A Chef’s Guide to Thanksgiving Hams and Turkeys

Thanksgiving is one of the most anticipated holidays in the food service industry, offering an incredible opportunity to deliver memorable holiday meals centered around perfectly prepared hams and turkeys. For chefs and restaurant operators, crafting a Thanksgiving menu that balances tradition with a fresh twist can create an unforgettable dining experience. Here’s a guide to help you master your Thanksgiving centerpiece, featuring premium hams and turkeys stocked at FoodPRO from trusted brands like Smithfield, Perdue, Kunzler, Mrs. Ressler and more.

1. Choosing Quality Products

Selecting high-quality hams and turkeys is essential to creating a standout Thanksgiving meal. Look for products that offer superior flavor and tenderness, as these will form the centerpiece of your holiday menu. Choosing high-quality meats not only enhances flavor but also ensures consistency in presentation and customer satisfaction.

2. Preparation Techniques for a Standout Turkey

Brining for Moisture: Brining is essential to ensure your turkey remains juicy and flavorful. A basic salt-water brine with herbs and spices penetrates the meat, keeping it moist and seasoned. Brine the turkey for 24 hours, then pat it dry before roasting for a beautifully crisp skin.
Herb-Infused Butter Rub: For a classic roast turkey, apply an herb-infused butter under and over the skin to lock in moisture and add rich flavor.
Slow and Low Roasting: Roasting at a lower temperature ensures even cooking, yielding tender, succulent meat with a beautifully browned exterior.

3. Perfecting Your Holiday Ham

Glaze Options: Smithfield and Kunzler hams shine with a well-crafted glaze. Classic options like honey and brown sugar work beautifully, but experimenting with flavors like maple-bourbon, cranberry-orange, or mustard-honey can give your menu a unique twist.
Scoring for Extra Flavor: Lightly score the ham in a diamond pattern to allow the glaze to seep into each slice. Scoring also creates a stunning presentation, enhancing the visual appeal of your holiday spread.
Finishing Touches: For a glossy, caramelized finish, apply a final glaze during the last 20 minutes of baking. This adds a beautiful, mouth-watering look to the ham.

4. Adding Creative Sides and Pairings

Complement your hams and turkeys with seasonal sides like maple-glazed root vegetables, cranberry sauce with orange zest, and herb-stuffed mushrooms. Offering a mix of classic and modern sides provides variety and enhances the appeal of your holiday menu.

5. FoodPRO’s Thanksgiving Selections

FoodPRO is proud to partner with top brands to supply your Thanksgiving essentials. We work with renowned names such as Smithfield, Perdue, Kunzler, and Mrs. Ressler to ensure that you have access to premium hams and turkeys. These trusted brands guarantee quality and consistency, giving you peace of mind as you prepare for the holiday rush. Contact your FoodPRO Foodservice Consultant today!

6. Pro Tips for a Seamless Thanksgiving Service

Plan Ahead: Stock up early on your Thanksgiving essentials, and place any special orders well in advance. With FoodPRO’s trusted selection, you can be confident in the quality and availability of your ingredients.
Prep and Pre-Portion: Thanksgiving is busy, so prepare as much as possible in advance. Consider pre-cooking and carving hams and turkeys to simplify plating, and offer pre-portioned sides to expedite service.
Create Takeout Options: Many guests will want holiday meals to go. Consider offering a special Thanksgiving takeout menu featuring your turkey and ham dishes to maximize sales and reach more customers.

Thanksgiving is an opportunity to showcase your culinary expertise, and with FoodPRO’s premium selection of hams and turkeys, you’re set for a successful holiday season. Give your guests a meal they’ll remember and make this Thanksgiving a standout event!