What Sauce Goes with Cold Ham? (13 Tasty Sauces)

When it comes to ham, there are so many delicious ways to enjoy it.

Ham is a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed cold or hot, in sandwiches or as a main dish.

And while ham is delicious on its own, it’s even better when paired with the right sauce.

So if you are wondering what sauces go well with cold ham, then you are in the right place.

I’m sharing 13 of the best sauces for cold ham including honey mustard, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, and more.

What Sauce Goes with Cold Ham?

When dealing with a cold ham, you will want to focus on a sauce that is creamy and has a good deal of acidity to it. This will help to cut through the fat of the ham and provide a much needed flavor contrast. A great sauce to pair with cold ham is one that contains Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and sour cream.

Still looking for sauce ideas?

Then just keep scrolling!

1. BBQ Sauce

If you like the sweet and slightly smoky flavor of BBQ sauce, then you’ll love it on cold ham.

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

Just slather it on the ham and let it sit for a few minutes so the flavors can meld together.

If you want, you can even put it under the broiler for a minute or two to get a nice char on the edges.

2. Chimichurri Sauce

Chimichurri always looks pretty on a plate, but its flavor is what really makes it shine.

This Argentinean sauce, which is traditionally made with parsley, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar, has a bright, herbaceous flavor that pairs well with rich meats like ham.

It’s also good on grilled chicken or fish, so don’t be afraid to experiment.

The best part about chimichurri is that it’s incredibly easy to make – just throw all the ingredients into a blender or food processor and pulse until it reaches the desired consistency.

3. Honey Mustard Sauce

If you want to go the safe route, you can’t go wrong with a honey mustard sauce.

This sweet and tangy sauce is easy to make and goes well with just about anything.

I like to use it as a dipping sauce for cold ham or as a spread on sandwiches.

To make the sauce, simply mix together equal parts honey and mustard.

You can add a bit of vinegar or lemon juice if you want it to be more tangy.

4. Chipotle Mayo

I bet you’ve tried this sauce on a burger before and loved it, but have you ever tried it with cold ham?

The sweetness of the honey pairs perfectly with the smokiness of the chipotle peppers, and the mayo helps to keep the whole thing from drying out.

Just mix together some mayo, honey, and chipotle peppers (I like to use the ones in adobo sauce) to taste.

It’s great on a sandwich or even just as a dip for your cold ham.

5. Marinara Sauce

Sometimes the classy choices are the best ones.

When it comes to pairing a sauce with cold ham, there’s really no need to overthink it – go with a classic marinara sauce and you can’t go wrong.

The acidity of the tomatoes pairs perfectly with the salty ham, and the herbs add a nice touch of flavor.

Plus, it’s easy to find jarred marinara sauces that are already seasoned and ready to go – just heat and serve.

6. Alfredo Sauce

Or maybe you prefer something creamy and thick to coat your ham slices.

A classic alfredo sauce is always a good choice, and it couldn’t be easier to make.

1. Just combine some butter, heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese in a pot and let it simmer until thickened.
2. Season it with salt and pepper to taste and you’re good to go!

7. Pesto Sauce

Pesto comes with a flavor punch that can really liven up a dish.

It’s 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 flavor, but that’s optional.

The key to a good pesto is to use a food processor or blender so the ingredients combine well and create a smooth sauce.

I usually make a big batch and then freeze it in ice cube trays so I can have it on hand for when I need it.

8. Spicy Tomato Cream Sauce

When you’re craving something spicy and creamy, this Spicy Tomato Cream Sauce is the perfect addition to your dish.

The sauce is made with a blend of tomatoes, cream, and spices, and it’s absolutely delicious when paired with cold ham.

I like to add a bit of cayenne pepper to really give it a kick, but you can adjust the amount of spice to suit your taste.

This sauce also goes well with other proteins like chicken or fish, so feel free to experiment.

9. Garlic Butter Sauce

When making this sauce, I like to keep it super simple by just using garlic, butter, and a little bit of salt.

If you want to get fancy, you could add in some fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.

This sauce is delicious on all kinds of pasta, but I especially love it with cold ham.

The salty ham pairs perfectly with the rich garlic butter sauce.

Just make sure you don’t use too much ham or the dish will be too salty.

10. Cheese Sauce

Sometimes I just feel in a cheesy mood, and when I do, this is the sauce I turn to.

It’s simple to make and can be used in a lot of different ways.

I like to add it to cold ham sandwiches or use it as a dip for pretzels.

You could also use it as a pasta sauce or pour it over some steamed vegetables.

11. Bolognese Sauce

If you want to make your meal extra filling and flavorful, try pairing your ham with Bolognese sauce.

This thick, meaty sauce is traditionally made with beef, but you could easily substitute in ground chicken or turkey.

I like to add a bit of chorizo for extra flavor, but that’s optional.

The key to a good Bolognese is to let it simmer for a long time so the flavors have a chance to develop.

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

12. Gorgonzola Sauce

Gorgonzola sauce will add that special touch to your cold ham that you’ve been looking for.

This rich, creamy sauce is made with Gorgonzola cheese, milk, and cream, and it has a slightly tangy flavor that pairs well with the salty ham.

I like to add a bit of freshly ground black pepper to really bring out the flavors.

If you want a thinner sauce, you can add a little bit of water or chicken broth.

13. Mushroom Sauce

If you want a sauce that’s family-friendly, try a mushroom sauce.

This classic sauce is made with mushrooms, onions, and flour (to thicken), and it’s a great way to use up any leftover ham.

Just cook the mushrooms and onions until they’re soft, then add the ham and flour.

Let it all cook together for a few minutes, then add some chicken or beef broth.

Simmer for 10 minutes or so, then serve over egg noodles (See also this post for the best sauces for egg noodles) or rice.