Which would you grab first: turkey or ham? There are so many things to think about, like what the occasion is, what’s cheaper, and what your guests want.
During the holiday season, both turkey and ham are great options this time of year. Personal taste is the only thing that really matters, but I’ll explain what I think is better on the plate and why. I will also talk about ways to save money and time, as well as what to do with leftovers.
The holidays are a time for joy togetherness, and of course delicious food. For many families, the centerpieces of a holiday feast are a glazed holiday ham and golden roasted turkey. However, when it comes time to actually prepare these meaty main dishes, questions arise – should I cook the ham or turkey first with only one oven to use?
As both a long-time home cook and avid meat smoker, I’ve navigated this oven-space conundrum many times. In this article I’ll share my tips and strategies for determining the best meat roasting order, so you can relax and enjoy the holidays with ease.
Factors to Consider When Cooking Ham and Turkey
When trying to decide which dish to prioritize, there are a few key factors to take into account:
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Oven Space: Measure oven dimensions and test if both dishes fit comfortably. If not, adjustments are needed.
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Cook Times: Estimate approximate cook times for both meats based on size and oven temp. Longer cook time = higher priority.
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Food Safety: Neither dish should linger too long in the “danger zone” between 40-140°F.
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Moisture Loss: Extended oven time causes moisture loss, so shorter cooks are better.
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Carryover Cooking: Both meats will continue cooking after removal from oven. Factor this in.
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Serving Time: Dishes may hold well after cooking or need to be served immediately. Coordinate with meal timeline.
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Personal Preference: If one dish is more beloved, consider giving it priority status!
Determining Which Meat Should Cook First
With the above factors in mind, let’s walk through how to assess the best roasting order:
1. Compare Oven Space
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First, test if meats actually fit by placing them in oven together.
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If they don’t fit, consider smaller options like turkey breast or boneless ham.
2. Estimate and Compare Cook Times
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For turkey, plan on cooking approximately 15 minutes per pound at 300-350°F.
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For ham, estimate 18-20 minutes per pound for a spiral cut fully-cooked ham.
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The meat with the longer cook time should go in the oven first.
3. Mind the Danger Zone
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To avoid food safety issues, don’t let cooked meats linger too long at room temp before serving.
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If one meat will finish cooking well before meal time, choose the other to cook first.
4. Factor in Carryover Cooking
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Both meats will continue cooking even after removed from oven.
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For turkey, temperatures will rise around 10-15°F after resting.
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For ham, temperatures can climb 5-10°F during resting period.
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Remove meats accordingly earlier to account for carryover cooking.
5. Consider Serving Time Needs
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Some dishes hold well after cooking or can be easily reheated.
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Others like turkey are best served straight from the oven. Give these priority.
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Stagger dishes accordingly to coordinate with your meal timeline.
6. Weigh Personal Preferences
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If one dish is an absolute must or family favorite, give it the lead oven spot.
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Just be sure to still follow proper food safety protocols.
Handling the Logistics of Oven Overcrowding
When oven space is limited, get creative with these solutions:
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Use Separate Ovens: Make full use of standard, toaster, and convection ovens.
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Stagger Cooking: Cook one meat early in the day, then reheat while cooking the other closer to mealtime.
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Outsource Roasting: Ask a relative to roast one meat at their home and transport it over.
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Take Advantage of Smoke: Smokers like pellet grills can perfectly cook meats outdoors simultaneously.
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Partially Cook Ahead: Par-cook meats like turkey and ham the day before to reduce oven time needed day-of.
Sample Holiday Oven Game Plan
Here’s a sample timeline showing how to approach oven cooking logistics for holiday ham and turkey:
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Early Morning: Prepare ham and turkey according to recipes; let sit at room temp 30 min – 1 hour before roasting. Preheat oven to 325°F.
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10 am: Place fully cooked bone-in spiral sliced ham (approx. 7 lbs) in oven to begin roasting, estimating around 18 minutes per lb = approximately 2 hours 15 minutes total cooking time.
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12:15 pm: Test ham internal temp, which should reach 140°F after 2 hours roasting. Remove from oven, tent with foil, and let rest 30-60 minutes to allow carryover cooking to 145°F for food safety.
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12:30 pm: With ham out, place 16 lb turkey in oven to roast, estimating around 15 minutes per lb = approximately 4 hours total cooking time.
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3:15 pm: Begin checking turkey temp, looking for thigh meat to reach 175°F and breast 165°F. Once reached, remove turkey from oven.
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3:30 pm: Let turkey rest tented with foil for 30 minutes while final side dishes are prepared. Slice turkey and top with pan juices just before sitting down to feast!
Savor the Holiday Bounty
With some advanced planning, both succulent smoked ham and tender roasted turkey can share the holiday oven successfully. By coordinating cook times, monitoring temperatures, and allowing for carryover cooking and proper resting, you’ll avoid overcooked meats or food safety issues.
Get creative when oven space is limited – use separate ovens, stagger cook times, or even outsource one meat. Following sound techniques, your family can relax and enjoy the holidays together with no stress or panic about how to make both special dishes fit in one oven.
How long should I cook a whole turkey?
First of all, I do not recommend going above 14 pounds for a Thanksgiving turkey. If you need more servings than that, consider cooking two birds or some other combination. Big turkeys take longer to cook than small ones, and the small ones are usually more tender and juicy.
An easy way to figure out how long to cook a turkey is to look at how hot your oven or grill is and how full the bird is. If you are cooking at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, cook 13 minutes per pound if unstuffed. Bump up to 15 minutes per pound for a stuffed bird.
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.
How to cook Ham & Turkey overnight!
FAQ
Does ham cook faster than turkey?
Should I cook the turkey first?
Can you cook other things in the oven with the turkey?
Can I cook the ham the day before Thanksgiving?
Can you cook a ham and a Turkey in the same oven?
It is possible to cook a ham and a turkey in the same oven, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind to ensure that both meats cook evenly and safely. In this article, we will discuss the best methods for cooking ham and turkey in the same oven, as well as provide tips for making sure that your meal is a success.
Is honey baked ham as good as regular ham?
The addition of honey will affect the calorie content of the food. One tablespoon of honey contributes to approximately 64 calories. In addition, the use of heat when making baked ham will reduce the quality of the honey.
Should I make turkey or ham for Thanksgiving?
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.
Do you have to cook a fully cooked ham?
You don’t have to cook a fully cooked ham. Most of the hams you get at the grocery ARE fully cooked and cured already. Just look at the label. You do NOT have to cook a fully cooked ham, but you will want to warm it thoroughly which is what you are doing with this recipe! How Do You Warm Up A Fully Cooked Ham for Easy Thanksgiving Ham.