What is deviled ham?

Deviled ham is a type of highly seasoned, canned meat spread made from chopped or ground ham. It is called “deviled” because of the spicy flavor from additions like mustard, cayenne pepper, vinegar, and other spices.

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What is deviled ham made of?

Deviled ham is made from ham that has been processed and canned. The main ingredients are:

Chopped or ground ham – made from cured and smoked pork
Spices like mustard, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder
Vinegar or citrus juice

Sugar or sweeteners
Salt
Thickeners like cornstarch or carrageenan

Preservatives like sodium nitrite

The exact recipe can vary between brands, but these are the basic components. The ham is first chopped or minced into very small pieces. Various seasonings and flavorings are mixed in to give it a zesty, “deviled” taste. Vinegar or citrus juice provides tanginess while sugar balances out some of the spice. Thickeners help give deviled ham a spreadable consistency once canned.

How is deviled ham made and processed?

Commercial production of deviled ham involves:

Obtaining cured, smoked ham
Removing the bone and excess fat
Passing the meat through grinders to chop it finely

Mixing the ham with seasonings, vinegar, and other ingredients in large batches
Packing the deviled ham paste into cans
Sealing cans and processing them under high heat to cook and sterilize the contents

Labeling cans for identification and traceability
Packaging canned deviled ham for distribution and retail sale

The entire process takes place under regulated, sanitary conditions to ensure food safety. State-of-the-art machinery allows huge batches of deviled ham to be produced efficiently while still maintaining quality control. The hermetic sealing of the cans gives deviled ham a long shelf life of 1-2 years or more.

What are the typical ingredients in deviled ham?

Ingredient	Role
Chopped/ground ham	Main component, provides ham flavor
Vinegar or lemon juice	Adds tanginess and acidity
Mustard	Provides spicy/piquant flavor
Sugar	Balances acidity and smoothes flavor
Onion powder	Adds savory, oniony flavor
Garlic powder	Provides subtle garlic taste
Paprika	Adds mildly spicy, earthy flavor
Salt	Seasons the ham and enhances flavor
Pepper	Provides spicy kick
Cornstarch	Thickens the mixture into spreadable paste
Sodium nitrite	Preservative to prevent bacterial growth

These ingredients work together to give deviled ham its distinctive spicy, tangy flavor profile when spread on crackers or sandwiches.

What are the health concerns with deviled ham?

Deviled ham, like other processed meats, does come with some health concerns:

High sodium content – Canned deviled ham contains added salt, around 400-700 mg per serving. This can raise blood pressure.

Nitrates/nitrites – These preservatives have been linked to increased cancer risk.
High fat – Deviled ham gets a lot of its flavor and texture from fat. This can increase cholesterol levels.

However, deviled ham can be part of a balanced diet in moderation. The small serving sizes of about 1-2 tablespoons limit the health impacts. Choosing low-sodium varieties can help reduce the salt content.

Ways to make deviled ham healthier:

Enjoy deviled ham in small amounts on occasion rather than regularly
Read nutrition labels and pick low-sodium options when available
Spread thinly or combine with veggies to reduce fat

Choose whole grain crackers rather than white for fiber
Pair with fruit, vegetables, yogurt, or other healthier items
Dilute the saltiness by blending with low-fat cream cheese or mayo

Practicing portion control and making smart accompanying choices can allow you to savor deviled ham without going overboard on sodium or saturated fat.

What are some common brands of deviled ham?

Some popular brands of canned deviled ham include:

Underwood Deviled Ham – One of the most well-known brands, founded in the late 1800s

Libby’s Deviled Ham – Another very recognizable canned meat company
Castleberry’s Deviled Ham – A cheaper store-brand option carried at many grocers
Armour Star Deviled Ham – Produced by a major meatpacking company

Crider Deviled Ham – An old-fashioned brand still made in small batches
Dubuque Deviled Ham – Uses a mildly seasoned recipe appealing to a wide range of palates

Less common deviled ham brands can also sometimes be found at gourmet retailers or regional grocers. But the major mass-market brands like Underwood offer an affordable, convenient way to pick up a can or two of deviled ham.

How long does canned deviled ham last after being opened?

An opened can of deviled ham will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 5 to 7 days. To maximize freshness:

Transfer contents of opened can to an airtight container
Press plastic wrap directly on the surface before sealing container

Store in the refrigerator and use within one week

The nitrites and salt content allow the deviled ham to remain preserved for a short while after opening. But exposure to air still allows some bacterial growth over time, so consume leftovers soon. And discard if you notice any sliminess, stickiness, or foul odors.

