Classic Raisin Sauce for Ham (2024)

You are here:Home » Meal Type » Condiments and Sauces » Raisin Sauce for Ham

5 from 7 votes

(updated April 15, 2021) by Danielle Esposti

May contain affiliate links. See our Privacy Policy and disclosure.

Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

There is no better way to serve ham than with Raisin Sauce. Sweet and just sour enough, raisin sauce is packed with plump and juicy raisins and slightly spiced with cloves. It’s the perfect way to transform a ham dinner into a truly special dish.

Classic Raisin Sauce for Ham (1)
Jump to:
  • How to Make Grandma’s Raisin Sauce
  • Tips for Making This Recipe Perfectly
  • More Easy Recipes for Easter Dinner
  • Recipe


This is my grandmother’s raisin sauce, traditionally served over ham at Easter and Christmas. Today marks exactly one year since our beloved matriarch passed, so it feels especially appropriate to share this recipe today.

Classic Raisin Sauce for Ham (2)


As children, we used to ladle so much sauce onto our plates that “have a little ham with your raisin sauce” was a common refrain. But we honestly couldn’t help ourselves – it’s really that delicious.

How to Make Grandma’s Raisin Sauce

Grandma’s classic raisin sauce is so easy and takes just 15 minutes – make it while the ham is resting. Raisins are cooked in slightly caramelized brown sugar until they’re fat and juicy, then spiced with ground cloves. A tiny splash of apple cider vinegar takes the edge off the sweetness. There is simply no better way to enjoy ham.

Classic Raisin Sauce for Ham (3)
  • Combine brown sugar and water in a small sauce pan. Simmer for five minutes, whisking occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the color is a deep caramel.
  • Add raisins, butter, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, and salt and pepper. The cloves and cider vinegar take the edge off the sweetness from the brown sugar and raisins. It’s an incredible combination of sweet, sour, and spice.
  • Continue simmering over medium heat until the butter melts and the raisins are soft, fat, and juicy.
Classic Raisin Sauce for Ham (4)
  • Pour in the cornstarch slurry.
  • Continue simmering until the sauce is thick, 2-3 minutes more.
  • Allow the sauce to cool for a few minutes – it becomes very hot in the first step when the sugar is bubbling! Taste for seasoning, and add a bit more cloves if you prefer a more spiced sauce.
  • Serve over thick slices of ham.
Classic Raisin Sauce for Ham (5)

Tips for Making This Recipe Perfectly

  • Raisin sauce can be made in advance and will keep in the fridge for several days. It will thicken considerably, so reheat in a sauce pot over medium heat and thin with water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency.
  • Be sure to use light brown sugar – the flavor of dark brown sugar is too strong and will become overpowering.
  • If you prefer a less sweet, caramel-tasting sauce, simmer the brown sugar and water for just 3 minutes in the first step.
Classic Raisin Sauce for Ham (6)

More Easy Recipes for Easter Dinner

  • Lemon Garlic Asparagus
  • Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes
  • Green Beans with Bacon
  • Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
  • Mom’s Carrot Cake
Classic Raisin Sauce for Ham (7)

Did you make Grandma’s Raisin Sauce? I’d love to know how it turned out! Leave a comment and a rating below.

While you’re at it, let’s be friends – follow me on Pinterestand Instagramfor the latest and greatest.

Recipe

Classic Raisin Sauce for Ham (8)

Grandma’s Raisin Sauce

5 from 7 votes

Author: Danielle Esposti

Print RecipeRate this RecipePin Recipe

Grandma's classic raisin sauce is so easy and takes just 15 minutes – make it while the ham is resting. Raisins are cooked in slightly caramelized brown sugar until they're fat and juicy, then spiced with ground cloves. A tiny splash of apple cider vinegar takes the edge off the sweetness. There is simply no better way to enjoy ham.

Prep Time: 2 minutes mins

Cook Time: 13 minutes mins

Total Time: 15 minutes mins

Servings : 8 servings

Calories: 268

Recommended Equipment

  • Small Sauce Pot

Ingredients

  • 1 c light brown sugar
  • ½ c water
  • 1 c raisins
  • 2 tablespoon butter
  • 2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

  • Combine the brown sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes. The color will be a deep golden caramel.

  • Add the raisins, butter, cider vinegar, salt, and cloves. Bring to a simmer and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the raisins are soft and plump.

  • Make a slurry by combining the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water. Mix until smooth, then add the slurry to the sauce. Continue simmering until the sauce thickens, 2-3 additional minutes. Taste for seasoning and add additional cloves if you’d like more spice. Serve immediately over ham slices.

Notes

  • Raisin sauce can be made in advance and will keep in the fridge for several days. It will thicken considerably, so reheat in a sauce pot over medium heat and thin with water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency.
  • Be sure to use light brown sugar – the flavor of dark brown sugar is too strong and will become overpowering.
  • If you prefer a less sweet, caramel-tasting sauce, simmer the brown sugar and water for just 3 minutes in the first step. It will, however, still be sweet.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 0.25cup, Calories: 268kcal (13%), Carbohydrates: 65g (22%), Protein: 2g (4%), Fat: 3g (5%), Saturated Fat: 2g (10%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 8mg (3%), Sodium: 146mg (6%), Potassium: 376mg (11%), Fiber: 2g (8%), Sugar: 54g (60%), Vitamin A: 24% (24%), Vitamin C: 2% (2%), Calcium: 4% (4%), Iron: 5% (5%)

Did you make this recipe?Mention @oursaltykitchen or tag #oursaltykitchen!

« Whole30 Ranch Dressing

Ranch Chicken Poppers »

Disclaimer: This post and the recipe card may contain affiliate links, which means we receive a small commission (at no cost to you!) if you make a purchase using these links. Rest assured, we only endorse products we own and truly love!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Tim Jackson

    Classic Raisin Sauce for Ham (9)
    Just made this and it’s PDG. For sure a taste down memory lane. Thank you!
    This recipe is being saved, that’s for sure.

    Reply

    • Danielle

      Aw, I’m so glad to hear that!! It’s absolutely the same for me, I can’t eat ham without thinking about and then making my Grandma’s raisin sauce!! Glad you enjoyed it (and the nostalgia).

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. […] you prefer a sweeter finish, consider serving this ham with my Grandma’s classic raisin sauce – it’s the perfect compliment to the maple orange […]

    Reply

  2. […] Or so they say. I, thus, absolutely had to use them as a topping for my French toasts. Inspired by Our Salty Kitchen’s raisin sauce, I prepared drunken raisins… without the cloves. I tweaked her recipe to my taste, and […]

    Reply

  3. […] to complement my favorite Easter main dish – instant pot spiral ham with my grandma’s raisin sauce – and (2) I need to not have to be responsible for every single dish every single […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Classic Raisin Sauce for Ham (2024)

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Fr. Dewey Fisher

Last Updated:

Views: 5543

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (62 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Fr. Dewey Fisher

Birthday: 1993-03-26

Address: 917 Hyun Views, Rogahnmouth, KY 91013-8827

Phone: +5938540192553

Job: Administration Developer

Hobby: Embroidery, Horseback riding, Juggling, Urban exploration, Skiing, Cycling, Handball

Introduction: My name is Fr. Dewey Fisher, I am a powerful, open, faithful, combative, spotless, faithful, fair person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.