Easy Homemade Turkey Breast Deli Lunch Meat Recipe

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This Turkey lunch meat recipe is an easy way to make homemade turkey breast deli lunch meat. Perfect for healthy, delicious sandwiches and snacks!

This delicious recipe for homemade turkey deli lunch meat is easy to make and will quickly put its store-bought counterpart to shame. We all love the convenience of lunch meat for a quick meal or an easy protein-packed snack. However, there are some serious downfalls to store-bought lunch meat that has made many reconsider buying this household staple. First of all, can we agree that the texture of lunch meat is pretty hit or miss? Call me picky, but I have been known to toss an entire container and make different lunch plans when my lunch meat was a liiitle too slimy. Not to mention all the artificial ingredients and preservatives that are added to meats found at the deli counter. Making our own lunch meat has been a simple addition to our recipe stash, and a family favorite.

What is Homemade Turkey Lunch Meat?

Homemade turkey lunch meat is a healthier and fresher alternative to store-bought deli meats. You will brine, season & cook your own Turkey breast at home. Then, slice it thinly to use in sandwiches, wraps, salads, and other meals.

Why You Will Love This Turkey Lunch Meat Recipe

• Healthier Option: Homemade turkey lunch meat allows you to control the ingredients, avoiding preservatives, additives, and excess sodium often found in store-bought deli meat
• Better Flavor and Freshness: Freshly made turkey lunch meat offers superior flavor and texture compared to pre-packaged options found at the grocery store
• Cost-Effective: Homemade lunch meat can be more economical in the long run, especially if you buy a whole turkey (or raise your own) and prepare it at home.

This recipe was featured in the following video!

Healthy Lunch Ideas with Turkey Meat

Turkey lunch meat is so versatile when it comes to preparing a quick lunch for the whole family. Here are some of our favorite luncheon meats recipes: 

1. Avocado Wrap and Turkey: Layer homemade turkey cold cuts with avocado, spinach, tomato, and a light spread of hummus in a whole wheat wrap.
2. Turkey Sandwich: Build a sandwich with homemade turkey breast, lettuce, cucumber, bell peppers, and mustard on slices of bread. You can also add slices of provolone cheese.
3. Quinoa Salad with Turkey: Toss sliced turkey breast with cooked quinoa, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette.
4. Lettuce Wraps: Use large lettuce leaves to wrap turkey breast slices, shredded carrots, cucumber strips, and a drizzle of Greek yogurt dressing.
5. Turkey and Apple Salad: Mix diced turkey breast with apple slices, walnuts, celery, and a dollop of yogurt dressing for a crunchy, refreshing salad.
6. Hummus and Turkey Plate: Serve turkey breast slices with hummus, baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, and whole grain crackers for a balanced snack plate.
7. Turkey and Avocado Salad: Combine turkey breast slices with mixed greens, avocado chunks, cherry tomatoes, and a light balsamic vinaigrette.
8. Turkey and Spinach Roll-Ups: Roll thin slices with fresh spinach leaves and a thin layer of light cream cheese, then slice into pinwheels.
9. Pesto and Turkey Sandwich: Spread whole grain bread with pesto, then layer with turkey breast, roasted red peppers, and arugula. 

Dinner Ideas With Lunch Meat

The versatility of this turkey lunch meat recipe does not end with lunch. There are so many different ways you can serve it for dinner too:

1. Vegetable Stir-Fry with Turkey Meat: Sauté sliced turkey lunch meat with a mix of fresh vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas. Add a light soy or teriyaki sauce and serve over brown rice or quinoa.
2. Spinach and Turkey Stuffed Peppers: Mix chopped turkey lunch meat with cooked quinoa, spinach, diced tomatoes, and seasonings. Stuff the mixture into halved bell peppers and bake until the peppers are tender.
3. Turkey and Veggie Frittata: Whisk eggs and pour into a skillet. Add turkey lunch meat, diced tomatoes, spinach, and onions. Cook until the eggs are set. Serve with a side of mixed greens.
4. Sweet Potato and Turkey Skillet: Sauté diced sweet potatoes until tender. Add turkey lunch meat, black beans, corn, and spices like cumin and chili powder. Cook until heated through and serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt.
5. Turkey and Pesto Zucchini Noodles: Spiralize zucchini into noodles and sauté lightly. Toss with turkey lunch meat slices, cherry tomatoes, and a spoonful of pesto. Top with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
6. Mushroom and Turkey Risotto: Prepare a classic risotto and stir in sliced turkey lunch meat and sautéed mushrooms toward the end of cooking. Garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese.
7. Turkey and Cauliflower Rice Bowl: Sauté riced cauliflower with garlic and onion until tender. Add turkey lunch meat, diced bell peppers, peas, and a splash of soy sauce. Cook until everything is heated through and serve immediately.

