The holidays are coming up, which means it’s time to start planning your menu. The centerpiece of most holiday meals is usually a large roasted meat like turkey or ham. But which one should you serve – turkey or ham?

While turkey may seem like the default choice, there are many reasons why ham actually reigns supreme for holiday feasts Here are 9 reasons why ham is better than turkey for your next holiday meal

1. Ham is Juicier Than Turkey

Cured ham is brined, so it’s all but guaranteed to remain juicy (as opposed to turkey breast, which is very lean and therefore prone to drying out). And fresh hams have far more fat dispersed throughout than turkey, so when cooked low-and-slow it’ll be very tender and juicy as well.

No one wants to carve into a dried out bird on the holidays. Ham is far less likely to disappoint.

2. More Flavor Variety With Ham

Ham comes in diverse flavors like honey-baked, brown sugar glazed, maple flavored smoked spicy and more. Turkey is usually roasted plain.

The options allow you to add lots of flavor complexity to your holiday spread. Honey ham especially pairs wonderfully with traditional sides.

3. Lower Cost Per Serving

Pound for pound, ham is often cheaper than a whole turkey And since ham carves easier with less waste, you can stretch your budget further with it as the holiday centerpiece.

4. Easier to Cook Perfectly

A whole turkey takes mastery to cook properly without drying out the breast. Ham can be thrown in the oven with far less fuss.

And if you buy a pre-cooked spiral cut ham, it’s ready to serve immediately after warming – no roasting required. Much simpler for holiday hosts.

5. Great for Leftovers

Leftover holiday ham makes fantastic sandwiches, omelets, soups, casseroles and more in the days following the big meal.

It retains moisture and flavor better than turkey when stored. Plus you can utilize more parts of the ham.

6. No Thawing Required

A frozen turkey needs 2-3 days (or more) to thaw fully before cooking. A ham can be cooked frozen right away.

One less thing to worry about when your holiday prep time is limited.

7. Appealing Texture

Turkey breast meat can often be stringy or dried out. Ham is velvety smooth when properly prepared.

For picky eaters, kids and texture-sensitive diners, ham is likely the better choice.

8. Great for a Crowd or Small Gathering

A whole ham feeds a crowd, but you can also buy half hams, ham steaks or smaller cuts like for a smaller holiday dinner.

Turkeys often only come in large sizes, so ham provides more flexibility.

9. All the Flavor, None of the Work

Pre-cooked hams require zero prep – just heat and serve! After brining, smoking, glazing and more, all the complex flavor is already infused into the ham.

You get maximum holiday flavor payoff without the intense hands-on process.

The Verdict: Ham Wins for Holiday Meals

While turkey may seem synonymous with holiday feasts, ham has some clear advantages. It’s juicier, more flavorful, cheaper, and easier to cook perfectly. Leftover ham also makes incredible sandwiches and casseroles.

For your next seasonal gathering, consider breaking from tradition and making ham the star of the meal. Your guests will thank you for the juicy, crowd-pleasing centerpiece.

Of course, you can never go wrong with a classic roasted turkey either. But if preparing the bird seems daunting or you just want a change, ham is sure to satisfy.

Whichever you choose, remember that the joy of the holidays comes from gathering together with loved ones. The meals are simply a bonus. So don’t stress about your menu. Instead, focus on the blessings of being surrounded by the special people in your life.