The holidays are peak ham and turkey time. Many households serve up both for festive gatherings with family and friends. But cooking two major proteins poses some logistical challenges, especially if your oven space is limited.
Fear not! With some strategic planning, you can absolutely cook a turkey and ham simultaneously. Read on to learn expert tips and tricks for getting perfect, juicy results from both meats when cooked together.
Choosing the Right Turkey and Ham
When cooking turkey and ham together, you want well-matched pieces:
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Turkey – Opt for a 10-14 lb bird. Bone-in breasts, fresh or thawed, also work well.
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Ham – Choose a cooked, fully-cured ham around 6-8 lbs. Spiral sliced is ideal.
Make sure both meats fit comfortably in your oven with a bit of space between. Much larger sizes can throw off heat circulation.
Preparing the Turkey and Ham
Proper prep is key to best results
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Turkey – Thaw frozen turkey in the fridge 1-2 days before cooking Remove giblets and neck. Rinse cavity and pat dry.
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Ham – Read packaging to see if glaze or reheating instructions are included. If pre-sliced, use foil strips to prevent drying out.
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Seasoning – For flavor, rub the turkey cavity with salt, pepper and herbs. Score the ham and stud with whole cloves.
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Roasting pans – Use two pans with racks Elevating meats improves air flow for even cooking Line pans with foil for easy clean-up.
Setting the Oven Temperature
Turkey roasts best at 325°F and ham at 350°F. To cook both at once:
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Set oven to 325°F if the turkey is room temp. The ham will just take a little longer.
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Or let turkey sit at room temp 30+ minutes before putting both meats in a 350°F oven.
The small variance won’t make a major difference in most ovens. Just be sure to track cook times.
Cooking Times for Turkey and Ham
Use these general guidelines for time:
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Turkey – 15-18 minutes per pound. Check at least hourly with a meat thermometer for doneness.
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Ham – 10-15 minutes per pound. Pre-cooked hams just need to come up to temp (135°F).
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Placement – Turkey on bottom rack, ham on top allows turkey drippings to baste the ham. Rotate pans halfway through if needed.
For accurate timing, always rely on a food thermometer for safety and perfect results.
Monitoring Temperature and Doneness
Be diligent and check temps frequently to prevent over or undercooking:
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Turkey – Thickest part of breast and thighs must hit 165°F. Juices will run clear at joints.
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Ham – Internal temp should reach 135°F for pre-cooked. Look for 140°F if curing a fresh, uncooked ham.
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Use multiple thermometers – Insert both the turkey and ham thermometers at the same time for easy monitoring.
Don’t rely solely on cook times. Use temps to confirm safety and ideal doneness on both meats.
Letting Turkey and Ham Rest Before Serving
Never skip this crucial step:
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Once turkey reaches 165°F and ham hits 135-140°F, immediately remove pans from the oven.
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Tent both meats very loosely in foil and let rest 15-30 minutes.
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During rest time, juices redistribute through the meat for optimal tenderness and moisture.
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Keep in mind the ham may need more rest time than the turkey to cool to an edible temperature.
Serving Suggestions for Holiday Ham and Turkey
A perfectly cooked turkey and ham are ready to become the stars of your holiday table served in style:
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Carve thin ham slices and turkey breast meat to arrange decoratively on platters.
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Top ham with a sweet glaze. Serve turkey with rich gravy and cranberry sauce.
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Offer both meats with traditional side dishes like mashed potatoes, stuffing, roasted veggies and biscuits.
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Pile sandwiches high with leftover deli-thin slices of turkey and ham for easy post-holiday meals.
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Use turkey and ham pieces in salads, casseroles, soups and other creative ways to enjoy for days after.
With the right techniques, you can confidently cook moist, flavorful turkey and ham together this holiday season. Follow these guidelines for mastering the process with ease. Just be sure to prep properly, keep an eye on temps, and let the meats rest. Your patience will be rewarded with perfect protein platters your guests will rave about. Dig in and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking Turkey and Ham Together
What’s the best way to keep the turkey and ham from drying out?
Basting and tenting with foil helps retain moisture. Cook to proper safe internal temperatures, but no higher. Letting the meats rest after also allows juices to redistribute before carving.
Should I cook the turkey and ham at the same temperature?
It’s best to cook turkey at 325°F and ham at 350°F. Compromise by preheating oven to 325°F and letting the turkey sit out to closer to room temp before putting both in simultaneously.
How can I make sure the turkey and ham cook evenly?
Use separate roasting pans with racks at different levels. Rotate pans midway through if needed. Check temperature in multiple spots with an instant read thermometer.
Is it safe to cook turkey and ham together?
Yes, as long as you use separate pans/racks to prevent cross-contamination. Cook both meats to a safe minimum internal temperature using a food thermometer. Wash hands and prep surfaces between handling.
Can I prepare and cook the turkey and ham ahead of time?
Absolutely. Cook
