Finnish Christmas ham sauce is a creamy, slightly sweet sauce. It is made from the pan juices of oven-roasted ham, combined with applesauce, cream, and Dijon mustard. Traditionally, this sauce is served with joulukinkku (Finnish Christmas ham). It adds rich flavor and a silky texture to the holiday table. With its perfect balance of sweet and savory, it turns simple ham into a festive centerpiece. This sauce is an essential part of a Finnish Christmas meal.
For my family, this recipe is a cherished tradition. Many families have their own versions, but most Finnish households use the pan juices from the ham as the sauce base. In our home, we serve this sauce alongside extra applesauce made from homegrown apples. We also offer a selection of mustards. Together, these flavors bring warmth and nostalgia. They make every Christmas dinner feel extra special.
Why This Ham Sauce Is a Holiday Favorite
This sauce stands out for its perfect flavor balance. Meanwhile, the sweetness of applesauce complements the savory ham. Cream gives the sauce a smooth and luxurious texture. Adding a small amount of an acidic ingredient, like Calvados, Cognac, or apple cider vinegar, brightens the flavors. It balances the richness and adds depth.
How to Make the Perfect Finnish Christmas Ham Sauce
Start by removing the solid fat from the ham pan juices. Then, gently simmer the juices with applesauce and your chosen acidic ingredient. This allows the flavors to meld. Whisk in a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce evenly. Next, stir in cream and Dijon mustard for smoothness and a touch of tang. Just before serving, remove the pan from the heat and whisk in a tablespoon of butter. This gives the sauce a glossy, luxurious finish. For an alcohol-free option, apple cider vinegar works beautifully. It maintains the bright, balanced flavor without the alcohol.
How to Serve Finnish Christmas Ham Sauce with Your Holiday Meal
This sauce is perfect for drizzling over Finnish Christmas Ham, joulukinkku, but it pairs well with other holiday sides too. In our family, we serve it with Christmas casseroles, additional applesauce, and a selection of mustards to enhance the flavors.
For a full Finnish Christmas spread, serve this sauce with Finnish Christmas Ham, Finnish Christmas Rutabaga Casserole (Lanttulaatikko), Sweetened Potato Casserole (Imelletty Perunalaatikko), and Carrot Casserole. Together, these traditional dishes create a festive table filled with rich flavors, warmth, and the cozy charm of Finnish holiday traditions.
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Finnish Christmas Ham Sauce
Ingredients
- 1¼ cups (3 dl) ham pan juices, fat removed
- ¾ cup (2 dl) applesauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- ½ cup (1 dl) heavy cream
- 1-2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp Calvados or brandy or cognac or apple cider winegar
- 2 tsp honey
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- After roasting the ham, pour the pan juices into a bowl and refrigerate until cold. Remove and discard the solid fat layer.
- Transfer 1¼ of the defatted ham juices to a saucepan. Add the honey, applesauce, and Calvados.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for a few minutes to let the flavors come together.
- Stir in the cream and season with freshly ground black pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Slowly whisk into the sauce.
- Simmer gently until the sauce thickens.
- Add the Dijon mustard and taste. Add salt only if needed.
- Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in 1 tbsp of butter until smooth and glossy.
- Serve warm with Finnish Christmas ham.
