The best and easiest way to cook turkey bacon is in the oven. You’ll get crispy bacon without any drips on the stove.
Believe it or not, I went through a long stretch of my life where I didn’t like bacon. I’m not really sure why, but I can definitely tell you that that phase is OVER. I really enjoy cooking bacon in the oven and making bacon gravy now. Maybe too much.
As I get closer to an important birthday in terms of age, I know I should pay more attention to my health and maybe not eat bacon as often as I’d like to. But, I feel like there’s a compromise, and that compromise is turkey bacon.
Turkey or chicken meat can be used instead of beef in Asian sloppy joes and Mediterranean meatballs. Similarly, turkey bacon can be used instead of regular bacon almost anywhere like in Dr. Pepper baked beans and my leftover mashed potatoes recipe.
Today, I’m sharing with you my tried-and-true method for how to bake turkey bacon. I like to cook turkey bacon in the air fryer when it’s really hot outside and I don’t want to heat up the kitchen. Other than that, the oven is the best way to cook it!
Turkey bacon offers a leaner alternative to regular pork bacon, but the tradeoff is often a lack of flavor Fortunately, with a little creativity and the right seasoning techniques, you can make turkey bacon tastes amazing!
When shopping, look for high-quality uncured turkey bacon without artificial ingredients. Then, add spice and interest with these seasoning ideas:
1. Brown Sugar and Maple
For breakfast-style bacon, brush strips with a mixture of brown sugar and maple syrup before cooking. The sweetness balances the saltiness of bacon beautifully
2. Smoky Paprika
Smoked paprika is an easy way to mimic that savory pork bacon taste. Just sprinkle it on generously before cooking. The bacon will develop a wonderfully smoky aroma.
3. Chili Powder or Cayenne
Give your bacon a bold, fiery kick by coating with spicy chili powder or cayenne pepper. Jalapeño or chipotle powder also work well.
4. Poultry Herbs
Classic herbs like thyme, sage, rosemary, and oregano accent poultry wonderfully. For an herby bacon, use a poultry seasoning blend or make your own mix.
5. Fresh cracked pepper
For an easy upgrade, coat turkey bacon with generous fresh cracked black pepper before cooking. The pepper becomes deliciously toasted and aromatic.
6. Italian Flavors
An Italian blend of oregano, basil, garlic powder, fennel, and red pepper flakes gives breakfast or antipasto bacon lively Mediterranean character.
7. Asian Inspired
For a sweet and salty Asian twist, marinate turkey bacon briefly in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger.
8. Southwest Style
Rub turkey bacon with a blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic, and cayenne. Top with sliced avocado and queso fresco for Southwest flair.
9. Cinnamon and Nutmeg
Warming cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice make for an unexpected savory-sweet complement to the salty bacon.
10. Espresso and Brown Sugar
For ultra-deep flavor, coat turkey bacon with a rub of brown sugar, coffee grounds, and smoked paprika before cooking. Sweet, smoky, and slightly bitter.
Cooking Methods for Optimal Texture
Once seasoned, cooking method affects the final texture of your turkey bacon:
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Pan-fry over medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side until lightly crisped. Requires monitoring but allows flavor layering.
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Bake at 400°F on a parchment lined sheet for 15-20 minutes until evenly browned. Set it and forget it!
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Air fry at 380°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway. Makes the bacon perfectly crispy without added oil.
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Microwave for just 1-2 minutes between paper towels when you’re in a rush.
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Grill over medium heat for smoky flavor during barbecue season.
Season, Then Enjoy in Recipes
With bold seasoning, turkey bacon transforms from bland health food to craveable treat. Use your flavored turkey bacon to add a punch of flavor, smokiness and crunch to:
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Breakfast sandwiches
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Hearty salad toppings
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Egg bakes like quiche or frittata
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Wrapped dates, shrimp or melon
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Brussels sprouts and sweet potato hash
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Pasta carbonaras
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Club sandwiches
With the right seasoning approach, you can enjoy tasty turkey bacon that rivals the flavor of pork bacon but keeps waistlines slim. Creatively season, then cook to perfection for irresistible turkey bacon.
Can you cook turkey bacon in the oven?
It seems like a lot of people grew up making bacon in a skillet, but I think cooking turkey bacon in the oven is a much easier, faster, and less messy way to do it.
I cook it at 400 degrees, but the temperature is flexible.
Don’t stress out about oven temperature too much. You have some flexibility here. If I’m only baking turkey bacon, I like to use a 400-degree oven.
But don’t worry if you have other things in the oven at the same time, like a veggie quiche or a sweet potato breakfast casserole, that need a slightly different temperature, like 375 or 425.
Don’t change the cooking time for the turkey bacon; just put it in the oven and change the temperature to change the cooking time. On low heat, it might only need 10 to 12 minutes. On high heat, it could need up to 15 to 18 minutes.
It will be fine as long as you check on it every so often and take it out as soon as it’s done.
Best Way To Cook Turkey Bacon
FAQ
What should I season bacon with?
What gives turkey bacon its flavor?
Do you use butter or oil for turkey bacon?
How to season a turkey really good?
What is the best way to cook turkey bacon?
To cook 4 slices of low-fat turkey bacon, follow your preferred cooking method. Do not add any information about making a cashew cream or seasoning it like mayo. Instead, focus on cooking the turkey bacon to your liking.
How do you make turkey bacon crispy?
Instead, set a skillet over a medium heat, but make sure it isn’t a dry pan. The secret to crispy turkey bacon is frying it in about 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. This might seem like a lot, but the oil will ensure that the bacon makes constant, even contact with the heat, which allows for optimal crispiness.
How long do you cook turkey bacon in the oven?
Place the pan of bacon in your preheated oven and cook for 8-10 minutes. Flip, then cook for an additional 8 minutes. Once your bacon has reached your desired level of crispiness, remove it from the oven and enjoy! How long do you bake turkey bacon in the oven? Curious as to how long to cook turkey bacon?
Does turkey bacon absorb a lot of oil?
The meat doesn’t absorb much of the oil, and if you pat off any excess, you can ensure you aren’t adding too many unnecessary calories to your turkey bacon (method via Cooks Illustrated). Enjoy! The perfect bacon is crispy on the outside, but still tender and chewy in the center.
Does turkey bacon make a good side dish?
This turkey bacon makes for a yummy protein-packed side dish at brunch or you can cut it up to add to recipes or top all kinds of dishes. We love to add bacon “bits” to soups, salads, and even casseroles. Bacon really does make everything better! And with this recipe, you can cook it up in minutes without any added fat or oil.
Does added oil make turkey bacon less healthy?
If you’re concerned about the added oil making a slightly-healthier version of bacon less healthy, you don’t have to worry. The meat doesn’t absorb much of the oil, and if you pat off any excess, you can ensure you aren’t adding too many unnecessary calories to your turkey bacon (method via Cooks Illustrated).