Turkey bacon has become a popular lower-fat, lower-calorie alternative to traditional pork bacon But like regular bacon, you may not always use up an entire package before it goes bad So can you safely reheat those leftover turkey bacon strips? Absolutely!
Reheating cooked turkey bacon keeps it safe to eat while restoring its texture and flavor. Read on for the best reheating methods, storage tips, and suggested uses for leftover turkey bacon.
Is It Safe to Reheat Turkey Bacon?
First, let’s confirm that it’s safe to reheat fully cooked turkey bacon As long as you stored it properly after the initial cooking, reheating turkey bacon poses no additional food safety risks.
Cooked turkey bacon can be safely reheated and eaten multiple times. Just follow these guidelines:
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Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking.
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Reheat turkey bacon within 3-5 days of initial cooking.
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Only reheat turkey bacon once per each time it’s cooled,
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Reheat cooked turkey bacon to 165°F internal temperature.
Following basic food safety practices keeps reheated turkey bacon safe to enjoy again and again!
Best Ways to Reheat Turkey Bacon
There are a few good methods for reheating leftover cooked turkey bacon:
Microwave
The microwave provides the fastest reheating time.
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Place turkey bacon slices between paper towels on a microwave-safe plate.
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Microwave in 30 second intervals until hot, about 1-2 minutes total.
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Watch closely to avoid overcooking which dries it out.
Skillet
A hot skillet gives you more control over browning and texture.
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Place turkey bacon slices in a dry non-stick skillet over medium heat.
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Cook 1-2 minutes per side until hot and slightly crisped up.
Oven
The oven evenly reheats bacon for a large batch.
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Preheat oven to 400°F.
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Arrange turkey bacon slices in a single layer on a baking sheet.
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Bake 2-5 minutes until desired doneness is reached.
Air Fryer
The air fryer makes turkey bacon super crispy.
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Set air fryer to 370°F.
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Cook turkey bacon 1-3 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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Monitor closely to avoid over-drying.
Any of these methods successfully reheat turkey bacon for a quick protein!
Tips for Reheating Turkey Bacon
Follow these tips for the best results when reheating leftover turkey bacon:
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Use within 3-5 days for optimal freshness and quality.
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Reheat only until hot and crisped up, not burned or dried out.
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Microwave in short intervals to slowly bring up temperature.
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Bake in oven or air fryer at high heat for crispiest texture.
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Add a splash of water or oil to skillet to re-crisp.
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Let rest a minute after reheating so the heat redistributes evenly.
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Serve immediately once reheated for ideal temperature and texture.
Proper storage and gentle reheating keeps turkey bacon tasty for several breakfast reprises!
How to Store Leftover Turkey Bacon
To safely save turkey bacon for reheating later, follow these storage steps:
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Let cooked turkey bacon cool to room temperature after initial cooking.
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Transfer to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
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Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking; freeze for longer storage.
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Use refrigerated turkey bacon within 3-5 days.
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Freeze for 1-2 months for best quality and flavor.
Proper refrigeration and freezer storage preserves turkey bacon to reheat multiple times.
Creative Ways to Use Leftover Turkey Bacon
Don’t let leftover turkey bacon go to waste! Beyond just eating it as is, you can also use reheated turkey bacon creatively in all kinds of dishes:
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Breakfast sandwiches – Add to egg sandwiches, breakfast burritos, biscuit sandwiches.
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Salads – Top Caesar, wedge, taco, or chef salads.
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Baked potatoes – Mix in with loaded baked potato fillings.
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Omelets or frittatas – Sprinkle inside egg dishes.
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Pizza – Top pizzas alongside chicken, peppers, onions, etc.
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Pasta – Toss with spaghetti, baked ziti, mac and cheese.
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Soups – Add crumbled bacon to potato soup, baked potato soup, chili.
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Snacks – Make jalapeño popper dip, bacon and tomato bites, deviled eggs.
With a little creativity, leftover turkey bacon reheats deliciously in all types of recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reheating Turkey Bacon
Here are quick answers to some common questions about reheating turkey bacon:
How do you reheat turkey bacon to stay crispy?
