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If you are on the hunt for a flavorful, nostalgic spread with a zesty kick, this Devilishly Delicious Deviled Ham Recipe is going to steal your heart. It’s a perfect blend of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors that instantly elevate simple ham into a party-worthy dish. Whether you’re slathering it on crackers, dolloping it onto sandwiches, or just enjoying it straight from the bowl, this recipe hits all the right notes with its bright scallions and fresh parsley dancing alongside the tangy mustard and hot sauce. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that’s as devilishly delightful as its name suggests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Devilishly Delicious Deviled Ham Recipe keeps things simple but packs a punch with each ingredient carefully chosen to create a harmonious mix of creaminess, zest, and texture. Every addition plays a key role, from the richness of cream cheese to the fresh snap of scallions.
- 8 oz ham (approximately 2 cups chopped): The hearty base with savory depth that makes the spread satisfyingly rich.
- 4 oz cream cheese (at room temperature): Adds a luscious, smooth texture and mild tanginess to balance the spices.
- 2 Tbsp mayonnaise: For extra creaminess and that classic deviled ham finish.
- 2 Tbsp prepared mustard: Brings a bright, vinegary punch that lifts the flavor instantly.
- 1 tsp hot sauce: Adds that signature spicy kick that gives this recipe its devilish edge.
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce: Deep umami notes that make the flavors complex and irresistible.
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper: For a subtle warmth and slight bite.
- 2 scallions (white parts only, finely minced): Fresh, crisp, and a touch sharp, these lighten the richness beautifully.
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley (chopped): Bright green and herbaceous to keep things fresh and vibrant.
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt (optional to taste): Use sparingly; the ham is salty enough, but a pinch can round out the flavors if needed.
How to Make Devilishly Delicious Deviled Ham Recipe
Step 1: Blend the Creamy Base
Start by adding the cream cheese, mayonnaise, prepared mustard, Worcestershire sauce, ground black pepper, and hot sauce to a food processor fitted with a metal blade. Blend everything together until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. This creamy, tangy foundation will carry the flavor and texture of the deviled ham perfectly.
Step 2: Incorporate Ham and Herbs
Next, add the chopped ham, fresh parsley, and minced scallions to the food processor. Pulse about ten times, making sure you don’t over-process. You want the mixture to remain a little chunky — that’s the hallmark of a truly great deviled ham spread. If you prefer it smoother for easier spreading, pulse a few extra times until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 3: Taste and Adjust
Give your deviled ham a taste before you finish. The ham itself provides plenty of saltiness, so salt is optional. Add just a pinch of kosher salt if you feel the flavors need an extra lift. This final touch ensures your Devilishly Delicious Deviled Ham Recipe has perfect balance and zing.
How to Serve Devilishly Delicious Deviled Ham Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your deviled ham presentation. A sprinkling of extra chopped parsley or sliced scallions on top adds color and a fresh burst of flavor. For an enticing touch, try topping with a few small dill pickle slices or a dash of smoked paprika to amp up visual appeal and taste complexity.
Side Dishes
This deviled ham pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Crisp crackers and rye bread offer perfect textures for scooping or spreading. It also complements fresh vegetables like cucumber slices, celery sticks, or carrot batons for a refreshing contrast. For a picnic or party, consider serving it alongside crunchy coleslaw or tangy pickled vegetables for an exciting flavor mix.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve your Devilishly Delicious Deviled Ham Recipe in mini bell pepper halves or hollowed-out cherry tomatoes for bite-sized treats. Alternatively, stuff it into small endive leaves for a crisp, elegant appetizer. You can even pipe it onto small toasted baguette slices for a fancy but effortless hors d’oeuvre.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover deviled ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it chilled preserves its freshness and flavor perfectly, just give it a good stir before serving again.
Freezing
This recipe doesn’t freeze well due to the cream cheese and mayonnaise, which can become grainy when thawed. For the best taste and texture, it’s recommended to make just what you’ll use in a few days.
Reheating
Since this spread is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, reheating isn’t necessary. Simply bring it out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving to take the chill off and let the flavors shine.
FAQs
Can I use leftover ham for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover ham works wonderfully here, making this recipe a fantastic way to repurpose cooked ham with an elevated twist.
Is the hot sauce necessary?
The hot sauce delivers that distinct spicy note that gives this a devilish edge, but feel free to adjust the amount or omit if you prefer a milder spread.
Can I substitute cream cheese with something else?
Cream cheese is key for the creamy texture and slight tang. However, you could try mascarpone or softened goat cheese for a different but still delicious result.
How long does the deviled ham keep in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, it will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, perfect for a few servings or snacks throughout the week.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! The spread itself is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to serve it with gluten-free crackers or bread for a completely gluten-free treat.
Final Thoughts
This Devilishly Delicious Deviled Ham Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels effortlessly special while being incredibly easy to prepare. With its creamy texture, bright herbs, and just the right amount of spice, it’s a timeless classic that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe box. Don’t hesitate to whip this up for your next gathering or simply as a satisfying snack—once you try it, you’ll see why it’s called devilishly delicious!
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Devilishly Delicious Deviled Ham Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 2.2 cups
- Category: Spread
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Devilishly Delicious Deviled Ham recipe offers a creamy, savory spread perfect for sandwiches, crackers, or as an appetizer. Combining chopped ham with cream cheese, mayonnaise, mustard, and a touch of heat from hot sauce, this easy-to-make spread is flavorful and versatile with a delightful balance of tangy and spicy notes.
Ingredients
Deviled Ham Spread Ingredients
- 8 oz ham (approximately 2 cups, chopped)
- 4 oz cream cheese (at room temperature)
- 2 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp prepared mustard
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 scallions (white parts only, finely minced)
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt (optional to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the base mixture: Add the cream cheese, mayonnaise, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, ground black pepper, and hot sauce to a food processor fitted with a metal blade. Blend the ingredients until they are fully combined and smooth, forming the creamy base for your deviled ham spread.
- Add ham and herbs: Next, add the chopped ham, fresh parsley, and finely minced scallions to the food processor. Pulse about ten times, checking the texture frequently. The goal is to keep the ham chunky for a nice texture; pulse more if you prefer a smoother consistency.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the mixture and add kosher salt if needed. Since ham can be salty naturally, additional salt may not be necessary. Mix gently to incorporate any added salt.
Notes
- The recipe does not require cooking, making it a quick and easy spread perfect for entertaining or snacks.
- Use sharp cheddar or other cheeses instead of cream cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce to control the spice intensity.
- This spread keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature for best flavor.
