Gammon is a classic holiday dish that is loved by many, but no gammon is complete without a delicious sauce to accompany it. Luckily, there are plenty of sauces to choose from that can elevate the flavors of your roast gammon to the next level. In this article, we will take a closer look at some classic, quick and easy, homemade, tangy, sweet and sour, spicy, creamy, mustard-based, herb-infused, citrusy, fruit-based, wine and brandy, BBQ-style, low-calorie, vegan and vegetarian-friendly, gluten-free, and paleo-friendly sauces that you might want to try with your roast gammon.
Classic Sauces for Roast Gammon
When it comes to classic sauces for roast gammon, nothing beats cranberry sauce and apple sauce. Cranberry sauce provides a tangy and slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the salty gammon. Apple sauce, on the other hand, provides a sweeter, fruitier flavor that complements the gammon’s savory taste. Another classic sauce to consider is mustard sauce, which is typically made from a blend of mustard, sugar, and vinegar. This sauce is bold and flavorful, making it an excellent pairing for gammon.
Quick and Easy Sauces for Roast Gammon
For those looking for a sauce that is quick and easy to make, consider a honey and mustard glaze. This sauce requires minimal ingredients and can be made in just a few minutes. Simply mix together honey, whole-grain mustard, and a bit of olive oil to create a delicious and sweet glaze that will add an extra layer of flavor to your gammon. Alternatively, you could use store-bought barbecue sauce or HP sauce, which are both readily available at most grocery stores and go well with roast gammon.
Homemade Sauces for Roast Gammon
If you have a bit more time on your hands and want to make your own sauce, there are plenty of homemade options to consider. For example, you could make a red wine sauce by cooking red wine, beef stock, and shallots together until it reduces down into a rich, flavorful sauce. Another option is to make a mushroom cream sauce by sautéing mushrooms until they’re tender and then adding heavy cream and various seasonings to create a creamy and savory sauce that will pair perfectly with gammon.
Tangy Sauces for Roast Gammon
If you prefer your sauces to have a bit more tang, there are several options to choose from. One option is to make a balsamic vinegar glaze by combining balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. This glaze is sweet and tangy, making it an excellent choice for roast gammon. Another great option is to make a pineapple sauce by blending fresh pineapple with sugar and vinegar. This sauce has a tangy and tropical flavor that will add a burst of freshness to your gammon.
Sweet and Sour Sauces for Roast Gammon
If you want a sauce that is both sweet and sour, there are plenty of options to consider. For example, you could make a sweet and sour sauce using ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar. This sauce is tangy and sweet at the same time, making it an excellent pairing for gammon. Another option is to make a pineapple glaze using fresh pineapple, brown sugar, and soy sauce. This glaze is both sweet and savory, adding an extra layer of flavor to your gammon.
Spicy Sauces for Roast Gammon
For those who love a bit of heat, there are several spicy sauces to choose from. One option is to make a spicy mustard sauce by combining Dijon mustard, honey, and hot sauce. This sauce is tangy, sweet, and spicy all at the same time, making it an excellent choice for gammon. Another option is to make a chipotle peach glaze by blending peaches, chipotle peppers, and maple syrup. This glaze is smoky and spicy, making it an excellent choice for those who want to add a bit of boldness to their gammon.
Creamy Sauces for Roast Gammon
For a smoother and creamier sauce, consider making a creamy mushroom sauce for your gammon. Sauté mushrooms until they’re tender, then add heavy cream, garlic, and various seasonings. This sauce is rich and indulgent, making it a perfect pairing with gammon’s salty, smoky flavor. Another creamy option is to make a horseradish cream sauce by combining sour cream, horseradish, and various spices. This sauce is tangy, creamy, and a bit spicy, making it an excellent choice for gammon.
Mustard-Based Sauces for Roast Gammon
When it comes to mustard-based sauces, there are several options to consider. One classic option is whole-grain mustard sauce, made by blending whole-grain mustard with sugar, vinegar, and a bit of olive oil. This sauce is tangy and slightly sweet, making it a great pairing for gammon. Another option is a honey mustard sauce, made by combining honey, Dijon mustard, and various spices. This sauce is sweet and spicy, making it an excellent pairing for gammon.
Herb-Infused Sauces for Roast Gammon
If you want to add some fresh herbs to your sauce, consider making a rosemary and garlic sauce. Sauté garlic and rosemary until the flavors have infused, then add chicken stock, cream, and various spices to create a creamy and savory sauce that complements the gammon’s salty flavor. Another herb-infused option is to make a sage and apple sauce by cooking apples with sage, brown sugar, and a bit of lemon juice. This sauce is fruity, savory, and full of herbs, making it an excellent pairing for gammon.
