5 Ways to Use Raw Honey in Your Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving is all about comfort, flavor, and gathering around a meal that celebrates the best of the season. While sugar and syrups often take center stage, honey is a natural sweetener that deserves a starring role in your holiday cooking. Its floral depth, smooth texture, and natural sweetness enhance savory dishes beautifully.

Here are five creative ways to use honey in your Thanksgiving meal.

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1. Glaze Your Turkey with Honey and Herbs

A honey glaze gives your turkey a gorgeous golden finish and a subtle sweetness that complements savory herbs.
Try whisking together:

• ¼ cup Champlain Valley liquid honey

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon thyme or rosemary

• A pinch of salt and pepper

Brush this mixture over the bird during the last 30–45 minutes of roasting. The honey caramelizes beautifully, creating crisp, flavorful skin that will impress every guest at the table.

2. Add Depth to Roasted Vegetables

Honey and roasted vegetables are a match made in culinary heaven. The natural sugars in honey help vegetables caramelize, enhancing their earthy sweetness.

Drizzle a touch of honey over:

• Carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes before roasting for extra browning.

• Brussels sprouts or beets for a beautiful glaze that balances their bitterness.

Tip: Mix your honey with a bit of balsamic vinegar or whole-grain mustard before tossing — it’ll add tang and complexity.

3. Sweeten Your Salad Dressing Naturally

Skip the store-bought dressings and make a quick, vibrant honey vinaigrette to top your Thanksgiving greens.
Whisk together:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• 1 teaspoon Champlain Valley raw honey

• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard

• Salt and pepper to taste

This light dressing complements hearty fall salads made with kale, apples, pecans, and goat cheese, bringing just the right touch of sweetness without overpowering the flavors.

4. Brush Honey on Warm Dinner Rolls

As soon as your dinner rolls or cornbread come out of the oven, brush them with a mixture of melted butter and honey.

This gives a glossy finish and subtle flavor boost that pairs perfectly with roasted meats and sides. You can even sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt on top for a sweet-salty bite everyone will love.

5. Use Honey in Savory Sauces and Glazes

Honey is a secret weapon for balancing flavors in sauces and gravies. A small spoonful can smooth out acidity or bitterness while adding depth.

Try adding a drizzle of honey to:

• Cranberry sauce, to mellow the tartness without losing its punch.

• Pan gravy, to round out the richness and add a touch of complexity.

• Glazed ham or roasted pork, combined with mustard or soy sauce for a sticky, flavorful coating.

A little goes a long way — start with a teaspoon and adjust to taste.

A Sweet Thanksgiving

Honey isn’t just for tea or toast — it’s a versatile ingredient that can transform your Thanksgiving menu from good to unforgettable. Whether it’s brushed on turkey skin, drizzled over vegetables, or whisked into a vinaigrette, honey brings warmth, shine, and a touch of natural sweetness to every bite.

So this year, give that jar of honey a spot at your Thanksgiving prep station — your guests will taste the difference.

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