Grandma’s old-fashioned mustard sauce for ham is sweet, tangy and made with just four pantry ingredients in about seven minutes. It’s the perfect warm sauce for a holiday ham and makes leftover ham sandwiches sing.
Grandma’s Mustard Sauce – Our “Ham Sauce” Recipe
I learned a lot about sauces while working as a head chef at a camp and conference center. Chefs know that the right sauce can elevate a simple dish into something memorable. This particular mustard sauce comes from my grandmother’s recipe box. It’s straightforward, reliably delicious, and has become our family’s go-to whenever ham is on the menu.
The sauce is made by whisking white vinegar, white sugar, dry mustard powder and eggs together, then gently cooking until it thickens. Serve it warm with sliced ham or use it to enliven ham sandwiches and other dishes.
Mustard Sauce for Ham Slices
Yield: 1 cup | Prep Time: 2 minutes | Cook Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 7 minutes
This warm mustard sauce is a classic sweet‑and‑tangy accompaniment for baked or sliced ham. It’s made on the stovetop in minutes and can be kept in the refrigerator for short-term use.
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup white sugar
- 4 teaspoons dry mustard powder
- 2 eggs
Instructions
- Combine the vinegar, sugar, dry mustard and eggs in a saucepan. Whisk thoroughly until as smooth and well combined as possible.
- Place the pan over medium‑high heat and whisk constantly. Continue until the sauce comes to a boil and begins to thicken—this should take a few minutes.
- It’s normal for the sauce to develop a few tiny cooked egg bits. If you prefer a perfectly smooth sauce, strain it through a fine mesh strainer into a wide‑mouth jar or bowl.
- Serve warm immediately with sliced ham. If making ahead, cool, cover and refrigerate. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
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1. Whisk ingredients and cook until thickened. -
2. Strain to remove any tiny cooked egg bits for a silky finish. -
3. Pour into a serving container and keep warm until ready to use.
Serve the sauce warm alongside ham slices for a classic pairing, or cover and store in the refrigerator until you’re ready to reheat and serve.
Why You’ll Love this Mustard Sauce Recipe
- Quick to make: Ready in about seven minutes from start to finish.
- Make‑ahead friendly: Prepare it a day or two in advance and reheat gently before serving.
- Versatile: Ideal for holiday ham dinners and also delicious on leftover ham sandwiches.
- No honey required: This classic version uses white sugar for a traditional sweet‑and‑tangy balance.
Other Uses for This Simple Mustard Sauce
Beyond ham, this warm mustard sauce works well in lots of ways. Try it as a dipping sauce, a finishing drizzle, or a sandwich spread.
- As a dip for chicken tenders, fries or roasted vegetables.
- As a quick marinade for grilled chicken or pork—marinate for at least an hour, grill, then brush with additional sauce.
- On ham sandwiches: toast bread, spread the sauce, add ham and cheese, and warm briefly to melt the cheese.
FAQ
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes. Make it a few days before your dinner, store covered in the refrigerator, and warm gently before serving.
How long does it keep in the fridge?
Because this sauce contains eggs, plan to keep it refrigerated for a short period—about 3 to 4 days.
Can I make it without eggs?
The eggs are the primary thickening agent in this recipe. Omitting them will change the texture and thickness; the result will not be the same.
Is this a honey mustard?
No. This version uses white sugar rather than honey for that classic old‑fashioned flavor.
What else can I use it on?
Leftover ham sandwiches, chicken tenders, pork chops and roasted vegetables are all excellent choices.
Other Sauce Ideas and Holiday Recipes
- Evaporated milk chocolate sauce (for dessert)
- Cheese sauce for baked potatoes
- Quick meatloaf with a tasty baked sauce
- Non‑alcoholic hard sauce for steamed puddings
Other Holiday Dinner Recipes
If this mustard sauce is for a holiday meal, consider pairing it with traditional sides and main dishes such as scalloped potatoes, old‑fashioned potato salad, peach‑pretzel salad, slow‑roasted turkey, classic stuffing, turkey pan gravy, cranberry sauce, or easy carrot casserole.
Enjoy this simple, nostalgic mustard sauce with your next ham—it’s an easy way to add warmth and flavor to a holiday table or weeknight meal.
