Take your holiday ham to the next level with this old‑fashioned mustard sauce from Grandma’s kitchen. This warm mustard sauce for ham balances tang and sweetness, and it comes together on the stovetop in just a few minutes—perfect for holiday dinners and easy weeknight meals alike.
Grandma’s Mustard Sauce – Our “Ham Sauce” Recipe
During my time as head chef at a camp and conference center, I learned how much chefs value a well-made sauce: the right sauce can elevate a simple dish into something memorable. My grandmother was not a professional chef, but her recipes had that same knack for turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. I found this mustard sauce in her recipe box and it quickly became a must-have whenever we serve ham.
Mustard Sauce for Ham Slices
Yield: 1 cup
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: about 7 minutes
This warm, old‑fashioned mustard sauce offers a delightful sweet‑and‑tangy finish for baked or sliced ham. It’s simple to make, stores well in the refrigerator, and reheats quickly when you’re ready to serve.
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup white sugar
- 4 teaspoons dry mustard powder
- 2 eggs
Instructions
- Combine the vinegar, sugar, dry mustard powder, and eggs in a small saucepan. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is as smooth as possible.
- Place the pan over medium‑high heat and stir constantly with the whisk. Continue stirring until the mixture comes to a gentle boil and begins to thicken.
- It’s normal for small cooked egg bits to form. If you prefer an ultra‑smooth sauce, press the sauce through a fine mesh strainer into a wide‑mouth jar or bowl.
- Serve the sauce warm with ham slices. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a microwave‑safe container or on the stovetop before serving.
Step‑by‑Step Photos
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1. Whisk ingredients and cook until thickened. -
2. Strain off any tiny cooked egg bits for a silky finish. -
3. Pour into a serving container and enjoy warm.
Serve this mustard sauce warm alongside ham slices for a delicious holiday touch. It also refrigerates well—cover and chill, then reheat when you’re ready to serve.
Why You’ll Love This Mustard Sauce
- Quick to make: Ready in minutes on the stovetop.
- Make‑ahead friendly: Prepare the sauce in advance and reheat before serving to simplify holiday prep.
- Versatile: Ideal for ham dinners and excellent on leftover ham sandwiches.
- No honey required: This classic sweet‑and‑tangy mustard sauce achieves its flavor without honey.
Other Uses for This Simple Mustard Sauce
This warm mustard sauce is perfect for more than just ham. Try these ideas:
- As a dipping sauce for chicken tenders, fries, or roasted vegetables.
- As a marinade for grilled chicken or pork—marinate at least one hour, grill, and finish with extra sauce.
- As a sandwich spread: toast bread, spread sauce, layer sliced ham and cheddar, then warm briefly so the cheese softens.
Other Sauce Ideas to Try
- Evaporated milk chocolate sauce — a rich hot fudge style sauce.
- Cheese sauce for baked potatoes — handy for a baked potato bar.
- Quick meatloaf glaze — a simple sauce that caramelizes on top.
- Non‑alcoholic hard sauce — traditional for steamed Christmas puddings.
Other Holiday Dinner Recipes
If this mustard sauce is part of your holiday menu, you might also enjoy complementary classics such as scalloped potatoes with cream of mushroom soup, a traditional egg potato salad, or a peach pretzel salad for a sweet side.
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