Make Delicious Homemade Turkey Bacon with Ease

Crispy savory turkey bacon is a tasty lower-fat alternative to traditional pork bacon. With just a few simple steps you can easily make your own homemade turkey bacon from scratch. This allows you to control the ingredients and quality. In this article, I’ll explain the process for turning turkey breast into fantastic, flavorful turkey bacon you can proudly serve to family and friends.

Benefits of Homemade Turkey Bacon

Here’s why you should try making DIY turkey bacon rather than buying pre-packaged

• Avoid preservatives – Store-bought turkey bacon contains artificial preservatives to prolong shelf life, Making it yourself avoids these additives

• Customize flavors – Tailor the taste by experimenting with different spices, smokes, salts and sweeteners.

• Save money – Homemade costs a fraction of premium artisanal turkey bacon.

• ** Higher quality meat** – You can select fresh, high quality turkey breast to make the bacon.

• Food safety – You control the curing and prep process so there’s no risk of contamination.

• Fun weekend project – It’s rewarding and tasty to create your own turkey bacon masterpieces!

Ingredients Needed

To make homemade turkey bacon, you’ll need:

• 2 lbs turkey breast
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup salt
• 1 tablespoon cracked black pepper
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon curing salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for flawless DIY turkey bacon every time:

1. Prepare the Turkey Breast

Rinse the turkey breast under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Remove any excess fat or skin. Slice the breast lengthwise into 1/4 inch thick strips.

2. Make the Brine

In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, salt, black pepper, water and spices until the salt and sugar dissolve. This is your brine solution.

3. Brine the Turkey

Place the turkey strips into a resealable plastic bag. Pour in the brine, removing any air bubbles. Seal the bag tightly. Cure in the refrigerator for 3-5 days, flipping the bag occasionally.

4. Rinse and Dry

Once cured, remove turkey from the brine and rinse very well under cold water. Pat dry completely with paper towels.

5. Smoke the Turkey

Smoke the turkey bacon over low heat (180°F) for 2-3 hours until it reaches an internal temp of 165°F, flipping occasionally. Alternatively, bake in the oven at 225°F.

6. Cool and Slice

Allow the smoked turkey bacon to cool completely before slicing into strips. Fry or bake as needed to serve.

And that’s all there is to it! With this easy process you’ll have tasty homemade turkey bacon with no unnecessary junk.

Variations and Cooking Tips

• Play with different wood smoke flavors like apple, mesquite, hickory, etc.

• For crispy bacon, fry in a skillet over medium heat until browned and sizzling.

• For flat bacon, bake in the oven at 400°F for 12-15 minutes until browned and crispy.

• Brush with maple syrup or brown sugar before baking for candied bacon.

• Use thicker 1/2 inch slices for bacon chops or lardons.

• Store homemade turkey bacon in the fridge for 5-7 days or freeze for longer storage.

• Cook to 165°F internal temperature to eliminate risk of salmonella and foodborne illness.

• Allow to rest for 5 minutes after cooking before serving for juicier bacon.

• Make tasty turkey bacon jam or candied bacon strips for unique brunch dishes and appetizers.

With proper food safety and preparation, your homemade turkey bacon can be even better than what you find at the store. So give it a try! It makes a fun weekend cooking project.

Flavorful Seasoning Ideas

Don’t limit yourself to plain turkey bacon – spice it up with different seasonings! Here are some tasty flavor combos to try:

• Everything Bagel – Coat with garlic, onion, sesame seeds, poppy seeds.

• Sweet and Spicy – Sriracha powder, brown sugar, cayenne pepper.

• Savory Herb – Fresh rosemary, sage, thyme and garlic.

• Memphis Rub – Smoked paprika, cumin, brown sugar, chili powder.

• Italian – Garlic powder, onion powder, crushed fennel, oregano.

• Southwestern – Chili powder, cumin, garlic, cayenne, oregano.

• Black Pepper and Honey – Fresh cracked black pepper with a touch of honey.

Let your imagination run wild and come up with your own signature blends. The possibilities are endless!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve mastered the art of making turkey bacon at home, here are some tasty ways to serve it:

• Crispy bacon strips with eggs, pancakes or waffles for breakfast

• Turkey BLT sandwich with lettuce, tomato and avocado

• Chopped turkey bacon in salads, soups or chilis

• Turkey bacon wrapped dates or melon for an appetizer

• Crumbled on top of baked potatoes or pizza

• Included in omelettes, frittatas or quiches

• Maple candied turkey bacon strips for snacking

Homemade turkey bacon is so flavorful and versatile. You can easily substitute it in any recipe that calls for regular bacon. Get ready to enjoy this leaner, healthier bacon option!

So go forth and make some incredible turkey bacon in your own kitchen. You’ll never want to buy the pre-made kind again after tasting your homemade creations!