This ham spread is a delightful and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a snack or appetizer. It's perfect for spreading on crackers or bread, making it a great addition to any gathering or a simple, tasty treat for yourself. The combination of ham, mayonnaise, dijon mustard, and pickle relish creates a savory and slightly tangy flavor that is sure to please your taste buds.
If you don't usually keep dijon mustard or pickle relish in your pantry, you might need to pick these up at the supermarket. Dijon mustard adds a refined, slightly spicy flavor, while pickle relish brings a sweet and tangy crunch to the spread. Both ingredients are commonly found in the condiment aisle.
Ingredients for Ham Spread Recipe
Ham: Cooked and chopped, this is the main protein and flavor base of the spread.
Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and helps bind the ingredients together.
Dijon mustard: Provides a tangy and slightly spicy flavor that enhances the overall taste.
Pickle relish: Adds a sweet and tangy crunch to the spread.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and enhances the other flavors.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When chopping the ham, aim for a fine dice to ensure a smooth and cohesive spread. This will help the mayonnaise and dijon mustard blend more evenly, creating a consistent texture. Additionally, if you prefer a bit of crunch, you can add finely chopped celery or onion to the mix.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
cooked ham - Substitute with cooked turkey: Cooked turkey provides a similar texture and a slightly milder flavor, making it a good alternative for those who do not eat pork.
cooked ham - Substitute with roast beef: Roast beef offers a different flavor profile but still provides the meaty texture needed for the spread.
mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt adds creaminess and a slight tang while being a healthier option with more protein and less fat.
mayonnaise - Substitute with sour cream: Sour cream can provide a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor, though it is slightly richer.
dijon mustard - Substitute with yellow mustard: Yellow mustard is milder but still adds the necessary mustard flavor to the spread.
dijon mustard - Substitute with whole grain mustard: Whole grain mustard offers a similar flavor with added texture from the mustard seeds.
pickle relish - Substitute with chopped dill pickles: Chopped dill pickles provide the same tangy and crunchy element as pickle relish.
pickle relish - Substitute with capers: Capers add a briny, tangy flavor that can mimic the taste of pickle relish.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor without altering the color of the spread.
black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit more heat and a different flavor profile, suitable for those who enjoy a spicier spread.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This
How to Store or Freeze This Recipe
To keep your ham spread fresh, transfer it to an airtight container. This will prevent any unwanted odors from seeping in and keep the spread moist.
Store the container in the refrigerator. The ham spread will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Always check for any signs of spoilage before consuming.
If you plan to freeze the ham spread, place it in a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Label the container or bag with the date of freezing. This helps you keep track of how long the ham spread has been stored.
When you're ready to use the frozen ham spread, transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. This gradual thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor.
Once thawed, give the ham spread a good stir to reincorporate any separated ingredients. If the texture seems a bit off, you can add a small amount of mayonnaise to bring it back to its creamy consistency.
Avoid refreezing the ham spread once it has been thawed. This can affect the quality and safety of the spread.
For a delightful twist, consider adding finely chopped celery or green onions before serving. This will add a fresh crunch and elevate the flavor profile of your ham spread.
Enjoy your ham spread on crackers, bread, or even as a filling for sandwiches. The possibilities are endless!
How to Reheat Leftovers
- For a quick and easy method, spread the ham spread on a slice of bread or crackers and pop it in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. This will warm it up just enough to enjoy without altering the texture too much.
- If you prefer a slightly toasted option, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the ham spread on a slice of bread or a baguette, place it on a baking sheet, and bake for about 5-7 minutes until it's warm and the edges of the bread are slightly crispy.
- For a gourmet touch, use a panini press or a grill pan. Spread the ham spread between two slices of bread, and grill until the bread is golden brown and the spread is heated through, about 3-4 minutes.
- If you're in the mood for a warm dip, transfer the ham spread to a small oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Serve with crackers or vegetable sticks for a delightful appetizer.
- For a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Spread the ham spread on a slice of bread and place it in the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until the spread is warm and the bread is toasted.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Mixing bowl: A large bowl to combine all the ingredients together.
Chopping board: A surface to chop the cooked ham into small pieces.
Chef's knife: A sharp knife to finely chop the cooked ham.
Measuring cups: To measure out 1 cup of cooked ham.
Measuring spoons: To measure out the mayonnaise, dijon mustard, pickle relish, and black pepper.
Spatula: To mix the ingredients until well combined.
Serving dish: To present the ham spread on crackers or bread.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Pre-chop ingredients: Save time by chopping the ham in advance and storing it in the fridge.
Use a food processor: Quickly combine ham, mayonnaise, dijon mustard, and pickle relish by pulsing them in a food processor.
Measure ahead: Pre-measure the mayonnaise, dijon mustard, and pickle relish to streamline the mixing process.
Batch preparation: Make a larger batch of ham spread and store it in the fridge for quick use throughout the week.
Use pre-cooked ham: Opt for pre-cooked ham to eliminate the need for additional cooking time.
Ham Spread Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked ham, chopped
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon pickle relish
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
- Mix until well combined.
- Serve on crackers or bread.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Main Courses and Desserts
More Amazing Recipes to Try 🙂
- Slow Cooker Potato Soup Recipe8 Hours 15 Minutes
- Boiled Bagels Recipe40 Minutes
- Coffee Jelly Recipe15 Minutes
- Dirt Pudding Recipe15 Minutes
- Eggless Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe6 Hours 15 Minutes
- Apple Fritters Recipe25 Minutes
- Puppy Chow Recipe15 Minutes
- Gelato Recipe30 Minutes
Leave a Reply