Gammon is a versatile and flavorful meat that’s perfect for a hearty dinner, holiday feast, or simple weeknight meal. Whether roasted, boiled, or grilled, it pairs beautifully with a wide variety of sauces that enhance its salty, savory profile. Making an easy sauce for gammon doesn’t require fancy ingredients or complicated steps just a few pantry staples and a little creativity. With the right sauce, gammon can go from a basic dish to something truly special. Below are simple, flavorful sauces that complement gammon perfectly and can be made in minutes.
Why Sauce Matters When Serving Gammon
Gammon is rich, slightly salty, and often smoked. While delicious on its own, the right sauce brings balance by adding sweetness, acidity, creaminess, or a spicy kick. A good sauce can cut through the richness or enhance its depth of flavor, depending on the style you’re going for.
Sauces also offer variety. You can serve the same gammon recipe several times, but change the experience entirely by switching up the sauce. From fruity glazes to creamy mustard blends, there’s a sauce to suit every occasion and taste preference.
Classic Sauce Options for Gammon
1. Honey Mustard Sauce
This is one of the most popular and easy sauces for gammon. The sweetness of honey and the tang of mustard complement the saltiness of the meat beautifully.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon wholegrain mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional for creaminess)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness or sharpness to your liking. Serve warm or at room temperature.
2. Pineapple Glaze
For a tropical twist, a pineapple glaze gives a wonderful balance of sweet and tangy. It pairs especially well with baked or grilled gammon.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder or Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Instructions:
In a saucepan, bring pineapple juice and brown sugar to a simmer. Stir in mustard. If a thicker sauce is preferred, dissolve cornstarch in a tablespoon of water and add it in, stirring until the sauce thickens. Pour over the gammon or serve on the side.
3. Apple Sauce
Simple apple sauce is a traditional British choice for gammon. It’s mild, sweet, and brings a nice contrast to the savory meat.
Ingredients:
- 2 large apples, peeled and chopped
- 2 tablespoons sugar (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 23 tablespoons water
Instructions:
Place apples, sugar, and water in a small saucepan. Simmer over low heat until apples are soft. Mash or blend to your preferred consistency. Add cinnamon if desired. Serve warm or cold alongside sliced gammon.
Rich and Creamy Sauces for Gammon
4. Creamy Mustard Sauce
For a richer finish, a creamy mustard sauce brings elegance to your gammon dish, especially when served with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon wholegrain mustard
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions:
Warm the cream in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the mustards and season with salt and pepper. Simmer gently for a few minutes, stirring often. Pour over the gammon just before serving.
5. Parsley Sauce
This traditional British sauce is commonly served with gammon or ham and adds a fresh, herbal note to the plate.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
Melt butter in a saucepan, stir in flour, and cook for one minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened. Add salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. Stir and serve immediately over hot gammon slices.
Fruity Sauces That Complement Gammon
6. Cranberry Sauce
Although often associated with turkey, cranberry sauce is fantastic with gammon. It’s tart, vibrant, and festive, making it a great choice for holiday meals.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cranberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup sugar
- Zest of one orange (optional)
Instructions:
Simmer all ingredients in a pan for 1015 minutes until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. Let cool slightly before serving.
7. Apricot Sauce
Apricot preserves make a quick and flavorful glaze or sauce for gammon. Its natural sweetness balances the meat perfectly.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup apricot jam or preserves
- 1 tablespoon vinegar (apple cider or white wine)
- 1 teaspoon mustard (optional)
Instructions:
In a small pot, combine all ingredients and warm until smooth. Brush over warm gammon or serve on the side as a dipping sauce.
Tips for Pairing Sauce with Gammon
Choosing the best easy sauce for gammon depends on how you’ve cooked the meat and what kind of meal you’re planning.
- For baked or roasted gammon: Fruit-based or sticky glazes like pineapple or apricot work well.
- For boiled gammon: Creamy or mustard-based sauces bring out deeper flavors.
- For cold gammon slices: Serve with apple sauce, mustard dips, or chutneys.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match flavors. Sweet and savory combinations are especially effective, so pair bold sauces with simpler side dishes, or vice versa.
How to Store and Reuse Sauces
Most sauces for gammon can be stored in the refrigerator for several days. Store in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. If a sauce becomes too thick upon reheating, add a splash of water or milk to loosen it up.
- Fruit sauces: Up to 5 days in the fridge
- Cream sauces: Use within 3 days for best quality
- Mustard or mayo-based sauces: Store up to a week
Leftover sauces can also be used in sandwiches, as dips for chips or vegetables, or drizzled over roasted vegetables.
Elevate Gammon with the Perfect Sauce
Finding an easy sauce for gammon doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can create something that complements your meal beautifully. Whether you prefer something sweet, creamy, tangy, or herbal, there’s a perfect sauce to suit your taste. These recipes are quick to prepare and can transform your gammon dish from basic to unforgettable. Keep a few of these sauce ideas in your back pocket for holidays, Sunday dinners, or any time you want to elevate your gammon with bold, delicious flavor.