The Best Ham for Thanksgiving

Turkey may be traditional, but we’ve found that nothing elevates a Thanksgiving table quite like a perfectly prepared Kurobuta ham. With its rich flavor, tender texture, and impressive presentation, ham has a way of turning a holiday meal into something extraordinary.

At Snake River Farms, we believe the best ham for Thanksgiving should do more than feed your guests. It should create an experience they’ll remember. That’s why we turn to Kurobuta, a heritage breed ham known for its exceptional marbling, natural sweetness, and deep flavor.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to choose the right ham for your gathering, why it deserves a place alongside turkey, and share our favorite brown sugar glaze recipe to make your holiday centerpiece shine.

Ready to find your centerpiece? Shop Snake River Farms Kurobuta Ham and bring home the best ham for Thanksgiving.

Why Ham Deserves a Spot on Your Thanksgiving Table

We love turkey, but the best ham for Thanksgiving brings something different to the table. Kurobuta ham pairs beautifully with classic sides and can even share the spotlight with turkey or prime rib. For many families, it has become the star of the meal all on its own.

Here’s why we think ham belongs on every holiday menu:

• It complements or stands alone. A glazed ham sits perfectly alongside roasted turkey or beef. Or let it shine solo as your main centerpiece.
• Sweet and smoky flavor appeals to a crowd. Kurobuta ham’s rich marbling and hardwood smoking deliver a depth of flavor that guests look forward to year after year.
• The leftovers are legendary. Holiday ham makes incredible next-day meals. From hearty sandwiches to soups and breakfast dishes, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy it. See our favorite leftover ham ideas.

Looking for inspiration on what to do with your leftover ham? Watch this quick video for ideas you can put to use the very next day: 

How Much Ham Do You Need Per Guest?

One of the most common questions we hear is how much ham to order for Thanksgiving. The right amount depends on the size of your gathering, whether you’re serving ham as the main course or alongside turkey, and how much you want left over for the days ahead.

As a general rule, we recommend planning for 8 to 12 ounces of ham per person. This ensures generous holiday portions without running short. If your guests love hearty servings or you want to guarantee plenty of leftovers for sandwiches, casseroles, or breakfast hash, plan toward the higher end.

Here’s a quick breakdown to make it easier:

Pro Tip: Planning ahead makes all the difference. The best ham for Thanksgiving is the one that not only looks beautiful on your table but also feeds your crowd with ease.

Choosing the Right Ham for Your Table

When it comes to finding the best ham for Thanksgiving, quality matters just as much as size. The right ham should be flavorful, easy to prepare, and impressive enough to stand as your holiday centerpiece. At Snake River Farms, we make it simple by offering Kurobuta hams in a variety of sizes and styles to fit every table.

Shop our full selection of Kurobuta hams and choose the perfect one for your celebration.

Features to Look for in a Holiday Ham

• Heritage breed quality. Kurobuta, our Berkshire pork, is renowned worldwide for its rich, signature flavor.
• High marbling and tenderness. The natural intramuscular fat creates a juicy, tender bite every time.
• Classic holiday appearance. Each ham is traditionally crafted, pre-smoked over real hardwood, and ready for your favorite glaze recipe to finish with that iconic glossy look.

Learn How to Cook Your Ham to Perfection

Choosing the right ham is just the first step. The real magic happens when it’s prepared the right way. From thawing and scoring to glazing and carving, we’ve got you covered with step-by-step instructions. Explore our Guide: How to Cook a Ham to ensure your Thanksgiving centerpiece comes out tender, juicy, and full of flavor.

Which Ham Should You Order?

The right ham depends on the size of your gathering or if you’re just cooking for yourself. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best ham for Thanksgiving:

Brown Sugar Glaze: A Perfect Recipe for Thanksgiving

The best ham for Thanksgiving deserves a glaze that enhances its natural flavor without overpowering it. Our go-to is a simple brown sugar glaze that adds a glossy finish and a touch of caramel sweetness.

Quick Brown Sugar Glaze

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• Pinch of ground cloves (optional)
  

Stir ingredients together until smooth, then brush over your warmed ham during the last 20–30 minutes of cooking. The result is a sweet, sticky crust that pairs beautifully with the smoky richness of Kurobuta ham.

Want to switch it up? Try these variations:

• Add maple syrup for extra depth
• Stir in a little orange zest for brightness
• Mix in honey or ginger for a spiced twist

For more inspiration, explore our full collection of ham glaze recipes.

Want to see a stunning holiday glaze in action? Watch our Glazed Ham Recipe featuring a Honey Chai Glaze with a whipped mascarpone twist. This simple but unforgettable recipe shows how the right glaze takes your Thanksgiving ham from delicious to extraordinary. Or, check out the full written recipe here for exact ingredients and directions.

What to Serve with Your Holiday Ham

A holiday ham is delicious on its own, but the sides and pairings you choose can elevate the entire meal. The best ham for Thanksgiving shines brightest when served with dishes that balance its sweet and smoky flavor profile.

Classic side ideas for your Kurobuta ham:

• Creamy mashed potatoes with a touch of butter and chives
• Savory stuffing made with fresh herbs and toasted bread
• Roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes
• Cranberry sauce for a bright, tart contrast

Pairing tips:

• Choose sides that balance sweet and savory. Ham has a natural richness that pairs well with tangy, acidic, or herb-driven flavors.
• Include something fresh or green, like a crisp salad or roasted greens, to keep the meal balanced.

Optional drink pairings:

• A light red wine like Pinot Noir complements the ham’s smoky-sweet notes without overpowering it.
• Sparkling cider (hard or non-alcoholic) adds a festive touch and a refreshing balance to each bite.

With the right pairings, your Thanksgiving ham becomes more than just a main dish,  it becomes the centerpiece of a truly memorable meal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Thanksgiving Ham

Why Kurobuta Ham is the Ultimate Thanksgiving Choice

When it comes to creating a Thanksgiving centerpiece that everyone remembers, our Kurobuta ham delivers every time.

• Rich flavor from heritage breed pork
  We use 100% Berkshire (Kurobuta) pork, known worldwide for its deep, complex flavor.
• Tender, juicy texture with beautiful marbling
  The natural marbling ensures every slice stays moist, tender, and delicious from the first bite to the last.
• Reliable, premium quality for holiday entertaining
  Fully cooked, hardwood-smoked, and ready to glaze, our hams make it easy to serve a show-stopping main course without the stress.

Make this holiday unforgettable: shop Kurobuta hams now.

Elevate Your Thanksgiving This Year

A Kurobuta ham is more than a main course—it’s a centerpiece that brings people together. With its rich flavor, tender texture, and effortless preparation, it’s the perfect way to make your holiday table unforgettable.

Planning ahead is key. Our hams ship frozen and keep beautifully in your freezer for up to six months, so you can order early and check one big thing off your holiday list.

Order your Thanksgiving centerpiece today: Shop Kurobuta Ham.