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28 Honey Baked Ham Thanksgiving Sides

Thanksgiving Day is a time to gather with loved ones and indulge in a variety of foods for a Thanksgiving feast. One popular centerpiece of the holiday table is honey-baked ham, known for its sweet crunchy glaze and tender slices.

While the ham itself is the star of the dinner table, pairing it with these Honey Baked Ham Thanksgiving Sides will create a delicious holiday menu that everyone will enjoy. 

A collage for nine Honey Baked Ham Thanksgiving Sides recipes.
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You may be wondering what sides pair well with honey baked ham, with the right combination of side dishes, you're sure to create a well-rounded feast that highlights the star of the show: your honey baked ham.

Honey Baked Ham isn't just for Thanksgiving dinner, it's also great for Easter dinner, Christmas Dinner, and other holiday meals.

As you begin to plan your Thanksgiving menu, consider these great side dish recipes that are not only delicious but also complement the savory-sweet nature of honey baked ham this holiday season. From traditional mashed potatoes to more adventurous options like pan-seared Brussels sprouts, these sides will ensure that your holiday meal is a success. The best part of a holiday feast is the main course but these side dishes are a close second. 

With the use of the stovetop, oven, air fryer, crockpot, and Instant Pot, you can make easy side dishes as well as your main dish, a homemade honey baked ham for special occasions such as Thanksgiving. 

Homemade Honey Baked Ham

Nothing beats a juicy, tender, and flavorful honey baked ham on your Thanksgiving table. Making your own honey-baked ham at home can be simple and is a great way to save money. With this recipe, you'll create a mouthwatering centerpiece that your guests will absolutely love without having to pick one up at the Honey Baked Ham Company. 

To start, you'll need a spiral ham as the base of your homemade honey baked ham. My recipe for my Instant Pot Honey Baked Ham is one of my favorite recipes to make for Thanksgiving as well as the recipe I use for my Christmas ham. It features the simple ingredients, honey, sugar, butter, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and paprika.  

This recipe can also be made in the oven by following the ingredients and directions for the Instant Pot version but baking it in the oven at 325°F for about 15 minutes per pound.  Place the ham onto a rack in a large roasting pan, cut side down. Pour the sweet glaze mixture over the ham and in between the slices and cover with foil to lock in the moisture and to keep the ham from drying out. It has the same delicious taste as the Instant Pot recipe but doesn't require the use of a pressure cooker. 

And there you have it—a delicious, homemade honey baked ham that's perfect for your Thanksgiving feast! 

Honey Baked Ham Thanksgiving Sides Ideas

When planning your Thanksgiving meal, you might be wondering what side dishes go well with honey baked ham. Look no further, as we have got you covered with a variety of options that complement the main course perfectly.

Potatoes: Sides such as garlic mashed potatoes with Parmesan cheese or cheesy potatoes au gratin are excellent choices to pair with your holiday ham. 

Vegetables: A variety of vegetables pair well with honey baked ham, and vegetable side dishes such as Asparagus with lemon and Dijon mustard offer a fresh, tangy accompaniment, while roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or green beans casserole provide a crisp and savory side that are favorite southern side dishes. 

Salads: Salads lighten up holiday dinners that are usually full of hearty dishes, both sweet and savoryA green salad with a combination of sweet and savory ingredients pairs well with honey baked ham. Options include a bacon pea salad or a broccoli-cauliflower salad. 

Bread and More: Southern cornbread is a great addition to serve alongside honey baked ham.  You can also expand your menu by including a few comfort food options like onion soup or risotto. Of crouse, cranberry sauce, a Thanksgiving staple is a must at the holiday dinner table. 

With these diverse and delectable side dishes to choose from, you can create the ultimate Thanksgiving feast that complements your honey baked ham and satisfies everyone's taste buds.

Essential Tools for Thanksgiving Dinner

When preparing a honey baked ham and tasty side dishes for Thanksgiving dinner, having the right tools in your kitchen can make the process easier and more enjoyable. Here is a list of essential tools that will help you create a fantastic feast for your loved ones.

roasting pan with a rack is crucial for cooking your ham. It allows the air to circulate evenly around the meat, ensuring even cooking and a crispy exterior. Choosing a heavy-duty pan with high sides keeps any cooking liquid from spilling out, making cleanup a breeze.

Aluminum foil is used by wrapping it around the ham while it is baking in the oven.  It locks in the moisture and prevents the ham from drying out as it bakes. 

Sheet pans are versatile and handy for preparing various side dishes and roasting vegetables. You can cook multiple items at once, saving on oven space and time. Make sure you have at least one or two sheet pans in your kitchen for efficient cooking during Thanksgiving.

meat thermometer is essential for monitoring the internal temperature of your ham, so you don't overcook or undercook it. Aim for an internal temp of 140°F, ensuring the meat is cooked to perfection. Spiral hams are precooked but make sure to heat the ham to the appropriate internal temperature for safety.  You can visit USDA.gov for additional safety guidelines for your holiday menu. 

Basting tools, such as basting brushes and bulb basters, help you keep your ham moist and juicy during the cook time. By applying the cooking liquid or glaze at regular intervals, your ham will stay tender and delicious.

For quick and consistent prep time, having a sharp set of knives is indispensable. From trimming the ham to chopping vegetables, a good set of knives will make your work much more manageable.

Finally, consider investing in a large cutting board that can hold your honey baked ham during prep and carving. This will not only protect your countertops but also provide easier cleanup. 

Casserole dishes are a must during the holiday season for the various types of food that is made. 

How to Make Ahead and Store Side Dishes

Planning your Honey Baked Ham Thanksgiving sides in advance can save you time and stress during the holidays. Here are some tips on how to make ahead and store side dishes, ensuring they stay tender, juicy, and full of flavor.

When choosing side dishes to compliment your honey baked ham recipe, consider options that can be prepared ahead of time. Popular choices include casseroles and stuffing. These types of recipes are easy to store and reheat. 

To make your side dishes ahead of time, start by cooking components such as onions and garlic until tender. If using potatoes, parboil them to help retain their moisture and ensure even cooking.

Once your ingredients are prepared, assemble the dish according to your recipe and store it in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. When it is time to cook your dishes, preheat the oven to the appropriate temperature and bake for the time stated in the recipe. 


For casseroles, you can make them ahead, store them in the refrigerator for up to a day, or freeze them for later use. Just be sure to leave off any toppings until it's time to bake the dish to prevent the toppings from losing flavor or texture. Defrost frozen casseroles in the refrigerator for 24 hours before baking to make sure they cook all the way through. 

To reheat your side dishes, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake them for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.

By following these tips, you can make the most of your Honey Baked Ham Thanksgiving sides.

Thanksgiving Day is a time to gather with loved ones and indulge in a variety of foods for a Thanksgiving feast. One popular centerpiece of the holiday table is honey-baked ham, known for its sweet crunchy glaze and tender slices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best side dishes to serve with honey baked ham?

There are numerous delicious side dishes that pair well with honey baked ham. Some popular options include mashes potatoes, mac and cheese, green bean casserole, glazed carrots, roasted brussels sprouts, and sweet potato casserole. The options don't stop there, a wide variety of recipes can be perfect side dish. All of these are delicious sides for honey baked ham. 

How do I reheat Honey Baked Ham?

To reheat leftover ham without drying it out, preheat the oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit, wrap the ham tightly in aluminum foil, and bake for 10 minutes per pound. Check with an instant read meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 140 degrees.