Thanksgiving is all about comforting food, family gatherings, and recipes that make the holiday table feel extra special. While turkey is traditional, honey baked ham is another delicious centerpiece that can be easier to prepare and just as impressive.

The combination of sweet honey, brown sugar, mustard, warm spices, and savory ham creates a glossy, caramelized exterior with plenty of holiday flavor. These recipes work especially well with spiral-sliced, bone-in, or boneless fully cooked hams.

Below you’ll find 17 Honey Baked Ham Recipes for Thanksgiving, including classic honey glazed ham, maple honey ham, pineapple honey ham, garlic herb ham, cranberry honey ham, apple cider ham, and several smaller options.

Food-safety note: Many holiday hams are already fully cooked. Follow the package directions for reheating and use a food thermometer where appropriate. If you’re working with a raw ham, cooking requirements are different.

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1. Classic Honey Baked Ham

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This classic recipe is simple enough for beginners but impressive enough for a Thanksgiving centerpiece.

Ingredients

• 1 fully cooked ham, 6–8 pounds
• ½ cup honey
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ cup water or broth

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Place the ham cut-side down in a roasting pan.
3. Add water or broth to the bottom of the pan.
4. Cover the ham tightly with foil.
5. Heat according to the package directions.
6. Meanwhile, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, orange juice, cinnamon, and cloves.
7. Remove the foil during the final portion of heating.
8. Brush the honey mixture generously over the ham.
9. Continue heating uncovered so the glaze becomes glossy.
10. Brush with another layer of glaze if desired.
11. Remove from the oven and rest for 10–15 minutes.
12. Slice and serve.

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2. Honey Brown Sugar Spiral Ham

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Spiral-sliced ham is convenient because the slices make serving easy and allow the glaze to reach between the cuts.

Ingredients

• 1 spiral-sliced fully cooked ham
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ⅓ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon cloves
• ¼ cup apple juice

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Place ham cut-side down in a roasting pan.
3. Pour apple juice into the bottom.
4. Cover tightly with foil.
5. Heat according to package directions.
6. Combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon, cinnamon, and cloves.
7. Remove foil.
8. Carefully brush glaze between and over the slices.
9. Continue heating uncovered.
10. Baste with juices once or twice if practical.
11. Rest before serving.

Tip

Because spiral ham is already sliced, avoid separating the slices too much during preparation.

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3. Maple Honey Glazed Ham

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Maple syrup and honey create a rich, sweet glaze with classic autumn flavor.

Ingredients

• 6–8 pound cooked ham
• ⅓ cup honey
• ⅓ cup maple syrup
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 325°F.
2. Place ham in a roasting pan.
3. Cover with foil.
4. Warm according to package directions.
5. Mix honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon, cinnamon, and pepper.
6. Remove foil near the end.
7. Brush the ham with the glaze.
8. Return to the oven uncovered.
9. Brush with additional glaze before serving.
10. Rest for 10–15 minutes.
11. Slice and serve.

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4. Honey Pineapple Baked Ham

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Pineapple and honey create a bright, fruity glaze that pairs beautifully with savory ham.

Ingredients

• 6–8 pound cooked ham
• 1 can pineapple rings
• ½ cup honey
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup pineapple juice
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Optional cherries

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Place ham in a roasting pan.
3. Pour pineapple juice into the bottom.
4. Cover with foil.
5. Heat according to package instructions.
6. Combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon, and pineapple juice.
7. Remove foil.
8. Arrange pineapple rings over the ham.
9. Brush generously with glaze.
10. Continue heating uncovered.
11. Add additional glaze during the final portion.
12. Garnish with cherries if desired.
13. Rest and slice.

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5. Honey Mustard Glazed Ham

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Honey and mustard are a classic combination for holiday ham.

