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.
Jump to:
- Homemade Honey Baked Ham
- Honey Baked Ham Thanksgiving Sides Ideas
- Green Bean Casserole Without Mushroom Soup
- Potatoes au Gratin
- Easy No Knead Dinner Rolls
- Cornbread Dressing
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
- Green Bean Casserole with Bacon and Cheese!
- Best Ever Stuffing Balls
- Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
- Hasselback Sweet Potato Casserole
- Southern Deviled Eggs Recipe (with Bacon)
- Creamed Collard Greens Recipe
- Garlic Red Skin Mashed Potatoes
- Garlic and Rosemary Potatoes
- Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese (Chick fil A)
- Arugula Apple Salad with Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette
- Sage Sausage Dressing
- Best Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes
- 3 Ingredient Apple Cranberry Sauce
- French onion stuffing: all the flavors of savory French onion soup!
- Irish Mashed Potatoes
- Oven Roasted Vegetables Medley
- Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
- Traditional Thanksgiving Dressing
- Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
- Sweet Potato Casserole
- Baked Candied Yams
- Instant Pot Cowboy Beans
- Healthy Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- Essential Tools for Thanksgiving Dinner
- How to Make Ahead and Store Side Dishes
- Frequently Asked Questions
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 savory. A 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.
Green Bean Casserole Without Mushroom Soup
It's not the holidays unless you're serving this flavorful green bean casserole without mushroom soup. If you're looking for a fresh alternative on your holiday table, this is it!
Potatoes au Gratin
You will love these creamy potatoes au gratin, a savory sauce surrounded thin sliced potatoes layered with nutty gruyere cheese, perfectly compliments your favorite ham!
Easy No Knead Dinner Rolls
These homemade No Knead Dinner Rolls are easy to make and perfect to add to almost any meal! This recipe will show you how you can make dinner rolls in under an hour.
Cornbread Dressing
Savor the comforting flavors of the South with this Cornbread Dressing Recipe, a delectable side dish that perfectly complements any festive meal. Made with crumbly cornbread, aromatic herbs, and just the right mix of seasonings, it's bound to become a cherished holiday tradition at your table.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze turn Brussels sprouts into a show-stopping side dish with just a few simple ingredients. This tasty side dish is sure to become a holiday dinner staple!
Green Bean Casserole with Bacon and Cheese!
Green bean casserole is taken to a whole new level when bacon and cheese are added! Although green bean casserole is a common dish at Thanksgiving, you'll be the one asked to bring this every year
Best Ever Stuffing Balls
These homemade stuffing balls are a family tradition and this recipe has been passed down through many generations. These stuffing balls are perfect for Thanksgiving and Christmas and they're easy to make.
Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
This southern mac and cheese is a staple at the holiday table. It has a delicious blend of cheeses and perfect for any get together.
Hasselback Sweet Potato Casserole
This Hasselback Sweet Potato Casserole is a delicious spin on classic sweet potato casserole. With the traditional warm flavors, this casserole will not disappoint.
Southern Deviled Eggs Recipe (with Bacon)
These Southern deviled eggs with bacon are so flavorful and easy to make. Great appetizer for all your holiday gatherings!
Creamed Collard Greens Recipe
Tender sweet onions and plenty of heavy cream pull this easy creamed collard green recipe together. It's a delicious side dish for the holiday table, and easy to make, too.
Garlic Red Skin Mashed Potatoes
Garlic Redskin Mashed Potatoes with cream cheese and Parmesan cheese are the creamiest, most flavorful mashed potatoes ever. And they take about 5 minutes to prep and under 30 minutes to cook. Perfect side dish for ham.
Garlic and Rosemary Potatoes
These potatoes are a very aromatic dish that everyone will love. Perfect side dish to ham because it brings a depth of flavors.
Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese (Chick fil A)
Every Thanksgiving table needs a hot cheesy mac and cheese dish and this Chick-fil-A copycat is perfect for the occasion.
Arugula Apple Salad with Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette
This arugula apple salad is hearty enough to serve as a main dish or a side! Topped with a roasted shallot & garlic vinaigrette, pancetta, wild rice, and goat cheese, this arugula salad is exciting in every bite!
Sage Sausage Dressing
Deliciously flavorful dressing made with sage sausage, French bread, and fresh vegetables.
Best Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes
Free up oven space and make the best Thanksgiving side dish. Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes to eat alongside your ham! It's easy to toss the ingredients in your slow cooker and have it do the rest!
3 Ingredient Apple Cranberry Sauce
This is no ordinary cranberry sauce recipe. Only 3 ingredients are needed and the addition of fresh apples gives this an added sweetness. Great for any holiday table and looks so bright and is just a pretty-looking dish.
French onion stuffing: all the flavors of savory French onion soup!
French onion stuffing has all the caramelized onion flavor of a classic French onion soup recipe in stuffing form. It has fresh herbs like parsley and sage, rich broth, savory, moist bread, and gooey Gruyère cheese for a delicious Thanksgiving side dish!
Irish Mashed Potatoes
These delicious buttery mashed potatoes are a must-have at holiday tables. These creamy mashed potatoes are loaded with butter and served with scallions to enhance the flavors of this popular dish.
Oven Roasted Vegetables Medley
This gorgeous, colorful mixture of Oven Roasted Vegetables has plenty of choices to satisfy everyone at the table. So simple to make, but bursting with flavor, and a vibrantly enticing accompaniment to holiday ham!
Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Similar to Potatoes Au Gratin, these Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are drenched in a delicious garlicky cream sauce and then covered in cheese! They make an amazing comfort food side dish for all your holiday dinners!
Traditional Thanksgiving Dressing
This traditional Thanksgiving Dressing is made with sauteed celery and onions, bread, fresh spices, and herbs. Dressing is a must at the holiday table and this one is loaded with veggies.
Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
Cheesy Mashed Potatoes are the ultimate ham companion! A creamy, decadent side dish that will delight everyone around your table!
Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potato casserole is a classic must-have addition to the holiday dinner table.
Baked Candied Yams
Baked candied yams glazed in a sweet buttery glaze is a great side dish that family and friends will come back for more of. The combo of the sweet and savoriness of these yams goes great with salty ham to round out any plate!
Instant Pot Cowboy Beans
Freeing up the oven and stovetop, these Instant Pot Cowboy Beans are packed full of flavor and very easy to make.
Healthy Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Learn how to make the best mashed sweet potatoes that are smooth, fragrant & comforting, yet still healthy (no marshmallows needed)! The method is super easy and makes the potatoes taste amazing all by themselves!
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.
A 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.
A 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.
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.
Dana is an experienced recipe creator who crafts easy and delicious recipes for all levels of home cooks.
Her recipes range from classic comfort foods to healthy and nutritious meals, and she is always on the lookout for new and exciting ways to bring flavor and variety to the table.
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