When the holidays roll around, one question shows up right beside the mashed potatoes: Should we make turkey or ham this year? Both bring their own kind of tradition and comfort, but they’re very different in how they cook, taste, and even how long the leftovers last.

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each so you can decide which one fits your table best this season.

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🍗 Team Turkey: Classic, Cozy, and Crowd-Feeding

The Appeal:
Turkey is the traditional centerpiece of Thanksgiving for a reason. A well-roasted bird has that golden, crispy skin and tender, flavorful meat that smells like “holiday” the moment it leaves the oven.

Pros:

• Feeds a big crowd easily
• Works beautifully with classic side dishes
• Leaner and lighter than ham
• Perfect for homemade gravy

Cons:

• Can dry out if overcooked
• Takes time and attention to roast
• Needs carving and resting space

Helpful Tools:
A sturdy roasting pan, reliable meat thermometer, and a good baster can make all the difference between dry and juicy.

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🍖 Team Ham: Easy, Flavorful, and Festive

The Appeal:
Ham is a Christmas favorite, but it sneaks into Thanksgiving more and more each year. Sweet, savory, and simple to heat, ham adds rich flavor with less fuss.

Pros:

• Fully cooked and easy to prepare
• Naturally juicy and flavorful
• Great with glazes or sauces
• Slices beautifully for leftovers

Cons:

• Higher in salt and fat
• Smaller hams don’t feed large groups as easily
• Less versatile for gravy and pan drippings

Helpful Tools:
Use a baking dish with a rack to let the glaze caramelize evenly, a carving knife, and a basting brush for perfect shine.

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🕯️ The Verdict

If you love tradition and the classic Thanksgiving aroma, go for turkey. If you’d rather keep things simple and flavorful, ham is your friend.
And for many families — why choose? A smaller turkey paired with a spiral ham gives everyone what they love.

Whichever you pick, the real win is a warm kitchen and a table full of people you love.

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🛒 Shop the Essentials

• Turkey Roaster Pan
• Meat Thermometer
• Basting Brush & Glaze Set
• Carving Knife

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Simple Home Picks Tip:
Don’t overthink it. The best main dish is the one that lets you relax, laugh, and enjoy the meal you worked so hard to make.