Classic Country Ham and Cheese Spread
Relive the charming flavors of mid-century mom and pop stores with this delicious Classic Country Ham and Cheese Spread. This vintage recipe is perfect for sandwiches, delivering a rich, savory taste of fully cooked ham and premium bologna, complemented by the creamy smoothness of American cheese. Sweet pickles and pimientos add a touch of tanginess and depth, while a hint of Karo syrup enhances the natural flavors. This recipe is perfect for creating hearty sandwiches on sesame seed buns or any fresh bakery bread. Ideal for lunch, snacks, or even a delightful picnic, this spread serves a crowd but disappears quickly.
36
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fully cooked ham
3 lbs (Cut into chunks for grinding)
Bologna
1/2 lb (Cut into chunks for grinding)
American cheese
1/2 lb (Cut into chunks for grinding)
Sweet pickles
3 cups (Drained and chopped)
Mayonnaise
32 ounces (Ready to use)
Pimientos
2 ounces (Drained)
Karo syrup
2 tablespoons (Ready to use)
Celery ribs
2 (Peeled to remove strings)
Instructions
1
Step 1: Prepare the Meat and Cheese - Begin by cutting the fully cooked ham, bologna, and American cheese into manageable chunks suitable for grinding.
2
Step 2: Grind Ingredients - Using a meat grinder with a coarse setting, carefully run the ham, bologna, American cheese, sweet pickles, pimientos, and peeled celery ribs through the grinder. This will ensure a uniform and traditional texture for the spread.
3
Step 3: Mix with Condiments - In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat and vegetable mixture with the mayonnaise and Karo syrup. Stir gently with a spoon or spatula until all ingredients are fully incorporated and reach a consistent, spreadable mixture.
4
Step 4: Refrigerate - Transfer the spread into a covered container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
5
Step 5: Serve - To serve, generously spread the chilled mixture onto fresh sesame seed buns or slices of bread. Add a few crisp leaves of lettuce for an added crunch and freshness. Enjoy your classic sandwich delight!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Classic Country Ham and Cheese Spread?
It is a vintage, mid-century inspired sandwich spread featuring fully cooked ham, bologna, and American cheese, perfect for large gatherings.
What meats are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 lbs of fully cooked ham and 1/2 lb of premium bologna.
How much American cheese should I use?
You will need 1/2 lb of American cheese, cut into chunks for grinding.
What is the recommended method for processing the ingredients?
The instructions recommend using a meat grinder with a coarse setting to ensure a uniform and traditional texture.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 36 servings.
Why is Karo syrup included in the ingredients?
Karo syrup is used to enhance the natural flavors of the spread and add a touch of sweetness.
What type of pickles are used in this ham spread?
The recipe uses 3 cups of drained and chopped sweet pickles.
How long should the spread be refrigerated before serving?
The spread should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
What type of bread is best for these sandwiches?
The spread is perfect on fresh sesame seed buns or any high-quality bakery bread.
How should the celery be prepared?
Two celery ribs should be peeled to remove strings before being run through the grinder.
What is the total amount of mayonnaise needed?
The recipe requires a 32-ounce jar of mayonnaise.
Are pimientos included in the recipe?
Yes, the spread includes 2 ounces of drained pimientos for added tanginess and depth.
Is the ham used in this recipe raw or cooked?
The recipe specifically calls for 3 lbs of fully cooked ham.
What is the first step in making this spread?
The first step is to cut the ham, bologna, and cheese into manageable chunks suitable for grinding.
Can I add toppings to the sandwich?
Yes, serving with a few crisp leaves of lettuce is recommended for added crunch and freshness.
What occasions is this spread suitable for?
It is ideal for lunch, snacks, parties, and picnics.
How much Karo syrup is added?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of Karo syrup.
Should the sweet pickles be drained?
Yes, the 3 cups of sweet pickles should be drained and chopped before being added.
How do I mix the ingredients?
In a large bowl, combine the ground mixture with mayonnaise and Karo syrup, then stir gently until consistent.
Is this recipe considered vintage?
Yes, it is described as a vintage recipe that relives the flavors of mid-century mom and pop stores.
How many celery ribs are used?
The recipe uses 2 celery ribs.
What setting should I use on my meat grinder?
A coarse setting is recommended to achieve the correct traditional texture.
Can this spread be made ahead of time?
Yes, the required 2-hour refrigeration period makes it an excellent make-ahead dish.
How do I store leftovers?
Transfer the spread into a covered container and keep it refrigerated.
What is the texture of the finished spread?
It is a creamy, spreadable mixture with a uniform, coarse texture from the ground ingredients.
Does the recipe use a food processor or a grinder?
The instructions specifically mention using a meat grinder for a traditional result.
Is this recipe good for a crowd?
Yes, with 36 servings, it is designed to serve a large number of people.
What preparation is needed for the pimientos?
The pimientos should be drained before being run through the meat grinder.
How many pounds of meat are used in total?
The recipe uses 3.5 lbs of meat in total (3 lbs of ham and 0.5 lb of bologna).
Is this spread savory or sweet?
It is primarily savory and rich, with a touch of tanginess from pickles and a hint of sweetness from the syrup.