Is it a Turkey? Is it a Ham? Is it a turkey-stuffed ham?  Is it an imposter?

Well, in truth it is turkey meat into which various flavorings go in order to create a ham-like taste. You might feel uncertain but trust me it’s delicious. Turkey ham is an excellent option for people looking for a lower-salt alternative to traditional ham. In this blog, I’ll be sharing my Turkey Ham with Marmalade Glaze recipe. Bring napkins. This is a sticky finger dish. 

What Exactly is Turkey Ham Anyway?

As you probably guessed, turkey ham is processed and cured turkey meat with water. Additives may include binders and ham flavoring. shaped into a traditional ham appearance. It contains no ham or pork products. 

Turkey Ham is ready to eat as is, but that’s kind of boring. I wanted to bump up the flavor profile. 

Turkey Ham in History

In 1975, Jennie-O introduced turkey ham to American consumers. It proved to be a far more lucrative product than turkey thighs. The name Turkey Ham created controversy, however. The American Meat Institute tried to ban the label in 1980 because it contained no ham Since then other companies hopped on the bandwagon, including Butterball and Oscar Mayer. 

Turkey Ham with Marmalade Glaze Recipe Ingredients

Suitable for a 2–4-pound Turkey Ham

1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks 

1 cup pineapple juice (drained from the chunks)

1 Tbs cornstarch

1 Tbs stone-ground mustard

½ cup marmalade

1 tsp ginger powder

1 Tbs Liquid Smoke (optional)

Marmalade Glazed Turkey Ham Directions

Glaze

Begin with your glaze. Put the pineapple juice and cornstarch in a pan. Stir this until it thickens up. Add the mustard, marmalade, ginger, and liquid smoke.

Turkey Ham:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Place the Turkey Ham into an oven-proof dish.
• Score the top
• Take ¼ of the glaze and brush it on all sides of the ham
• Baste every 10 minutes, keeping ¼ of the glaze for serving
• It takes about 15 minutes per pound to warm the ham completely
• Slice up the ham into personalized portions using a chef knife and a solid cutting board.
• Top the Turkey Ham with pineapple chunks when serving along with the extra glaze.

Tips

I recommend using parchment paper or aluminum foil in the baking dish to prevent sticking and allow for a fast clean-up.

Slice up some fresh orange and place it on top for a lovely presentation

Variations

You can use any type of jelly in this recipe including strawberry, apricot, and rhubarb (for a little tartness).

Pit Master’s Memo

There are some basic differences between turkey ham and pork ham. Turkey Ham is leaner than pork, making it a healthier choice. Pork ham is saltier and fattier. Generally speaking, a Turkey Ham costs a little more than traditional ham. Both taste similar to each other. 

Turkey ham can be used interchangeably with pork in most of your recipes. You’ll still get a nice, smoky flavor, especially if you opted to use liquid smoke. 

Side Dishes

Black-eyed peas

Braised tomatoes

Cream spinach

Garlic knots

Glazed carrots

Green bean casserole (try various soups)

Pea salad with bacon and chives

Roasted broccoli and cauliflower

From the Bar

Zinfandel

Pinot Noir

Lambrusco

Malty Amber Ale 

Nut Brown Ale

Lagers

Sweet tea with a slice of orange

Ginger Ale

Sparkling Cider