ham raisin sauce recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best ham raisin sauce recipe

I have been making this ham raisin sauce for years and it is one of those recipes that always gets requested at family dinners. The sweet and tangy flavor from the raisins and the savory ham just work so well together. It is a simple sauce that can turn a regular ham into something special. My kids love it when I make this sauce because it makes the ham taste like candy to them. I love that it uses ingredients I usually have on hand like raisins, brown sugar, and mustard.

It is perfect for Easter, Christmas, or any Sunday dinner when you want to impress without a lot of fuss. This sauce is not just for special occasions. I often make it for weeknight dinners when we have leftover ham. The raisins add a natural sweetness that cuts through the saltiness of the ham. The sauce is thick and glossy and coats every slice perfectly.

The best part is that it comes together in under 30 minutes. You just simmer everything on the stove and it is ready to go. It is one of those recipes that feels fancy but is actually very easy. Health wise, this sauce has some benefits. Raisins are packed with fiber and antioxidants.

They also provide natural energy. The ham itself is a good source of protein. When you make this sauce from scratch, you control the sugar and salt. I like to use a little less brown sugar than the recipe calls for and it still tastes great. It is a balanced way to enjoy a classic dish without overdoing it.

The key to this sauce is letting it simmer long enough for the raisins to plump up and release their flavor. You want the sauce to thicken so it clings to the ham. I always taste it before serving and adjust the mustard or vinegar if needed. It is a forgiving recipe that you can tweak to your liking. Whether you serve it over sliced ham or use it as a glaze, it always turns out delicious.

Classic Ham Raisin Sauce

4.7 from 1996 votes

This sweet and tangy ham raisin sauce is the perfect accompaniment to baked or glazed ham. Made with plump raisins, brown sugar, and a touch of mustard, it adds a rich flavor that complements the salty ham.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 180 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Sauce

1 cup raisins
1 cup water
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a medium saucepan, combine the raisins, water, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, and salt.
2Stir everything together until the sugar starts to dissolve.
3Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes.
4Once the mixture is simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5The raisins will plump up and the liquid will become fragrant and slightly syrupy.
6You should see the raisins soften and the color deepen.
7In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth.
8Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce while stirring constantly.
9Continue to cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy, coat-the-back-of-a-spoon consistency.
10If it gets too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it reaches your desired thickness.
11Remove the saucepan from the heat.
12Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness or tanginess by adding a little more brown sugar or vinegar if needed.
13Serve the sauce warm over sliced ham or use it as a glaze during the last 15 minutes of baking your ham.
14Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

🔧Equipment

Medium saucepan
Wooden spoon or whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Small bowl for cornstarch slurry

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 180 kcal🧈Total Fat: 0g💛Saturated Fat: 0g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 150mg🌾Total Carbs: 44g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 35g🥩Protein: 1g

📝Notes

You can use golden or dark raisins. For a less sweet sauce, reduce the brown sugar to 1/3 cup. This sauce also works well with roasted pork loin or turkey.

Watch Video Of How Classic Ham Raisin Sauce Works

This ham raisin sauce is a staple in my kitchen because it is so versatile and easy to make. I often double the batch and keep some in the fridge for quick meals. It reheats beautifully, just warm it on the stove with a little water if it has thickened.

I love serving it over leftover ham sandwiches or even drizzled over roasted vegetables for a sweet twist. For family gatherings, this sauce is always a hit. I set it out in a small bowl next to the sliced ham so everyone can add as much as they want.

It also works well with other meats like pork chops or turkey. Whether it is a holiday dinner or a simple Sunday meal, this sauce adds a special touch that everyone appreciates. I hope you try it and love it as much as my family does.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Ham Raisin Sauce

1. Can I use this sauce as a glaze for baking ham?

Yes, this sauce works beautifully as a glaze. Simply brush it over the ham during the last 15 to 20 minutes of baking. The sugar in the sauce will caramelize and create a shiny, flavorful crust. Just make sure to baste the ham a couple of times for even coverage.

2. How do I store leftover ham raisin sauce?

Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 5 days. To reheat, place it in a small saucepan over low heat and stir occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave it in 30 second intervals, stirring in between.

3. Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can make the sauce up to 2 days in advance. Prepare it as directed, let it cool completely, then cover and refrigerate. When you are ready to serve, gently reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of water if it has thickened too much.

4. What can I substitute for raisins?

If you do not have raisins, you can use dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, or dried cherries. Each will give the sauce a slightly different flavor. Dried cranberries will add a tartness, while apricots will make it sweeter. Adjust the sugar to taste if needed.

5. Is this sauce gluten free?

Yes, this sauce is naturally gluten free as long as you use a gluten free Dijon mustard. The cornstarch used as a thickener is also gluten free. Always check the labels on your mustard and other ingredients to be sure. This makes it a great option for guests with gluten sensitivities.

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