Ingredients

• 6-pound fully cooked ham
• ½ cup honey
• ¼ cup Dijon mustard
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Place ham in a roasting pan.
3. Cover tightly with foil.
4. Heat according to package directions.
5. Whisk honey, Dijon, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic powder, and pepper.
6. Remove foil.
7. Brush glaze over the ham.
8. Continue heating uncovered.
9. Add another layer of glaze near the end.
10. Rest for 10–15 minutes.
11. Slice and serve.

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6. Honey Garlic Herb Ham

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If you enjoy a combination of sweet and savory flavors, try honey with garlic and fresh herbs.

Ingredients

• 6-pound cooked ham
• ½ cup honey
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon rosemary
• 1 tablespoon thyme
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup broth

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Place ham in a roasting pan.
3. Add broth to the bottom.
4. Cover with foil.
5. Warm according to package directions.
6. Melt butter.
7. Mix butter with honey, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and pepper.
8. Remove foil.
9. Brush mixture generously over the ham.
10. Continue heating uncovered.
11. Baste with pan juices.
12. Rest before slicing.

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7. Honey Orange Glazed Ham

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Orange adds brightness to the rich ham and honey glaze.

Ingredients

• 6-pound cooked ham
• ½ cup honey
• ¼ cup orange juice
• Zest of 1 orange
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Place ham in a roasting pan.
3. Cover with foil.
4. Heat according to package directions.
5. Combine honey, orange juice, zest, brown sugar, Dijon, and cinnamon.
6. Remove foil.
7. Brush glaze over the ham.
8. Continue heating uncovered.
9. Brush with glaze again.
10. Rest before slicing.

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8. Apple Cider Honey Ham

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Apple cider and honey give this ham a warm fall flavor that’s perfect for Thanksgiving.

Ingredients

• 6-pound cooked ham
• ½ cup honey
• 1 cup apple cider
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of cloves

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 325°F.
2. Place ham in a roasting pan.
3. Pour half the cider into the pan.
4. Cover with foil.
5. Warm according to package directions.
6. Combine remaining cider with honey, brown sugar, Dijon, cinnamon, and cloves.
7. Simmer until slightly reduced.
8. Remove foil.
9. Brush the glaze over ham.
10. Continue heating uncovered.
11. Brush again near the end.
12. Rest and slice.

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9. Honey Balsamic Glazed Ham

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Balsamic vinegar adds tanginess that balances the sweetness of honey.

Ingredients

• 6-pound cooked ham
• ½ cup honey
• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon rosemary
• Black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Place ham in a roasting pan.
3. Cover with foil.
4. Warm according to package directions.
5. Combine honey, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, Dijon, rosemary, and pepper.
6. Remove foil.
7. Brush ham with glaze.
8. Continue heating uncovered.
9. Brush again before serving.
10. Rest for 10–15 minutes.
11. Slice.

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10. Honey Cranberry Glazed Ham

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Cranberry gives this ham a beautiful Thanksgiving-inspired flavor.

Ingredients

• 6-pound cooked ham
• 1 cup cranberry sauce
• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon thyme

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Place ham in a roasting pan.
3. Cover with foil.
4. Warm according to package directions.
5. Combine cranberry sauce, honey, brown sugar, orange juice, Dijon, and thyme.
6. Remove foil.
7. Brush glaze over the ham.
8. Continue heating uncovered.
9. Add another coat of glaze.
10. Rest before slicing.

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11. Honey Peach Glazed Ham

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Peach preserves make a wonderfully fruity glaze for holiday ham.

Ingredients

• 6-pound cooked ham
• ½ cup peach preserves
• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 325°F.
2. Place ham in a roasting pan.
3. Cover and warm according to package instructions.
4. Combine peach preserves, honey, brown sugar, Dijon, vinegar, and cinnamon.
5. Remove foil.
6. Brush the glaze generously over ham.
7. Continue heating uncovered.
8. Apply another layer near the end.
9. Rest for 10 minutes.
10. Slice and serve.

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12. Honey Dijon Herb Ham

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This recipe combines honey and Dijon with classic Thanksgiving herbs.