Citrusy Sauces for Roast Gammon
Adding some citrus to your sauce can provide a burst of freshness and acidity that complements gammon’s flavor profile. For example, you could make an orange and mustard glaze by combining orange juice, honey, mustard, and various spices. This glaze is both tangy and sweet, making it an excellent pairing for gammon. Another option is to make a lemon butter sauce by combining butter, lemon juice, and various spices. This sauce is creamy and citrusy, adding an extra layer of flavor to your gammon.
Fruit-Based Sauces for Roast Gammon
If you want to add some fruity sweetness to your gammon, there are plenty of fruit-based sauces to choose from. For example, you could make a cherry sauce by cooking cherries with sugar and various spices. This sauce is both sweet and tart, making it a great pairing for gammon. Another option is to make a plum sauce by blending cooked plums with ketchup, vinegar, and various spices. This sauce is sweet, tangy, and full of fruity flavor, making it an excellent choice for gammon.
Wine and Brandy Sauces for Roast Gammon
For a more complex, boozy sauce, consider making a wine or brandy sauce for your gammon. For example, you could make a red wine sauce by cooking red wine, beef stock, and shallots until it reduces down into a rich, flavorful sauce. Another option is to make a brandy cream sauce by cooking shallots with brandy and then adding heavy cream, sage, and various spices to create a creamy and indulgent sauce that pairs perfectly with gammon.
BBQ-style Sauces for Roast Gammon
If you want a smoky and slightly sweet sauce, consider making a BBQ-style sauce for your gammon. Barbecue sauce is widely available at most grocery stores, or you can make your own version by combining ketchup, brown sugar, and various spices like paprika, cumin, and chili powder. This sauce is tangy, slightly sweet, and smoky, making it an excellent choice for those who love bold flavors.
Low-Calorie Sauces for Roast Gammon
If you’re watching your calorie intake, there are still plenty of sauce options to consider. For example, you could make a low-calorie mustard sauce by combining Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and various spices. This sauce is tangy, creamy, and low in calories, making it a great pairing for gammon. Another option is to make a tomato relish using fresh tomatoes, onions, and various spices. This relish is savory and slightly sweet, making it a great option for those who want to keep their calorie intake in check.
Vegan and Vegetarian-Friendly Sauces for Roast Gammon
If you’re a vegan or vegetarian, there are still plenty of sauce options to choose from. For example, you could make a vegan mushroom gravy by sautéing mushrooms with onions and garlic and then adding vegetable stock and various seasonings. This gravy is savory, rich, and full of umami flavor, making it an excellent pairing for gammon. Another option is to make a vegan red wine sauce by cooking red wine, vegetable stock, and shallots until it reduces down into a rich and flavorful sauce.
Gluten-Free Sauces for Roast Gammon
For those with gluten sensitivities, it’s important to choose sauces that are gluten-free. One option is to make a gluten-free gravy by cooking onions with butter and then adding cornstarch, beef stock, and various seasonings. Another option is to make a gluten-free cranberry sauce by boiling cranberries with sugar, water, and orange juice until the mixture thickens into a jam-like consistency.
Paleo-Friendly Sauces for Roast Gammon
For those following a paleo diet, it’s important to choose sauces that are free of grains, dairy, and processed ingredients. One option is to make a paleo apple cider glaze by simmering apple cider, honey, and various spices until the mixture thickens into a glaze. Another option is to make a paleo honey mustard sauce using honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. This sauce is sweet, tangy, and paleo-friendly, making it an excellent pairing for gammon.
Nutritious and Healthy Sauce Options For Your Holiday Ham
While sauces are a delicious addition to gammon, it’s important to choose healthier options to ensure that you’re getting all the necessary nutrients without adding unnecessary calories and sugars. One option is to make a green sauce by blending together parsley, cilantro, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. This sauce is full of antioxidants and provides a burst of freshness to your gammon. Another option is to make a walnut and apple sauce by blending cooked apples, walnuts, and various spices. This sauce is a great source of healthy fats and provides all the necessary nutrients without adding unnecessary calories.
Perfect Pairings: Which Sauce to Serve with Different Cuts of Ham
When choosing which sauce to serve with gammon, it’s important to consider the cut of gammon you’re serving. For example, sweeter sauces like cranberry sauce or apple sauce pair well with gammon steaks and loin. Mustard-based sauces like whole-grain mustard or honey mustard pair well with gammon roast or gammon fillet. Spicier sauces like chipotle peach glaze or spicy mustard sauce pair well with gammon joints. By considering the cut of gammon you’re serving, you can choose the perfect sauce to enhance its flavor profile and make your meal even more delicious.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to sauces for roast gammon, the options are endless. From classic sauces like cranberry sauce to more complex sauces like red wine sauce, there’s a sauce to suit every taste and dietary preference. By considering the cut of gammon you’re serving and your own personal preferences, you can choose the perfect sauce to elevate your holiday meal and impress your guests. So get creative, experiment with different sauces, and enjoy your delicious roast gammon with the perfect accompaniment.
