This easy Deviled Ham Recipe uses salty ham, crunchy celery, tangy pickles and creamy mayonnaise. The peppery bite from Tabasco gives it just the right kick! This ham salad sandwich spread is delicious on bread or crackers and perfect for a sandwich at lunch.
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Why you'll love this recipe
So let's say you make a magnificent meal for the holiday, but you have leftover holiday ham. You've made an amazing Ham and Bean Soup but you still have extra ham.
I make our lunches every morning and this is a terrific spread to use for sandwiches. Added bonus - tastes even better on day two!
Ditch the canned deviled ham! This homemade Deviled Ham Spread is a new way to repurpose leftovers and makes the best ham sandwiches!
Ingredients
For the exact measurements, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- ham - leftover ham or ham steak works great! You can even use deli ham.
- celery, onion - to add crunch and flavor, white, red, yellow onion or green onion would all be delicious.
- sweet pickle relish - adds crunch and sweetness to balance the flavors. No relish? Chop up some Refrigerator Pickles instead.
- mayonnaise - for creaminess and to bring it together.
- black pepper, Tabasco Sauce - for spiciness. Though if you have a spicy hot sauce you enjoy, by all means use that!
I love the combination of different textures and flavors. This is delicious on bread or crackers. Or if you prefer a low carb version pack it in a stalk of celery or top off a cucumber slice. Easy-peasy right?
Recipe
Deviled Ham Recipe
Equipment
- Food Processor
Ingredients
- 3 cups cubed ham
- 2 stalks celery
- ½ sweet yellow onion
- ½ cup mayonaise
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon tobasco sauce
- ¼ cup sweet relish well drained
Instructions
- Chunk the ham into cubes. Also rough chop the celery and onion. Add these ingredients to the food processor. Pulse until all ingredients are chopped.
- Drain the relish well. This will keep the spread from getting soggy.
- Remove the ham spread from the food processor and add remaining ingredients. Stir to combine.
- Spread on your favorite bread, crackers, cucumbers or celery. Refrigerate leftovers. Even better on day two!
Notes
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Nutrition
Instructions
This is an overview of the instructions for the Ham Salad Sandwich Spread. For the complete directions just scroll down to the bottom!
- Cut the ham into cubes and roughly chop the celery and onion.
- Add these ingredients to the food processor. Pulse until all ingredients are chopped.
- Drain the relish well, pour the mixture into a large bowl, add remaining ingredients and stir.
- Spread on crackers or bread, refrigerate leftovers.
Of course you could also chop the ham using a sharp knife, but using your food processor or a meat grinder makes this recipe come together quickly and easily!
FAQ's
Refrigerate leftovers. Properly stored it will last up to five days.
This is similar to canned deviled ham, minus all the extra sodium and preservatives. You'll love the flavor and how simple this recipe is to make!
Deviled ham is a spiced up ham salad sandwich spread. You can use cayenne pepper, Tabasco sauce or even jalapeños. The meat is finely chopped and additional flavors are added to make it creamy and/or crunchy.
Variations
You can also "devil" chicken or lobster. Love a great chicken salad sandwich or lobster roll? This is the same type recipe and it's delicious!
Spice it up with a hot pepper or two - jalapeños, sriracha or tabasco sauce would be delicious! A squeeze of fresh lemon juice would brighten the flavors!
A splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce adds a little spice and a nice pop of salty goodness!
Make deviled ham salad sandwiches with cream cheese, deviled ham spread and cucumber slices. Add some zip with a bit of dijon mustard!
Probably the most popular "deviled" recipe is deviled eggs! Always yummy!
Deb’s top tips
To freeze the ham spread, combine all of the ingredients except the mayonnaise and freeze. When you remove the deviled ham from the refrigerator, thaw, then add the mayo.
- Use a processed ham, not pre-sliced deli ham for this recipe.
- Substitute leftover chicken or turkey - just as delicious!
More recipes using leftover ham
- Ham and Potato Casserole - cheesy and delicious this easy to make casserole is a family favorite!
- Split Pea Soup - so much flavor and yet so easy to make!
- This recipe for Southern Ham Pasta Salad is a great side dish or light lunch. It's delicious!
- Instant Pot Ham and Potato Soup is a terrific recipe that takes just minutes to make in the pressure cooker.
- Don't forget to save the ham bone - that and a couple cups of ham will make the best Navy Bean and Ham Soup.
Still have leftover ham? Leftovers are perfect for salads, sandwiches, soup, and great for breakfast! Here are several recipes for more inspiration!
Serving suggestions
Serve this on fluffy white bread or a great sourdough bread. It's also delicious on English muffins or rolls. Top a great green salad with the deviled ham spread as well - delicious!
If you're looking for soup and salad, serve this with Butternut Squash Soup, Italian Pepper Stew or Vegetarian Potato Soup - wouldn't these be great combinations?
This deviled ham spread is the kind of old-school snack that never goes out of style—savory, creamy, and just the right amount of kick. Whether you’re piling it on crackers, making classic tea sandwiches, or sneaking spoonfuls from the fridge (no judgment),it’s a tasty way to use up leftover ham.
