Quick & Tasty Ham Dipping Sauces

Transform your next ham dinner from good to extraordinary with an array of delectable dipping sauces. Whether you crave the classic sweetness of a honey mustard sauce or the tropical tang of a pina colada sauce, these easy-to-prepare recipes promise to elevate your ham to an unforgettable culinary experience. Forget the ordinary and prepare for a flavor journey that will delight every palate.

a platter of ham slices in the background with two small bowls of dipping sauces sitting next to the platter

For years, our family gatherings featuring a magnificent holiday ham were always accompanied by a generous bowl of applesauce. While the pairing of apples and pork is undeniably classic and truly delicious – especially with homemade applesauce – a new tradition has emerged. These remarkable easy ham sauce recipes have redefined how we enjoy our ham, adding an exciting dimension of flavor that has quickly become indispensable.

My cousin, Robyn, who manages catering for the LDS Church, introduced me to these incredible ham dipping sauces. It was a revelation! I don’t know what it is about ham, but for me, a little sauce to dip it in is an absolute must. These recipes are not just simple to make; they are game-changers, offering a burst of flavor that complements the savory richness of ham perfectly.

a photo of a small dish full of honey mustard dipping sauce for ham with a platter of ham slices behind it

Crafting the Perfect Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce for Ham

Among the various dipping sauce options for ham, the honey mustard sauce stands out as a universal favorite. What makes this particular honey mustard recipe truly exceptional is its perfect balance of sweet and tangy, creating a condiment that even mustard skeptics will adore. It’s wonderfully versatile and incredibly simple to whip up, requiring just three essential ingredients:

  • Mayonnaise: The creamy base of this sauce. We prefer Duke’s for its rich texture and flavor, but any high-quality mayonnaise you love will work beautifully. It provides the smooth consistency and subtle tang that helps bind the other flavors.
  • Honey: This is where the natural sweetness comes in, cutting through the richness of the ham and balancing the mustard’s pungency. For an adventurous twist, consider using hot honey to introduce a subtle kick and create a spicy honey mustard sauce that will surprise and delight your guests.
  • Mustard: While regular yellow mustard is our go-to for its classic flavor profile, feel free to experiment. Dijon mustard offers a sharper, more sophisticated note, while stone-ground mustard adds a rustic texture and deeper, more complex spice. The choice of mustard allows you to tailor the sauce to your exact preference, ensuring it perfectly complements your ham.

This easy honey mustard sauce isn’t just for ham! Should you find yourself with extra sauce (a rare occurrence, we warn you!), it makes an absolutely delightful spread for sandwiches the next day, transforming a simple lunch into a gourmet experience. Its rich and savory-sweet profile also pairs wonderfully with chicken tenders or as a dip for pretzels and vegetables.

a photo of the ingredients for honey mustard dipping sauce in separate bowls including mayo, mustard and honey

Whip Up a Tropical Dream with Pina Colada Dipping Sauce

For those seeking a more adventurous and uniquely refreshing accompaniment for their ham, our Pina Colada dipping sauce is an absolute must-try. This vibrant, creamy sauce is a crowd-pleaser, delivering all the delightful flavors of its namesake cocktail in a savory-sweet condiment that pairs unexpectedly well with the salty notes of ham. It’s a fun, tropical twist that will transport your taste buds to a sun-drenched beach, and we guarantee no one will complain about a little coconut and pineapple action at the dinner table. Here’s what you’ll need to create this dreamy dip:

  • Cream of Coconut: This is the secret to the sauce’s rich, sweet coconut flavor and velvety texture. You can typically find it in the alcohol or beverage mixer section of your local grocery store, often alongside margarita mixes. It’s thicker and sweeter than coconut milk, providing that essential pina colada essence.
  • Sour Cream: To achieve maximum creaminess and a perfect balance of tang against the sweetness of the coconut and pineapple, we highly recommend using full-fat sour cream. Its slight acidity brightens the sauce and gives it a luxurious mouthfeel.
  • Crushed Pineapple: The tropical star of the show! Make sure to thoroughly drain the crushed pineapple before adding it to the sauce. Excess liquid can thin the consistency and dilute the flavor, so a good drain is crucial for optimal results.
  • Desiccated Coconut: This finely ground, dehydrated coconut adds another layer of coconut flavor and a subtle textural dimension. Desiccated coconut has a more powdery texture and milder flavor compared to shredded coconut, ensuring a smooth sauce with just a hint of chewiness. If desiccated coconut is unavailable, fine coconut flakes can be used as a substitute, though the texture might be slightly different.

