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Roasted Turkey or Baked Ham Recipe

Roasted Turkey or Baked Ham Recipe

Livy Lane
This Roasted Turkey or Baked Ham Recipe is perfect for cozy family meals and special celebrations. It brings a rich, savory flavor to your table. The meat turns tender inside with a beautifully browned outside
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 5 lb turkey breast or fully cooked ham
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons softened butter
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 small onion sliced
  • 4 garlic cloves lightly crushed
  • 1 lemon sliced

Instructions
 

Prepare the Meat

  • Remove the turkey or ham from its packaging. Pat it dry with paper towels. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. This helps the meat cook more evenly.

Make the Seasoning Mixture

  • Combine olive oil, butter, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt and pepper. Add Dijon mustard and honey. Stir everything until you have a smooth seasoning paste.

Season the Turkey or Ham

  • Rub the seasoning mixture generously over the meat. Cover all sides as evenly as possible. For turkey, gently loosen the skin and rub some seasoning underneath for extra flavor.

Prepare the Roasting Pan

  • Place sliced onion, crushed garlic and lemon slices inside the roasting pan. Pour the chicken broth around the vegetables. Place the seasoned meat on the roasting rack above them.

Start Roasting

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the roasting pan inside the oven. Roast until the meat becomes golden and reaches a safe internal temperature.

Baste During Cooking

  • After about 45 minutes, brush the meat with pan juices. Repeat this process once or twice during cooking. Basting keeps the surface flavorful and helps create a beautiful roasted finish.

Check the Temperature

  • Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part. Turkey should reach 165°F for safety. Fully cooked ham should be heated according to its package instructions.

Rest Before Slicing

  • Remove the meat from the oven when it is ready. Cover it loosely with foil. Let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes before carving. Resting helps keep the slices juicy.

Slice and Serve

  • Transfer the rested meat to a cutting board. Slice it against the grain using a sharp knife. Arrange the slices on a serving platter. Spoon a little pan juice over them before serving.

Notes

  • Pat the meat dry before seasoning for better browning.
  • Do not slice the meat immediately after roasting.
  • Use a thermometer for accurate cooking.
  • Add fresh herbs for a brighter flavor.
  • Use maple syrup instead of honey for a sweeter glaze.
  • Add orange slices instead of lemon for a festive taste.
  • For ham, brush extra honey glaze during the final 20 minutes.
  • For turkey, add a little melted butter before roasting.
  • Cover the meat loosely if the surface browns too quickly.
  • Always follow package directions when heating fully cooked ham.
Keyword Roasted Turkey or Baked Ham Recipe