Ham Salad Sandwiches

There’s something undeniably special about enjoying afternoon tea in London, where the tradition has been perfected over centuries. Whether you’ve indulged in this ritual at an opulent tea room, or a cozy café, the experience is as much about the atmosphere as it is about the food. At the heart of any great afternoon tea lies the humble yet exquisite ham salad sandwich.

But you don’t need to book a flight to London to enjoy this experience. With a few simple ingredients, you can recreate the magic of afternoon tea right in your own home. This sandwich combines creamy, tangy, and savory elements, creating a flavor profile that’s comforting. The saltiness also leaves you thirsty for more tea! 

So whether you’re wanting to recreate an afternoon tea at home for a special occasion, use up some left over ham from a big holiday meal, or simply make ham salad sandwiches for a quick and easy lunch or picnic, we guide you through it step-by-step below.

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Ingredients To Make Ham Salad Sandwiches

When making ham salad sandwiches, the type of ingredients you choose can make all the difference. Here’s a breakdown of each ingredient, with tips on how to select and use them to create the most flavorful and satisfying sandwiches.

What Kind Of Ham To Use For Ham Salad

• Leftover Ham: If you have leftover ham from a holiday meal, this can be an excellent choice. It’s often packed with flavor, especially if it was glazed or seasoned during cooking. Just be sure to trim off any excess fat or overly sweetened portions before chopping it for your salad.
• Deli Ham: If using deli ham, opt for high-quality, thick-cut slices. The thicker, the better, since you want it to hold up to blending into a ham salad. Smoked or honey-baked ham adds an extra layer of flavor, but make sure it’s not too sweet, as it might overpower the other ingredients.
• Canadian Bacon: Canadian bacon can work well if you prefer a leaner option. It has a mild, smoky flavor and a firmer texture, which gives the salad a slightly different but equally delicious taste. It’s also a thicker cut than deli style ham, making it easier to blend into ham salad.

Mayo Choices

• Full-Fat Mayonnaise: For the richest flavor, use full-fat mayonnaise. It adds a smooth, creamy texture that enhances the overall mouthfeel of the sandwich.
• Light Mayonnaise: If you’re looking to cut calories, light mayonnaise can be a good alternative. Just be aware that it might be slightly less creamy, so you may need to add a bit more to achieve the desired consistency.
• Flavored Mayonnaise: For an interesting twist, try using flavored mayonnaise, such as garlic or lemon. This can add a subtle but distinctive flavor to your ham salad.

Cracked Black Pepper

Black pepper adds a subtle heat that enhances the overall flavor of the ham salad. The reason we don’t list salt too is because ham usually is salty on its own. But you could add salt to your own preference too. As for the type of pepper, freshly cracked black pepper will give you the best flavor. Start with 1/2 teaspoon of pepper and adjust to taste. It’s easier to add more than to tone it down if you’ve added too much.

Sweet Relish vs Dill Relish

• Sweet Relish: For a tangy sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory ham and creamy mayonnaise, sweet relish is your best bet. It’s a classic choice for ham salad. Look for one with a good crunch too, as this adds texture to the salad.
• Homemade Relish: If you have homemade sweet relish, this can be a fantastic addition. It often has a fresher taste and a more pronounced flavor than store-bought varieties.
• Dill Relish: For a less sweet option, try dill relish. It adds a tangy, slightly tart flavor that works well with the ham
• Chopped Pickles: If you prefer a chunkier texture (or you simply don’t have relish), use finely chopped pickles instead..

Pro Tip: Drain Excess Liquid. If your relish is particularly juicy, drain it slightly before mixing it into the ham salad. This will prevent the salad from becoming too watery.

What Kind Of Bread Is Best For Ham Salad Sandwiches

The bread is just as important as the filling, providing the perfect vessel for your ham salad. I personally like to use both a white and whole wheat bread for a little color variation if I’m planning an afternoon tea. But if it’s just for lunch or a picnic, any of these breads will do.

• White Bread: Soft, thinly sliced white bread is the traditional choice for afternoon tea sandwiches. It’s mild in flavor and allows the ham salad to shine.
• Whole Wheat Bread: For a slightly nutty flavor and a bit more substance, choose a light whole wheat bread. Make sure it’s still soft and not too dense.
• Brioche or Rolls: For a richer, more indulgent sandwich, consider using brioche or rolls (like milk bread). These options add a slight sweetness that pairs well with the ham salad.

