How Long Should You Cook Turkey Bacon?

Turkey bacon has become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional pork bacon. With less fat and fewer calories, many find it to be a healthier option. But cooking turkey bacon can be tricky – it needs more time in the oven or pan to crisp up than regular bacon. So how long should you cook turkey bacon to get it just right? Here’s a detailed guide to achieving perfect turkey bacon every time.

Why Choose Turkey Bacon?

There are a few reasons turkey bacon has gained favor over pork bacon

• It has significantly less fat and calories – turkey bacon has about 43 calories and 1.5g fat per slice, while pork bacon has 63 calories and 5g fat.

• The lower fat content means less shrinkage during cooking. Turkey bacon holds its size and shape better.

• It still provides savory smoky, salty flavor reminiscent of pork bacon.

• The taste and texture make it suitable for all the same uses as regular bacon – sandwiches burgers breakfast plates, etc.

• It allows people limiting red meat and pork for health or religious reasons to still enjoy “bacon”.

• Many major brands like Oscar Mayer now make turkey bacon readily available.

So whether you’re watching your fat intake or just want a leaner alternative, turkey bacon is an easy swap. The trick is learning how long to cook it.

How Thick Is Turkey Bacon?

Turkey bacon comes in different thicknesses which affects cooking time. The typical options are:

• Regular cut: Approximately 1/16 inch thick. The most common style.

• Thick cut: Around 1/8 inch thick. Takes a few minutes longer to cook.

• Extra-thick: Up to 1/4 inch. Needs the most time to fully crisp.

Check your package to see the cut and thickness. Thinner bacon will need less time than thick-cut varieties.

Oven Cooking Times for Turkey Bacon

The oven yields the best results for crispy turkey bacon with little mess and splatter. Use these guidelines for oven cooking times by thickness:

• Regular cut turkey bacon: Cook at 400°F for 8-12 minutes total, flipping halfway through.

• Thick cut turkey bacon: Cook at 400°F for 10-14 minutes total, flipping halfway.

• Extra-thick turkey bacon: Cook at 400°F for 16-22 minutes, flipping halfway.

Some key oven tips:

• Use a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

• Arrange the bacon in a single layer without overlapping. Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking.

• Flip the bacon halfway through – this helps it cook evenly on both sides.

• Watch closely near the end of cooking time and remove immediately when done to your liking.

• Let cool 1-2 minutes before eating as the bacon will continue crisping off heat.

Pan Frying Turkey Bacon

You can also pan-fry turkey bacon on the stovetop over medium heat. Use these stovetop cooking guidelines:

• Regular cut turkey bacon: Fry 3-5 minutes per side, adjusting heat as needed.

• Thick cut turkey bacon: Fry 4-6 minutes per side over medium heat.

• Extra-thick turkey bacon: Fry approximately 6-8 minutes per side.

Tips for pan frying:

• Use a skillet or frying pan you don’t mind getting splatter on.

• Cook over medium heat and adjust temp as needed to prevent burning.

• Pour off excess grease during cooking to prevent smoking/popping.

• Cook in batches if needed to avoid crowding the pan which leads to uneven crisping.

Microwaving Turkey Bacon

Microwaving is the quickest method, but won’t make the bacon quite as crispy. To microwave:

• Place turkey bacon on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels.

• Cook at full power in 30 second intervals until the bacon reaches desired crispness, blotting excess grease between batches.

• Regular cut bacon takes about 1-2 minutes total. Thick cut takes 2-3 minutes.

• Let stand 1 minute before eating, as the bacon will continue to crisp off heat.

How To Tell When Turkey Bacon is Done

It can be tricky knowing when turkey bacon is fully cooked and crisped since it takes longer than pork bacon. Here are some doneness indicators:

• The bacon has visibly shrunk in size and appears crispy.

• The edges are browned and starting to get crispy.

• The center no longer looks raw and glossy.

• It flexes and cracks but doesn’t snap completely when bent.

• Slice a thinner edge piece in half to check – the interior should be browned through.

The best way to learn is practice. Cook a few test batches while keeping an eye on cooking times and bronzing. Soon you’ll know exactly how long your oven, pan or microwave takes.

Special Considerations

A few other turkey bacon cooking tips:

• Brand matters – Some brands tend to cook faster or slower. Get to know your favorite.

• Oven temp – You can fine tune oven temp (375°F vs. 400°F) for your preference.

• Altitude – Higher altitudes may require slightly longer cooking times.

• Leftovers – Store cooled turkey bacon in a zip top bag for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet, oven or microwave before serving.

Enjoy Perfectly Cooked Turkey Bacon Every Time

While it requires a bit more finesse than pork bacon, turkey bacon can be crispy, savory and delicious when you use the right technique. Now that you know approximate oven, stove top and microwave cooking times by thickness, you can easily master how long to cook turkey bacon.

A good rule of thumb is to start checking for doneness at the lower end of the time range for your preferred cooking method and cut of bacon. Continue cooking and testing slices at 1-2 minute intervals from there until the bacon reaches your ideal texture. In no time, you’ll be serving up platters of perfect turkey bacon for breakfast, lunch, dinner or anytime in between!