Honey Baked Ham Green Bean Casserole Recipe: Sweet and Savory Holiday Feast

This holiday centerpiece combines sweet honey-glazed ham with a creamy green bean casserole for the perfect festive meal. The contrast of savory and sweet flavors makes every bite unforgettable.

With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish brings restaurant-quality results to your holiday table. The ham stays juicy while the casserole develops a crispy, golden topping.

Ingredients for Honey Baked Ham Green Bean Casserole

Sixteen ingredients transform this festive meal into a showstopping holiday centerpiece with bold flavors.

The ham is the centerpiece, so select a high-quality spiral-cut from a trusted butcher or HoneyBaked Ham outlet. Look for good marbling and a moist appearance—avoid pre-cooked hams with added water. The green beans should be bright and crisp; farmers market finds are ideal, but frozen works in a pinch (thaw first). For the glaze, local honey adds depth, but any pure variety works.

No Dijon? Whole grain mustard at a 1:1 ratio works well. Substitute cream of chicken soup for the mushroom if preferred. Out of fresh green beans? Frozen cut green beans (thawed and drained) are an acceptable alternative. The French fried onions can be homemade—thinly slice and fry your own—but Durkee brand is consistently crispy and saves time.

Prepare the glaze up to 2 days ahead and store in the fridge. The casserole can be assembled 1 day in advance, but add the fried onions just before baking. Leftovers keep for 4-5 days refrigerated or freeze the casserole (without topping) for 2 months.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Honey Baked Ham Green Bean Casserole

Master this holiday centerpiece with a perfect balance of sweet glaze and creamy, savory casserole.

Step 1: Prepare the Honey Glaze for the Ham

Preheat your oven to 325°F. In a medium bowl, whisk together the 1 cup honey, 0.25 cup Dijon mustard, and 0.5 cup light brown sugar until smooth and fully combined. This creates a glossy glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the ham.

Place the 8 lb fully cooked bone-in ham cut-side down in a roasting pan. Score the top in a diamond pattern, about ¼-inch deep, to allow the glaze to penetrate. Brush half of the glaze evenly over the ham, making sure to get into the scoring.

Step 2: Bake the Ham to Perfection

Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake for 1 hour 30 minutes. This low-and-slow method ensures the ham stays moist and heats through evenly without drying out. Remove the foil and brush with the remaining glaze.

Increase the oven temperature to 425°F and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until the glaze is deep golden brown and sticky, forming a beautiful crust. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 140°F.

Step 3: Prepare the Green Bean Casserole

While the ham bakes, blanch the 2 lb fresh green beans in boiling salted water for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and immediately plunge into ice water to stop the cooking process, then drain again and pat dry.

In a large bowl, combine the 2 cans cream of mushroom soup, 1.5 cups whole milk, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1 tsp ground black pepper. Stir until smooth, then fold in the 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Casserole

Gently fold the blanched green beans into the sauce mixture until evenly coated. Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread into an even layer. Top with the 6 oz French fried onions, pressing them lightly into the sauce.

Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the onions are golden brown. If the onions begin to darken too quickly, tent the dish with foil. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving alongside the glazed ham.

Best Sauces and Condiments for honey baked ham green bean casserole

Sweet Glazes

Drizzle extra warm honey over the ham before serving for an extra layer of sweetness. For a citrus twist, mix ¼ cup orange marmalade with 1 tbsp Dijon mustard and brush it on during the last 10 minutes of baking. 🍯

Creamy Enhancements

A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on the side of the casserole adds a cool contrast to the rich flavors. I also love stirring ½ cup grated Parmesan into the sauce before baking for a deeper umami kick.

Tangy Pairings

Serve with a side of whole grain mustard or honey mustard for dipping the ham. The sharp tang cuts through the sweetness beautifully. A small bowl of pickled red onions adds a bright, zesty element that complements both dishes.

Crunchy Toppings

For extra texture, sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs or chopped pecans over the casserole before baking. This adds a delightful crunch that contrasts with the creamy filling. I use panko breadcrumbs for maximum crispiness.

You can also crush 2 cups Ritz crackers and mix with ¼ cup melted butter for a buttery topping. 💛

Fresh Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme leaves bring color and freshness to the plate. A squeeze of lemon juice over the ham just before serving brightens all the flavors. I always keep a small bowl of freshly cracked black pepper on the table for guests to add to taste.

Frequently Asked Questions