Can you freeze ham spread?

Yes, you can freeze this ham spread, in a well sealed container. It will last for up to 1 month.

Does country ham have to be cooked?

Yes, it needs to be cooked. A traditional country ham will be cured but not smoked (e.g., cooked in a smoker).

Why is it called country ham?

“Country ham” refers to a method of preserving ham - dry-curing (usually with a salt rub) and aging over several months. It’s popular in southern areas including Kentucky, Virginia, Tennessee and the Carolinas.

What is the difference between country ham and regular ham?

Country hams are dry-cured, regular hams are wet-cured. As such, country hams are drier with more intense flavor while regular hams are moister and sweeter.

Country Ham and Cheese Spread | A Well-Seasoned Kitchen®

Name: Ham Spread with Cream Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature; 2 to 3 heaping tablespoons mayonnaise; 1 cup ground cooked country ham (see Note below); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (can also use green onions)

Ingredients

Scale

8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
2 to 3 heaping tablespoons mayonnaise
1 cup ground cooked country ham (see Note below)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (can also use green onions)

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Instructions

Using a fork, mix together all ingredients. Season to taste with salt and pepper (may not need any salt, depending on the saltiness of your ham). Refrigerate for a few hours to let the flavors blend. Serve with crackers.

Notes

Note on country ham: I throw the leftover pieces of ham in a food processor and process it into fine bits. In addition to this dish, the ground ham is great in salads, omelets – anywhere you might add cooked bacon bits.

Make ahead: spread can be made up to 3 days ahead, covered and refrigerated.

Variation: To turn this spread into a one-bite appetizer, serve spoonfuls inside my Poppy Seed Puffs (recipe in my cookbook “Fresh Tastes”).

Author: (By Lee Clayton Roper)
Category: appetizers, make ahead, quick and easy
Method: No Bake
Cuisine: Southern