Transform the star of your holiday feast with these utterly delicious sauces for ham!
From classic barbecue to creamy gravy, the possibilities are endless.
The right sauce makes all the difference at dinnertime. Whether it’s the festive season or a regular family dinner, sauce isn’t something to skip.
Luckily, with this treasure trove of flavors at your fingertips, you won’t have to!
Ready? Let’s dig into a world of sauces for ham and make your next feast one to remember.
1. Pineapple Glaze for Ham
This delightful glaze transforms the robust flavors of ham with a touch of tropical paradise.
Crafted with sweet, tangy pineapple juice, it perfectly complements holiday ham.
Plus, it’s infused with warm spices for a delicate complement to the fruity flavor.
It creates a harmonious dance of flavors on the palate. Every bite transports you to a sun-kissed beach, making it an ideal choice for summer feasts.
2. Orange Ham Glaze
Do you enjoy a citrusy twirl to your ham? Orange ham glaze is an exquisite choice.
It’s infused with mustard, cinnamon, and warm spices for a delicate hint of richness.
The zing of the thickened orange juice mingles with the savory undertones of salty ham so well.
This glaze is bursting with the vivacity of citrus. And it’s a fresh and lively option. It’s suitable for any season and will be a conversation starter at any dinner table.
3. Raisin Sauce for Ham
Drawing inspiration from age-old culinary traditions, raisin sauce brings a delicate balance of sweet, fruity goodness.
The raisins are plumped up in a warm, spiced sauce and offer sweetness with every bite.
Not only that, but you get a nice texture, too!
It’s reminiscent of age-old holiday gatherings. Perfect for those who treasure a touch of tradition in their meals.
4. BBQ Sauce
There’s something undeniably comforting about the smoky, tangy richness of a good BBQ sauce.
Its rich, savory flavors make it an evergreen favorite, especially over savory dishes like brisket.
Whether brushed over ham or served on the side for dipping, BBQ sauce will surely deliver.
5. Bourbon Glaze
This bourbon glaze is my go-to when I want to elevate a ham to gourmet standards.
It’s infused with deep, oak-aged bourbon flavors, bringing a warm, caramel-like richness to every forkful.
And believe it or not, you only need sugar, maple syrup, and, of course, bourbon. The result is a glaze that’s both sophisticated and indulgent.
6. Honey Mustard Sauce
This sauce is the epitome of culinary balance.
The natural sweetness of honey pairs seamlessly with the zesty kick of mustard. It creates a sauce that’s both nuanced and versatile.
It’s a brilliant addition to ham, cutting through its rich flavors with a touch of creaminess.
Honey mustard sauce is ideal for enjoying a sweet, tangy edge to your savory dishes.
7. Apricot Glaze
Do you want to add a burst of sunny flavors to your next ham dinner? This apricot glaze is a dream come true.
Made with sticky-sweet apricot jam, it introduces a fruity, slightly tart essence to the salty meat.
Trust me – this sauce will bring a touch of sunshine to any gathering.
8. Cranberry Sauce
No holiday table is complete without the vibrant hues and tangy flavors of cranberry sauce.
With its rich crimson color, this sauce adds a visual pop to the plate and a tantalizing tartness.
And you can even use leftover cranberry sauce to make something fun the next day.
9. Maple Glaze
Bring some fall flavor to the table with this rich, sweet maple glaze.
That signature taste is a surprisingly perfect pairing to salty meat. But it’s not just about flavors – it adds a glossy sheen, making the ham even more appetizing.
It’s like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket on a crisp fall day – comforting, familiar, and oh-so-delicious.
10. Ham Gravy
If there’s anything that screams hearty and homey, it’s a well-made ham gravy.
This sauce, crafted from the drippings and juices of cooked ham, carries the meat’s flavor like no other.
Silky in texture and robust taste, it’s the perfect companion to a slice of ham.
It’s mixed with cream, flour, and butter, ensuring each bite is dripping with creamy goodness.
11. Horseradish Sauce
Horseradish sauce is not for the faint-hearted.
Made from the grated root of the horseradish plant, it offers an unmistakable fiery kick.
It’s immediately followed by a creamy cool-down, thanks to sour cream and mayo, though.
The sauce’s boldness cuts through the meat’s rich, salty profile leaving you a perfectly balanced bite.
12. Tangy Ham Sauce
Tangy ham sauce is a fun middle ground where sweet meets sour.
It’s made with a rice wine vinegar base, and sweetened with brown sugar and maple syrup.
The silky texture comes from the addition of egg yolks. Sounds odd, I know, but it makes it super rich.
13. Ginger Ale Ham Glaze
The idea of using a fizzy drink in a glaze is as innovative as it is delicious.
With its mild spiciness and sweet undertones, ginger ale makes for an intriguing ingredient.
It thickens into a luscious, shimmering sauce when reduced with brown sugar and fig jam.
Brushed onto the ham, it caramelizes beautifully, adding a crispy exterior.
13 Best Sauces for Ham
8
servings5
minutes15
minutes95
kcalTransform the star of your holiday feast with these utterly delicious sauces for ham! From classic barbecue to creamy gravy, the possibilities are endless. But this pineapple glaze is my all-time favorite!
Ingredients
1 cup pineapple juice (from a can)
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 cup crushed pineapple
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon butter
salt, to taste
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over low-medium heat, warm the brown sugar and pineapple juice. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the cornstarch and continue mixing until the sauce thickens.
- Remove the pan from the heat. Add the crushed pineapple, apple cider vinegar, and butter. Stir until smooth and glossy, then season to taste with the salt.
- Serve with roasted ham and enjoy.
Notes
- Thin the sauce with a splash of water.
- For a smooth glaze, leave out the crushed pineapple.
- Add cinnamon for depth of flavor or red pepper flakes for heat.