Ingredients

• 6-pound cooked ham
• ⅓ cup honey
• 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon rosemary
• ½ teaspoon sage
• Black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Place ham in a roasting pan.
3. Cover with foil.
4. Warm according to package directions.
5. Mix honey, Dijon, olive oil, thyme, rosemary, sage, and pepper.
6. Remove foil.
7. Brush herb glaze over ham.
8. Continue heating uncovered.
9. Brush with glaze again.
10. Rest and slice.

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13. Honey Butter Ham

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Honey and butter create a simple glaze with a rich, glossy finish.

Ingredients

• 6-pound cooked ham
• ½ cup honey
• ¼ cup butter
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of cloves

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Place ham in a roasting pan.
3. Cover with foil.
4. Warm according to package instructions.
5. Melt butter in a small saucepan.
6. Add honey, brown sugar, Dijon, cinnamon, and cloves.
7. Stir until smooth.
8. Remove foil from ham.
9. Brush generously with honey butter.
10. Continue heating uncovered.
11. Brush with more glaze if desired.
12. Rest and slice.

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14. Honey Apple Glazed Ham

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Fresh apples and honey make this ham especially festive for fall.

Ingredients

• 6-pound cooked ham
• ½ cup honey
• ½ cup apple juice
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 apple, thinly sliced
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon thyme

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Place ham in a roasting pan.
3. Add apple juice to the pan.
4. Cover with foil.
5. Warm according to package instructions.
6. Mix honey, brown sugar, Dijon, cinnamon, and thyme.
7. Remove foil.
8. Arrange apple slices around or over the ham where practical.
9. Brush ham with honey glaze.
10. Continue heating uncovered.
11. Add another coat of glaze near the end.
12. Rest and slice.

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15. Honey Bourbon-Style Ham

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This version has a deep, caramelized flavor. For an alcohol-free Thanksgiving, this recipe uses apple juice rather than bourbon.

Ingredients

• 6-pound cooked ham
• ½ cup honey
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup apple juice
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon cloves

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 325°F.
2. Place ham in a roasting pan.
3. Cover with foil.
4. Warm according to package instructions.
5. Combine honey, brown sugar, apple juice, Dijon, cinnamon, and cloves.
6. Simmer briefly until smooth.
7. Remove foil.
8. Brush glaze over ham.
9. Continue heating uncovered.
10. Apply another layer of glaze.
11. Rest for 10–15 minutes.
12. Slice and serve.

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16. Small Honey Glazed Ham for Two to Four

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You don’t need a huge ham if you’re having a small Thanksgiving celebration.

Ingredients

• 2–3 pound fully cooked ham
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon orange juice
• Pinch of cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Place ham in a small baking dish.
3. Cover with foil.
4. Warm according to package instructions.
5. Mix honey, brown sugar, Dijon, orange juice, and cinnamon.
6. Remove foil.
7. Brush glaze over ham.
8. Continue heating uncovered.
9. Brush again during the final portion.
10. Rest for 10 minutes.
11. Slice and serve.

Serve With

• Mashed potatoes
• Green beans
• Cranberry sauce
• Small-batch stuffing

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17. Honey Glazed Ham With Homemade Brown Sugar Crust

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If you love the caramelized exterior of a holiday ham, this recipe finishes with a generous brown sugar coating.

Ingredients

• 6–8 pound fully cooked ham
• ½ cup honey
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon cloves
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Place ham in a roasting pan.
3. Cover with foil.
4. Heat according to package directions.
5. Mix honey, Dijon, cinnamon, cloves, and pepper.
6. Remove foil.
7. Brush honey mixture over the ham.
8. Press brown sugar over the glazed surface.
9. Return the ham to the oven uncovered.
10. Watch carefully while the sugar caramelizes.
11. Remove once the glaze is beautifully browned and the ham is thoroughly heated.
12. Rest before slicing.

