Spicy Cherry Sauce For Ham
A vibrant, spicy cherry sauce with warm cinnamon and cloves, perfect for glazing ham and adding a sweet-tangy kick to your holiday table.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sugar, salt, and cornstarch in a saucepan.
- Stir in orange juice and lemon juice.
- Add undrained cherries, cinnamon stick, cloves, and red food coloring.
- Cook, stirring constantly, over medium heat until mixture thickens and comes to a boil.
- Boil for 2 minutes.
- Remove cinnamon stick and cloves. Serve warm with ham.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker sauce, consider adding a tablespoon of cornstarch dissolved in water after the mixture boils. If you can't find tart cherries, sweet cherries can be used, but reduce the sugar slightly. A splash of balsamic vinegar could also enhance the flavor profile. Stirring constantly is key to prevent the sauce from burning. This sauce can also be used with Crock Pot Meat for an added flavor twist.
Serving Suggestions
This spicy cherry sauce pairs beautifully with ham, making it a perfect addition to holiday meals. For a complete dinner, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes. It can also complement sandwiches made with leftover ham. Consider adding a side of Hot Shoestring Potato Salad for a delicious meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cherry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, to avoid overheating and burning.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Cherry Sauce For Ham contains roughly 169 calories, with 3g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value), iron (27% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. It also contributes 12g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 use frozen cherries instead of canned?
Yes, frozen cherries can be used in place of canned cherries. Just make sure to thaw them and drain excess liquid before adding them to the sauce. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to achieve the desired thickness.
How spicy is this sauce?
The spice level primarily comes from the cinnamon and cloves, giving it a warm flavor rather than heat. If you're looking for a more intense kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mix.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! This sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for a week. Making it in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just reheat gently before serving to ensure it's warm and ready to enhance your ham dish.
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).