Learning How to Cook Turkey Bacon in the Oven is a game-changer. Compared to the stovetop, it is simpler, hands-free, and allows you to cook more pieces at once. It gets super crispy & no oil or flipping is needed.
Cooking turkey bacon in the oven is the way to go. It comes out perfect every time & I love that grease does not splatter all over my stove.
Craving crispy, delicious turkey bacon but unsure how long to cook it in the oven? Fear not, my friend, for I’m here to guide you through the process, ensuring you achieve that perfect golden brown texture every time.
The answer to the “how long” question isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It depends on things like the temperature of your oven, the thickness of your bacon, and how crispy you want it to be. But fear not—I’ll outline the essential elements and give you a helpful manual to help you make the best oven-baked turkey bacon ever.
Oven Temperature and Cooking Time: A Balancing Act
The ideal oven temperature for cooking turkey bacon is 375°F (190°C). This temperature renders the fat from the bacon evenly without scorching the meat. But you can turn the heat up to 400°F (204°C) if you like your bacon extra crispy. Just keep a closer eye on it to prevent burning.
A general rule of thumb for baking turkey bacon at various temperatures is as follows:
| Oven Temperature | Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| 375°F (190°C) | 15-18 minutes |
| 400°F (204°C) | 10-12 minutes |
Remember, these are just starting points The actual cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your bacon and your desired level of crispiness.
The Thickness Factor: Thin vs. Thick
The thickness of your turkey bacon has a big impact on how long it takes to cook. Thicker slices will naturally take longer to cook than thinner ones. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Thin slices (less than 1/8 inch thick): 10-12 minutes at 375°F (190°C) or 8-10 minutes at 400°F (204°C)
- Standard slices (1/8 to 1/4 inch thick): 15-18 minutes at 375°F (190°C) or 10-12 minutes at 400°F (204°C)
- Thick slices (more than 1/4 inch thick): 18-20 minutes at 375°F (190°C) or 12-14 minutes at 400°F (204°C)
Always keep an eye on your bacon during the cooking process. Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the minimum time listed above, especially for thinner slices.
Achieving Crispy Perfection: Tips and Tricks
Here are some additional tips and tricks to help you achieve crispy, delicious turkey bacon in the oven:
- Use a wire rack. Placing your bacon on a wire rack allows for even airflow and promotes crisping on all sides.
- Line your baking sheet. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Pat your bacon dry. Excess moisture can prevent the bacon from crisping up. Pat your bacon dry with a paper towel before placing it on the baking sheet.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Leave some space between the bacon slices to ensure even cooking.
- Flip halfway through (optional). If you’re not using a wire rack, you can flip the bacon halfway through the cooking time for extra crispiness.
- Broil for extra crispiness (optional). If you want your bacon extra crispy, broil it for 1-2 minutes at the end of the cooking time.
Cooking turkey bacon in the oven is a simple yet rewarding experience. By understanding the role of oven temperature cooking time and thickness, and by utilizing the tips and tricks above, you can achieve perfectly crispy, delicious turkey bacon every time. So grab your baking sheet, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy this culinary treat!
Step by Step Instructions
The bacon should be brown and crispy.
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Place an oven safe wire rack on top of the baking sheet.
Step 3: Line the rack with bacon in a single layer so that it is not overlapping. The pieces can be close together, they will shrink.
Step 4: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until crispy and brown. Broil on low for 1-2 minutes if needed.
Beyond just bacon on its own, these are a few more of my favorite breakfast recipes that go well with crispy turkey bacon:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Compared to the stovetop or microwave, the bacon cooks faster and crisps up in the oven (or toaster oven).
- Oven-baked turkey bacon is a really easy side dish to have for brunch or breakfast. You can also use it in salads, sandwiches, or wraps.
- This recipe is completely hands off and requires minimal cleanup. If you use a wire rack, there’s no need to flip the bacon halfway through.
- Most turkey bacon is gluten-free, dairy-free, & low carb/keto. It’s also a fantastic substitute for people who avoid pig.
- Find out exactly how to bake bacon with turkey at 400 degrees in the oven.
- Arrange the turkey bacon pieces as many as you can on the baking sheet. The uncured (lower nitrate) brands, like Wellshire, Applegate, and Oscar Meyer, are my favorites. Butterball also works too, but it is a little thinner. After 15 to 20 minutes, check the bacon slices to see if they look small or thin to make sure they don’t burn.
Complete list of ingredients and amounts is located on the recipe card below.
How To Cook Turkey Bacon In Oven
FAQ
How long does it take to cook bacon at 375?
Is it better to bake bacon at 350 or 400?
How can I tell if my turkey bacon is cooked?