This creamy pina colada sauce is not only fantastic with ham but also makes an intriguing dip for fresh fruit, a topping for grilled chicken or fish, or even a unique spread for toast. Its tropical profile is surprisingly versatile, adding a touch of exotic flair to a variety of dishes.

a photo of all the ingredients for a pina colada dipping sauce for ham in separate bowls

Effortless Preparation: How to Make These Amazing Ham Dipping Sauces

One of the best aspects of these ham dipping sauces is their incredible simplicity. You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to prepare these flavorful additions to your meal. Both recipes are designed for speed and ease, ensuring you can whip them up in minutes, leaving you more time to enjoy your company and your delicious ham. Here are the basic, straightforward steps for each sauce:

For the Irresistible Honey Mustard Sauce:

Creating this classic honey mustard is as simple as 1-2-3. It’s virtually foolproof and delivers consistently delicious results every time.

  1. Combine All Ingredients: In a small mixing bowl, simply place all the measured mayonnaise, honey, and mustard.
  2. Stir Until Smooth: Using a spoon or a whisk, stir the ingredients vigorously until they are thoroughly combined and the mixture is completely smooth and uniform. There should be no lumps or streaks, just a creamy, golden sauce.
  3. Chill and Serve: Once mixed, cover the bowl and refrigerate the honey mustard sauce until you’re ready to serve. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures a refreshing coolness that perfectly complements warm ham.

For the Tropical Pina Colada Sauce:

This exotic sauce is equally straightforward, promising a taste of paradise with minimal effort. The key is in the order of mixing to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

  1. Combine Creamy Bases: Begin by placing the cream of coconut and sour cream into a bowl.
  2. Mix Thoroughly: Stir these two ingredients together until they are fully combined and the mixture is smooth. This step ensures an even distribution of the rich coconut and tangy sour cream flavors.
  3. Add Remaining Tropical Elements: Next, add the drained crushed pineapple and the desiccated coconut to the mixture.
  4. Stir to Incorporate: Stir all the ingredients together until everything is well combined, and you have a consistent, creamy sauce with delightful hints of pineapple and coconut throughout.
  5. Refrigerate Until Ready: Cover and store the pina colada sauce in the refrigerator until it’s time to serve. Just like the honey mustard, chilling enhances its flavors and makes it even more refreshing.

Both of these sauces can be prepared in under 5 minutes, making them ideal for busy holiday meals or impromptu family dinners. The quick preparation time means you can always have a fresh, flavorful condiment ready to jazz up your ham.

The best Honey Mustard I've ever made and it's so delicious on spiral ham! ohsweetbasil.com
photos of someone dipping a small slice of ham in a little dish of honey mustard sauce

The Perfect Pairing: Ham Recipes for Your Dipping Sauces

These two dipping sauces are truly versatile, enhancing the flavor of virtually any ham preparation. I’ve personally tried them with all our favorite ham recipes, and each time, they’ve elevated the meal to new heights. The sweetness, tanginess, and creamy textures of these sauces create a delightful contrast and complement to the savory ham. Here are some of our very best ham recipes that are simply divine when served with our honey mustard or pina colada dipping sauces:

  • World’s Best Brown Sugar Ham: This classic, sweet and sticky ham recipe is a match made in heaven for both the tangy honey mustard and the refreshing pina colada sauce. The brown sugar glaze finds a wonderful counterpart in the bright flavors of these dips.
  • Honey Baked Ham: Already infused with a sweet honey glaze, this ham gets an extra layer of complexity. The honey mustard enhances its inherent sweetness, while the pina colada offers a surprising, yet harmonious, tropical counterpoint.
  • Slow Cooker Ham: For effortless cooking, a slow cooker ham remains moist and flavorful. These dipping sauces provide an easy way to add a gourmet touch to a simple preparation, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
  • Garlic Honey Mustard Ham: If your ham already features garlic and honey mustard flavors, our dipping sauces can either amplify those notes or introduce a delightful contrast. The pina colada sauce, in particular, would offer an unexpected, vibrant twist.

Don’t limit yourself to just these recipes! Any spiral-sliced ham, baked ham, or even leftover ham slices will benefit immensely from a generous dollop of either of these fantastic sauces. They are designed to bring out the best in your ham, making every bite a memorable one.

Beyond Ham: Versatile Uses for Your Dipping Sauces

What if you have leftover dipping sauce after your delightful ham dinner? Fear not, these flavorful condiments are far too good to waste! Both the honey mustard and pina colada sauces are incredibly versatile and can elevate a variety of other dishes. They are perfect for:

  • Vegetables: Transform raw veggie sticks like carrots, celery, bell peppers, and cucumbers into an exciting snack. The sauces also make a delicious drizzle over steamed or roasted vegetables, adding a burst of flavor.
  • Crackers and Pretzels: Serve them as a gourmet dip for your favorite crackers or pretzels. The interplay of salty crunch and creamy sauce is simply irresistible, making for a perfect appetizer or snack.
  • Grilled Chicken: The honey mustard, in particular, is a phenomenal partner for grilled chicken, whether as a marinade or a finishing sauce. The pina colada sauce offers a unique, tropical marinade that will infuse chicken with exotic flavors, or serve as a vibrant dipping sauce for cooked poultry.
  • Sandwiches and Wraps: Use the honey mustard as a spread to enhance turkey, chicken, or ham sandwiches. The pina colada sauce can add an unexpected and delightful twist to chicken or pork wraps.
  • Fish and Seafood: The tropical notes of the pina colada sauce pair wonderfully with grilled or baked white fish and shrimp, offering a light and refreshing accompaniment.
  • Salad Dressing: Thin down the honey mustard with a little extra vinegar or lemon juice to create a quick and flavorful salad dressing.

