is a delightful option for bagels or crackers.

**Ingredients:**

* 2 cups cooked ham, finely chopped or ground
* 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
* 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Salt to taste

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Ham:** Finely chop or grind the cooked ham.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ham, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and green onions.
3. **Season:** Add black pepper and salt to taste.
4. **Mix Well:** Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined. Ensure the cream cheese is fully incorporated for a smooth texture.
5. **Chill:** Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
6. **Serve:** Serve with bagels, crackers, or vegetables.

**Tips and Variations:**

* **Cream Cheese Flavor:** Experiment with flavored cream cheeses, such as chive and onion or garden vegetable.
* **Lemon Juice:** Add a teaspoon of lemon juice for added brightness.
* **Dill:** Add chopped fresh dill for a fresh, herbaceous flavor.

Vegan Ham Spread (Using Plant-Based Ham)

For those following a vegan diet, you can still enjoy a delicious ham spread using plant-based ham alternatives.

**Ingredients:**

* 2 cups plant-based ham, finely chopped or ground
* 1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise
* 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
* 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
* 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
* 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Salt to taste

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Plant-Based Ham:** Finely chop or grind the plant-based ham. Ensure it’s a brand you enjoy the taste of.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a medium-sized bowl, combine the plant-based ham, vegan mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, celery, red onion, and pickle relish.
3. **Season:** Add black pepper and salt to taste. Be mindful of the saltiness of the plant-based ham, as some brands can be quite salty.
4. **Mix Well:** Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
5. **Chill:** Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
6. **Serve:** Serve with crackers, toast, or vegetables.

**Tips and Variations:**

* **Plant-Based Ham Brand:** Choose a plant-based ham brand that you enjoy. Some popular options include Tofurky, Lightlife, and Yves.
* **Smoked Flavor:** Add a few drops of liquid smoke for a smoky flavor.
* **Nutritional Yeast:** Add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Serving Suggestions and Creative Ideas

Now that you have several ham spread recipes to choose from, let’s explore some creative ways to serve and enjoy them:

* **Sandwiches:** Ham spread makes a fantastic sandwich filling. Try it on rye bread, sourdough, or croissants. Add lettuce, tomato, and other toppings to create a complete meal.
* **Crackers:** Serve ham spread with assorted crackers for a quick and easy snack. Ritz crackers, saltines, and Triscuits are all great options.
* **Vegetables:** Use ham spread as a dip for vegetables like celery sticks, carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and bell pepper strips.
* **Deviled Eggs:** Fill deviled eggs with ham spread for a unique and flavorful twist on a classic appetizer.
* **Celery Sticks:** Fill celery sticks with ham spread for a crunchy and refreshing snack.
* **Bagels:** Spread ham spread on bagels for a delicious breakfast or lunch.
* **Pinwheels:** Spread ham spread on tortillas, roll them up, and slice them into pinwheels for a fun and festive appetizer.
* **Crostini:** Toast baguette slices and top them with ham spread for an elegant appetizer.
* **Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes:** Hollow out cherry tomatoes and fill them with ham spread for a bite-sized treat.
* **Lettuce Wraps:** Serve ham spread in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

Storage Tips

To ensure your ham spread stays fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:

* **Refrigeration:** Store ham spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will typically last for 3-5 days.
* **Freezing:** While it is not generally recommended, you can freeze ham spread, but the texture may change slightly upon thawing. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
* **Proper Handling:** Always use clean utensils when handling ham spread to prevent contamination.
* **Discarding:** If you notice any signs of spoilage, such as a foul odor or discoloration, discard the ham spread immediately.

Conclusion

Ham spread is a delightful and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in countless ways. With these recipes and serving suggestions, you’re well-equipped to create delicious and crowd-pleasing ham spreads for any occasion. From the basic recipe to spicy, sweet, and vegan variations, there’s a ham spread to suit every taste. So, gather your ingredients, get creative, and enjoy the delicious possibilities of ham spread!