This classic ham and cheese salad spread is a delicious, creamy blend of savory dishes that is both satisfying and soothing. This food is great for a picnic, a lunchbox, or a casual get-together with some crackers. The recipe is also quite straightforward to follow, which makes it even better. You probably already have most of the stuff you need for this recipe in your kitchen or fridge. It only takes a few minutes to put it all together.
First, get the things you need ready. Chop up one cup of cooked ham into tiny pieces. This is a great use for leftover ham, especially if it’s lightly smoked or glazed. Put one cup of shredded strong cheddar cheese in the spread. It adds a strong, sour taste and helps keep it together. Next, cut up a quarter cup each of red and green bell peppers, onions, and celery into small pieces. These veggies add structure, crunch, and just the right amount of fresh taste to balance off the richness of the ham and cheese. To add some color and brightness, chop up roughly a tablespoon of fresh parsley.
Put all of your prepared ingredients in a huge bowl with half a cup of mayonnaise and mix them together. This will make the spread smooth and creamy. Add one tablespoon of Dijon mustard and one teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to the mix to give it some flavor and depth. Add a quarter teaspoon of black pepper that has just been ground and half a teaspoon of garlic powder. Stir the bowl well after adding all the ingredients to make sure that everything is blended and coated equally.
Put plastic wrap over the bowl and put it in the fridge for at least an hour. When you chill the spread, it gets firmer, which makes it easier to scoop and serve. It also enables the tastes blend.
When it’s time to consume the feast, you have a lot of options. You may spread it on soft sandwich bread for a quick lunch or on crunchy crackers for an appetizer that everyone will adore. You could also place it on lettuce leaves and top it with fresh sliced tomatoes for a lighter, low-carb option. The spread is creamy and delicious, and the fresh vegetables add a little bite. Every bite is excellent and well-balanced.
You can adjust this ham and cheese salad spread whichever you want. You can use Swiss cheese instead of cheddar, sweet pickles instead of bell peppers, or add some cayenne to make it hotter. This dish always works, whether you’re feeding a lot of people, packing a week’s worth of lunches, or just want something good and filling.