Turkey And Cheese Jerky Sticks: The Ultimate Recipe Guide

Turkey and cheese jerky sticks are a fun and easy snack to make at home. While most store-bought turkey jerky contains brown sugar, soy sauce, or added sugar, homemade recipes allow for customisation and control over ingredients. Making turkey and cheese jerky sticks at home is also a more cost-effective alternative to buying them at the store. To make turkey and cheese jerky sticks, you will need ground turkey, various seasonings, and cheese. The turkey is mixed with seasonings and dehydrated, while the cheese is cut into thin strips. The two are then combined to form the jerky sticks.

Turkey meat preparation

Before preparing the turkey meat, it is important to ensure that your work surface and utensils are clean. Wash your hands and ensure that your work area is sanitised. Keep the ground turkey meat chilled until you are ready to use it.

When preparing the turkey meat, you will need to combine it with various ingredients to create a marinade. The specific ingredients and measurements can vary depending on the recipe you choose, but some common ingredients include soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey or maple syrup, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. You may also need to include additional ingredients such as lemon juice and zest, grated onion, paprika, liquid smoke, beef bouillon, or curing salt.

Once you have gathered all the ingredients, mix them together in a large bowl. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes to allow the flavours to blend.

After the marinade has rested, add the ground turkey to the bowl and combine it well with the other ingredients. Using your clean hands is often the best method for this step. Once the turkey is thoroughly coated, place the mixture in the refrigerator for at least one hour to marinate. For a more intense flavour, you can marinate the meat for up to 12 hours.

At this point, you can start preparing your equipment for the next steps. Line your dehydrator trays with parchment paper or waxed paper. You can also use a flat work surface covered with plastic wrap if you don't have a dehydrator. If using a dehydrator, preheat it to the recommended temperature, typically around 140°F to 175°F.

Remove the turkey mixture from the refrigerator and scoop about a quarter of it onto the prepared surface or trays. Use your hands or a rolling pin to flatten the mixture to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. If using a work surface, place a dehydrator tray on top of the flattened mixture and flip it over to transfer it to the tray.

Patch any holes in the mixture by pressing in more of the raw turkey mixture. Then, place the trays in the dehydrator or oven and dehydrate at the specified temperature for 4 to 6 hours. If using an oven, preheat it to 175°F and bake the turkey for 2 hours, then flip the pieces and bake for an additional 2 hours. For chewier jerky, you can dehydrate or bake for a longer period.

To ensure food safety, it is crucial to reach an internal temperature of 160°F to 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature, but due to the thinness of the jerky, it may be challenging to get an accurate reading. To address this, you can finish the jerky in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes, either before or after the dehydration/baking process.

Once the jerky is fully dried and chewy, remove it from the dehydrator or oven and let it cool. It is important to ensure that the jerky is completely dried and cooled before packaging it for storage. During the cooling process, the jerky will release some moisture, and you don't want this condensation to affect the packaging.

For storage, you can use glass jars, plastic zip-lock bags, or vacuum-sealed containers. Label the packages with the contents and the date of preparation. Store your turkey jerky in a cool, dark place, and for extended storage, keep it in the refrigerator or freezer.

Marinating the meat

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

The first step is to prepare the marinade by combining various ingredients. The specific ingredients can vary, but some common ones include soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice and zest, onion, garlic, olive oil, paprika, salt, pepper, and liquid smoke. You can also add sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar, and spices like red pepper flakes, ginger, or cayenne pepper to give it a kick.

Step 2: Combine the Meat and Marinade

Once you have prepared the marinade, it's time to add the ground turkey. Use your clean hands to thoroughly combine the meat and marinade until the turkey is evenly coated. Make sure to wear food-safe gloves during this process to maintain hygiene.

Step 3: Refrigerate and Marinate

Place the marinated turkey in the refrigerator. The meat should be kept chilled during the entire marination process. The refrigeration time can vary depending on the recipe, but it typically ranges from 1 hour to 24 hours. Longer marination times allow the flavours to penetrate the meat more deeply, resulting in more intense flavours.

During the refrigeration period, remember to occasionally remove the container from the fridge and give it a good shake to redistribute the marinade over the meat. This ensures that all pieces of meat are evenly coated and absorb the flavours.

Step 4: Drain and Prepare for Dehydration

After the meat has finished marinating, remove it from the refrigerator and drain off any excess marinade using a colander. This step is important to prevent the jerky from becoming too soggy during the dehydration process.

Now, you are ready to proceed to the next steps of making your turkey and cheese jerky sticks, which involve laying out the meat on dehydrator trays and dehydrating it at the appropriate temperature and time, as per your chosen recipe.

