Save This dish features a boneless turkey breast layered with smoked ham beneath the skin, creating a juicy and flavorful centerpiece. Brushed with a honey, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar glaze, it roasts alongside aromatic herbs like thyme and rosemary. The turkey is basted throughout cooking to ensure a golden, caramelized crust while remaining tender inside. Ideal for holiday gatherings, this hearty roast combines sweet and savory notes for a satisfying meal.
Last Easter, my kitchen smelled incredible as the ham and turkey roasted together. My sister called from the hallway asking what I was making. That ham layer under the turkey skin was something I experimented with on a whim. Now everyone asks for it every year.
I served this at our first Easter hosting just the two of us. The glaze caramelized so beautifully that my husband asked if I had ordered it from a restaurant. We had leftovers for days and neither of us complained even once.
Ingredients
- Boneless turkey breast: Keeping the skin on is absolutely crucial here as it protects the meat and gets wonderfully crispy
- Smoked ham: Thinly slice it yourself so you can layer it evenly beneath the turkey skin
- Honey and brown sugar: This combination creates that irresistible sticky glaze we want
- Dijon mustard: Adds just the right tangy kick to balance all the sweetness
- Fresh thyme and rosemary: These aromatics infuse the pan juices and create a base for the most amazing gravy
Instructions
- Prepare the turkey:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and pat the turkey breast completely dry. Gently loosen the skin without tearing it and layer those ham slices evenly underneath.
- Season and arrange:
- Rub the turkey all over with olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper. Scatter the onion, smashed garlic, and herbs in your roasting pan.
- Mix the glaze:
- Whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar until completely smooth. The smell alone will make you excited.
- Start roasting:
- Set the turkey on the aromatic bed and brush with half the glaze. Pour the chicken broth around the meat and slide everything into the oven.
- Finish and rest:
- After an hour, baste with those pan juices and add the remaining glaze. Roast 30 more minutes until it hits 74°C (165°F). Let it rest under foil for 15 minutes before slicing.
Save My mom finally admitted this might be better than her traditional ham only Easter dinner. That felt like a huge win in our family. The kids especially loved the sweet and salty combination on their plates.
Make It Your Own
I once added smoked paprika to the glaze on a rainy Sunday afternoon and it was fantastic. The maple syrup substitution creates a darker, richer finish that works beautifully for autumn gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
This pairs so nicely with roasted spring vegetables or buttery scalloped potatoes. I always set out a light Pinot Noir or dry Riesling when serving to guests. The wine really brightens all those savory flavors.
Make Ahead Strategy
You can actually prep the turkey with the ham layer underneath the night before. Keep it wrapped tightly in the refrigerator and it will be ready to glaze and roast. This saves so much stress on Easter morning.
- Mix the glaze ahead and store it in a small jar
- Bring the turkey to room temperature for 30 minutes before roasting
- Clean and prep all your aromatics the night before
Save This roast has become the centerpiece of our Easter table. Hope it brings just as many warm moments to your holiday table.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you prepare the turkey and ham for roasting?
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Pat the turkey breast dry and gently loosen the skin to layer thin slices of smoked ham beneath, ensuring even coverage for added flavor and moisture.
- → What is the purpose of the glaze in this dish?
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The glaze made from honey, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar adds a balanced sweetness and tang, helping to caramelize the exterior during roasting.
- → Which herbs enhance the flavor of this roast?
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Fresh thyme and rosemary are placed in the roasting pan to infuse the turkey and ham with aromatic, savory notes throughout cooking.
- → How long should the turkey ham roast rest after cooking?
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After roasting, tent the meat loosely with foil and let it rest for 15 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist texture.
- → Can the honey in the glaze be substituted?
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Yes, maple syrup can replace honey for a richer, slightly different sweetness while maintaining the glaze's consistency and flavor.
- → What side dishes pair well with this main dish?
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Roasted spring vegetables or scalloped potatoes complement the savory and sweet flavors, while a Pinot Noir or dry Riesling enhances the overall meal experience.
