How to Make Deli-Style Turkey at Home

Making delicious deli-style turkey at home is easy, healthier, and more affordable than buying pre-packaged lunch meat. With just a few simple ingredients and techniques you can create tender thinly sliced turkey perfect for sandwiches, wraps, and more.

Why Make Homemade Deli Turkey?

There are several benefits to preparing your own deli-style turkey rather than purchasing it

• Control ingredients – By making it yourself, you can avoid unwanted preservatives, artificial flavors, excess sodium, and other additives commonly found in store-bought lunch meats.

• Save money – Buying a whole turkey breast and preparing it at home is significantly cheaper per pound compared to deli prices.

• Taste and texture – Fresh, homemade turkey tends to be more moist and flavorful compared to packaged options. You can customize spices to your liking.

• Slice thickness – It’s easier to achieve thin, uniform slices when you prepare and slice the meat yourself.

Tips for Delicious Homemade Turkey

Follow these tips for tender, flavorful homemade deli-style turkey:

• Choose the right cut – Look for a boneless, skinless turkey breast between 2-3 pounds. Uniform shape promotes even cooking.

• Brine it – Soaking the turkey in a saltwater brine imparts moisture and seasoning. Brine for 4-8 hours.

• Season well – In addition to brining, rub the turkey with spices like garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, paprika, and black pepper.

• Monitor temperature – Cook the turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures safety without drying out the meat.

• Chill thoroughly – Refrigerate the cooked turkey overnight before slicing. Chilled meat provides clean, thin slices.

• Use a sharp knife – A quality serrated knife makes slicing easier. Cut across the grain for tender slices.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for flawless homemade deli-style turkey:

Ingredients

• 2-3 lb boneless, skinless turkey breast
• 1⁄4 cup salt
• 3 Tbsp sugar
• 8 cups water (for brine)
• Herb rub:
  • 1 Tbsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1⁄2 tsp black pepper
  • 1⁄2 tsp mustard powder

Directions

1. Make the brine: Combine salt, sugar, and 8 cups water in a large bowl. Add turkey and refrigerate 4-8 hours.

2. Prepare the rub: In a small bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and mustard powder.

3. Prepare turkey: Remove turkey from brine and pat dry. Coat all over with the herb rub.

4. Roast turkey: Place turkey in a baking dish and roast at 325°F until internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 90 minutes.

5. Rest and chill: Allow turkey to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate 4-6 hours.

6. Slice turkey: Using a sharp serrated knife, carefully slice turkey as thinly as possible across the grain.

7. Store sliced turkey: Keep refrigerated up to 1 week. Freeze portions for longer storage.

Serving Ideas

Homemade deli turkey offers versatility for easy meals:

• Sandwiches and wraps
• Salads (turkey Cobb, chef, etc.)
• Snack plates with cheese, crackers, veggies
• Omelets, breakfast tacos, and other breakfast dishes
• Soups – Turkey noodle, turkey rice, etc.
• Casseroles like turkey tetrazzini
• Pizzas
• Quesadillas, flatbreads, pitas
• Lettuce wrap tacos or gyro fills

With proper ingredients, techniques, and food safety, preparing deli-style turkey at home is simple and rewarding. The control over ingredients and slicing results in a healthier, fresher-tasting product. Give it a try for easy sandwiches anytime!