Thanksgiving is all about gathering, gratitude, and great food. Adding honey to your holiday menu brings a natural sweetness that elevates every dish.
From glazes to desserts to drinks, honey adds warmth and flavor to your feast. In this blog post, I’ll share three easy Thanksgiving honey recipes: a glaze for your turkey, a dessert for the table, and a drink to toast the season.
These recipes are simple, delicious, and sure to impress your guests. Let’s make your Thanksgiving extra sweet!
Why Use Honey for Thanksgiving?
Honey is a perfect ingredient for the holidays. It’s natural, versatile, and adds a rich, floral sweetness. Unlike refined sugar, honey brings depth to savory and sweet dishes alike. It’s also a crowd-pleaser, pairing well with traditional Thanksgiving flavors like turkey, pumpkin, and spices. Plus, it’s easy to work with, making your holiday cooking stress-free.
Benefits of Cooking with Honey
- Natural Sweetness: Honey enhances flavors without being overpowering.
- Healthier Option: It’s packed with antioxidants and nutrients compared to processed sugars.
- Versatile: Works in glazes, desserts, drinks, and more.
- Long Shelf Life: Honey stays fresh, so you can prep ahead.
Recipe 1: Honey-Maple Turkey Glaze
A glossy, sweet-savory glaze makes your Thanksgiving turkey the star of the show. This honey-maple glaze is easy to whip up and adds incredible flavor.
Ingredients (for a 12–15 lb turkey)
- ¼ cup raw honey
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, maple syrup, melted butter, and Dijon mustard.
- Add thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- During the last 30 minutes of roasting your turkey, brush the glaze over the skin.
- Baste every 10 minutes to build a shiny, golden crust.
- Let the turkey rest for 15 minutes before carving.
Tips for Success
- Apply Late: Glaze in the final 30 minutes to avoid burning the sugars.
- Use a Brush: A silicone brush spreads the glaze evenly.
- Pairing: This glaze also works on roasted ham or pork.
Example
Last Thanksgiving, I used this glaze on a 14-pound turkey. The skin turned golden and crispy, and the flavor was a perfect mix of sweet and savory. My guests couldn’t stop raving about it!
Recipe 2: Honey Pumpkin Pie
No Thanksgiving is complete without dessert, and this honey pumpkin pie is a must-try. The honey adds a warm, floral note that makes this classic dessert extra special.
Ingredients (for one 9-inch pie)
- Crust:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cold butter, cubed
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3–4 tablespoons ice water
- Filling:
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- ⅓ cup raw honey
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Make the Crust:
- In a bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly.
- Add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until dough forms.
- Shape into a disk, wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
- Roll out dough and fit into a 9-inch pie pan. Crimp edges.
- Make the Filling:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, honey, brown sugar, eggs, and cream.
- Add cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Mix until smooth.
- Pour filling into the crust.
- Bake:
- Bake for 50–55 minutes, until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
- Cool completely before serving. Top with whipped cream if desired.
Tips for Success
- Use Raw Honey: It gives a richer flavor than processed honey.
- Check Doneness: A toothpick should come out clean from the center.
- Make Ahead: This pie can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge.
Example
I brought this pie to a Friendsgiving last year. The honey made it taste warm and cozy, and the crust was perfectly flaky. It disappeared faster than the turkey!
Recipe 3: Honey-Spiced Apple Cider Toddy
Warm up your Thanksgiving with a cozy honey-spiced apple cider toddy. This drink is perfect for sipping by the fire or toasting with guests.
Ingredients (for 4 servings)
- 4 cups apple cider
- ¼ cup raw honey
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 whole cloves
- 1 star anise
- 1 sliced orange
- Optional: ½ cup bourbon or whiskey (for an adult version)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine apple cider, honey, cinnamon stick, cloves, and star anise.
- Add orange slices.
- Heat over medium-low heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Don’t boil.
- Remove from heat. If using bourbon, stir it in now.
- Strain out spices and orange slices.
- Pour into mugs and garnish with a fresh orange slice or cinnamon stick.
Tips for Success
- Adjust Sweetness: Add more honey if you like it sweeter.
- Non-Alcoholic Option: Skip the bourbon for a family-friendly drink.
- Keep Warm: Serve from a slow cooker on low to keep it warm for guests.
Example
I served this toddy at our Thanksgiving last year. The honey and spices made the house smell amazing, and everyone loved the cozy vibe. It was a hit with both kids and adults (minus the bourbon for the little ones)!
Why These Recipes Shine for Thanksgiving
These honey recipes are perfect for the holiday because they’re
- Easy: Simple ingredients and steps, even for busy cooks.
- Flavorful: Honey adds a unique, warm taste that complements Thanksgiving classics.
- Crowd-Pleasing: From savory to sweet, there’s something for everyone.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the glaze or pie a day early to save time.
Tips for Cooking with Honey
Want to make the most of honey in your Thanksgiving recipes? Try these:
- Use Raw Honey: It has more flavor and nutrients than processed honey.
- Balance Flavors: Pair honey with tangy (like mustard) or spicy (like cinnamon) ingredients.
- Measure Carefully: Honey is sticky, so spray your measuring cup with cooking spray for easy pouring.
- Store Properly: Keep honey in a cool, dry place. It doesn’t need refrigeration.
How to Source Quality Honey
Great honey makes a big difference. Here’s where to find it
- Local Beekeepers: Check farmer’s markets or local farms for raw honey.
- Grocery Stores: Look for “raw” or “unfiltered” honey at stores like Whole Foods.
- Online: Amazon or specialty retailers like Savannah Bee Company offer quality options.
- Tip: Choose local honey to support beekeepers and possibly help with allergies.
Storing Your Honey Creations
- Glaze: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat gently before using.
- Pie: Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freeze slices for up to 2 months.
- Toddy: Store the non-alcoholic base in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat before serving.
A Personal Story
Last Thanksgiving, I decided to experiment with honey in my menu. The honey-maple glaze on the turkey was a game-changer, and the pumpkin pie was a family favorite. But the real star was the apple cider toddy. We sipped it while sharing stories, and it made the evening feel so warm and festive. Now, honey is a must-have in my holiday cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular honey instead of raw?
Yes, but raw honey gives a richer flavor and more nutrients. Regular honey works if that’s what you have.
Can I make the pie crust gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use a gluten-free flour blend for the crust and follow the same steps.
What if I don’t like bourbon in the toddy?
Skip it! The cider, honey, and spices are delicious on their own.
How do I keep the glaze from burning?
Apply it only in the last 30 minutes of roasting, and keep the oven at 325°F or lower.
Final Thoughts
Honey brings a special touch to your Thanksgiving table.
These recipes—a turkey glaze, pumpkin pie, and apple cider toddy—are easy, flavorful, and perfect for the holiday. They’ll impress your guests and make your feast unforgettable. So, grab some honey and start cooking. Your Thanksgiving will be sweeter than ever!
What’s your favorite way to use honey for the holidays? Share your ideas in the comments. Happy Thanksgiving!
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