Give it a try, then come back and tell me how you served it—I love seeing the creative ways you bring these recipes to life!
Jane says
Your deviled ham looks just like what my mother used to make for us kids and I can't wait to recreate that memory! And the collection of other recipes are so many great ways to use leftover ham, thanks!
Bowl Me Over says
You're so welcome Jane! I hope that you enjoy this recipe as much as we do - food memories are the BEST!!
Terre Berkland says
I made this & it was wonderful. Just now I substituted smoke turkey leftover & dill pickles!! Can you say YUM!!!
Debra Clark says
Oh wow, that sounds amazing Terre! I hadn't thought of using smoked turkey - fantastic! Thank you for sharing!!
Stella says
I always search for the ways to use leftovers. These delived hams are looking delicious.
Bowl Me Over says
Thanks Stella! So tasty and a great use for leftover ham, easy too!
Lisa Davidson says
I made this today and its a great twist on the classic deviled ham. The tabasco really elevates the flavor. I used half a teaspoon instead of a full teaspoon and it was perfect for my taste buds. Thanks for sharing.
Bowl Me Over says
Wonderful Lisa, I’m so glad you enjoy this recipe! I know leftovers can go to waste and we all get tired of eating the same thing day after day. I appreciate you stopping back by to share your thoughts!
Michaela Kenkel says
perfect way to use up that leftover ham!
Bowl Me Over says
Always yummy, thanks Michaela!!
Justine says
I love deviled eggs but have never had deviled ham. I've gotta try your recipe!
Bowl Me Over says
Then you definitely need to give this a try Justine - it's so easy, makes a great Sammy!
Ashlyn @ Belle of the Kitchen says
This looks so delicious! I have tons of ham leftover from Easter and this looks like the perfect way to use it up!
Bowl Me Over says
Fabulous, enjoy the recipe!! I hope you had a wonderful Easter Ashlyn!!
Deanna says
This looks amazing!! I love this as a sammy!!!
Bowl Me Over says
One order coming up Deanna! 😀
Jennifer A Stewart says
We always have leftover ham because I don't know how to cook for less than 50 people. This is an amazing recipe that will be a big hit for all the summer cook outs too!
Bowl Me Over says
Hahaha, ain't that the truth? You make me laugh, we must be related!! Thanks for stopping by Jennifer!!
Michelle says
I love leftovers and this is the perfect way to use up some of our leftover ham!
Bowl Me Over says
Wonderful, I hope you give it a try Michelle - enjoy!
Sandra says
Now I wish I would have taken some of the leftover ham my mom made for Easter! I'm forwarding her your recipe. Both my parents will love this recipe!
Bowl Me Over says
Dang! Well I hope your folks give it a try - super yummy stuff! Thanks Sandra!!!
Lisa@Lisa's Dinnertime Dish says
This deviled ham sounds like a great way to use up leftover ham! I love having leftovers, but I have trouble coming up with creative ways to use up leftover ham, but you gave me some great ideas!
Bowl Me Over says
Wonderful Lisa - I was hoping there would be something here for everyone! 😀 Thank you!!
Lois says
This just looks so good. Looking forward to making it.
Bowl Me Over says
I know you'll enjoy it, one of those old fashioned favorites - YUM! Thanks Lois!!!
Dahn says
what a great recipe to use all the leftover ham, it looks great
Bowl Me Over says
Yummy and tasty enjoy Dahn!!
Luci's Morsels says
This looks amazing! I think I know what I am trying with any leftover Easter ham! Yummy! Thanks for sharing! Luci’s Morsels | fashion. food. frivolity.
Bowl Me Over says
It's the perfect use of leftovers - thanks Luci!! I appreciate you stopping by!!
Neli @ Delicious Meets Healthy says
Such a creative recipe!! Looks absolutely delicious!! Can't wait to give it a try!
Bowl Me Over says
It's amazing what happens when you get tired of eating the same thing! 😀 Thanks Neli!!
linda spiker says
Just what I needed! We ALWAYS have leftover ham.
Bowl Me Over says
Perfect, I hope you really enjoy it Linda!!
Patty @ Spoonabilities says
The deviled ham bowl looks amazing! I am hoping we have leftover ham so that I can make this. How yummy!
Bowl Me Over says
Fingers crossed Patty 😀 I hope you had a wonderful Easter!!
Julie says
I LOVE leftovers and am so fortunate John does too. We always had deviled ham growing up but I haven't had it for a long time. Time to change that. Love this one!
Bowl Me Over says
Luckily my hubby does too Julie - which is good because it's just the two of us! 😀 Happy Easter to you & yours!!
debi at Life Currents says
Your deviled ham looks fabulous! And I love all the ideas you've shared for the lefter Easter ham. Or Christmas, or anytime!
Bowl Me Over says
Yes, yes, it doesn't have to be a holiday to enjoy ham I love the way you think - thanks for stopping by Debi!!