Why haven’t we always been wrapping turkey in bacon? This is the best roast turkey I’ve ever had! Sure, you can roast a turkey in the traditional way, and it will be delicious if you follow my tips. But if you really want to create a showstopping centerpiece for your Thanksgiving meal, this is the turkey recipe you want to follow. Pair this flavorful turkey wrapped in bacon with your favorite holiday sides! I suggest trying my crockpot mashed potatoes and serving a healthy veggie to offset the extra richness of this smoky, salty, savory, and juicy bird.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Key Ingredients Needed for Bacon Wrapped Turkey
Here’s what you need to make this delectable turkey: Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Turkey: I’m using a 10-pound turkey here, and this recipe will easily cover a turkey that is between 8 and 12 pounds. You want to make sure that your turkey is fully thawed before starting. Seasonings: To season the outside of the turkey we’ll use bacon, but to season the inside we’ll use salt, pepper, fresh garlic and onion, and fresh herbs. I like a mix of sage, thyme, and rosemary. Bacon: A pound of bacon is just the right amount to cover a 10-pound turkey. Buy regular-cut bacon rather than thick cut.
How To Make Bacon Wrapped Turkey
First, we’ll weave a bacon blanket to cover the breast, then wrap the legs and wings before roasting the turkey in the oven.
Recipe Tips
The best way to defrost a frozen turkey is at the bottom of the refrigerator, it will take about 3-5 days to fully defrost depending on the size of the turkey. Buy the longest strips of bacon that you can find. This will make the weaving and wrapping process much easier. Avoid center-cut bacon, as it’s usually shorter. Since bacon shrinks as it cooks you should weave the bacon as tightly as possible while it’s still raw. You shouldn’t baste a bacon wrapped turkey. Opening and closing the oven too much will drop the temperature of the oven, and the bacon will get crispy all by itself. Add Water to the Pan. Bacon grease will smoke and burn at the bottom of your pan if you skip this part, and likely set off your smoke alarms! Water in the pan also creates a steamy oven environment, which helps the bacon cook slowly and evenly with the turkey. The turkey is done when a kitchen thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast reaches 155°F/68°C, and the inner thigh reaches at least 165°F/74°C. Let it Rest. Don’t slice into your turkey until it has rested for at least 30 minutes on the counter. Trust me, it will be worth the wait! For More Turkey Tips, visit my Ultimate Guide to Thanksgiving Turkey. There you’ll learn all about other options for cooking a turkey, how to choose a turkey, how to defrost a turkey, how to carve a turkey, and more!
Storing Tips
Leftover roast turkey with bacon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
What To Serve With Bacon Wrapped Turkey
This turkey is a spectacular main dish, but it needs your best sides to make it the perfect holiday meal! Try some of these tried and true favorites this year:
Side Dishes To Serve with Turkey:
Roasted Sweet Potato Salad Boursin Mashed Potatoes Broccoli Casserole Creamy Green Bean Casserole Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Sausage Stuffing
Desserts to Serve with Turkey:
Turkey Cupcakes Pecan Pie Pumpkin Pie Pumpkin Lush Oatmeal Pie Banana Pudding
There you have it! Bacon-wrapped turkey is a modern twist on the classic holiday bird that is completely delicious and super easy to make. Make sure you pin the recipe so that more people can find it too. © Little Sunny Kitchen
