Leftover Ham Spread

Leftover Ham Spread is a quick and easy smooth processed pate made from the last bits of your ham joint. The ham is combined with a few simple ingredients to make a delicious spread that’s ideal on bread, toast or crackers.

Why make Leftover Ham Spread?

Ham is really versatile meat, serve it hot as a roast dinner with roast or mashed potatoes and vegetables. Or serve it cold with salad. You can also add the leftover ham to pasta or rice. 

However, I sometimes have a piece of ham that isn’t quite enough for another meal. It might be an awkward shape to slice for sandwiches. This recipe for Leftover Ham Spread is perfect for that last piece of the ham making it easy to spread and stretching it just that little bit further.

What do I need to make Leftover Ham Spread?

You will need:

• Cooked ham in a piece
• Creme Fraiche
• Mustard
• Honey
• Butter (optional)

What kind of Ham should I use?

Use cooked ham or gammon that is in a piece or cut in thick slices. You can use smoked or unsmoked ham depending on what you enjoy or what you have.

I make this recipe at any time of year but it is especially useful for the holidays. Ham is often on the menu for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year and Easter so it’s a great way to make the best of the leftovers and feed a crowd.

I don’t have as much ham as stated in the recipe, can I still make Leftover Ham Spread?

Yes, you can adjust the quantities of the other ingredients. For example, if you have 200 grams of cooked ham then use 75 grams of creme fraiche and half a teaspoon of honey and mustard. Taste and adjust the recipe to suit your own taste.

What is Creme Fraiche?

Creme Fraiche is a cultured cream that is high in fat and, although it is rich, the acidity from the culturing process makes it a great choice for savoury recipes.

What can I substitute for Creme Fraiche?

If you can’t find creme fraiche you can substitute soured cream or full-fat Greek yogurt. The Greek yogurt may separate slightly if the ham spread is stored for more than a few hours. You can also use double (heavy) cream and add a teaspoon of lemon juice to create a slight acidity.

Why add honey to the Ham Spread?

I add a teaspoon of honey to add a little sweetness to the spread. You don’t notice the sweet taste but it helps to bring out the sweetness in the ham.  

What can I substitute for honey?

If you don’t eat honey, then use maple syrup or agave syrup as a substitute.

What kind of mustard should I use?

I use Dijon mustard which s a medium-hot pale yellow mustard from Dijon in France. Mustard is a perfect accompaniment to ham. It adds a little bit of spice to the Ham Spread and works well with the honey.   

What can I substitue for Dijon mustard?

If you don’t have any Dijon mustard, you can use any medium or mild mustard. You can even use wholegrain mustard. I don’t recommend you use English mustard because it is very hot and spicy and will overpower the spread.

Can I add any other flavourings?

I would positively encourage you to try different flavourings. Use the basic recipe for the ham and cream then add two additional flavourings. Try one sweet and one sharp.

Sweet

• Cranberry sauce makes a good substitute for honey if you are using Leftover Ham from Christmas. 
• Chutney
• Relish 

Sharp

• Add creamed horseradish instead of mustard.
• Chopped gherkins or other pickles 
• A teaspoon of lemon juice will add a fresh flavour.

Can I make this recipe without a food processor?

Leftover Ham Spread is easy to make with a food processor. However, if you don’t have one you can either use a mincer or you can chop the ham very finely. Put the finely chopped ham into a bowl with the other ingredients and mix thoroughly.

How do I store Leftover Ham Spread?

If you don’t plan to eat the leftover ham spread as soon as it is made, you can store it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to put the spread in a shallow pate dish and cover the spread with clarified butter. This ensures that no air can get to the pate and looks pretty on the table. You will still need to cover the dish with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge until you are ready to use the spread.

Can I freeze Leftover Ham Spread?

Yes, you can freeze the ham spread. I would not freeze it if you make it with Greek Yogurt but creme fraiche, soured cream and double cream will all remain stable when frozen. Pack the spread into a lidded freezer-proof container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw the spread in the fridge overnight, stir and serve.

Can this recipe be adpated for vegetarians?

This recipe is not suitable for vegetarians as the main ingredient is meat. There are many different kinds of spread recipes that are suitable for vegetarians. Hhere are some you might like to try:

• Spiced Chickpea and Carrot Sandwich Filler – Tinned Tomatoes
• Carrot & Cheese Sandwich Filling – Tin & Thyme
• Coronation Tofu Salad Sandwiches – Easy Cheesy Vegetarian

Is this recipe Gluten-Free?

The ham spread should be gluten-free. The only item that needs to be checked is the mustard. Pure mustard is gluten-free but please, do check the label on the mustard jar to be sure that there are no fillers or additives that might contain gluten.

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How do I serve Leftover Ham Spread?

There are so many ways you can serve Leftover Ham Spread Here are some ideas:

• Serve the ham spread as part of a cheese and charcuterie platter with crusty bread and crackers.
• Use the ham spread in sandwiches with tomatoes and cucumber.
• Make a toasted sandwich with ham spread and cheese.
• Pile some ham spread in a baked potato and serve with salad as a quick and easy lunch.
• Buy or make vol-au-vents and serve them filled with ham spread and sprinkled with crushed pink peppercorns. Serve as a canape or appetiser.

More Ham Recipes from Farmersgirl Kitchen 

Slow Cooker Ham in Ginger Beer is a very simple recipe and the ginger beer adds a sweet and spicy flavour to a ham or gammon joint. Glaze with a sticky ginger preserve and serve it warm with mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables or cold with salad and pickles.

Cheese, Bacon & Turkey Quiche works perfectly with leftover ham to replace the turkey and bacon. It’s super tasty and makes a whole new meal from the leftovers.

Make Grilled Corn Succotash and replace the bacon bit with chopped ham. It’s a really delicious side dish that’s substantial enough to be a main.

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This recipe was first published in August 2012.