If you’re new to healthy eating, you might be searching for foods that are tasty, high in nutrients, or naturally low in fat. When smoked over real wood, whole-cut turkey bacon tastes remarkably similar to pork bacon despite being a healthier, lower-protein option. But does it cook the same? There’s no secret to cooking turkey bacon; it’s simple and can be prepared in a variety of well-known and conventional ways. Here are some instructions for getting your bacon just right.
The answer to this question depends on the specific brand of turkey bacon you have Most national brands of turkey bacon are smoked or cured, but not fully cooked, so you will need to cook them before eating However, some brands do offer fully cooked turkey bacon that is ready to eat.
To help you decide if you need to cook your turkey bacon, here’s a quick breakdown:
If the package says:
- “Uncooked” or “Cook before eating”: You need to cook it.
- “Fully cooked” or “Ready to eat”: You can eat it as is, without cooking.
If you’re unsure:
- Check the ingredients list. If it includes sodium nitrite or sodium nitrate, the bacon is likely cured and needs to be cooked.
- Look for a “Keep refrigerated” label. This usually indicates that the bacon is not fully cooked.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind:
- Cooking turkey bacon is a simple process. You can cook it in a skillet, oven, or microwave.
- Cooking time will vary depending on the method you use. Generally, it takes about 5-10 minutes to cook turkey bacon in a skillet, 10-15 minutes in the oven, and 2-4 minutes in the microwave.
- Turkey bacon is a healthy alternative to pork bacon. It is lower in fat and calories, and it is a good source of protein.
How to Cook Turkey Bacon
Here are some instructions on how to cook turkey bacon using different methods:
Skillet:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the turkey bacon strips to the skillet.
- Cook for 5-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy.
- Drain on paper towels.
Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Arrange the turkey bacon strips on the baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy.
- Drain on paper towels.
Microwave:
- Line a microwave-safe plate with paper towels.
- Arrange the turkey bacon strips on the plate in a single layer.
- Microwave on high power for 2-4 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy.
- Drain on paper towels.
Tips for Cooking Turkey Bacon
Here are some tips for cooking turkey bacon:
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. This will prevent the bacon from crisping evenly.
- Use a non-stick skillet. This will help prevent the bacon from sticking.
- Drain the bacon on paper towels. This will help to absorb excess grease.
- Season the bacon with your favorite spices. This will add flavor and depth.
Regardless of whether you decide to cook your turkey bacon or not, it’s critical to understand your options and select the one that best meets your requirements. Turkey bacon is a delicious and healthful snack that you can enjoy in no time with a little planning and preparation.
How to Cook Turkey Bacon on the Stove
Yes, sautéing turkey bacon in oil yields crispy, flavorful results in a few easy steps. It cooks similarly to pork bacon in a pan on the stovetop:
- Pre-heat skillet to medium high.
- To ensure uniform browning, toast the slices, turning them over every minute.
- When the bacon is halfway done, turn to medium heat.
- Turn off the heat and transfer to a plate covered with paper towels to absorb any remaining cooking oil.
Sautéed turkey bacon shines in classic sandwich recipes like the BLT, and you can prepare it quickly. The delicious taste and crisp texture of our real wood-smoked bacon gives the Ultimate TBLT a nutritious punch.
How to Cook Turkey Bacon in the Oven
If you’re a hands-off cook, you might prefer baking turkey bacon in the oven even though sautéing takes very little time. There are benefits to baking turkey bacon in the oven. One is that you can prep other parts of your meal while the bacon cooks. Another is batch size: a baking sheet can accommodate a lot of bacon when cooking for a big crowd.
Follow these steps for crispy, oven-baked turkey bacon without added oil:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- If you have a baking rack, set it on top of an aluminum foil- or parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Arrange your turkey bacon in a single layer on the rack or parchment paper, being careful not to overlap the bacon strips.
- Place on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 12 minutes.
- If you move the turkey bacon to a plate covered with paper towels to absorb any oil drained by the heat, it will stay crisper until you serve it.
Quick tip:
If you just want a few slices and aren’t cooking for a big crowd, you can make turkey bacon in the toaster oven. Follow the same steps as above.
Turkey bacon tastes great from the oven, but you don’t always have to bake it on its own. For something simple that feels luxurious, wrap a slice of bacon around your favorite fresh vegetable before baking. Or try sprinkling some pepper on top before baking in the oven to elevate your turkey bacon.
Best Way To Cook Turkey Bacon
FAQ
Is turkey bacon already fully cooked?
Can I eat raw turkey bacon?
Can turkey bacon go bad?
Does turkey bacon cook differently than regular bacon?