Dehydrating the meat

Preparing the Meat

Before you start dehydrating, it's important to prepare the meat properly. Use a sharp knife to slice the turkey breast into thin, even slices. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8" to 1/4" for the best results. Partially freezing the turkey breast before slicing will make this process easier. Alternatively, if you're using ground turkey meat, simply combine it with the marinade and mix well.

Marinating the Meat

The marinade plays a vital role in adding flavour to your jerky sticks. Combine ingredients such as soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and any other spices or seasonings of your choice. Place the sliced turkey breast in the marinade and let it sit for several hours or even overnight. This step helps the meat absorb the flavours and results in more tasty jerky sticks.

Using a Dehydrator

If you have a dehydrator, it's a convenient way to dry your meat. Place the marinated turkey slices on the dehydrator trays, leaving space between the pieces for air to circulate. Set the dehydrator to the highest setting, typically around 155°F to 165°F, and dehydrate for 4 to 6 hours. Check the jerky periodically, and it's ready when it bends and cracks but doesn't break in half.

Using an Oven

If you don't have a dehydrator, you can also use your oven to dehydrate the meat. Preheat your oven to a low temperature, ideally between 160°F and 175°F. Place the marinated turkey slices on wire racks over baking sheets, ensuring they don't overlap. Bake the jerky for at least 4 hours, flipping the slices halfway through to ensure even cooking. You can bake it for longer if you prefer a chewier texture.

Cooling and Storing

Once your jerky is dehydrated, let it cool to room temperature before storing it. Place the cooled jerky in airtight containers or bags and store it in a cool, dry place. You can also store it in the refrigerator or freezer for longer shelf life. Proper storage ensures your turkey and cheese jerky sticks remain fresh and tasty.

Adding cheese

Cheese is a great addition to turkey jerky, and there are a few ways to incorporate it into your recipe. One option is to pair your turkey and cheese jerky sticks with a soft, marbled cheese such as colby jack. This combination provides a tasty contrast of textures and flavours. You could also try adding mozzarella cheese to your turkey sticks. This is a classic pairing, reminiscent of pizza toppings, and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

If you're looking for a more adventurous option, consider using a bold, spicy cheese such as pepper jack. This will add a nice kick to your turkey sticks and is perfect for those who like their snacks on the spicier side. For a more subtle approach, you could use a mild, creamy cheese such as Monterey Jack or even a sharp cheddar. These cheeses will add a depth of flavour to the turkey without overwhelming its natural taste.

When adding cheese to your turkey jerky, it's important to consider the texture and moisture content of the cheese. Harder, drier cheeses such as parmesan or aged cheddar may not blend well with the meat and could affect the overall texture of the jerky. Softer, more moist cheeses are more likely to incorporate seamlessly into your recipe. Experiment with different types of cheese to find the perfect pairing for your turkey and cheese jerky sticks.

Storage

Proper storage is key to enjoying your turkey and cheese jerky sticks for as long as possible. The best way to store them is to keep them in an environment that limits exposure to air, moisture, and temperature fluctuations.

If you want to store your turkey and cheese jerky sticks for a month or so, you can simply place them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. You can also add a desiccant pack to the container to absorb any residual moisture and help keep your jerky fresh for longer.

For longer-term storage, consider refrigerating or freezing your jerky. Refrigeration can extend the shelf life of your turkey and cheese jerky sticks, especially in warmer climates where room temperature can accelerate spoilage. If you prefer your jerky chilled, this is a great option.

Freezing is another excellent way to extend the shelf life of your turkey and cheese jerky sticks. To freeze them, place them in a freezer-safe, airtight bag or container, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When frozen correctly, jerky can last several months without losing its quality.

If you're looking for an alternative storage solution that doesn't require refrigeration, you can try canning your turkey and cheese jerky sticks. The canning process involves vacuum-sealing the jerky in food-grade cans, keeping it fresh for extended periods without the need for preservatives.

For on-the-go snacking, especially during outdoor activities like camping, consider storing your turkey and cheese jerky sticks in a dip can. This portable option helps keep your jerky fresh and snackable. Just make sure to use a clean, dry, and airtight container to maintain freshness.

Homemade turkey and cheese jerky sticks tend to have a shorter shelf life than store-bought ones, typically lasting 1-2 months if stored properly in a cool, dry place. However, refrigeration or freezing can further extend this period.

Vacuum sealing is an excellent method for preserving homemade turkey and cheese jerky sticks. By creating an almost airless environment, you can slow down the degradation process significantly. Vacuum-sealed jerky can last up to 6 months in the pantry and up to a year in the refrigerator.

Remember to regularly check your jerky for signs of spoilage or moisture, and replace the container if needed, to maintain its peak condition. Proper storage will ensure that your turkey and cheese jerky sticks remain fresh, flavorful, and safe to eat.

Frequently asked questions