What Makes a Great Deviled Ham?
A traditional preparation for leftover ham, deviled ham is often mixed with vegetables, spices, mayonnaise and mustard to make a flavorful sandwich spread. It is also delicious on crackers, toasted rounds and celery. Our chefs define a high-quality deviled ham as having a pinkish brown “ham” color. It should appear moist, yet the moisture should come from all the ingredients combined, not just the fat content. The visible fat of the deviled ham should be minimal, meaning no large fat deposits should be visible. The aroma should be pronounced, with notes of ham and seasonings. There should be no aroma or flavor off notes, including gamey, ham rind, chemical or rancid notes. Though traditionally made from leftovers, a high-quality deviled ham should not appear that way. The desired taste profile will deliver a pronounced saltiness that comes from the brine and seasonings. A natural sweetness from the ham should also be discernible. When these basic tastes are at their appropriate intensi
