Ham Vs Turkey: The Thanksgiving Debate

Published on November 13th, 2023
Updated on January 11th, 2024

WHICH DO YOU PREFER FOR THANKSGIVING DINNER?

Perhaps no food is more synonymous with Thanksgiving than turkey. Not only is it the centerpiece of millions of holiday tables every year, it’s also the focal point of Norman Rockwell’s famous painting of a family enjoying Thanksgiving dinner, and all of those classic side dishes – stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy – seem custom-tailored to complement its mild poultry flavor. And the statistics don’t lie: according to the National Turkey Federation, about 46 million turkeys are eaten every Thanksgiving, by about 88 percent of Americans. 

Read More: Best Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas

But turkey has some competition on some Thanksgiving tables by another crowd-pleasing main that’s big enough to feed a crowd: ham. There are obviously no rules about what to eat on Thanksgiving – there’s only tradition, and for some families, that tradition eschews turkey in favor of ham.

Why Eat Ham Instead of Turkey?

Ham is Easier to Cook

Turkey is so difficult to cook properly that it’s become something of a running joke; there’s even a hotline you can call for tips. Keeping the white meat juicy but not overcooked, and making sure the skin is golden brown and crispy can pose a serious challenge for even the most seasoned home cooks. And carving the bird is a whole other can of worms. Ham, on the other hand, is much more forgiving; all you need to do it put it in the oven until cooked through and slice it up.

Ham is Juicier Than Turkey

Cured ham is brined, so it’s all but guaranteed to remain juicy (as opposed to turkey breast, which is very lean and therefore prone to drying out). And fresh hams have far more fat dispersed throughout than turkey, so when cooked low-and-slow it’ll be very tender and juicy as well.

There are Many Different Types of Ham

There are countless types of ham out there, something for every taste. Along with your standard cured, smoked ham you’ll find at your supermarket (which in itself is either boneless, bone-in, unsliced, or spiral-sliced), there’s also fresh ham (which is just pork leg), smoked & dry-cured country ham, and even prosciutto.

Read More: Types of Ham: Explained

It’s More Customizable

Whereas Thanksgiving turkey required a fairly standard flavor profile of herbs and spices, ham can really go in any direction, from brown sugar glazed to mustard-rubbed. And all bets are off when it comes to side dishes to serve with ham.

Why Choose Turkey Instead of Ham?

It’s More Traditional

When you picture a Thanksgiving dinner, you more likely than not picture a golden brown roasted turkey (and the smell of it roasting filling up the house). If you’re having guests they’ll most likely also be expecting a Thanksgiving turkey, and could be disappointed if they arrive to discover a ham in its place – especially if any of them keep kosher.

It’s Arguably Healthier

Turkey is high in nutrients including phosphorus, selenium, and vitamins B3 and B6. White meat turkey is also very low in fat. Fresh ham tends to be much higher in fat, and cured ham is also very salty.

It Has a More Versatile Flavor

Ham has a very strong, distinct flavor. Turkey, on the other hand, is much more mild, which means that it pairs with many classic sides – and it’s not so salty that it doesn’t benefit from a nice glug of gravy.

Read More: Best Thanksgiving Sides

There’s Something For Everyone

Whereas ham is just ham, there’s a part of the turkey that’s perfect for everyone: some prefer the lean breast, some prefer the juicier and more flavorful dark meat, and some make it an annual tradition of fighting over the drumsticks and crispy skin.

Most Famous Hams & Turkeys

No matter which side of the aisle you fall on, there’s a perfect ham or turkey that’s shipping to your door in time for Thanksgiving.

If you’re looking to have America’s finest turkey and ham shipped straight to your door for Thanksgiving (or any time of year), look no further than Goldbelly!