Are you looking for the ultimate holiday centerpiece or a delightful addition to your dinner table? This Best Honey Turkey Ham recipe is just what you need! Combining the rich flavors of honey with the savory notes of turkey, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is easy to prepare and yields juicy, tender results. In about an hour, you’ll have a mouthwatering dish that everyone will rave about!
Table of Contents
Why Choose Honey Turkey Ham?
Turkey ham is a popular choice for many households, especially during the holidays. It offers several advantages:
- Healthier Alternative: Turkey ham typically contains less fat and fewer calories than traditional pork ham, making it a healthier option for those looking to reduce their fat intake.
- Versatility: It can be served hot or cold, making it perfect for festive meals and sandwiches.
- Flavor Profile: Turkey ham has a milder taste than pork, allowing it to absorb flavors well, which is perfect for our honey glaze!
Ingredients
To make this delicious Best Honey Turkey Ham, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pre-cooked turkey ham (about 4-6 pounds)
- 1 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh herbs (like thyme or rosemary) for garnish (optional)
Ingredient Breakdown
- Turkey Ham: A versatile choice for gatherings, turkey ham is lower in fat than traditional pork ham and offers a milder flavor. Its pre-cooked nature makes it convenient and time-saving for busy cooks.
- Honey: This natural sweetener adds depth and a rich sweetness to the glaze, balancing the savory elements of the dish.
- Dijon Mustard: Provides a tangy contrast that enhances the overall flavor profile. You can substitute it with yellow mustard if preferred.
- Brown Sugar: This adds caramelization and a deeper sweetness when cooked.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Offers acidity to cut through the richness of the ham, enhancing flavor complexity.
- Spices: Cinnamon and cloves add warmth and a hint of earthiness, while garlic powder introduces a savory note.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 8-10
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This temperature ensures that your honey baked turkey ham cooks evenly and develops a lovely caramelized glaze.
Step 2: Prepare the Glaze
In a mixing bowl, mix together the honey, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, garlic powder, and black pepper.. Whisk these ingredients together until smooth and well combined. This sweet and savory glaze will give your turkey ham an irresistible flavor.
Step 3: Score the Ham
Place the pre-cooked turkey ham on a cutting board. With a sharp knife, carefully make shallow cuts in a diamond pattern on the surface of the ham. This scoring will allow the glaze to penetrate and flavor the ham beautifully.
Step 4: Apply the Glaze
Place the scored turkey ham in a roasting pan. Pour half of the honey glaze over the ham, making sure to get it into the scored sections. Reserve the other half for basting during cooking.
Step 5: Bake the Ham
Cover the roasting pan loosely with aluminum foil. This will help keep the turkey ham moist as it cooks. Place the ham in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes.
Step 6: Baste and Continue Baking
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and baste the ham with the reserved glaze. Return the ham to the oven, uncovered, for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). The glaze will caramelize, creating a beautiful, sticky coating.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
After cooking, take the ham out of the oven and allow it to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring that each slice is moist and flavorful. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired, and serve warm.
Why You’ll Love This Honey Turkey Ham
This honey baked turkey ham recipe is perfect for festive gatherings, holiday meals, or a cozy family dinner. It’s versatile, so you can serve it as a main dish or slice it thin for sandwiches. The combination of sweet honey and savory turkey makes each bite a delightful experience.
The Appeal of Honey Turkey Ham
- Family-Friendly Flavor: The sweet and savory taste appeals to both children and adults, making it an excellent choice for family dinners.
- Quick and Easy Preparation: With minimal ingredients and a straightforward process, even beginner cooks can master this recipe.
- Impressive Presentation: A beautifully glazed ham makes for an eye-catching centerpiece at any gathering.
- Nutritional Benefits: Turkey is generally lower in fat and calories compared to pork, making it a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor.
Tips for Perfecting Your Honey Turkey Ham
- Choose Quality Ingredients: For the best results, use a high-quality pre-cooked turkey ham. Look for one that’s well-seasoned and has a good amount of marbling for added flavor.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of honey and brown sugar according to your taste. If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the honey slightly.
- Try Different Mustards: Experiment with different types of mustard for a unique flavor twist. Spicy brown mustard adds a nice kick, while honey mustard enhances the sweetness.
- Leftovers Galore: This turkey ham is great for leftovers! Incorporate it into salads, use it in sandwiches, or even add it as a topping for pizza.
- Invest in a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your ham is cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 140°F (60°C) for optimal safety and taste.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs not only add flavor but also enhance the visual appeal of the dish. Consider using rosemary, thyme, or parsley for garnish.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a general idea of the nutritional breakdown per serving (based on an 8-serving yield):
- Calories: Approximately 220
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 6g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg (varies based on the ham)
Health Benefits of Turkey Ham
- Lean Protein: Turkey is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
- Lower Fat Content: Compared to traditional pork ham, turkey ham has a significantly lower fat content, making it a heart-healthier option.
- Rich in Vitamins: Turkey is high in B vitamins, which are vital for energy metabolism and brain function.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Best Honey Turkey Ham with delicious side dishes to create a complete meal. Here are some fantastic options:
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes add color and nutrition to your plate.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic mashed potatoes make a comforting side that complements the sweetness of the ham.
- Green Bean Casserole: A classic holiday dish, this creamy and crunchy casserole provides a delicious contrast to the ham’s sweetness.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft, buttery rolls are perfect for soaking up any leftover glaze and juices on the plate.
- Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cranberries, and walnuts offers a refreshing balance to the hearty ham.
Variations of Honey Turkey Ham
While this recipe is already a winner, you can make it your own by trying these fun variations:
1. Spicy Honey Glaze
- Add: 1-2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the glaze.
- Result: A sweet and spicy kick that will tantalize your taste buds.
2. Maple Glazed Turkey Ham
- Substitute: Use maple syrup instead of honey for a unique twist.
- Result: The maple syrup adds a rich, earthy sweetness that pairs beautifully with turkey.
3. Citrus-Infused Glaze
- Incorporate: The juice and zest of one orange or lemon into the glaze.
- Result: Bright, refreshing citrus notes that elevate the dish.
4. Herb-Infused Turkey Ham
- Add: Fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or sage to the glaze.
- Result: A fragrant aroma that enhances the ham’s flavor profile.
5. Pineapple and Honey Glaze
- Combine: Add crushed pineapple to the glaze for a tropical flair.
- Result: Sweet, fruity notes that perfectly complement the savory turkey.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storing Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Allow the leftover ham to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Freezing: If you want to keep it longer, wrap the slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When stored correctly, it can remain good for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Leftovers
- Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Place the leftover ham in a baking dish, add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist, and cover with foil. Warm it for approximately 20-30 minutes, or until heated thoroughly.
- Microwave Method: For quick reheating, place a slice of ham on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm. This method is great for single servings.
- Skillet Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat, add a little butter or oil, and warm the slices for about 2-3 minutes on each side until heated through and slightly crispy.
Conclusion
This Best Honey Turkey Ham is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply want to enjoy a comforting meal, this recipe will satisfy your cravings. The combination of sweet honey, savory turkey, and warm spices creates a dish that’s both comforting and impressive.
Give this recipe a try, and watch as your loved ones come back for seconds! Perfect for sharing at family gatherings, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Happy cooking!