An unopened can of deviled ham has a shelf life of around 1-2 years. It’s important to check expiration dates and never eat from rusted, bulging, or potentially compromised cans. But properly stored, sealed deviled ham stays safe and tasty for quite a while.

What are some uses for deviled ham?

There are many ways to eat and enjoy deviled ham:

On crackers, bread, or toast points as an appetizer
In a sandwich with cheese and veggies

As a filling for stuffed eggs or mushrooms
On top of a baked potato
In deviled ham salad or pasta salad

As a pizza topping
In omelets or scrambled eggs
In Hawaiian-style musubi with rice

On top of Nachos
As a dip with veggies or chips

Deviled ham’s zesty, meaty flavor pairs well with crackers, breads, eggs, cheese, potatoes, and more. It can be used as a spread, filling, or topping for quick appetizers, snacks, sandwiches, or other creative recipes. A little bit of deviled ham goes a long way in adding a punch of flavor.

What are some popular ways to serve deviled ham?

Some top ways people commonly enjoy deviled ham include:

On crackers – The classic preparation, ideal for parties
In deviled ham salad – Mixed with mayo, pickles, onions for a flavorful side

On toast – Quick breakfast or bruschetta-style appetizer
In a sandwich – Added to subs, hoagies, paninis
In stuffed eggs – Replaces the yolk with a creamy, savory filling

In omelettes or scrambles – Delicious cooked right into egg dishes
In finger rolls – Spread in cocktail-style sandwiches for easy snacking
In pinwheels – Wrapped in tortillas or flatbread with cheese and veggies

From simple crackers to more elaborate stuffed eggs or sandwiches, deviled ham is versatile enough to be used in many quick recipes. Its highly seasoned flavor takes center stage.

What are some creative recipes using deviled ham?

Beyond the usual applications, deviled ham can be used creatively in more gourmet recipes like:

Deviled ham crostini – Topped with mango, basil, and feta

Deviled ham strata – A savory breakfast casserole
Deviled ham dip – Blended with cream cheese, onions, and spices
Deviled ham pizza – Topped with ham, pineapple, and jalapenos

Deviled ham chowder – Added to a creamy potato soup
Deviled ham deviled eggs – Stuffed into halved hard-boiled eggs
Deviled ham puff pastry pinwheels – With Brie and apple

Deviled ham potato skins – Stuffed into crispy baked potato skins

Home cooks and chefs alike enjoy playing around with deviled ham, introducing it into fun appetizers, main dishes, and more. It’s an easy way to infuse recipes with bold, unique flavor.

What are some substitutes for deviled ham?

If you don’t have deviled ham available, some possible replacements include:

Chopped ham + mustard + mayo + spices
Tuna salad
Chicken salad

Diced prosciutto or salami
Pimento cheese spread
Hummus

Refried beans
Guacamole

Mixing chopped ham with mustard, mayo, and spices approximates the tangy flavor profile. Tuna or chicken salad, prosciutto, and other spreads can also work as substitutes on sandwiches and in appetizers. Get creative mixing and matching for a similar creamy, savory texture and taste.

What are some fun facts about deviled ham?

One of the first popular mass-produced convenience foods, deviled ham dates back to the 1870s.
During World Wars I & II, canned meats like deviled ham were an important food supply for troops.
In the early 1900s, elaborate deviled ham recipes were featured in cookbooks and women’s magazines.

President Lyndon B. Johnson loved deviled ham and reportedly ate it almost daily.
In the 1990s, “Mystery Meat” in school lunches was sometimes nicknamed “S.O.S.” – “Stuff/Scrapings on a Shingle” – in reference to deviled ham.
Underwood Deviled Ham introduced the distinctive red devil mascot in the 1920s.

April 2nd is considered National Deviled Ham Day.

From its vintage origins to its patriotic ties, deviled ham has been a unique part of American food culture for over a century. It may have humble beginnings, but deviled ham has carved out a special place in countless lunch boxes, recipes, and food memories.

Conclusion

Canned deviled ham is an intriguing processed meat product with a rich history. Its finely chopped ham base mixed with bold spices, vinegar, and other seasonings creates a zesty, distinctive flavor. While high in sodium like many canned goods, deviled ham can be enjoyed in moderation. Generations have come to appreciate its convenience, versatility, and nostalgic appeal. Deviled ham may be an acquired taste for some, but remains a classic American snack and sandwich filling with intriguing roots.