Easter Turkey Ham Roast

The smell of thyme and roasting onions still takes me back to my first Easter hosting dinner alone. I'd decided to tackle something ambitious without really knowing what I was doing, and this turkey ham roll became my accidental triumph. My aunt walked in just as I was pulling it from the oven, that honey-mustard glaze glistening like something from a magazine spread.

Last year my sister called me in a panic because she'd forgotten to defrost her Easter ham until the morning of. I walked her through this exact recipe over the phone, and when she texted me a photo of the sliced roast later that afternoon, she said she's never making a regular holiday ham again. Sometimes the best discoveries happen under pressure.

Ingredients

• 1 boneless turkey breast: Turkey breast stays incredibly moist when wrapped around ham, and the mild flavor lets that smoky ham really shine through
• 8 oz sliced smoked ham: The ham provides both flavor and moisture, infusing the turkey as everything roasts together
• 1/4 cup honey: Honey creates that beautiful caramelized exterior while balancing the mustard's sharpness
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard: Dijon cuts through the richness and adds just enough bite to keep things interesting
• 2 tbsp brown sugar: Brown sugar helps the glaze caramelize deeply and contributes that subtle molasses depth
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice: A splash of lemon brightens everything and prevents the glaze from becoming too sweet
• 1 tsp dried thyme: Thyme pairs beautifully with both turkey and ham, tasting like the holidays in dried form
• 1/2 tsp black pepper: Fresh cracked pepper adds warmth and a gentle spicy kick
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Garlic powder distributes evenly throughout the glaze for consistent savory notes
• 1/2 tsp paprika: Paprika contributes a subtle smokiness and gorgeous color to the finished crust
• 1/4 tsp salt: Just enough salt to enhance all the other flavors without overwhelming
• 1 large onion: Onion forms the foundation of the roasting bed, its sweetness infusing the pan juices
• 2 carrots: Carrots add natural sweetness to the pan juices and become delicious alongside the meat
• 2 celery stalks: Celery provides aromatic backbone and keeps everything tasting fresh
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Broth creates steam in the pan, keeping the roast moist while forming incredible pan juices

Instructions

Get your oven ready:

Preheat your oven to 350°F so it's fully hot when your roast goes in, ensuring that beautiful glaze starts working immediately

Prep the turkey:

Lay the turkey breast skin-side down and butterfly it if needed, then give it a gentle pounding to even out the thickness

Layer and roll:

Arrange those ham slices evenly across the turkey, then roll everything up tightly like you're wrapping a present and secure with kitchen twine every couple inches

Mix the magic glaze:

Whisk together the honey, Dijon, brown sugar, lemon juice, thyme, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and salt until you have a smooth, fragrant mixture

Build the roasting bed:

Scatter the onion, carrots, and celery across the bottom of your roasting pan to create a flavorful foundation

Position and prep:

Place your rolled roast on top of the vegetables, brush half the glaze over everything, and carefully pour the broth around the sides

Roast to perfection:

Cook uncovered for 80 to 90 minutes, basting with the remaining glaze halfway through, until your thermometer hits 165°F

Rest matters:

Tent the roast loosely with foil and let it rest for 15 minutes so all those juices redistribute

Slice and serve:

Cut into beautiful pinwheels and serve with those roasted vegetables and pan juices

Save Pin

My grandmother always said Easter dinner should taste like spring itself, and something about the combination of ham, honey, and fresh herbs really captures that feeling. Last year we ate this on the back porch while daffodils were just starting to open, and it felt like the perfect transition from winter comfort food to something lighter and brighter.

Making It Ahead

You can assemble the entire roast the night before and keep it wrapped tightly in the refrigerator. The flavors actually meld together beautifully overnight, and having the main dish ready to pop in the oven reduces holiday morning stress significantly.

Leftover Love

Slice any leftovers thinly for the most incredible sandwiches you've ever had. The combination of turkey and ham with that glaze still clinging to the edges is absolute perfection between two slices of good bread with a little mustard.

Serving Suggestions

The pan juices create their own light sauce when you skim off the fat, so dont waste them.

• Roasted new potatoes tossed with fresh parsley make the perfect side
• Spring asparagus or green beans with lemon brighten the whole plate
• A simple arugula salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully

Save Pin

Whatever you're celebrating this spring, I hope this roast brings a little extra joy to your table.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I ensure the turkey breast cooks evenly?

Butterfly the turkey breast and pound it to an even thickness before rolling to promote uniform cooking throughout.

→ Can I prepare the glaze in advance?

Yes, the honey and herb glaze can be mixed ahead and refrigerated until ready to use, enhancing the flavors.

→ What is the best way to keep the roast moist?

Roasting over a bed of aromatic vegetables and basting with glaze midway helps retain moisture within the meat.

→ How do I know when the roast is done?

Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

→ Can I substitute ingredients in the glaze?

Maple syrup can replace honey for a different sweetness, and fresh orange zest adds a citrus twist.