Are you team turkey or team ham? Which are you grabbing first? There are so many factors to consider: what’s the occasion, what’s more budget friendly, what do your guests want?
During the holiday season, both turkey and ham are great options this time of year. It honestly comes down to personal preference, but in this article I will evaluate what’s better on the plate and why. I will also give some different options to save time and money and even what to do with leftovers.
With so many turkey products available it’s easy to get confused about what exactly is turkey ham and turkey breast. These two turkey offerings are often used interchangeably but they are actually quite distinct. In this article, we’ll unravel the mystery and outline the key differences between turkey ham and turkey breast.
Turkey Breast 101
First, let’s start with turkey breast. This refers to the lean tender meat from the breast of a whole turkey. Turkey breast is an unprocessed cut of meat that offers several health benefits
-
High in protein – A 4 oz serving provides over 25g of protein.
-
Low in fat and calories – Turkey breast is a lean cut that fits well into a healthy diet.
-
Rich in nutrients like selenium, zinc, and B vitamins.
Turkey breast has a mild delicate flavor that takes well to all cooking methods like roasting, grilling, baking and sautéing. Its versatility makes it a poultry staple.
Understanding Turkey Ham
Now let’s explore the processed meat known as turkey ham. Turkey ham is made from turkey thighs that are chopped, processed, and molded to resemble traditional ham. The process includes:
-
Curing with salts, sugars, and nitrites to add flavor.
-
Smoking or cooking to mimic ham’s appearance and texture.
-
Adding seasonings like garlic, honey, and spices for extra flavor.
Unlike whole turkey breast, turkey ham offers convenience but does contain more preservatives. It has a firmer, sliceable texture and concentrated ham-like taste.
Comparing Nutrition and Taste
Looking at nutrition and taste, there are clear differences between the two:
-
Calories – Turkey breast is lower, with 120 calories per 4 oz. Turkey ham has around 160.
-
Sodium – Turkey ham contains far more sodium from curing salts.
-
Texture – Turkey breast is naturally tender. Ham is firm and sliceable.
-
Flavor – Turkey breast is mildly sweet. Ham is bold, salty, and smoky.
So while both are made from turkey, the processing applied to turkey ham gives it a distinct nutrition profile and flavor.
Different Cooking Methods
Turkey breast and ham also differ in terms of cooking:
-
Turkey breast – Extremely versatile. Can be roasted, grilled, baked, sautéed, and more. Takes well to all seasoning and marinades.
-
Turkey ham – Best for quick cooking like pan-frying, microwaving, or heating up. Comes fully cooked so minimal prep needed.
Popular Uses for Each
With their differing properties, turkey breast and ham each shine in certain dishes:
-
Turkey breast – Salads, sandwiches, entrees, pasta dishes, stir fries. Provides lean protein.
-
Turkey ham – Sandwiches, breakfasts, pizzas, omelets, appetizers. Adds bold, familiar ham flavor.
Price Comparison
Due to processing, turkey ham comes at a slightly higher cost than turkey breast. However both remain budget-friendly options for shoppers.
Health Takeaways
Both meats offer protein and nutrients, but turkey breast is the healthier choice overall:
- Lower in fat, sodium, and preservatives
- Higher in cancer-fighting selenium
- More versatility in recipes
For those managing their sodium, turkey breast is the way to go.
The Verdict
While turkey ham and turkey breast come from the same fowl, they diverge when it comes to taste, texture, preparation, and nutrition. Turkey breast is the whole, unprocessed cut that retains its mild flavor. Turkey ham is cured, molded, and smoked to mimic true ham. Their differences make them suited for different uses. Hopefully this helps provide clarity on these two turkey products so you can discern between them. Both can be part of a healthy, well-rounded diet when consumed in moderation.
How long should I thaw a whole turkey?
I recommend moving the frozen turkey to the fridge 3 days prior to cooking. The body cavity is typically frozen solid, and it takes longer than you think. Letting the bird thaw slowly will help with the texture of the meat also.
Thanksgiving Turkey time saving tips
If you are feeling overwhelmed with that huge bird, you have other turkey options! Turkey breasts and even smoked turkey legs are big crowd pleasers! See my guide to cooking store bought smoked turkey legs.
I tested 4 ways to cook them and the results may surprise you!
You might be thinking, why would I cook another protein? Take a minute and think about your last Thanksgivings. How much ham did people take? How much turkey did people take?
I can almost guarantee that most people will grab a big slice of smoked ham and a little forkful of Thanksgiving turkey.
Prioritize the ham. It’s meaty. It’s the sister to bacon. It makes killer leftovers like these ham and cheese sliders with cranberry sauce that are perfect for the day after.
You can slice off ham to enhance other dishes too like in smoked green bean casserole. You want to raise your vegetable game? Introduce them to the ham.
Ham Brined Turkey Breast | Chuds BBQ
FAQ
What part of the turkey is turkey ham?
Does turkey ham need to be cooked?
Does turkey ham still exist?
Is turkey breast better than ham?