Can You Cook Ham & Turkey At The Same Time? Solved

Last Updated on September 13, 2024 by Shari Mason

Holiday festivities glitter with **delicious treats**, making it hard not to prepare both ham and turkey together. As a foodie, tackling this **delightful challenge** has been an exciting chapter in the cooking journey.

Not only do you get two delicious main dishes in one, but it also allows you to free up your oven for side dishes and desserts. 

But, really, can you cook ham and turkey at the same time? Read on.

Is It Possible To Cook Ham & Turkey At The Same Time?

Yes, you can cook ham [1] and turkey simultaneously. It is important to ensure that the ham and turkey are cooked to the appropriate temperature. 

The ham should reach a minimum internal temperature of 145°F, and the turkey should reach a minimum internal temperature of 165°F. 

When cooking ham and turkey, it is important to ensure that the oven temperature is set correctly. It is best to cook the ham and turkey on separate racks in the oven to ensure that the air can circulate evenly around the food. 

It is also important to keep an eye on the temperature of the food so that it does not overcook. It may also be helpful to use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ham and turkey. 

Read:

• Can You Cook Two Turkeys At The Same Time?
• Do You Cook A Turkey At 325 or 350?
• How Long Does Vacuum-Sealed Ham Last In The Fridge?
• How Long To Cook A Spatchcock Turkey On Gas Grill?

How Much Turkey & Ham Per Person

 As a general rule of thumb, one-half pound of meat per person is a good starting point. For a larger gathering, it is recommended to plan on one pound of turkey and one-half pound of ham per person. 

“May your stuffing be tasty May your turkey plump, May your potatoes and gravy Have nary a lump. May your yams be delicious And your pies take the prize, And may your Thanksgiving dinner Stay off your thighs!”

– Grandpa Jones, American Musician

Add other proteins such as chicken, beef, pork, or fish to your meal to increase the variety.

Read: What Are The Black Spots On My Turkey?

Can You Cook Ham A Day Before Serving?

Yes, you can cook ham the day before serving. This can be done by baking, slow-cooking, or pan-frying the ham. Once cooked, the ham should be cooled and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve it.

Reheating the ham on the day of serving is easy and will help ensure that it is cooked to the proper temperature before serving.

What Should You Not Cook With Turkey?

When cooking with a turkey, you should avoid using acidic ingredients, such as citrus juices, marinades, and vinegar. These ingredients can break down the proteins in the turkey, causing it to become tough and dry. 

Additionally, it would help if you do not cook the turkey too quickly, as this can cause it to become tough and dry.

Lastly, you should avoid adding too much fat to the turkey, as this can also make it dry and tough.

How To Cook Prime Rib & Turkey At The Same Time?

Cooking prime rib and turkey [2] simultaneously can be tricky, but it can be done with the right technique. 

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Place the prime rib on the bottom rack of the oven and the turkey on the top rack. Make sure the rib is placed near the center of the oven, as it will take longer to cook than the turkey. 

“Two stars in the culinary show, ham and turkey share the spotlight, harmonizing flavors and aromas in a dance of deliciousness.”

– Eat Pallet Restaurant & Food Advice

Place the turkey in a roasting pan with some butter and herbs. Cook both the prime rib and turkey for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Then, remove the turkey from the oven and increase the heat to 425°F. 

Cook the prime rib for an additional 30 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F. Finally, let the prime rib and turkey rest for 15-20 minutes before serving.

Tips & Tricks

1. Preheat the oven to the appropriate temperature for both the ham and turkey. 
2. Place the ham in a roasting pan and add a small amount of water. 
3. Place the turkey in a separate roasting pan and add a small amount of water.
4. Place ham and turkey in the oven and cook according to package directions. 
5. Monitor the temperature of the ham and turkey with a meat thermometer and remove them when they reach the desired temperature. 
6. Allow the ham and turkey to rest for at least 10 minutes before carving.

FAQs

In Conclusion 

Yes, you can cook ham and turkey at the same time. With careful planning and preparation, you can create a delicious meal that will satisfy all your guests. 

By using different cooking techniques and adjusting the cooking times to accommodate both types of meat, you can ensure that each dish cooks evenly and is full of flavor. 

References:

1. https://www.britannica.com/topic/ham-meat
2. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birds/facts/wild-turkey