This carefully selected list of sauces for ham can transform traditional into unforgettable. This list has everything you could want, from the creamy richness of Horseradish Cream Sauce and the fiery kick of Hot Mustard to the sweetness of a Brown Sugar Glaze.

 

Each sauce in this collection is designed to complement and enhance the natural flavors of ham, bringing extra cheer to any holiday meal. Whether you’re seeking a sweet glaze or a spicy glaze, these sauces promise to transform your meal into a culinary masterpiece.

Picking a sauce for your holiday ham

When it comes to complementing the flavors of a classic ham, the right sauce can make all the difference. That’s why we’ve rounded up a diverse selection of ham sauces, each offering its own distinct flair and set of flavors.

From the zesty tang of a homemade horseradish cream sauce to the bold and fiery notes of a hot mustard sauce, there’s something in this collection for every palate. For those who prefer sweeter sauces for ham, a cranberry glaze or a bourbon orange glaze might be the perfect match, adding a fruity and festive note to the ham. Meanwhile, a classic like the blue cheese sauce offers a creamy and bold taste that’s sure to be a hit with blue cheese lovers.

In addition to providing a burst of flavor, these sauces also add a touch of elegance and festivity to your meal, making them perfect for special occasions and holiday gatherings. Each sauce has the ability to bring out the natural flavors of the ham while adding its own unique touch.

Whether you’re hosting a large family dinner or preparing a special meal for a festive occasion, the right ham sauce can elevate your dish from ordinary to extraordinary. So, explore these options and discover how a simple sauce can transform your ham into a centerpiece that’s both delicious and memorable.

1. Pineapple Ham Glaze

Sweet pineapple sauce is a game changer for a holiday ham. It’s a sweet and tangy mix, combining pineapple’s zesty kick with the caramel-like richness of brown sugar. 

This glaze takes ordinary ham and turns it into something special, balancing out its saltiness with a deliciously sweet and sticky coating. A go-to for adding that extra something to a meal, this glaze is sure to be a hit every time.

2. Brown Sugar Ham Glaze

Brown sugar ham glaze brings a comforting, homemade touch to any ham dish. This easy-to-make recipe combines the sweetness of brown sugar with the warmth of cinnamon and allspice, creating a sweet glaze with just the right amount of spice. 

It’s the perfect way to add a special, home-cooked flavor to ham, similar to a honey baked ham, making it a standout dish at any meal. Just brush it on, and the glaze does the magic, turning the ham into a mouth-watering centerpiece that everyone will want to enjoy again and again.​

3. Honey Mustard Ham Glaze

Nothing says delicious sauce for a holiday ham like this honey mustard ham glaze! The sauce for this ham recipe combines honey, whole grain mustard, dijon mustard, and brown sugar, creating a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy coating. 

This honey mustard sauce not only adds a delicious caramelized crust to the ham but also enhances its overall taste with a perfect balance of flavors. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that promises to make the ham a standout dish on any menu.​

4. BBQ Sauce

You can’t go wrong with classic sauces for ham like BBQ! It’s a homestyle favorite, effortlessly blending brown sugar, ketchup, and a dash of apple cider vinegar with select spices. 

Simmered to perfection, it creates a harmonious mix of sweet, tangy, and subtly spicy flavors. This sauce, easy to make, is perfect for those who cherish adding a personal, flavorful touch to ham dinner.

5. Cola Glazed Ham

This sauce makes each slice of ham juicy, flavorful, and utterly irresistible. Coca-Cola Glazed Ham with Brown Sugar is an all-time favorite, especially during the holidays. 

A delicious ham recipe, it’s a delightful twist on the traditional ham glaze, using the unique sweetness of Coca-Cola combined with the rich depth of brown sugar. 

6. Mustard Bourbon Glaze Ham

This unique ham sauce recipe is perfect for any special occasion. It combines the rich, smooth flavors of bourbon with the fresh, citrusy zest of orange and the tanginess of Dijon mustard, creating an irresistible layer over the ham. 

