Ham Sauce
Ham Sauce is a rich, sweet, and tangy accompaniment featuring the deep flavor of ham drippings combined with raisins, brown sugar, and a hint of vinegar and lemon juice. Its balanced sweetness and acidity make it perfect for glazing ham or serving alongside roasted meats, adding a delightful glaze and flavor boost.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend cornstarch, dry mustard, and salt into the ham drippings.
- Add water, brown sugar, and raisins to the mixture.
- Cook and stir until the mixture is clear and slightly thickened.
- Stir in vinegar and lemon juice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother sauce, ensure the cornstarch is well blended with the ham drippings before adding liquids. If you don’t have dry mustard, you can use Dijon mustard as a substitute, adjusting the quantity to taste. You can also experiment with other dried fruits like chopped apricots or cranberries instead of raisins for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This ham sauce is excellent drizzled over grilled meats or served alongside roasted vegetables. It pairs beautifully with Mashed Potato Hot Dish or Good Green Beans for a complete meal. Consider serving it with crusty bread to soak up all the flavors, making it a delightful addition to your next family gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover ham sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water to achieve the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham Sauce contains roughly 355 calories, with 0g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2342mg per serving (102% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ham sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this ham sauce ahead of time. It actually benefits from resting, as the flavors meld together. Simply cool it completely, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat it when you're ready to serve.
What can I use instead of ham drippings?
If you don’t have ham drippings, you can use butter or olive oil for sautéing. For added flavor, consider adding a small amount of smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the richness of the drippings.
Is it possible to make this sauce vegetarian?
Yes, to create a vegetarian version of this sauce, substitute the ham drippings with vegetable broth or a mix of olive oil and a bit of soy sauce for depth. Adjust the seasoning accordingly to ensure a balanced flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).