How to Make Delicious Homemade Turkey Ham

Turkey ham has become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional pork ham. Not only is it lower in fat and sodium but it also provides a tasty, healthier option for those looking to reduce their pork consumption. The best part is that turkey ham can be easily made right at home with minimal time and effort. In this comprehensive guide we’ll walk through everything you need to know to make mouthwatering homemade turkey ham from start to finish.

Why Make Your Own Turkey Ham?

There are several great reasons to try crafting DIY turkey ham rather than buying pre-packaged

• You control the quality of ingredients. With homemade, you can choose organic, free-range turkey and avoid unwanted additives.

• It’s customizable to your taste. You can play with flavors by using different rubs, glazes, and smoking woods.

• Cost savings. Depending on the size, homemade can be cheaper per pound.

• You’ll impress family and friends with your stellar culinary skills.

• It’s surprisingly simple. With the right steps, anyone can make artisanal turkey ham.

So if you’re ready to wow guests with incredible homemade turkey ham, let’s begin.

Ingredients Needed

Making turkey ham requires just a few key ingredients:

• Turkey breast – The star of the show. Choose boneless, skinless breasts between 2-3 lbs. Opt for free-range and organic if possible for maximum flavor.

• Curing mixture – Typical ingredients are salt, brown sugar, pink curing salt, and spices like garlic, pepper, paprika, etc. This gives great flavor.

• Wood chips (optional) – For smoking, use wood chips like hickory, apple, maple, etc.

• Glaze or mop sauce (optional) – A glaze of honey, maple syrup, etc can add sweetness and texture while cooking.

And that’s it! With those core components, we can move on to the fun part – actually making turkey ham.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Follow these steps for foolproof results:

1. Prepare the Turkey Breast

• Trim off any excess fat or skin, leaving just a thin layer over the breast. This prevents greasiness.

• Pat the breast dry. Removing moisture allows for better browning later.

• Make shallow crosshatch cuts in the meat. This gives more surface area for the spices to penetrate.

• Generously coat all sides with your homemade or store-bought curing mix. Rub it into the cuts.

• Place turkey breast in a sealable bag and refrigerate for 8-12 hours. This curing time infuses the meat with flavors.

2. Choose Your Cooking Method

You can cook turkey ham in the oven or smoker. Here are both options:

Oven (325°F):

• Place turkey on a rack in a roasting pan. Baste periodically with glaze.

• Cook approximately 15-20 minutes per pound until internal temp reaches 165°F.

Smoker (225-250°F):

• Soak wood chips in water for 30 minutes. Add soaked chips to the smoker box/packet.

• Smoke turkey breast for around 15-20 minutes per lb, until 165°F internal temperature.

• Baste with mop sauce periodically to add delicious flavor.

3. Slice, Store, and Serve

Once cooked, here are some final tips:

• Let rest 10-15 minutes before slicing to retain juices.

• Carve into thin slices across the grain for tender texture.

• Enjoy fresh, store in fridge for 5 days, or freeze for 2-3 months.

• Serve on sandwiches, in omelets, salads, and more! Goes great with cheese, mustard, or pickles.

And that’s all there is to it! With these simple steps, you’ll have incredible DIY turkey ham. Now let’s look at some creative ways to enjoy your creation.

Innovative Serving Suggestions

You can take your homemade turkey ham in endless directions. Here are just a few mouthwatering ideas:

• Turkey Ham Benedict – Slices atop poached eggs and English muffins drizzled with hollandaise sauce.

• Turkey Ham Potato Hash – Diced ham and potatoes sautéed with onions, peppers and spices. Top with a fried egg.

• Turkey Ham and Brie Panini – Grilled on crusty bread with fig jam and arugula for a gourmet sandwich.

• Turkey Ham Carbonara – Slices added to a rich, creamy pasta carbonara.

• Turkey Ham Breakfast Tacos – Scrambled eggs, cheese, and diced ham in warm tortillas start the day right.

• Turkey Ham Pizza – Thinly sliced ham makes a flavorful topping on homemade or store-bought pizza.

Let your creativity run wild! Homemade turkey ham is very versatile for breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and more.

Helpful Turkey Ham Tips

Here are some additional pointers for success:

• For maximum juiciness, don’t overcook. Use a meat thermometer to prevent drying out.

• Injecting the breast with a salt and sugar brine before cooking retains moisture and adds seasoning.

• Hardwood pellets in the smoker give a more pronounced smoky flavor than wood chips.

• Let ham rest adequately after cooking so the juices redistribute evenly when sliced.

• Carve across the grain for more tender mouthfeel. Angle knife at 45 degrees and cut thin.

• For best texture, opt for a higher fat content in the turkey breast like 85% lean.

• Glazing periodically while cooking gives ham an appealing sheen and sweet, sticky exterior.

With these useful tips and the step-by-step guide, you have all the information needed to craft amazing DIY turkey ham. From choosing the ideal breast to flavoring methods to cooking techniques, you’re ready to impress! Try out this fun and rewarding kitchen project.

FAQs

What’s the benefit of homemade turkey ham?

You control the quality of ingredients, can customize flavors, save money, and wow guests with your from-scratch creation.

Do you need special equipment?

You can oven-bake turkey ham easily with standard kitchen tools. Using a smoker gives added flavor but isn’t essential.

What wood is best for smoking?

For milder flavor, try apple or maple. Hickory provides a robust, bacon-like smoky taste. Experiment to find your faves.

Can you freeze turkey ham?

Absolutely! Freeze homemade turkey ham in an airtight container up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.

How long does uncooked turkey ham last in the fridge?

Fresh raw turkey ham will keep refrigerated 3-5 days. Cook within this timeframe for best quality and food safety.

Making your own turkey ham opens up a whole new world of possibilities. Follow the tips above and soon you’ll be making artisan-quality turkey ham that rivals the best deli!