Why Ham Might Be the Perfect Thanksgiving Main Dish

Ham vs. Turkey: Rethinking Your Thanksgiving Main Course

When you think of Thanksgiving, turkey probably comes to mind first. But what if you switched things up this year and served ham instead? While turkey is the traditional centerpiece, ham has a lot going for it—flavor, convenience, and versatility. Let’s dig into why ham might just be the better choice for your Thanksgiving table.

1. Ham Packs More Flavor

One of the biggest complaints about turkey is that it can be bland or dry, especially if it’s overcooked. Ham, on the other hand, is naturally juicy, tender, and flavorful. Most hams are cured and sometimes smoked, which gives them a rich, savory taste that doesn’t need much extra seasoning. Plus, a sweet glaze (like honey or brown sugar) caramelizes beautifully on ham, adding a delicious contrast to its saltiness.

2. Easier and Faster to Prepare

Roasting a whole turkey can be intimidating—it takes hours to cook, needs constant monitoring, and requires careful carving. Ham is much more forgiving. Most hams come pre-cooked or partially cooked, so you’re really just reheating and glazing them. That means less stress in the kitchen and more time to spend with your family and friends. Plus, carving a ham is much simpler than wrestling with a turkey.

3. Ham Stays Juicier

Turkey breast meat dries out quickly, especially when you’re trying to make sure the dark meat is cooked through. Ham retains its moisture much better, so you’re less likely to end up with dry slices. Even leftovers stay tender and tasty for days after the big meal.

4. Feeds a Crowd with Less Waste

Ham is easy to slice into neat pieces that everyone can enjoy, from thick hearty slabs to thin deli-style cuts for sandwiches. Since it’s boneless or has a single large bone, there’s less waste compared to picking over turkey bones. You’ll get more edible meat per pound with ham, making it a practical option for feeding a crowd.

5. Perfect for Leftovers

Leftover ham is incredibly versatile. You can use it in sandwiches, omelets, soups, casseroles, and even salads. It doesn’t dry out as quickly as turkey and holds its flavor well when reheated. Turkey leftovers often end up dry or flavorless unless you get creative with sauces or gravy.

6. Less Mess and Cleanup

Cooking a turkey often means dealing with greasy pans, drippings, and lots of bones. Ham is much tidier—just heat it up in a roasting pan or slow cooker, slice it up, and serve. Cleanup is a breeze compared to the aftermath of a turkey dinner.

7. Accommodates Dietary Preferences

If you have guests who don’t eat poultry or simply prefer pork, ham is an inclusive option that adds variety to your Thanksgiving spread. And since many hams are gluten-free and dairy-free (always check labels), they can fit into more special diets than you might expect.

8. Budget-Friendly Choice

Depending on where you shop and the time of year, ham can be more affordable than turkey—especially when you consider how much edible meat you get. Plus, with less waste and more ways to use leftovers, you’re getting more bang for your buck.

9. Adds Festive Variety to Your Table

If your family has always had turkey for Thanksgiving, serving ham can be an exciting change of pace. The rosy color of glazed ham looks beautiful on the table and pairs well with classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, mac and cheese, and cranberry sauce.

10. Pairs Well with Traditional Sides (and Wine!)

The sweet-savory flavor of ham complements all your favorite Thanksgiving sides—think sweet potatoes, stuffing, roasted vegetables, and rolls. Plus, ham pairs wonderfully with a wide range of wines, from crisp whites to fruity reds.

Ham vs. Turkey: Quick Comparison Table

FAQs About Choosing Ham for Thanksgiving

Is it traditional to serve ham at Thanksgiving?

While turkey is the classic main dish for Thanksgiving in the U.S., serving ham is becoming more common—especially in families who want something different or need to feed a bigger group.

What kind of ham should I buy?

You’ll find bone-in hams (which are often juicier), boneless hams (easier to slice), spiral-cut hams (pre-sliced for convenience), and country hams (saltier and drier). Choose what works best for your crowd!

How do I glaze a ham?

A simple glaze can be made from brown sugar, honey or maple syrup, mustard, and a splash of juice or vinegar. Brush it on during the last hour of heating for a shiny, flavorful finish.

Can I serve both turkey and ham?

Absolutely! Many families do both—serve turkey for tradition and ham for variety and extra servings. It’s a great way to satisfy everyone at the table.

How do I store leftover ham?

Tightly wrap leftover slices in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Ham also freezes well if you want to save some for later meals.

The Bottom Line: Why Choose Ham?

If you’re looking for a main dish that’s flavorful, easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and provides crowd-pleasing leftovers, ham deserves a spot on your Thanksgiving menu. Whether you go all-in on ham or serve it alongside turkey for extra variety, your guests will appreciate this delicious twist on tradition!

Tasty Ways to Use Leftover Ham After Thanksgiving

• Ham Sandwiches: Layer slices on fresh rolls with mustard or cranberry sauce.
• Ham and Cheese Omelets: Dice ham for hearty breakfast omelets or scrambled eggs.
• Ham Soup: Add cubes to split pea soup or potato chowder.
• Pasta Dishes: Toss chopped ham into mac and cheese or pasta salads.
• Casseroles: Mix into baked dishes with veggies and cheese for easy weeknight meals.

This year, give ham a chance to shine at your holiday feast—you might just start a new family tradition!