Honey for Thanksgiving: Turkey, Sides, Desserts and Drinks
Honey for Thanksgiving makes sense. It is a harvest food, it is grown right here in the United States, and it suits almost every dish on the table, from a honey-brined turkey to glazed carrots, cornbread and pie. This article lays out a complete Thanksgiving menu with honey, a cooking timeline, food safety for the turkey, ideas for leftovers, hostess gifts and which honey goes with each dish. For brining details, see our honey brine guide.
For general education only, not medical advice. Our honey is a food and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Why honey belongs at Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving celebrates the harvest, and honey is one of the oldest harvest foods. Bees gather nectar all summer and beekeepers harvest honey in late summer and fall. A jar of American honey on the table connects the meal to farms and seasons, and its flavor bridges the sweet and savory dishes that define the holiday.
The turkey
Brine the turkey in salt, honey and aromatics for 12 to 24 hours in the fridge, then roast. In the last 30 minutes, brush with a glaze of melted butter, honey and fresh herbs, tenting with foil if the skin browns too fast. The USDA advises keeping turkey and brine at 40°F or below, not brining longer than two days, and cooking to 165°F in the thickest part of the breast and innermost thigh and wing.
Vegetable sides
Honey glazed carrots take 20 minutes on the stove with butter, honey and thyme; our honey glazed carrots guide has the method. Roast sweet potatoes with olive oil and finish with honey and cinnamon; see our honey roasted sweet potatoes guide. Toss roasted Brussels sprouts with honey and balsamic for a sweet-tangy side.
Cranberry sauce with honey
Simmer a 12-ounce bag of cranberries with half a cup of honey, the zest and juice of an orange, and a quarter cup of water for 10 to 15 minutes, until most berries burst. It sets as it cools. Honey gives cranberry sauce a softer, more rounded sweetness than sugar.
Bread and rolls
Honey cornbread is a natural Thanksgiving bread; our honey cornbread guide has a recipe. Brush dinner rolls with honey butter right out of the oven for a glossy, sweet finish.
Desserts
Swap some or all of the corn syrup in pecan pie for honey for a deeper flavor. Add a few tablespoons of honey to pumpkin pie filling in place of some of the sugar. Serve slices with honey whipped cream. A simple honey cake is a lovely alternative for guests who do not love pie.
Drinks
Warm apple cider with cinnamon sticks, orange slices and honey in a slow cooker so guests can help themselves. For a non-alcoholic sparkling drink, mix cranberry juice, sparkling water and honey syrup. Our honey mocktails guide has more ideas.
Cooking timeline
Planning ahead makes the day calmer:
- Weekend before: shop and thaw turkey in the fridge (about 1 day per 4 to 5 pounds)
- Two days before: make cranberry sauce and pie dough
- One day before: brine turkey, bake pies, prep vegetables
- Thanksgiving morning: roast turkey, then sides while it rests
- Last 30 minutes: glaze turkey, warm rolls, set out honey
Leftover safety
Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of serving. Slice turkey off the bone and store in shallow containers. Eat leftovers within three to four days, and reheat to 165°F, as the USDA safe temperature chart shows. Freeze anything you will not finish.
Leftover ideas with honey
Make turkey sandwiches with cranberry sauce and honey mustard, toss leftover turkey with honey sriracha sauce over rice, or blend leftover sweet potatoes into a honey cinnamon smoothie. Leftover cornbread is wonderful toasted with honey butter.
Hostess gifts
A jar of honey with a ribbon makes a thoughtful thank-you for your host. A 3 jar pack lets you bring one and keep two for your own holiday baking. Our gifts page has ready-made options.
Which honey for Thanksgiving
Raw Buckwheat Honey, harvested in New York State, is bold for turkey glaze and pecan pie. Raw Wildflower Honey and Raw Clover Honey, also from New York State, suit vegetables, cornbread and cider. Raw Orange Blossom Honey, from Florida, brightens cranberry sauce.
The takeaway on honey for Thanksgiving
Honey for Thanksgiving ties the whole menu together, from a juicy brined turkey to glazed sides, cranberry sauce, pie and cider. Plan ahead, follow USDA turkey safety, and match each honey to its dish.
Honey for Thanksgiving appetizers
Start the meal with a honey cheese board: aged cheddar, blue cheese and brie with apples, pears, nuts and a small pot of honey. Baked brie with honey and walnuts is easy and impressive; our honey baked brie guide has the method. Honey roasted nuts in a bowl give guests something to snack on while the turkey rests.
Stock up before the holiday
A 3 jar pack covers turkey, sides and dessert. Save with a 3 jar or 6 jar pack of any honey, and orders over $50 ship free. Visit our shop.
Sources
Outside health sources we used for this article. They open in a new tab.
- Brining Safely Will Bring Tender, Flavorful Meat to the Thanksgiving Table · U.S. Department of Agriculture
- Safe Minimum Internal Temperature Chart · USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service
- Honey: nutrient profile · USDA FoodData Central
Frequently asked questions
- How can I use honey for Thanksgiving?
- In turkey brine and glaze, glazed vegetables, cornbread, cranberry sauce, pie and cider.
- Can I glaze a turkey with honey?
- Yes. Brush in the last 30 minutes and tent with foil if it browns too fast.
- What temperature should Thanksgiving turkey reach?
- 165°F in the thickest parts.
- Can I make cranberry sauce with honey?
- Yes. Simmer cranberries with honey, orange and a little water.
- How long do Thanksgiving leftovers last?
- Three to four days in the fridge.
- Can honey replace corn syrup in pecan pie?
- Yes, for a deeper flavor.
- Which honey is best for turkey glaze?
- Buckwheat or wildflower.
Al Safa Honey is a food producer, not a medical provider. Nothing here is medical advice, and these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Talk to your doctor about any health concern. Never give honey of any kind to a baby under 12 months old.
