Underwood Deviled Ham Copycat Recipe: Classic Spread with a Creamy Kick

This copycat version captures the creamy texture and tangy flavor of the classic spread we all grew up with.

With simple pantry ingredients and 10 minutes of effort, you’ll recreate that nostalgic taste exactly as you remember it.

Ingredients for Underwood Deviled Ham Copycat

Simple pantry staples bring that nostalgic creamy, tangy spread to life.

The ham is the soul here. Underwood brand if you want authenticity, but any canned ham works—just avoid the overly salty kinds. Libby’s is a solid backup. Look for fine ground or chop it yourself in a food processor (the good stuff, not the pre-shredded kind). Mayonnaise is non-negotiable for creaminess—Hellmann’s or Duke’s are my go-to brands.

No sweet relish? Dill pickle relish at half the amount works, but add an extra pinch of sugar. Out of yellow mustard? Dijon at half the quantity gives a sharper kick. If you’re avoiding Worcestershire (contains anchovies), soy sauce or coconut aminos get you close. The paprika is mostly for color, but don’t skip it—it’s what gives that classic look.

This keeps 5-7 days in the fridge, sealed tight. The flavors meld after a day, so make it ahead if you can. Freezing? Not ideal—it separates a bit, but 1 month max if you must. Stir well before serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Underwood Deviled Ham

This method delivers that nostalgic, creamy spread with just the right balance of tangy and sweet flavors.

Step 1: Prepare the Canned Ham

Drain the 12 oz Canned Ham thoroughly in a colander, pressing gently with a spoon to remove excess liquid. Transfer it to a cutting board and chop it finely or pulse it in a food processor until it reaches your preferred texture—I like mine somewhere between finely diced and almost paste-like for that classic spreadable consistency.

Real talk: this step matters more than you’d think. The finer the ham, the smoother your final product will be. If it looks too chunky after chopping, keep going. You want it to blend seamlessly with the other ingredients rather than standing out as distinct pieces.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the 0.5 cup Mayonnaise, 2 tbsp Yellow Mustard, and 0.5 tsp Worcestershire Sauce until completely smooth. The mayonnaise should be full-fat for that luxurious texture we’re after—low-fat versions just won’t give you the same rich mouthfeel.

Add the 1 tsp White Vinegar and whisk again. You’ll notice the mixture starts to thicken slightly as the vinegar reacts with the mayonnaise. This is exactly what you want—it creates that signature tangy backbone that balances the sweetness we’ll add next.

Step 3: Incorporate Sweet and Savory Elements

Stir in the 2 tbsp Sweet Relish, 1 tsp White Granulated Sugar, 0.5 tsp Sweet Paprika, 0.25 tsp Garlic Powder, and 0.25 tsp Onion Powder. The relish adds both sweetness and texture, while the paprika gives that subtle warmth and iconic pink hue.

Here’s the thing—don’t skip the sugar. Even though the relish is sweet, that extra teaspoon enhances all the other flavors without making it taste sweet. The garlic and onion powders might seem like small amounts, but they pack a punch in the final flavor profile.

Step 4: Fold in the Ham and Finish

Add the prepared canned ham to the bowl with the wet mixture. Using a spatula, fold everything together until the ham is evenly distributed and fully coated. The mixture should be thick but still spreadable. If it seems too stiff, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes—this allows the flavors to meld and the texture to soften slightly.

Finally, add the 0.25 tsp Ground Black Pepper and fold one last time. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, though I find the combination of Worcestershire, mustard, and vinegar usually hits that perfect balance of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet right out of the gate.

Dietary Considerations for This Recipe

Gluten-Free Friendly

This spread is naturally gluten-free as written, since none of the core ingredients contain wheat. However, always check your mayonnaise and Worcestershire sauce labels—some brands add hidden gluten. I trust Hellmann’s mayo and Lea & Perrins Worcestershire for safe options.

Dairy-Free Option

To make this dairy-free, simply swap the traditional mayo for a vegan mayonnaise. Primal Kitchen or Follow Your Heart brands work beautifully without affecting the flavor. The rest of the ingredients are already dairy-free.

Low-Sugar Adaptation

For those watching sugar intake, reduce the granulated sugar to ½ tsp or eliminate it entirely. The sweet relish provides enough sweetness for most palates. You can also use sugar-free relish if available.

Egg-Free Alternative

Since mayo contains eggs, use an egg-free mayonnaise like Just Mayo or Sir Kensington’s. The texture remains creamy, and the taste difference is minimal. This makes the spread suitable for vegans or those with egg allergies. 💡

Sodium Considerations

Canned ham is inherently high in sodium. To reduce it, drain and rinse the ham thoroughly before chopping. You can also use low-sodium ham if available, though flavor may be slightly less pronounced. Balance with freshly ground black pepper to enhance other flavors.

Allergen Notes

The primary allergens here are eggs (in mayo) and possibly fish (in Worcestershire). For fish-free Worcestershire, try Annie’s Organic brand. Always prepare in a clean workspace to avoid cross-contamination with other allergens. 🥗

Frequently Asked Questions