Have leftover ham in the fridge and not sure what to do with it? Deviled ham is a quick and flavorful way to turn it into something completely new. With just a few pantry staples and a few minutes of prep, you can create a creamy, savory spread that's perfect for easy lunches, snacks or sharing with friends and family.
We're walking through how to prepare a deviled ham recipe at home, along with a few tips for serving and making it your own.
Deviled ham: A versatile recipe for family meals and gatherings
Deviled ham has been a household favorite for generations — and for good reason. With its creamy texture and mouth-watering flavor, this classic spread transforms simple ingredients into something satisfying and full of character.
One of the best things about deviled ham is its versatility. Spread it on sandwiches for an easy lunch, scoop it onto crackers for a quick snack or add it to a snack board with cheeses, veggies and toasted bread when friends or family stop by. It's an easy way to serve something flavorful without a lot of fuss.
It's also a smart, zero-waste recipe. Instead of letting leftover ham go to waste, deviled ham gives it a second life as a delicious spread that feels like a whole new dish.
And when you're short on time, it's incredibly convenient to make. Using pre-seasoned, fully cooked options from Hatfield® can help you cut down on prep, so you can quickly mix up a batch whenever you need a crowd-pleasing snack or simple meal.
How to make a classic deviled ham recipe at home
Serves: 4–6
Prep time: 10 mins
Chilling time: 30 mins
Ingredients
- 1 pack Hatfield® Recipe Essentials Cubed Ham, finely chopped.
- 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise.
- 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard.
- 1 tsp. yellow mustard.
- 1 tsp. hot sauce (optional, for a little kick).
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce.
- ½ tsp. paprika.
- ¼ tsp. garlic powder.
- ¼ tsp. onion powder.
- 1 Tbsp. sweet pickle relish (or finely chopped pickles).
- 1 Tbsp. finely diced celery (optional, for texture).
- 1–2 tsp. fresh lemon juice.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste.
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional, for garnish).
Instructions
- Step 1: Chop the ham into very small pieces. For a smoother spread, you can also pulse it briefly in a food processor.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, hot sauce (if using) and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
- Step 3: Mix in the paprika, garlic powder and onion powder.
- Step 4: Add the chopped ham, sweet pickle relish and diced celery (if using). Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
- Step 5: Stir in the lemon juice. Taste and add salt and black pepper as needed.
- Step 6: Cover and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to let the flavors come together.
- Step 7: Top with chopped parsley or chives if desired. Serve, and enjoy!
Ready to jump in? Head to your local grocery store to pick up your favorite Hatfield® pork products today.
Deviled ham tips every home cook should know
Follow these simple tips to get the flavor and texture just right every time:
- Start with pre-seasoned ham: Using pre-seasoned pork from Hatfield® gives your deviled ham a rich, savory flavor right from the start. It saves you time on seasoning while boosting taste, so you can focus on enjoying the preparation process and end result.
- Choose your texture: Customize this deviled ham spread to fit your needs. You can pulse it in a food processor for a smooth, creamy texture that's perfect on crackers or toast, or keep it chunky if you want a hearty filling for sandwiches and sliders.
- Taste as you go: Finding the right balance of flavors is key. Add mustard, hot sauce or mayo gradually, tasting along the way. That way, every bite has just the right amount of tang, spice and creaminess.
- Chill before serving: Pop your deviled ham in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Not only does this help the flavors meld, but it also makes spreading on bread, crackers or veggies much easier.
- Get creative with add-ins: Mix in finely chopped celery, pickles or fresh herbs to add texture and visual appeal. You might even experiment with a little grated cheese, diced peppers or a pinch of smoked paprika for a unique twist.
- Adjust the heat to your liking: Spice this easy recipe up with extra hot sauce, cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for a kick, or tone it down for a milder, kid-friendly version that's creamy and tangy without overpowering the palate.
Deviled ham FAQs
Still have questions? Here's everything you need to know about making homemade deviled ham:
Can I make deviled ham without mayonnaise?
Yes, you can. If you'd rather skip the mayonnaise, try plain Greek yogurt, cream cheese or a little sour cream for a similar creamy texture. A small drizzle of olive oil can also help bring everything together while keeping the spread smooth and flavorful.
How long does homemade deviled ham last in the fridge?
Homemade deviled ham will typically stay fresh for three to five days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Give it a quick stir before serving to refresh the texture and flavors.
Is it better to use diced ham or a ham steak for this recipe?
Both options work well — it really depends on what you have on hand. Using convenient, pre-seasoned options like Hatfield® Recipe Essentials Diced Ham can save prep time, while leftover ham or a ham steak can easily be chopped or pulsed in a food processor to create the perfect spreadable texture.
How can I make this deviled ham recipe spicier or milder?
It's easy to adjust the flavor to your liking. For more heat, add extra hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely diced jalapeño. If you prefer a milder version, simply reduce or skip the hot sauce and let the creamy, tangy ingredients shine.
What are creative ways to serve deviled ham?
Deviled ham is incredibly versatile:
- Spread it on crackers or toast.
- Layer it into a sandwich.
- Scoop it into celery sticks.
- Use it as a topping for a simple salad.
- Make quick lettuce wraps.
- Stuff into mini croissants or rolls.
- Add it to a baked potato.
It also makes a great filling for sliders or an easy dip for fresh veggies and sturdy chips.
Can I prepare deviled ham ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely. Deviled ham is perfect for prepping ahead. Make it up to a day in advance, cover it and store it in the refrigerator. The extra time actually helps the flavors meld together, so it tastes even better when it's time to serve.
Make deviled ham a go-to recipe in your kitchen
Deviled ham is one of those simple recipes that household chefs return to again and again. It's quick to make, incredibly versatile and a great way to transform leftover ham into something new and delicious. Even better, it's a recipe friends and family will love. The creamy texture and savory, tangy flavor make deviled ham a crowd-pleasing option that works just as well for quick lunches as it does for sharing at get-togethers.
Starting with quality ingredients can make the process even easier. With convenient, pre-seasoned pork products from Hatfield®, you can cut down on prep while still enjoying rich, delicious flavor in every bite.
Ready to give this deviled ham recipe a try? Explore Hatfield® products or find your favorites at a store near you!
