Easy Ham Spread Recipe
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Looking for an easy way to use up leftover ham? Look no further than this easy ham spread recipe that can be made in minutes and is easily modified. It’s perfect for sandwiches, salads, or crackers.
Tangy Ham Spread Recipe Ingredients
I was recently flipping through my vintage McCall’s Cook Book which is full of treasured recipes. I particularly love the chapter called “Leftovers.” The entire chapter is dedicated to take leftovers and creating new meals.
That’s exactly where I found this Tangy Ham Dip Recipe, and it’s a keeper. It’s perfect for using up leftover ham from the holidays since we often have a big spiral ham for Easter, Thanksgiving and/or Christmas.
- Ground Ham (leftover holiday ham or spiral ham works great)
- Green Onion
- Mayonnaise (or Miracle Whip)
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- Horseradish
- Cayenne Pepper, optional
What is ham spread?
Ham spread (also called sandwich spread) is a creamy mixture made with ground ham (cooked/smoked ham), mayonnaise or Miracle Whip, and a combination of other ingredients such as relish or pickles, onions, yellow mustard or Dijon mustard, vinegar, horseradish, etc. The spread is served on sandwich bread, on top of a salad, or with crackers. Ham spread is often associated with the Amish.
How do I make ham spread?
Step by Step Instructions
- Ground ham using a food processor or meat grinder.
- In a large bowl, mix together ground ham, diced green onion (use green and white parts), mayo, salt and pepper, horseradish and cayenne pepper. Start sparingly with the cayenne and horseradish; taste, and then add more, if desired.
- Serve ham mixture with crackers, on a sandwich or croissant, inside a pita, or on top of a green salad.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use within a few days.
For the full ingredient amounts and recipe steps for ham salad spread, scroll the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Recipe FAQs
- I often use ham steaks for this recipe or leftover ham from a big country ham.
- A food processor is great for making ground ham. Pulse ham chunks until it’s ready.
- I’m a lazy cook, so I toss my green onions in with the ham in the processor. If you want your greens to be perfectly chopped, them use the reliable cutting board and a sharp knife.
- Modify this recipe to your tastes. Horseradish gives it a tangy flavor. Omit prepared horseradish, if desired. The same stands for cayenne pepper. If you don’t like heat, omit it completely. Or, start with a little and add more after you taste it.
Recipe Variations
- Use Mayonnaise or Miracle Whip. Miracle Whip gives a sweeter taste profile.
- Instead of green onions, use fresh white or yellow onions or dried minced onion.
- For crunch, add celery or water chestnuts.
- If desired, add diced pickles, sweet pickle relish or dill pickle relish.
- Stir in diced, hard-boiled eggs for more protein.
- Add fresh herbs, if desired. The original recipe calls for parsley but dill would be tasty too.
- For a bit of tang without using horseradish, add a splash or white vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Add cheese! Sharp cheddar cheese is delicious.
What is the difference between deviled ham and ham salad?
Deviled ham salad is one version of the many varieties and recipes of ham salad. Deviled ham salad, in particular, includes ingredients such as relish or pickles, mayo or Miracle Whip, mustard and vinegar giving it a similar flavor profile as a deviled egg.
Can ham spread be frozen?
Yes, ham salad spread can be frozen; however, the texture might change due to the mayonnaise in recipe. It’s best to freeze no more than 2 to 3 months.
Kitchen Tools Needed for this Recipe
- Food processor or meat grinder
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Measuring utensils
- Spatula, spoonula or large spoon
How to serve ham salad spread?
- Lettuce Wrap
- As a sandwich between slices of white bread, wheat bread or rye bread
- On a bun
- Open-faced on a bun with melted cheese on top
- With pita chips or in a pita wrap
- Crackers
- Potato chips, tortilla chips or corn chips
- Top of a salad
Leftover Ham Recipes
We love using leftover ham to make new, delicious meals for our family. From soups to casseroles to quiches, ham is so versatile! Here are some of our favorites:
Check out our blog post with more of our favorite leftover ham recipes.
Easy Ham Spread Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup Ground Ham leftover holiday ham or spiral ham works great
- 1/4 cup Green Onion, diced
- 1/4 cup Mayonnaise or Miracle Whip
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- dash Black Pepper
- 1 – 2 teaspoons Horseradish
- dash Cayenne Pepper optional
Instructions
- Ground ham using a food processor or meat grinder.
- In a large bowl, mix together ground ham, diced green onion (use green and white parts), mayo, salt and pepper, horseradish and cayenne pepper. Start sparingly with the cayenne and horseradish; taste, and then add more, if desired.
- Serve with crackers, corn chips, on a sandwich or croissant, inside a pita, or on top of a green salad.
Notes
-
- I often use ham steaks for this recipe or leftover ham from a big holiday ham.
- A food processor is great for making ground ham. Give it few pulses, and it’s ready.
- I’m a lazy cook, so I toss my green onions in with the ham in the processor. If you want your greens to be perfectly chopped, them use the reliable cutting board and a sharp knife.
- Modify this recipe to your tastes. Horseradish gives it a tangy flavor but can be completely omitted. The same stands for cayenne pepper. If you don’t like heat, omit it completely. Or, start with a little and add more after you taste it.
- The nutritional information is auto-calculated and can vary depending on the products used.
Nutrition