As it cooks, the glaze caramelizes, infusing the ham with sweetness and a hint of citrus and earthy flavor, complementing its natural savory taste. Its mouth-watering aroma and glistening glaze make it a star at any dining table.

7. Raisin Sauce

Easy raisin sauce is a game-changer for any ham recipe. It’s a sweet and tangy addition, loaded with juicy raisins to add a nice twist to the typical holiday ham. 

The raisins really soak up the sauce, making every bite a delightful mix of savory ham and sweet, tender raisins. It’s easy to whip up and turns your ordinary ham into something guests will be talking about long after dinner is done!

8. Cumberland Sauce

Imagine a zesty, fruity sauce with a tangy kick, just waiting to jazz up your meats — that’s where Cumberland sauce comes in. It’s a little sweet, a little tart, and packed with flavors like orange, lemon, and a hint of mustard and ginger. 

This delicious sauce is not just a condiment; it’s a showstopper. It’s surprisingly easy to make and brings a gourmet twist to everything it touches. 

9. Dijon Mustard Cream Sauce

Dijon mustard cream sauce is a dreamy addition to any holiday meal. Imagine a smooth, creamy sauce with just the right amount of zing from Dijon mustard, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.

This is one of those flavorful sauces for ham that’s rich yet not overpowering, making it ideal to pair with your holiday ham. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, adding a gourmet feel to your dinner without any fuss.

10. Cranberry Ham Glaze

With its vibrant color and tangy-sweet flavor, cranberry glaze is a delicious sauce that brings a delightful twist to the traditional flavors of ham. Made with fresh cranberries, it adds a pop of festive flair to any dish, especially during the holidays. 

It’s incredibly simple to make and pairs beautifully with meats, giving them a zesty, fruity lift. This glaze is a surefire way to spruce up your meal and impress your guests with its bold, bright taste.

11. Ham Gravy

Ham gravy is the unsung hero of comfort food, turning the flavors of a cooked ham into a rich, savory sauce. It’s smooth, it’s hearty, and it wraps every bite of your meal in a warm, delicious embrace. 

This gravy is more than just a topping; it’s a game-changer for any ham dish, adding depth and character. Easy to make with drippings and a few simple ingredients, it’s the perfect way to take a meal from ordinary to extraordinary. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to pour this goodness over everything!

12. Blue Cheese Sauce

This is one of those sauces for ham that takes on more of a luxurious twist to traditional sauces. It blends the bold, tangy flavors of blue cheese with the rich depth of ham. Its rich and creamy texture, combined with the distinct sharpness of blue cheese, creates a luxurious complement to the meat. Great to use as a dipping sauce for your ham.

13. Hot Mustard Sauce

This hot mustard sauce recipe adds an exciting twist and a zesty spark to your meal. This sauce combines the tangy depth of mustard with a hint of heat, creating a perfect balance that enhances the savory flavors of the ham.

Easy to whip up, this hot mustard sauce is ideal for those looking to add a little punch to any ham recipe. It’s a surefire way to impress at the dinner table, turning every holiday ham slice into a mouthwatering delight!

14. Horseradish Sauce

This is a bold and creamy addition that truly transforms your dish. The sharp, peppery kick from the horseradish pairs perfectly with the rich, smooth creaminess of the sauce, creating a delightful contrast with the savory ham. 

This delicious sauce is more than just a topping — it’s an experience, adding a lively burst of flavor to every bite. Easy to whip up, it’s a fantastic way to add a gourmet touch to your meal of ham, ham slices, or ham steak.

15. Apricot Glaze

This apricot glaze recipe uses apricot jam to add delicious sweetness to your ham. Made with just a few simple ingredients, this sauce recipe is the perfect addition to your ham dinner.

More easy sauce recipes

• Sauces for salmon
• Chicken wing sauces
• Sweet potato fry sauce
• Breakfast sauce

Things to serve with ham

There are many different side dishes for ham, so many that we made a list of over 30 ham side dishes. A few favorites include:

• Mashed potatoes
• Pineapple casserole
• Tennessee onions

If you made any of these ham sauces be sure to let me know in the comments.