You’ll never cook bacon any other way after baking turkey bacon—it bakes up perfectly crispy and requires very little cleanup! This is our go-to method for cooking bacon!.
My family used to scoff at turkey bacon…that is, until I started making it in the oven. This recipe is for you if you’ve ever struggled to get your turkey bacon crispy. We are supporters of crispy bacon. Compared to pork bacon, this oven-baked turkey bacon is delicious and extremely crispy, but it also contains less added saturated fat. It’s great for breakfast recipes, used in wraps and sandwiches, and can go great with many dinner recipes.
Craving crispy, delicious turkey bacon without the mess and hassle of stovetop cooking? Look no further! This foolproof guide will walk you through the process of achieving perfect oven-baked turkey bacon, leaving you with a crispy, flavorful treat that’s sure to satisfy.
Why Oven-Baked Turkey Bacon?
- Crispy Perfection: The oven’s consistent heat ensures even cooking, resulting in perfectly crispy bacon every time.
- No Mess, No Fuss: Say goodbye to splattering grease and messy stovetops. Oven-baking keeps your kitchen clean and stress-free.
- Hands-Free Cooking: Simply pop the bacon in the oven and let it work its magic. No need to stand over a hot pan, making this method ideal for busy mornings or multitasking.
- Healthier Choice: Compared to traditional pork bacon, turkey bacon boasts less saturated fat and calories, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
Ingredients:
- 1 package (12 oz.) of uncured turkey bacon (Applegate Naturals, Wellshire, or Trader Joe’s are great options)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. If using a wire rack, place it on top of the lined baking sheet.
- Arrange the turkey bacon strips on the wire rack or directly on the parchment paper/foil, ensuring they don’t overlap. Overlapping will prevent even crisping.
- Bake for 12 minutes on the middle rack of the oven.
- After 12 minutes, flip each bacon strip over and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- For extra crispy bacon, broil for 1 minute, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Tips for Extra Crispy Bacon:
- Pat the turkey bacon dry with paper towels before baking to remove excess moisture.
- Use a wire rack to allow air to circulate around the bacon, promoting even crisping.
- Flip the bacon strips at least once during the cooking process to ensure even browning.
- Watch for visual cues like bubbling and dripping liquid, indicating the bacon is releasing excess moisture and crisping up.
- Broil for a minute at the end for an extra crispy finish, but be vigilant to avoid burning.
Storing Leftovers:
- Crispy turkey bacon is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let the bacon cool to room temperature before storing.
Recipe Variations:
- For a smoky flavor, use smoked turkey bacon.
- Add a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper for a spicy kick.
- Cook the turkey bacon in a toaster oven for smaller batches.
Enjoy your perfectly crispy oven-baked turkey bacon!
Additional Resources:
- Foolproof Living: https://foolproofliving.com/how-to-cook-turkey-bacon-in-the-oven/
- Confessions of a Fit Foodie: https://confessionsofafitfoodie.com/turkey-bacon-in-the-oven/
FAQs:
- Is turkey bacon healthy? While it’s a healthier alternative to traditional bacon, turkey bacon is still processed meat and should be consumed in moderation.
- How long to cook turkey bacon in the oven? Cooking time may vary depending on your oven and desired level of crispness. Generally, 12-17 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit is a good starting point.
- What temperature to cook turkey bacon in the oven? 400 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended for optimal crispiness. However, you can adjust the temperature based on your preference.
- How to know when turkey bacon is done? Look for a crispy, rich brown color. Avoid any pink or translucent areas.
How to Store the Best Turkey Bacon
Bacon is delicious the day that you make it. But if you have extra bacon leftovers that you want to freeze for later, you can keep it in the fridge for up to three days in an airtight container after it has cooled to room temperature.
If preferred, freezer-safe bags can be used to keep your oven-baked turkey bacon fresh for up to two months.
For best results, to reheat your bacon pop it back in the oven for a few minutes.
How to Make Turkey Bacon in Oven
- Preheat the oven to 425. This temp is key for crispy turkey bacon!.
- Make sure the bacon slices do not overlap when placing them on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper.
- Bake the bacon pan for eight to ten minutes in an oven that has been preheated. Flip, then cook for an additional 8 minutes.
- When the bacon is crispy to your taste, remove it from the oven and enjoy!