Look for a loaf of bread that is relatively square in shape and thinly sliced. This make it easy to cut of the crusts and still have a uniformly square sandwich shape. Once the sandwiches are put together, you can cut them in half diagonally or vertically to make them into smaller tea sandwiches.  

Removing the bread crusts gives the sandwiches a classic, elegant look and makes them easier to eat. And lightly toasting the bread can add a subtle crunch that contrasts nicely with the creamy filling. Just be careful not to over-toast, as you want the bread to remain soft and easy to bite into. If you’re not serving the sandwiches immediately, cover them with a damp tea towel or plastic wrap to keep the bread soft and fresh.

Step-by-Step: Making Ham Salad Sandwiches

1. Prepare the Ham Salad Filling

Begin by finely chopping the ham, aiming for small, uniform pieces that will blend well with the other ingredients. If you’re channeling the refined precision of a London tea house, you might consider using a food processor to pulse the ham into fine, delicate pieces. Just be careful not to over-process it—you want to keep some texture in the salad.

Add the mayonnaise, cracked black pepper, and sweet relish. The mayonnaise brings a creamy richness, while the relish offers a sweet, tangy contrast that perfectly complements the savory ham. Mix the ingredients until well combined.

Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. The saltiness of your ham will dictate how much seasoning is required. Once you’re happy with the flavor, set the ham salad aside.

2. Prepare the Bread

In London’s top tea rooms, the bread is just as important as the filling. Use a loaf of sandwich bread sliced thin, with the crusts carefully removed. Thin slices create a delicate sandwich that’s easy to eat and looks elegant on the tea tray.

To achieve this, lay each slice of bread flat on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to trim away the crusts. The crusts need not go to waste—they can be repurposed for breadcrumbs or croutons in another recipe.

For a more authentic tea house touch, you might also lightly toast the bread slices. This adds a bit of texture and ensures the bread holds up to the filling.

3. Assemble the Sandwiches

Now it’s time to assemble your sandwiches. Take a slice of bread and spread a generous layer of the ham salad mixture across it, making sure the filling reaches the edges. Top with another slice of bread and gently press down to ensure the sandwich holds together.

Repeat this process until all the filling and bread are used. Depending on the size of your loaf, you should have about 10-12 sandwiches, just enough for an afternoon tea with friends.

4. Cut and Serve

After assembling the sandwiches, it’s time to cut them into bite-sized pieces, reminiscent of the elegant offerings found in London’s tea houses. The traditional shape is small rectangles or triangles, which are easy to handle and perfect for tea time. For a more modern presentation, use a round cookie cutter to create perfectly round sandwiches, which add a touch of sophistication to your tea table.

Arrange the sandwiches on a serving platter. If you’re not serving them immediately, cover them with a damp tea towel or plastic wrap to keep them fresh, just as they would in a London tea room.

Tips for Perfect Ham Salad Sandwiches

Personalize the Flavor: While this recipe offers a classic taste, don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors. Adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard can give your ham salad a pleasant zing, or try substituting the sweet relish with finely chopped pickles or capers for a more tangy profile.

Keep it Fresh: For the best results, these sandwiches should be served fresh. If you’re preparing them in advance, keep the filling and bread separate and assemble just before serving to avoid soggy bread.

Attention to Presentation: Presentation is key to capturing the essence of a London tea house. Arrange your sandwiches on a tiered stand or a decorative platter, and garnish with fresh herbs or edible flowers for that extra touch of elegance.

Pairing Your Ham Salad Sandwiches

Ham salad sandwiches pair beautifully with a variety of teas, just as they do in the tea rooms of London. A classic Earl Grey or English Breakfast tea offers a robust complement to the savory flavors. If you prefer something lighter, consider a delicate white tea or a floral blend like jasmine or chamomile.

To recreate the full afternoon tea experience, serve your ham salad sandwiches alongside scones with clotted cream and jam, an assortment of mini pastries, and, of course, a pot of your favorite tea.

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• Afternoon Tea In London

Originally published in 2016. Updated in 2024.