Deviled Ham Spread
Canned ham mixed with peanut butter and mayo into a shelf-stable trail sandwich filling.
- calories
- 490
- weight
- 4 oz
- cal / oz
- 123
- protein
- 14 g
- serves
- 1, scales
- prep
- 2 min
- cook
- 0 min
- total time
- 2 min
- water
- none
- cost
- $
Calorie and protein figures are my own estimates, good enough for planning a food bag and not meant as precise nutrition data.
- Lunch
- No cook
- Day hike
- Backpacking
- Eat in the bag
- Grab and go
- Shelf stable
- Dump and stir
Ingredients
| Canned deviled ham | 1 oz | about 1/4 of a standard 4.25 oz can; single-portion containers exist |
|---|---|---|
| Unsweetened peanut butter | 1.5 tbsp | or Sunbutter for nut-free |
| Mayonnaise | 1.5 tbsp | use individual packets on trail for shelf-stability |
| Yellow mustard | 1 tsp | one standard mustard packet |
| Bread or tortilla | 2 slices | pack sturdy, compact bread; wraps weigh less |
Method
- Combine deviled ham, peanut butter, mayo, and mustard into a small container or reusable bag.
- Stir for about a minute until the mixture is uniformly thick.
- Spread generously onto bread or wrap.
- Eat immediately or wrap sandwiches for lunch.
This is a shelf-stable sandwich filling from the Great Depression that turned out to be trail-perfect. Deviled ham is intensely salty—exactly what your body needs to replace sodium and electrolytes—and the mayo and peanut butter buffer that saltiness while delivering dense calories. None of it requires refrigeration if you use packets.
The real trick is the combination. Canned ham alone is too dry; mayo alone is too bland. Together they become something that sticks to bread and stays interesting for a full day of hiking. Mix fresh at camp to avoid a stale sandwich, or pre-mix at home and work through it in the first few days of a trip.
Packing
Carry a 4.25 oz can of deviled ham or buy single-portion containers. Bring individual packets of peanut butter, mayo, and mustard. Mix at camp just before eating, or pre-mix the filling at home and carry it in a small jar for the first few days of a trip.
Variations
- Sunbutter replaces peanut butter 1:1 for a nut-free option.
- A pinch of cayenne or hot sauce packet adds spice to the mix.
- Regular sliced canned ham works if deviled ham isn't available; add extra mayo to prevent drying.
https://trailcooking.com/2024/06/02/the-savory-great-depression-sandwich-you-need-in-your-pack