Deviled Ham Recipe Underwood: Classic Spread With Tangy Mustard Kick

There’s a timeless appeal to a well-made deviled ham spread that brings back memories of family gatherings and simple, satisfying flavors. This version captures that classic taste with a perfect balance of tangy and savory notes.

Using a quality base like Underwood ensures the right texture and flavor foundation. The addition of sharp mustard and a touch of sweetness creates that signature kick everyone loves. It’s a straightforward process that delivers consistent, crowd-pleasing results.

What emerges is a creamy, spreadable mixture with just the right amount of zing. It’s versatile enough for sandwiches, crackers, or as a filling for deviled eggs. The flavors meld beautifully when given a little time to rest.

Perfect for picnics, parties, or a quick lunch, this spread keeps well in the refrigerator. Here’s how to make it exactly right every time.

Ingredients for Deviled Ham Recipe Underwood

Classic deviled ham spread starts with Underwood and a handful of pantry staples for bold flavor.

The ham base is non-negotiable here. Underwood delivers the right texture and classic taste—other brands can be too wet or lack that signature depth. You’ll find it in the canned meat aisle at Walmart or Kroger. For the mustard, French’s yellow works, but a sharp Dijon like Grey Poupon adds more complexity. Pick up a jar of Heinz sweet relish for consistency (the chunky kind stays suspended better).

Out of relish? Finely dice bread-and-butter pickles with a splash of their juice. No Worcestershire? Soy sauce at half the amount works in a pinch, though it’s saltier. Skip the sugar entirely if you prefer less sweetness, or swap in honey at the same quantity. The paprika can be smoked for a deeper flavor, but sweet keeps it traditional. Fresh mayonnaise like Hellmann’s is ideal.

This spread keeps for 5-7 days in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors mellow and meld after 24 hours, so make it a day ahead if possible. Not suitable for freezing—it separates. Perfect for sandwiches, crackers, or as a filling for deviled eggs at your next picnic.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Deviled Ham Spread

Here is the refined method for achieving perfectly balanced flavor and creamy texture.

Step 1: Prepare the Base Components

Open and drain the 1 can Underwood Deviled Ham completely, pressing it gently in a fine-mesh strainer to remove any excess liquid. This ensures your spread maintains the ideal consistency without becoming watery.

Transfer the drained ham to a medium mixing bowl. The processed texture of Underwood works perfectly for this application, eliminating the need for additional chopping or grinding. You want it as dry as possible at this stage.

Step 2: Incorporate the Creamy Elements

Add the 0.5 cup Mayonnaise to the bowl with the ham. I recommend using full-fat mayonnaise for optimal creaminess and stability in the final spread. The fat content helps bind all the ingredients together smoothly.

Next, add the 2 tbsp Sharp Mustard and 2 tbsp Sweet Relish. These ingredients provide the signature tangy and slightly sweet flavor profile that defines this classic preparation. The relish also adds a subtle texture contrast to the creamy base.

Step 3: Balance and Enhance the Flavors

Incorporate the 1 tsp White Vinegar, 1 tsp Granulated Sugar, and 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce. The vinegar brightens the rich ham and mayonnaise, while the sugar rounds out the acidity. Worcestershire sauce adds a complex umami depth that elevates the overall flavor profile.

Now add the dry spices: 0.25 tsp Ground Black Pepper, 0.25 tsp Sweet Paprika, 0.25 tsp Onion Powder, and 0.25 tsp Garlic Powder. These seasonings complement the ham’s natural savoriness without overpowering it.

Step 4: Achieve the Perfect Consistency

Using a silicone spatula or wooden spoon, fold all ingredients together until thoroughly combined. The mixture should be uniform in color and texture, with no streaks of mayonnaise or visible spice clumps. The relish pieces should be evenly distributed throughout.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, though the measured quantities typically yield a perfectly balanced spread. If you prefer a slightly sweeter profile, you can add an additional pinch of sugar, but the recipe as written delivers the classic flavor expected from this preparation.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Transfer the completed spread to a serving bowl and cover tightly. Let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld completely. This resting period is crucial for the spices to fully infuse the mixture.

Serve chilled with crackers, bread slices, or vegetable sticks. The spread will keep for up to 5 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator, with flavors continuing to develop over time.

Flavor Customization for This deviled ham recipe underwood

Spicy Kick Variation

Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper or 1 tbsp hot sauce like Frank’s RedHot for heat. I prefer 1 tsp smoked paprika instead of sweet for a deeper, slightly spicy profile. A dash of Tabasco sauce works too for vinegary heat. 🌶️

Sweet and Tangy Twist

Increase the sugar to 2 tsp or swap in 1 tbsp honey for a sweeter spread. Replace white vinegar with apple cider vinegar for fruitier tang. I love adding 1 tbsp diced pineapple for a Hawaiian-inspired touch.

Herb-Infused Option

Mix in 1 tsp dried dill or 1 tbsp fresh chives for brightness. ½ tsp celery seed adds an old-fashioned deli flavor. I sometimes add 1 tsp fresh parsley for color and freshness.

Creamy Texture Boost

For extra richness, replace 2 tbsp mayonnaise with cream cheese or sour cream. A splash of heavy cream makes it ultra-smooth. I use Philadelphia cream cheese for the best results.

Smoky Depth

Add ½ tsp liquid smoke for campfire flavor. Swap regular paprika for smoked paprika and add ¼ tsp chipotle powder. I find Wright’s liquid smoke works perfectly here.

Crunchy Additions

Fold in ¼ cup finely diced celery or 2 tbsp chopped pickles for texture. Toasted pecans add unexpected crunch. I like bread-and-butter pickles for their sweet-tangy bite. 💡

Frequently Asked Questions