Reheat in the oven or air fryer at high heat (370-400°F) for 1-3 minutes to recrisp the turkey bacon.
Can you reheat turkey bacon in the microwave?
Yes, microwave in 30 second increments between paper towels until hot, about 1-2 minutes. This softens but doesn’t crisp it.
How long is reheated turkey bacon good for?
Eat reheated turkey bacon within 3-4 days for food safety and optimal freshness.
Can you eat turkey bacon cold?
Absolutely! Turkey bacon is safe to eat cold directly from the fridge. It just may have a different texture than hot.
Should you cover turkey bacon while reheating?
No, leave it uncovered so any moisture can evaporate, keeping the turkey bacon crispy.
Enjoy Leftover Turkey Bacon to the Fullest
Now you know that reheating turkey bacon is totally safe, if done properly within a few days. Whether you microwave, skillet, oven, or air fry, you can revive leftover cooked turkey bacon to its former crispy glory. Follow the storage, timing, and temperature tips above to get the best possible results.
With so many easy ways to reheat as well as creative recipe ideas for using it, you can feel good about enjoying every last tasty strip of turkey bacon. No more wasting bacon! Simply reheat and eat for quick protein any time.
What is Turkey Bacon?
Turkey bacon is a type of bacon made from turkey meat instead of pork. Because it has more white meat than dark meat, it is lower in fat and calories than regular bacon. It also contains fewer saturated fats and cholesterol, making it healthier for you.
Turkey bacon offers the same flavor and texture as traditional bacon while being leaner and healthier. It’s great for people who want an alternative to regular bacon or who want to cut back on fat but still love the taste of bacon. Turkey bacon can be used in recipes just like regular bacon – but with more health benefits!.
When storing cooked bacon, its important to keep it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for no more than 5-7 days. To thaw turkey bacon, place the desired amount of pieces on a paper towel-lined plate and microwave for 60-90 seconds.
That way, you can get rid of extra bacon fat and make sure the bacon doesn’t burn or overcook. If you don’t have a microwave, you can also put frozen bacon in cold water and let it sit until it’s completely thawed. Once thawed, cook as usual. Thawed bacon can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days before cooking.
To make sure your turkey bacon turns out great, there are a few steps you should take before cooking it. First, make sure your bacon is fully thawed. Once it is, you can start cooking:
The oven-baked method is one of the best ways to make turkey bacon. Here are the steps you will need to create that crispy bacon:
- First, heat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and put parchment paper on a baking sheet. There is another way to make the signature wavy bacon texture: use a sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Putting foil or parchment paper along the edges of a baking sheet will also make it easier to clean up after baking.
- Line up the bacon strips in any number of slices you want on the baking sheet. Sprinkle with black pepper or any other flavorings you like. Make sure there is enough space between each bacon slice or strip.
- Put it in an oven that has already been heated up. It will take about 5 to 10 minutes to cook. Make sure to flip the food over halfway through the cooking time or until it’s as crispy as you like it. Tip: Keep an eye on the bacon in the oven because each oven cooks it at a different rate. If you want to reheat your bacon later, heat the bacon strips in a pan over medium-low heat first.
- The bacon will leave fat and grease on the parchment paper, which can be saved and used later. There are many great ways to make bacon, but this is one of the best.
You might want to put a baking rack over the baking sheet if you’re using an oven so the bacon doesn’t stick and burn. When you’re done cooking, take it off the heat and put it on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any extra oil.
Before putting the turkey bacon strips or slices you want to cook in an oil-covered air fryer basket, you should also season them with black pepper or any other herb you like. Set the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 5-10 minutes until desired crispiness is reached.
Best Way to Cook Turkey Bacon
We’ll take a look at how to best prepare and cook delicious turkey bacon. To find out the best way to cook turkey bacon, read on! You’ll learn how to thaw the bacon, cook it ahead of time, and then bake it in the oven.
Things you will need:
- Turkey Bacon Slices
- An oven
- Parchment paper or foil