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Easy Spider Deviled Ham Salad Bites: 15-Min Halloween Party Appetizer

spider deviled ham salad bites - featured image

These spooky yet savory spider deviled ham salad bites are a quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing Halloween appetizer made with simple pantry staples like smoked ham, cream cheese, and pickles.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup finely diced smoked ham
  • 1 block (8 oz) full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup finely diced dill pickles, patted dry
  • 2 tablespoons finely minced red onion
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon or yellow mustard
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
  • 1 small can sliced black olives, drained and patted dry
  • Optional: Paprika or fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Finely dice the smoked ham and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
  2. Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened; microwave in 5-second bursts if necessary, but do not melt.
  3. Add the softened cream cheese, diced pickles, minced red onion, mustard, and chopped chives to the bowl with the ham.
  4. Fold the ingredients together with a spatula until evenly distributed and consistent in texture.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up the mixture.
  6. While the mixture chills, drain and pat dry the sliced black olives.
  7. Remove the bowl from the fridge. Take about 1 tablespoon of the ham mixture and roll it into a ball, then flatten slightly to create a round body.
  8. Place two olive slices on one side of the ham ball and two on the other to create legs, pressing them gently into the mixture.
  9. Add two small pieces of olive or a drop of cream cheese to the front of the ham ball to create eyes.
  10. Place the assembled spiders on a platter and refrigerate for another 15 minutes to set before serving.

Notes

Ensure pickles and olives are patted dry to prevent the filling from becoming soggy. Do not skip the chilling step as it helps the cream cheese hold its shape. If the mixture is sticky, wet your hands slightly with cold water. These are best served chilled and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Do not freeze.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween appetizer, deviled ham, spider bites, party food, easy appetizer, gluten-free, low-carb, cream cheese, smoked ham