Tip: Don’t leave the ham unattended during the final browning stage because the sugar can burn quickly.

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How to Make Honey Baked Ham Extra Flavorful

A good honey glaze is only part of the process. These simple techniques can make your holiday ham even more delicious.

1. Use a Fully Cooked Holiday Ham

For an easy Thanksgiving dinner, a fully cooked ham is convenient because you primarily need to reheat it according to the package instructions and add your preferred glaze.

2. Keep the Ham Covered Initially

Covering the ham with foil helps reduce moisture loss while it warms.

3. Add the Glaze Near the End

Honey and brown sugar contain sugars that can burn if exposed to high heat for too long.

Adding the glaze toward the end allows it to caramelize without becoming overly dark.

4. Use Several Thin Layers

Instead of applying one extremely thick layer, brush on multiple thinner layers.

This builds a glossy, flavorful crust.

5. Let the Ham Rest

Resting for 10–15 minutes before slicing makes serving easier and gives the ham time to settle.

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Best Honey Glaze Ingredients

You can customize your honey baked ham with different combinations.

Classic Honey Glaze

• Honey
• Brown sugar
• Dijon mustard
• Cinnamon
• Cloves

Fall Honey Glaze

• Honey
• Maple syrup
• Apple cider
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg

Citrus Honey Glaze

• Honey
• Orange juice
• Orange zest
• Dijon mustard

Fruity Honey Glaze

• Honey
• Pineapple juice
• Brown sugar
• Dijon

Savory Honey Glaze

• Honey
• Garlic
• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Dijon

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What to Serve With Honey Baked Ham

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Honey baked ham pairs especially well with savory and slightly tart side dishes.

Potatoes

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Scalloped potatoes
• Roasted baby potatoes
• Sweet potato casserole

Vegetables

• Green beans
• Roasted Brussels sprouts
• Glazed carrots
• Roasted broccoli
• Creamed spinach
• Corn casserole

Traditional Thanksgiving Sides

• Stuffing
• Cranberry sauce
• Dinner rolls
• Mac and cheese
• Gravy

Fresh Sides

• Apple salad
• Green salad
• Cranberry walnut salad
• Roasted vegetable salad

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Thanksgiving Dinner Menu Featuring Honey Ham

Want to build an entire holiday menu around your ham?

Try this combination:

Main Course

Classic Honey Baked Ham

Side Dishes

Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Green Bean Casserole

Maple Roasted Carrots

Cranberry Orange Sauce

Bread

Soft Dinner Rolls

Dessert

Classic Pumpkin Pie

Drink

Apple Cider

This menu gives you sweet, savory, creamy, fresh, and autumn-inspired flavors without making the meal unnecessarily complicated.

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How Much Ham Do You Need for Thanksgiving?

The amount depends on whether the ham is bone-in or boneless and whether you want leftovers.

As a rough planning guide:

Ham Type	Approximate Amount Per Person
Boneless ham	¼–⅓ lb
Bone-in ham	⅓–½ lb
Ham for generous leftovers	½ lb or more

For a smaller gathering, ham steaks or a small boneless ham can be more practical than a large holiday roast.

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What Type of Ham Is Best for Honey Glazing?

Spiral-Sliced Ham

Excellent for glazing because the cuts allow some glaze to reach between the slices.

Bone-In Ham

A traditional option that makes an impressive centerpiece.

Boneless Ham

Easy to carve and convenient for smaller gatherings.

Ham Steaks

Perfect when you’re cooking Thanksgiving dinner for just a few people.

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How to Store Leftover Honey Baked Ham

Refrigerate leftover ham promptly in shallow airtight containers or tightly wrapped packaging.

Use refrigerated leftovers within 3–4 days.

For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.

If you have a ham bone, save it for soups or beans if you plan to use it.

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Easy Ways to Use Leftover Honey Ham

Don’t let your Thanksgiving ham go to waste!