Their versatility means you’ll always find a creative way to enjoy every last drop of these delicious sauces, ensuring no flavor goes to waste!

a photo of a pina colada ham dipping sauce in a small bowl with ham slices in the background

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips for Convenience

One of the many benefits of these simple dipping sauces is their excellent shelf life and make-ahead potential, making them perfect for holiday meal planning or simply having delicious condiments on hand. Proper storage ensures their freshness and flavor last longer:

  • Airtight Containers: Both the honey mustard and pina colada sauces should be stored separately in airtight containers. Mason jars are an excellent choice, as they seal tightly and are easy to clean.
  • Refrigeration is Key: Always keep these sauces in the refrigerator. Their fresh ingredients require consistent chilling to maintain quality and prevent spoilage.
  • Shelf Life: When stored correctly, both sauces will keep beautifully for up to a week. This makes them ideal for preparing ahead of time.
  • Not Suitable for Freezing: We do not recommend freezing these sauces. The mayonnaise and sour cream bases can separate and change texture upon thawing, compromising the creamy consistency and overall quality of the dips.
  • Make-Ahead Advantage: To minimize stress on busy days, such as holidays or special occasions, you can easily prepare these sauces up to 3-4 days in advance. This allows the flavors to deepen and meld even further, often resulting in an even more delicious sauce, and it’s one less thing to worry about on the day of your meal!

By following these simple storage tips, you can enjoy these delightful dipping sauces at their best, whenever you’re ready to serve them.

a photo of a small bowl full of pina colada dipping sauce for ham

In our family, a ham dinner is now incomplete without a trio of delightful accompaniments: homemade applesauce, a tangy honey mustard, and the exotic flair of pina colada sauce. These vibrant, flavorful sauces don’t just add taste; they add visual appeal, perfectly completing an Easter or Christmas dinner table. They are the ideal dipping sauces for your holiday ham, promising a burst of flavor that will make any meal truly special.

Easy Ham Dipping Sauces: The Full Recipe

Get ready to elevate your ham dinner with these incredibly easy and delicious dipping sauces. From a sweet and tangy honey mustard to a creamy, tropical pina colada, these recipes will take your meal to the next level. Each sauce can be prepared in just 5 minutes, making them perfect for any occasion.

Easy Ham Dipping Sauces

By Carrian Cheney

Prep Time: 5 mins

Total Time: 5 mins

Servings: 24 (approximate)

Ingredients

Honey Mustard

  • 1 Cup Mayonnaise
  • 1/4 Cup Honey
  • 1/8 Cup Mustard

Pina Colada

  • 1 ⅔ Cups Cream of Coconut
  • 1 ⅛ Cups Sour Cream
  • 1 Cup Crushed Pineapple, drained
  • 1/3 Cup Desiccated Coconut, or coconut flakes

Instructions

For the Honey Mustard

  1. Place all of the ingredients in a small bowl and stir until smooth.
  2. Keep in the fridge until ready to serve.

For the Pina Colada Sauce

  1. Place the cream of coconut and sour cream in a bowl.
  2. Stir until smooth and add the remaining ingredients.
  3. Store in the fridge until ready to serve.

Recipe Notes

Cream of coconut is actually quite easy to find. Just head to the alcohol section of your local grocery store and it will be by the margarita mixes etc.

Dessicated coconut is an extremely dehydrated coconut product, use flakes or skip if necessary.

Nutrition

Serving: 2 tablespoons, Calories: 157kcal, Carbohydrates: 20g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 7mg, Sodium: 104mg, Potassium: 40mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 19g, Vitamin A: 80IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 15mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Explore Our Other Yummy Sauces:

  • Tzatziki Sauce
  • Hummus
  • Pico de Gallo
  • Guacamole
  • Cilantro Lime Dressing
  • Homemade Pesto
  • Nacho Cheese Sauce
  • BBQ Sauce
These are the best easy ham dipping sauces that I've ever had. A sweet honey mustard and pina colada sauce that will have your guests raving about the food.
Pina Colada Ham Dipping sauce and it's seriously so easy! ohsweetbasil.com