Tips for Making Turkey Lunch Meat

• Choose the right cut: Opt for a boneless, skinless turkey breast. It’s lean and perfect for making deli slices. Try to select one that is uniform in size for even cooking.
• Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked. Monitor closely to prevent the turkey from drying out.
• Slicing: Use a sharp knife or a meat slicer to cut the turkey breast into thin, uniform slices. Thin slices are ideal for sandwiches and wraps.

How to Make Homemade Turkey Lunch Meat Recipe

1. Add brine ingredients to a large bowl.
2. Add breasts to brine.
3. Cover and refrigerate for 4-8 hours.
4. In a small bowl, combine the butter with the remaining rub ingredients. Use a fork to combine the ingredients well. 
5. Pat the turkey breasts dry, then lay each in a square of foil. 
6. Take ¼ of the rub and spread it out on one side of the breast. Fold it in half lengthwise with the rub on the inside. Then, spread another ¼ of the rub onto the outside of the turkey breast. Finally, secure the breast in half with cooking twine at 2” intervals along the breast. Repeat process for second breast.
7. Crimp the foil tightly around the chicken. Refrigerate for another 4-8 hours.
8. Remove the turkey breast from the refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before preheating oven or smoker. Insert a temperature probe if you have one. 
9. Smoke at 200 F for 2-4 hours or until the meat reaches 160 F.
10. If using the oven instead, bake at 275 F until done.
11. Let the meat cool a bit, then chill for 4-6 hours.
12. Remove and discard the cooking twine.
13. Slice thin using a meat slicer or electric knife.
14. To store longer than a week, freeze in family-sized portions in a freezer-safe bag or container.

How to Store

Refrigeration: Store turkey slices in an airtight container or zip-lock bag with parchment paper between layers for up to 5 days.

Freezing: Lay slices on a baking sheet to pre-freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

Thawing: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or use the cold water method for quicker thawing. Avoid refreezing thawed slices.

Turkey Lunch Meat Recipe Variations

The best thing about making your own turkey lunch meat is that the possible flavor combinations are endless. Here are some ideas for different flavors:

Smoked Turkey:

• Preparation: Marinate the turkey breast in a mixture of olive oil, soy sauce, garlic, and herbs.
• Smoking: Smoke the turkey breast in a smoker at 225°F (107°C) using your preferred wood chips (e.g., apple, cherry, or hickory) until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Spicy Cajun Turkey:

• Seasoning: Coat the turkey breast with a Cajun spice rub made from paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, and salt.
• Cooking: Roast or grill the seasoned turkey breast for a spicy twist.

Honey Mustard Glazed Turkey:

• Glaze: Brush the turkey breast with a mixture of honey, Dijon mustard, and a touch of soy sauce before roasting.
• Cooking: Roast until the glaze is caramelized and the turkey is cooked through.

Garlic and Rosemary Turkey:

• Seasoning: Make slits in the turkey breast and insert garlic cloves and fresh rosemary sprigs.
• Cooking: Roast with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper, infusing the turkey with aromatic flavors.

Maple Glazed Turkey:

• Glaze: Brush the turkey breast with a mixture of maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar.
• Cooking: Roast until the glaze is caramelized and the turkey is fully cooked, providing a sweet and tangy flavor.

Teriyaki Turkey:

• Marinade: Marinate the turkey breast in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, honey, and sesame oil.
• Cooking: Grill or roast the marinated turkey breast for an Asian-inspired flavor.

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FAQs

Can you eat lunch meat while breastfeeding?

Yes, you can eat lunch meat while breastfeeding, but it’s important to ensure it is properly cooked and stored to avoid any risk of foodborne illness. Homemade lunch meat can be a safer option due to better control over preparation and ingredients.

Is turkey lunch meat keto-friendly?

Yes, homemade turkey lunch meat can be eaten on a keto diet. It is low in carbs and high in protein, making it suitable for keto. Ensure any seasonings or marinades used are keto-friendly.

Can puppies eat lunch meat?

It’s best to avoid feeding puppies lunch meat due to the potential high salt content and seasonings that might be harmful. Plain, cooked turkey without added seasonings can be given in small amounts as a treat.

What is the best lunch meat for weight loss?

Homemade turkey breast is one of the best lunch meats for weight loss. It is lean, high in protein, and low in fat and calories, making it an excellent choice for a weight loss diet.