Ham with Rum Raisin Sauce Recipe – Sweet, Tangy, and Perfect for Entertaining

Difficulty:

2/5

Serves:

6 PEOPLE

Prep Time:

10 minutes

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Ham with Rum Raisin Sauce Recipe

This Ham with Rum Raisin Sauce recipe transforms a classic cooked ham into a show-stopping dish that balances sweetness, tang, and subtle warmth from dark rum. Hosted by Theresa Visintin on A Is For Apple 2, the sauce combines plump raisins, golden raisins, brown sugar, and orange zest to create a rich, velvety glaze. Ideal for holiday dinners, brunches, or celebratory meals, this recipe elevates ham into a flavorful centerpiece that is both easy to prepare and unforgettable.

The Inspiration

Rum raisin sauce is a classic accompaniment that adds a touch of indulgence to a holiday or Sunday roast. The pairing of sweet dried fruits with warm, aromatic rum creates a complex flavor profile that complements the natural richness of ham. Theresa Visintin’s version emphasizes accessibility while still feeling gourmet, with orange juice and zest adding a citrus brightness that balances the sweetness of the sugar and raisins.

This recipe draws inspiration from European holiday cooking, where glazes and sauces transform simple proteins into festive dishes. By keeping the sauce warm and drizzling it over the sliced ham at the table, it doubles as both a visual and flavorful highlight for entertaining. The method is straightforward, making it perfect for home cooks who want a memorable dish without complicated steps.

Ingredients

½ cup (120ml) brown sugar
1 teaspoon (5ml) Dijon mustard
½ cup (120ml) raisins
½ cup (120ml) golden raisins
½ cup (120ml) orange juice
3 tablespoons (45ml) dark rum
Peel of 1 orange
2 lbs. (900g) cooked boneless ham
1 tablespoon (15ml) cornstarch
½ cup (120ml) water
2 tablespoons (30ml) butter
Zest of 1 orange

Method

In a medium-sized saucepan, combine brown sugar, mustard, raisins, orange juice, rum and orange peel.
Heat over medium-high heat until simmering.
Meanwhile, whisk together cornstarch and water in a small mixing bowl.
Once sauce is simmering and sugar has melted, pour in cornstarch mixture and whisk together.
Cook for 2-3 minutes, and remove from heat once sauce has thickened.
Add butter and mix well.
Slice warm ham into desired portions, and top with warm sauce.
Garnish with orange zest.

Serving Suggestions

This Ham with Rum Raisin Sauce is perfect as a festive main for holiday dinners, brunches, or celebratory meals with family and friends. Serve alongside roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the ham and sweetness of the sauce.

For holiday entertaining, place the sliced ham on a large platter and pour sauce over the top at the table to keep it warm and visually appealing. The orange zest adds a pop of color and aromatic brightness, making it perfect for presentation. Leftovers work beautifully in sandwiches, frittatas, or paired with a cheese board for the next day.

Pair this dish with sparkling cider, Riesling, or a light-bodied red wine to complement the sweet and citrusy notes of the sauce. The combination of warm rum aroma, sweet raisins, and tangy orange makes every bite indulgent and festive.

Final Thoughts

This Ham with Rum Raisin Sauce recipe hosted by Theresa Visintin takes a simple cooked ham and turns it into a centerpiece worthy of holidays, brunches, or family celebrations. The sweet, citrusy sauce enhances the ham without overpowering it, while the dark rum and raisins create depth and complexity.

With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish delivers a sophisticated flavor that feels gourmet but is surprisingly easy to prepare. Perfect for impressing guests or elevating a family dinner, the combination of sweet, tangy, and aromatic flavors makes it a memorable recipe to keep in your collection.

Find more recipes from A is for Apple here!