15+ BEST Sauces for Ham — Get ready to elevate your ham dishes to a new level with our collection of the 15+ BEST Sauces for Ham!
Whether serving up a succulent ham roast for a holiday feast, a casual weekend brunch, or simply looking to breathe new life into your leftover ham, these delectable sauces will transform every bite into a flavor-packed delight.
From sweet and fruity glazes to tangy and savory accompaniments, these sauces cater to various tastes, ensuring that your ham dishes are a resounding success. Join us on a saucy adventure as we explore these mouthwatering options that will have you savoring every moment of your ham-centric meals.
15+ BEST Sauces for Ham
Here’s a selection of 15+ BEST Sauces for Ham, each with a flavorful description to tantalize your taste buds:
Honey Mustard Glaze: A classic favorite, this glaze combines the sweetness of honey with the zesty kick of Dijon mustard. It creates a luscious, sticky coating on your ham that balances the saltiness and adds a delightful tang.
Pineapple Glaze: Embrace the tropical vibe with a pineapple glaze. The juicy sweetness of crushed pineapple, brown sugar, and a touch of cinnamon add a sunny twist to your ham.
Maple Bourbon Glaze: Elevate your ham with the richness of maple syrup and the depth of bourbon. This glaze has a delightful complexity with a hint of smokiness and warmth.
Brown Sugar and Pineapple Glaze: A variation of the pineapple glaze, this one includes brown sugar for extra caramelization and a deeper sweetness. It’s a fantastic choice for spiral-cut hams.
Instant Pot Orange Marmalade Glaze: Tangy, bittersweet orange marmalade makes a ham glaze. Its vibrant citrus notes complement the ham’s richness beautifully.
Instant Pot Cherry Sauce: A sweet cherry sauce made with fresh or frozen cherries, sugar, and a touch of lemon juice adds a fruity, tart contrast to your ham’s savory flavors.
Instant Pot Cranberry-Orange Relish: This zesty cranberry and orange relish provides a burst of brightness and acidity, balancing the richness of the ham. Fresh cranberries, orange zest, and a hint of sugar create a harmonious topping.
Brown Sugar and Mustard Glaze: A simple yet delicious combination, this glaze features brown sugar and yellow mustard. It offers a sweet and tangy profile with a lovely caramelized finish.
Apricot-Ginger Glaze: Embrace the exotic with an apricot-ginger glaze. Apricot preserves and grated fresh ginger come together to deliver a fruity, spicy punch to your ham.
Rum Raisin Sauce: Elevate your ham with a sauce featuring dark rum-soaked raisins. Combining rum, brown sugar, and plump raisins creates a delectably boozy and fruity glaze.
Fig and Balsamic Reduction: A sophisticated choice, this sauce combines fig preserves and balsamic vinegar. It offers a sweet and tangy contrast that complements the savory nature of ham.
Horseradish Cream Sauce: A horseradish cream sauce is perfect if you prefer a bit of heat. Sour cream, horseradish, Dijon mustard, and a dash of lemon juice create a tangy, pungent sauce.
Tamarind Glaze: Tamarind paste combined with brown sugar and spices adds a unique sweet and tangy flavor profile to your ham. It’s a delightful twist on traditional glazes.
Instant Pot Apple Butter Glaze: Capture the essence of autumn with apple butter glaze. Its rich apple-cinnamon flavor infuses your ham with warmth and sweetness.
Cider Dijon Sauce: This sauce combines apple cider, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar for a balanced, sweet, and tangy finish that pairs wonderfully with ham.
These 15+ BEST Sauces for Ham offer delightful flavors to complement your ham dishes. Whether you prefer sweet, tangy, or savory, these sauces will add a burst of deliciousness to your meals, making your ham the star of the show. Enjoy exploring these flavorful options!
Pro Tips
To achieve the perfect sauce for your ham, consider these pro tips:
- Balance Sweetness and Tanginess: Strive for a harmonious balance between the sweetness and tanginess of your sauce. Adjust the sugar, vinegar, or citrus juice to achieve the desired flavor profile.
- Experiment with Spices: Don’t be afraid to experiment with spices like cinnamon, cloves, allspice, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper. Spices can add depth and complexity to your sauce.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh ingredients like citrus zest, grated ginger, or freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors of your sauce.
- Gradual Glazing: When applying the sauce to your ham, do it gradually. Brush on a layer, then bake or broil briefly to set it. Repeat this process a few times to build up a flavorful glaze.
- Consider Heat Levels: Be mindful of the heat levels in your sauce. If you’re adding chili or hot sauce, remember that the heat can intensify as the sauce cooks, so use them sparingly if you prefer a milder sauce.
- Quality Maple Syrup: If using maple syrup, opt for pure maple syrup rather than pancake syrup for a richer and more authentic flavor.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage can add a delightful herbal aroma and flavor to your sauce. Tie them in a bundle and simmer them in the sauce, removing them before serving.
- Thicken if Needed: If your sauce is too thin, you can thicken it with a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with a small amount of cold water) or by reducing it further on low heat.
- Rest Your Ham: Allow your ham to rest a few minutes after cooking before slicing and serving. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a juicy and flavorful result.
- Make Extra: Consider making extra sauce for serving at the table. Guests can add more sauce to their portions if desired, ensuring everyone gets the perfect flavor.
- Pairing Suggestions: Think about the other components of your meal when choosing or creating a sauce. Consider how the sauce complements side dishes and accompaniments.
With these pro tips in mind, you can craft sauces that enhance the flavors of your ham and make every meal a culinary delight. Whether cooking for a special occasion or enjoying a weeknight dinner, a well-crafted sauce can take your ham to the next level.
Faq’s
What types of ham are best paired with sauces? Sauces can enhance the flavor of various types of ham, including baked ham, spiral-cut ham, smoked ham, and even leftover ham slices. The choice of sauce often depends on personal preference and the occasion.
Can I make sauces in advance and refrigerate them? Yes, many sauces for ham can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This can be especially convenient when planning a special occasion or holiday meal. Just reheat or bring the sauce to room temperature before serving.
Are there vegetarian or vegan options for ham sauces? Absolutely! There are vegetarian and vegan sauce options available. For instance, you can create a vegan glaze using ingredients like maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and plant-based butter. These sauces work well with vegetarian or vegan ham alternatives.
Can I adjust the sweetness or spiciness of ham sauces? Yes, you have full control over the sweetness and spiciness of your ham sauces. Adjust the sugar, honey, or spices amount to achieve your desired flavor profile. Remember to taste and make incremental changes as needed.
What side dishes pair well with ham and its sauces? Ham sauces can complement a wide range of side dishes. Consider serving ham with classics like mashed potatoes, green beans, cornbread, or roasted vegetables. The choice of sides can vary based on the sauce and your preferences.
Can I use leftover sauce for other dishes? Yes, leftover ham sauces can often be used in other recipes. For example, a sweet and spicy sauce can be used as a glaze for grilled chicken or as a dipping sauce for appetizers.
Are there gluten-free options for ham sauces? Absolutely! Many ham sauce recipes can be easily adapted to be gluten-free by using gluten-free flour, tamari sauce (instead of soy sauce), and other gluten-free ingredients. Always check labels to ensure gluten-free compliance.
How can I prevent my ham sauce from becoming too thick or too thin? To prevent your sauce from becoming too thick, gradually add liquid (such as broth or water) while stirring. If your sauce is too thin, you can thicken it with a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) or simmer it longer to reduce excess liquid.
