How to Cook Turkey and Ham at the Same Time: A Step-by-Step Guide

The holidays are a time when many families serve both turkey and ham as part of their feast But cooking two large cuts of meat can be tricky, especially if you only have one oven

The good news is that you can easily cook a turkey and a ham together in the same oven with a little planning and a few simple tips. In this complete guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to cook moist, flavorful turkey and ham at the same time

Benefits of Cooking Turkey and Ham Together

Cooking turkey and ham together offers a few advantages:

• Saves oven space – You can free up your stove and use just one oven instead of two. This is perfect if you have a smaller kitchen.

• Saves time – Putting both meats in at once means your cooking time is cut nearly in half Great if you’re short on time prepping a big meal

• Adds flavor – The turkey and ham impart subtle flavors on each other when cooking side by side. This can enhance the overall taste.

• Better temperature control – One oven means you only have to monitor one temperature setting instead of two.

Follow these tips and you’ll have perfection turkey and ham every time.

Step 1: Choose the Right Turkey and Ham

The first step is selecting the right sized turkey and ham to fit in your oven.

For the turkey, allow 1 pound of turkey per person. A 15-20 pound turkey will feed a crowd. Go for a whole turkey or bone-in turkey breast.

For the ham, choose a cooked, bone-in ham around 6-8 lbs. A spiral sliced ham works perfectly.

Make sure both will fit comfortably in your oven on different racks.

Step 2: Prep the Turkey and Ham

Get your turkey and ham ready for roasting:

For the turkey

• Remove giblets and neck from cavities
• Rinse turkey under cold water; pat dry
• Trim excess fat and skin from turkey
• Brine or rub turkey (optional)

For the ham

• Use a pre-cooked, bone-in ham
• Remove skin and trim excess fat
• Score fat cap in a diamond pattern
• Glaze or stud with cloves (optional)

This prep gets them ready for a beautiful roast.

Step 3: Position the Turkey and Ham in the Oven

Now it’s time to get both meats organized in the oven:

• Place turkey on lower rack in a roasting pan. Tent with foil.

• Place ham on upper rack in a foil-lined pan.

Be sure both have several inches clearance around them for air circulation.

Step 4: Cook the Turkey and Ham

To cook both meats properly, follow these guidelines:

• Preheat oven to 325°F. This temp works well for both meats.

• Cook turkey for 15-18 minutes per pound. Use a meat thermometer to confirm it reaches 165°F internally.

• Cook ham to 140°F internally to reheat fully. Glaze during last 30 minutes if desired.

• Check periodically and tent with foil if browning too quickly.

• Let rest 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.

The turkey and ham should finish cooking around the same time. Easy!

Step 5: Carve and Serve

Once rested, it’s time to carve up both meats:

• Carve turkey into slices and arrange on a platter. Pour juices over the top.

• Cut ham into chunks or slices. Place alongside turkey.

Serve with your favorite holiday sides and sauces. A beautifully cooked duo ready for the feast!

Helpful Tips for Oven Space, Temperature, and Timing

Here are some additional tips to ensure oven success when cooking turkey and ham together:

• Make room – If oven space is tight, opt for a smaller 12-15 lb turkey. Use a V-rack to stack vertically.

• Mind the temperature – Cook at 325°F; adjust if one food is browning faster than the other.

• Check often – Use a meat thermometer and check every 30 minutes after initial cook time.

• Allow ample time – Give yourself at least 5-6 hours total cooking time depending on meat sizes.

• Rest properly – Never skip the