13 Delicious Sauces That Pair Perfectly with Ham

Ham is a beloved main dish for holidays, Sunday dinners, and anytime meals. While ham’s salty, savory flavor shines on its own, the right sauce can take your ham to new culinary heights. The possibilities for amazing ham sauces are nearly endless!

In this article, we’ll explore 13 of the best sauces to serve with baked, grilled, or glazed ham From sweet glazes to savory chutneys and salsas, these recipes complement the pork flavors With the perfect sauce, ham becomes an unforgettable centerpiece.

So read on to discover new ways to sauce up your ham and wow your family or dinner guests. Let’s get saucy!

Sweet Glazes

For special occasion hams, a beautifully lacquered and shiny glaze never fails to impress. Brushing the ham with a sticky, sweet glaze during the last 30 minutes of baking results in irresistible flavor and presentation. Here are some stellar sweet glaze options:

Brown Sugar Glaze

A brown sugar glaze spiked with cinnamon and ginger gives baked ham warmth and spice. The brown sugar caramelizes into a shiny, crackly crust brimming with sweetness.

Orange Marmalade Glaze

Orange marmalade and honey create a bright, citrusy glaze. Marmalade’s bittersweet flavor balances the honey’s sweetness. Studding the glaze with cloves adds warmth.

Maple Bourbon Glaze

Nothing says “celebration ham” like a maple bourbon glaze! Maple syrup and bourbon combine for a sweet, sophisticated flavor with a subtle boozy kick.

Cherry Cola Glaze

Kids and adults alike will love the sweet-tart blast of cherry cola flavor on this glaze. Cherry preserves, cola, brown sugar, mustard, and spices make it finger-licking good.

Savory Sauces

While sweet glazes pair wonderfully with ham, savory sauces also complement the salty meat. Here are some fantastic savory sauces for ham:

Pineapple Chutney

Pineapple chutney offers a fruity counterpoint to ham’s richness. Red bell pepper, jalapeño, ginger, and cilantro round out the flavors.

Honey Mustard Sauce

For picnic-style baked ham, a zippy honey mustard sauce hits the spot. Mix Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice and herbs for a tangy complement.

Red Pepper Jelly

The sweet-spicy flavor of red pepper jelly makes a fun change of pace from traditional ham sauces. Kick it up with some hot sauce if you like heat!

Creole Rémoulade

A rémoulade sauce spiked with Creole mustard, horseradish, paprika and herbs puts ham over the top. The piquant, creamy sauce pairs perfectly with biscuits and ham.

Global Sauces for Ham

Think beyond theusual American glazes and get inspired by international flavors. Global sauces lend exciting new dimensions to your holiday ham.

Mole Sauce

Rich, complex Mexican mole sauce intrigues the palate with spices like chili powder, cumin, cinnamon and chocolate. Spoon it over slices of baked ham.

Thai Peanut Sauce

Asian peanut sauces make a delicious pairing for ham’s salty savoriness. Add Thai chiles and lime juice for a kick of heat and brightness.

Rhubarb Chutney

In England, a sweet-tart rhubarb chutney is served with ham, roast pork or poultry. Simmer rhubarb with ginger, onions, sugar and vinegar.

Greek Tzatziki

Cool, creamy tzatziki sauce – made from yogurt, cucumber, dill, garlic and olive oil – complements hot slices of baked ham. A Mediterranean twist!

How to Pick the Perfect Ham Sauce

With so many options for saucing up your ham, how do you choose? Here are some tips:

• Match intensity – pair bold glazes with hearty baked or smoked ham. Go lighter with fresh salsa on grilled ham.

• Consider the meal – sauces like mole or peanut sauce can help a ham meal feel more special.

• Watch sweetness – if your ham is already glazed, pair with a savory sauce to prevent overload.

• Highlight seasons – bright spring chutneys, summery salsas, or autumnal sauces showcase seasonal flavors.

• Know your audience – kids may prefer fruity glazes or sweet sauces. Adults can appreciate more complex flavors.

• Get inspired! Use favorite international cuisines to discover new ham pairings.

Trust your tastes and have fun playing with different sauces. From sticky-sweet to spicy-tangy, the right sauce makes ham memorable.

Now that your sauce inspiration is flowing, it’s time to fire up the oven or grill and get ready to sauce up some spectacular ham! Dinners and holidays are about to get a whole lot more delicious.