Make Your Own Healthy Homemade Turkey Lunch Meat

Tired of the overly processed, sodium-packed deli meats from the grocery store? With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can easily make fresh, homemade turkey lunch meat right in your own kitchen. This do-it-yourself lunch meat is healthier, tastier, and more economical than anything you’ll find at the deli counter.

Why Make Your Own Turkey Lunch Meat?

There are several great reasons to try your hand at homemade turkey lunch meat:

• Control ingredients. By making it yourself, you control exactly what goes into the lunch meat. No mystery meats, chemical preservatives, or flavor enhancers.

• Reduce sodium. Store-bought lunch meats are notoriously high in sodium. A homemade version allows you to significantly cut back on the salt.

• Save money. Buying deli meat can get pricy. Make your own for a fraction of the cost.

• Improve taste. Fresh, homemade lunch meat is far superior in flavor and texture compared to the packaged stuff.

• Customize flavors. Jazz up your lunch meat with different herbs spices marinades, and glazes.

Choosing the Right Turkey Cut

The best cut of turkey to use for homemade lunch meat is a boneless, skinless turkey breast Select one that is uniform in size to ensure even cooking Boneless turkey breasts are incredibly lean and perfect for slicing for sandwiches.

Aim for a breast that’s around 2 to 3 pounds. This will yield enough lunch meat to last for a good while. For smaller households, a 1 pound breast may be sufficient.

Seasoning Your Turkey Breast

One of the great things about DIY lunch meat is that you can flavor it any way you like. A simple salt and pepper rub brings out the natural turkey flavor. Or go bold with spicy Cajun seasoning, lemon-herb marinade, or brown sugar glaze.

Get creative and use your favorite spice blends and marinades. Good seasoning options include:

• Dry rubs with paprika, garlic, onion, cumin, oregano, rosemary
• Wet marinades with olive oil, soy sauce, mustard, honey, vinegar
• Fresh herbs like thyme, sage, parsley, cilantro
• Spice blends like Italian seasoning, jerk seasoning, ranch seasoning
• Sweet glazes with brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, fruit preserves

Brining the Turkey

Before cooking, brining the turkey breast will help ensure it stays incredibly moist and flavorful. This easy brine only requires salt, sugar, and water.

To make the brine, simply whisk together:

• 8 cups water
• 1⁄4 cup salt
• 3 tablespoons sugar

Submerge the turkey breast in the brine, cover, and refrigerate for 4 to 8 hours. Brining infuses the turkey with seasoning and moisture.

Cooking the Turkey

There are a few different cooking methods you can use for your homemade lunch meat. The oven, smoker, instant pot, or slow cooker will all work wonderfully.

Oven Roasted

• Preheat oven to 275°F
• Place turkey breast on a baking sheet and rub with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Roast for 2 to 3 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Smoked

• Prepare your smoker with your desired wood chips (mesquite, hickory, applewood)
• Smoke the turkey at 225°F for about 3 hours until it reaches 165°F.

Instant Pot

• Add 1 cup water to pot and insert turkey breast
• Pressure cook on high for 35 to 40 minutes until 165°F
• Let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes

Slow Cooker

• Place turkey breast in slow cooker and add 1 cup water
• Cook on low for 7 to 8 hours until 165°F

Regardless of cooking method, always use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Slicing and Storing

Once the turkey breast is fully cooked, let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. Use a sharp knife or electric slicer to cut thin, uniform slices.

Place slices in zip-top bags with parchment paper between each layer. Refrigerate for up to 1 week. For longer storage, individually wrap slices and freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw frozen slices in the refrigerator before using. Add the slices to sandwiches, wraps, salads, and more. You can even use it in place of chicken in casseroles and pasta dishes.

Healthy Turkey Lunch Meat Recipe Ideas

Your homemade turkey lunch meat opens up tons of quick and healthy lunch and dinner possibilities. Here are just a few tasty ideas:

• Turkey Club Sandwich – Turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado, and mayo on whole wheat toast

• Cobb Salad – Chopped turkey on greens with hardboiled eggs, avocado, cherry tomatoes, bacon, and blue cheese dressing

• Turkey Veggie Wraps – Sliced turkey, roasted veggies, spinach, and hummus wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla

• Turkey Tetrazzini – Turkey slices baked with spaghetti, mushrooms, and parmesan cheese sauce

• Turkey Stir Fry – Slices of turkey sautéed with snap peas, bell pepper, carrots, soy sauce, and sesame oil over rice

• Turkey Chili – Ground turkey simmered with beans, tomatoes, onion, peppers, and spices. Top with turkey slices.

• Turkey Ranch Pasta Salad – Rotini pasta tossed with turkey, cherry tomatoes, celery, shredded cheddar, and ranch dressing

So don’t settle for lackluster grocery store lunch meat full of preservatives and additives. Make your own fresh turkey lunch meat at home for a healthier, tastier sandwich option that you can feel good serving your family!