The Ultimate Guide to Cooking Succulent and Flavorful Turkey Ham

Turkey ham has become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional pork ham. With its leaner profile and versatile flavor, turkey ham offers a healthier and tasty option for meals and recipes If you’re new to cooking turkey ham, have no fear – this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to cook moist, delicious turkey ham every time

Selecting the Best Turkey Ham

The first step is choosing a high-quality turkey ham Opt for one that is enhanced with spices and flavorings like honey, brown sugar or maple. This will impart delicious sweet and savory notes Avoid any with an ingredient list full of preservatives or artificial flavors. The best turkey hams use natural smoke or spices for flavor.

When buying turkey ham, choose one that is solid, without any air pockets. Air pockets mean the meat could dry out while cooking. Also, examine the color. It should be a natural pink and white, not too pale. Pale color may indicate the ham is old. Lastly, smell the turkey ham. It should have a mild smoky or sweet aroma. Off odors mean the ham is past its prime.

Proper Thawing and Preparation

For best results, thaw frozen turkey ham overnight in the refrigerator. This slow thaw helps retain moisture. If short on time, place the ham in a sealable bag and submerge in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until thawed.

Before cooking, rinse the ham under cool water and pat dry. Allow it to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes so it cooks evenly. Score the top and sides of the ham in a diamond pattern. This allows the glaze or seasoning to really penetrate and flavor the meat.

Oven Roasting for Maximum Juiciness

Roasting is hands down the best way to cook a savory, juicy turkey ham. Place the ham flat side down on a rack in a roasting pan. Pour 1 cup of water or broth in the bottom to keep it from drying out.

Cook the ham at 350°F, allowing 15-20 minutes per pound. A 6-8 pound ham will need 1 1/2 – 2 1/2 hours. For the most flavorful ham, stud the top with whole cloves before cooking.

Baste the ham with glaze periodically while cooking. Good glaze options include brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, pineapple juice or whole grain mustard mixed with apple juice or cider.

Use a meat thermometer to determine doneness. Turkey ham should reach 160°F. If needed, tent foil over the ham to prevent over browning but remove it toward the end for crispy edges.

Slow Cooker Turkey Ham for Easy Dinners

A slow cooker makes turkey ham a breeze. Place a 3-5 pound ham in the cooker and add enough water or broth to come 1 inch up the sides. Cook on low for 7-9 hours.

In the last hour of cooking, stud with cloves or coat with your favorite glaze. The slow, low heat keeps the ham incredibly moist and infuses it with flavor.

Shred any leftovers to use in soups, sandwiches, omelets and more. Slow cooked turkey ham freezes beautifully as well.

Grilling Juicy Turkey Ham

You can also cook turkey ham on the grill for a smoky, char-grilled flavor. Use indirect heat, placing the ham away from direct flames. Grill over medium heat for 12-15 minutes per pound, turning occasionally.

Baste the ham with an oil-based glaze rather than sugary ones that can burn. Good oil-based glaze options include grainy mustard mixed with olive oil, pesto or chimichurri sauce.

If the ham starts to blacken or cook too fast, move to a cooler area of the grill. Use an instant read thermometer to check for 160°F doneness. Remove it from the grill and tent loosely with foil for 10 minutes before slicing.

Delicious Turkey Ham Glazes

Glazes give turkey ham incredible flavor. Try brown sugar and mustard, maple syrup and chili powder, orange marmalade with chipotle or whiskey with brown sugar and cloves. Get creative with your favorite sweet and savory flavors!

Brush glazes on periodically during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking. This allows the sugars to caramelize and soak into the meat rather than just burning on top.

Pairing Turkey Ham with Sides

Turkey ham partners beautifully with so many side dishes. Classic pairings include macaroni and cheese, scalloped potatoes, roasted root vegetables and cornbread stuffing.

For a lighter meal, serve it with roasted Brussels sprouts, a fresh spinach salad with citrus vinaigrette or roasted sweet potatoes. And don’t forget to pass the cranberry sauce!

Carving and Serving Sliced Turkey Ham

Allow the cooked ham to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Use a sharp carving knife to cut thin slices across the grain of the meat. Arrange the slices on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs.

When serving a glazed ham, spoon a bit of the glaze over the sliced meat for added moisture and stickiness. Provide mustard, mayo or cranberry sauce for spreading on slices.

Turkey ham sandwiches are always a hit. Layer sliced ham with cheese, lettuce, tomato and mustard on crusty bread or rolls. Leftovers are fantastic in omelets, sandwiches, soups and casseroles all week long.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Turkey Ham

Properly stored, leftover turkey ham stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep it tightly wrapped and place in a shallow container to maintain quality.

To reheat, place slices or chunks in a skillet with a bit of water or broth. Cover and heat through on the stovetop or in the microwave. Use within 3-4 days for peak flavor and texture.

For longer storage, freeze leftover turkey ham in freezer bags or airtight containers. It will keep for 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Creative Ways to Use Turkey Ham

Beyond sandwiches and main dishes, get creative with turkey ham in recipes like:

• Breakfast burritos, sandwiches or pizza

• Eggs Benedict topped with slices

• Chef salads topped with diced ham

• Tortellini soup with ham

• Frittatas or crustless quiche

• Flatbreads or bruschetta with ham and fig

• Potato skins or twice baked potatoes

With its adaptable flavor and lean nutrition stats, turkey ham is ideal for everything from elegant dinners to easy family meals. Follow these tips for cooking tender, juicy turkey ham that will be a hit at any occasion.