What Sauce Goes with Christmas Ham? (11 Sauces)

Christmas ham is one of the most popular holiday dishes and for good reason!

It’s juicy, flavorful, and so easy to make.

But what really takes Christmas ham to the next level are the sauces.

A good sauce can transform a dish and make it even more delicious.

So if you are looking for some ideas for Christmas ham sauces, then you are in the right place.

I’m sharing 11 of the best sauces that go great with Christmas ham including a classic glaze, a honey mustard sauce, a cranberry sauce, and more.

What Sauce Goes with Christmas Ham?

When looking for sauces that go well with Christmas ham, you want to find something that will complement the sweetness of the meat. A good option is a mustard-based sauce, or a fruit glaze. You can also try a savory sauce, like a gravy or an herbed cream sauce.

Still looking for sauce ideas?

Then just keep scrolling!

1. Cranberry Sauce

Ah, cranberry sauce.

Is there anything more festive?

I love to make my own cranberry sauce for Christmas, and it’s so easy!

Just cook down some fresh or frozen cranberries with a bit of sugar and orange juice until they’re nice and thick.

That’s it!

I like to add a splash of Grand Marnier or brandy right at the end for extra flavor, but that’s optional.

2. BBQ Sauce

If you like the smoky and sweet flavor of BBQ sauce, you’ll love it with ham.

I like to make my own BBQ sauce, but you can easily use a store-bought variety.

Just make sure it’s not too sweet or it will overwhelm the flavor of the ham.

A little bit of this sauce goes a long way, so start with a small amount and add more as needed.

3. Chimichurri Sauce

Why not add some beautiful color to your festive table with a chimichurri sauce?

This Argentinian sauce is traditionally made with parsley, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar, but there are endless variations.

I like to add a bit of cumin and smoked paprika to mine for extra depth of flavor.

It’s perfect for spooning over ham or any other roasted meat.

And it couldn’t be easier to make – just throw everything into a blender or food processor and pulse until it reaches the desired consistency.

4. Honey Mustard Sauce

Something magical happens when you mix honey and mustard together.

It’s sweet and tangy and a little bit spicy, and it goes so well with ham.

I like to make a big batch of this sauce at the beginning of the holiday season and keep it in the fridge so I can easily reheat it and serve it with whatever holiday ham we’re having.

It’s also great on sandwiches, as a dipping sauce for chicken fingers, or even just as a condiment on your morning eggs.

5. Chipotle Mayo

You’ll just have to trust me on this one. The smoky, spicy flavor of chipotle chiles goes so well with the rich, salty flavor of ham.

I like to make a simple mayo-based sauce and add a few chopped chipotles (with some of their adobo sauce) to taste.

You could also add a bit of honey or brown sugar to balance out the heat.

Give it a try this holiday season!

6. Marinara Sauce

Red, classy, and full of flavor, marinara is the perfect sauce to serve with your holiday ham.

It’s easy to make from scratch or you can buy a good quality jarred version.

I like to keep things simple and just heat up the sauce and pour it over slices of ham on a platter.

If you want to get fancy, you could add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or some chopped fresh basil leaves.

7. Alfredo Sauce

Alfredo sauce is known for its creamy, cheesy flavor, and it pairs perfectly with ham.

I like to make a batch of homemade Alfredo sauce and keep it in the fridge so I can easily reheat it and serve it over my holiday ham.

The sauce is also great for other dishes, like pasta or chicken.

If you want to try something a little different, you could even use it as a dip for bread or vegetables.

8. Pesto Sauce

If you want a sauce that packs a flavorful punch, pesto is the way to go.

This sauce is traditionally made with basil, but you could easily substitute in other herbs like cilantro or mint.

I like to add a bit of Parmesan cheese for extra richness, but that’s optional.

The key to a good pesto is to use a high-quality olive oil.

I usually start it in the morning and let it cook all day while I’m doing other things around the house.

9. Spicy Tomato Cream Sauce

If you’re a spicy kind of person, this is the sauce for you!

It’s usually made with a can of diced tomatoes, heavy cream, and a whole bunch of different spices.

I like to use a combination of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.

You could also add in some chopped jalapeños if you really want to turn up the heat.

This sauce is delicious served over ham, but it would also be great with chicken or pork chops.

10. Garlic Butter Sauce

If simplicity is important on your holiday table, this garlic butter sauce is the way to go.

It takes just a few minutes to prepare and only requires four ingredients: butter, garlic, salt, and pepper.

I like to make a double batch and keep it in the fridge so I can reheat it as needed throughout the day.

This sauce is delicious on ham, but it would also be great on roasted potatoes or vegetables.

11. Cheese Sauce

Who doesn’t love a good cheese sauce?

I like to make mine with a mix of cheddar and Gruyere, but you could use any type of cheese that you like.

I also add a touch of Dijon mustard for some tanginess and a bit of cornstarch to help thicken it up.

This sauce is delicious served over ham, but it would also be good on roasted vegetables or potatoes.

11. Bolognese Sauce