1. Ham and Cheese Sliders

Layer ham and cheese on small rolls and bake until warm.

2. Ham Breakfast Hash

Dice leftover ham and cook it with potatoes, onions, and peppers.

3. Ham Mac and Cheese

Stir chopped ham into creamy macaroni and cheese.

4. Ham and Egg Breakfast

Add diced ham to scrambled eggs or an omelet.

5. Ham Potato Soup

Combine ham with potatoes, carrots, onions, and broth.

6. Ham Sandwiches

Layer ham with cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mustard.

7. Ham Fried Rice

Use leftover ham in fried rice with vegetables and eggs.

8. Ham and Bean Soup

A leftover ham bone can add flavor to a long-simmered bean soup.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is honey baked ham good for Thanksgiving?

Yes. Honey glazed ham makes a flavorful alternative to turkey and works particularly well with classic Thanksgiving side dishes.

Can I use a spiral ham?

Absolutely. Spiral-sliced ham is one of the easiest choices for a honey glaze.

Should I glaze ham before or after cooking?

For a fully cooked ham, the glaze is generally best added toward the end of the reheating process so the honey and brown sugar can caramelize without burning.

Can I make honey baked ham ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare the glaze ahead and refrigerate it. The ham can also be reheated ahead, but take care not to overheat it.

How do I keep ham from drying out?

Keep it covered while it initially reheats and add a small amount of liquid to the roasting pan. Avoid prolonged high heat.

Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?

Yes. Maple syrup works beautifully in ham glazes and can be combined with honey for a deeper flavor.

Can I make honey baked ham without brown sugar?

Yes. Honey can be combined with Dijon mustard, maple syrup, fruit juice, or spices for a glaze without brown sugar.

Can I make a small honey baked ham?

Yes. A 2–3 pound ham is a practical option for a smaller Thanksgiving gathering.

What temperature should ham reach?

For a commercially packaged fully cooked ham, follow the specific heating instructions on the package, since recommended serving temperatures can vary by product. If the ham is raw or not fully cooked, follow the cooking instructions for that product and verify the appropriate internal temperature with a food thermometer.

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Honey Baked Ham Flavor Variations

Here’s a quick cheat sheet for changing the flavor:

Recipe	Main Flavor
Classic Honey Baked Ham	Honey + brown sugar
Honey Brown Sugar Spiral Ham	Caramelized
Maple Honey Ham	Maple + honey
Honey Pineapple Ham	Tropical + sweet
Honey Mustard Ham	Sweet + tangy
Honey Garlic Herb Ham	Sweet + savory
Honey Orange Ham	Citrus
Apple Cider Honey Ham	Warm fall spices
Honey Balsamic Ham	Sweet + tangy
Honey Cranberry Ham	Tart + sweet
Honey Peach Ham	Fruity
Honey Dijon Herb Ham	Savory + sweet
Honey Butter Ham	Rich + buttery
Honey Apple Ham	Apple + honey
Honey Bourbon-Style Ham	Deep + caramelized
Small Honey Ham	Small-batch
Brown Sugar Crust Ham	Caramelized crust

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Final Thoughts

These 17 Honey Baked Ham Recipes for Thanksgiving make it easy to create a delicious holiday centerpiece without complicated preparation. Whether you prefer a classic brown sugar glaze, fruity pineapple and cranberry, warm apple cider, maple syrup, orange, garlic herbs, or tangy Dijon mustard, honey gives ham a beautiful sweet-savory flavor.

For a traditional Thanksgiving table, start with the Classic Honey Baked Ham and pair it with mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans, cranberry sauce, and dinner rolls.

If you’re hosting a smaller gathering, the Small Honey Glazed Ham for Two to Four is an excellent option. And if you’re expecting leftovers, save them for sandwiches, breakfast hash, mac and cheese, soup, or casseroles.

Save these honey baked ham recipes for Thanksgiving and share this collection with anyone planning their holiday dinner! 🍯🍖🦃🍂