If you’re exploring the world of healthy eating, you might be on the hunt for new and delicious foods to try that are all-natural, nutrient dense, or lower in fat. Whole-cut turkey bacon is a nutritious leaner protein option, and when it’s real-wood smoked, it tastes incredibly similar to pork bacon. But does it cook the same? You can use a variety of simple and familiar cooking methods to cook turkey bacon, and there’s no trick to it. Here are some instructions for getting your bacon just right.
Turkey bacon has risen in popularity as a healthier alternative to regular pork bacon. But many find that it lacks the deep savory flavor of traditional bacon. The good news is that with the right seasonings and cooking techniques, you can make turkey bacon taste delicious!
Follow this guide to learn expert tips on seasoning turkey bacon before and after cooking Discover the best spice combinations, cooking methods, and serving ideas to bring out the very best flavor and texture. With just a little effort, you can enjoy tasty turkey bacon that rivals regular bacon
Why Seasoning is Key
Turkey bacon has a milder pork flavor compared to regular bacon. Seasoning is key to bringing out delicious smoky, salty notes. Herbs, spices, sweeteners, and umami flavors all complement the subtle turkey flavor wonderfully. Seasoning also improves texture by forming an enticing crust or glaze when cooked.
Best Pre-Cooking Seasoning Options
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Dry spice rub – Coat turkey bacon in spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, pepper, and brown sugar. Let sit 10-15 minutes before cooking.
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Wet marinade – Marinate turkey bacon 1-2 hours in a mix of soy sauce, maple syrup, garlic, and spices.
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Poultry seasoning – Classic herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage pair perfectly with turkey.
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Cajun seasoning – For a spicy kick of flavor.
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Italian seasoning – For an Italian-inspired turkey bacon.
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Coffee and chili powder – Wake up tastebuds with this unique combo.
Best Post-Cooking Seasonings
After cooking up crispy turkey bacon, add extra flavor with:
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Pure maple syrup and cracked black pepper
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Savory glaze of mustard, honey, and chili powder
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Finely grated Parmesan and dried oregano
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Sweet and tangy jelly and balsamic glaze
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Dollop of fruit jam, apple butter, or chutney
Top Cooking Methods
Proper cooking technique ensures crispy, flavorful turkey bacon:
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Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes – Even cooking, no mess.
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Pan fry over medium heat 4-5 minutes per side – Quick but requires monitoring.
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Air fry at 380°F 8-10 minutes – Makes crispy with no oil.
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Grill over medium heat – Infuses with smoky flavor.
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Microwave 1-2 minutes between paper towels – For a rushed morning.
Satisfying Recipe Ideas
Enjoy your seasoned turkey bacon in these delicious dishes:
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Breakfast sandwiches – With egg, cheese and turkey bacon on an English muffin.
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Brussels sprouts and sweet potato turkey bacon hash.
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Pasta carbonara – Toss turkey bacon with pasta, peas and Parmesan.
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Turkey bacon wrapped dates or asparagus.
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BLT sandwich with turkey bacon, lettuce and tomato.
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Quiche or frittata filled with turkey bacon and Swiss chard.
Helpful Tips and Tricks
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Use nitrate-free turkey bacon for maximum health benefits.
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Make a large batch of oven-baked turkey bacon to have handy for recipes.
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Let sit 10+ minutes after seasoning and before cooking to maximize flavor absorption.
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Cook just until crispy, avoiding overdone rubbery texture.
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Fold turkey bacon slices to fit more in the oven at once.
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Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and even browning.
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Store cooked turkey bacon in airtight container for up to 1 week.
Turkey Bacon FAQs
Does turkey bacon really taste like regular bacon?
With proper seasoning and cooking, turkey bacon can come very close to the smoky, salty flavor of regular bacon.
What’s the healthiest way to cook turkey bacon?
Baking in the oven, air frying, or grilling are healthy cooking methods. Avoid frying in copious oil.
What spices complement turkey bacon best?
Smoked paprika, chili powder, poultry seasoning, brown sugar, garlic, and black pepper are great choices.
Should I cook turkey bacon frozen or thawed?
Thaw frozen turkey bacon in the fridge overnight before seasoning and cooking for best results.
How long does turkey bacon last after opening?
Store opened packaged turkey bacon in the fridge for 5-7 days. Freeze for 1-2 months for longer storage.
Is turkey bacon processed like regular bacon?
Look for uncured or nitrate-free turkey bacon to avoid processed meat. Or make your own.
Why does my turkey bacon stick to the pan?
Avoid overcrowding the pan and use a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
How can I get my turkey bacon really crispy?
Bake in a 400°F oven for 15-20 minutes until browned and crispy. Pan fry over medium-high heat.
Can I use turkey bacon in any recipe calling for regular bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon can be substituted in equal amounts in any recipe that calls for bacon.
With the right seasoning techniques and flavor pairings, you can enjoy tasty turkey bacon with amazing texture and flavor. Use this guide to make irresistible turkey bacon that even bacon purists will love.
How to Cook Turkey Bacon in the Oven
Sautéing is quick, but if you’re hands-off in the kitchen, you might prefer baking turkey bacon in the oven. There are benefits to baking turkey bacon in the oven. One is that you can prep other parts of your meal while the bacon cooks. Another is batch size: a lot of bacon can fit on a baking sheet, which is useful when you’re cooking for a crowd.
Follow these steps for crispy, oven-baked turkey bacon without added oil:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and set a baking rack on top (if you have one). Arrange your turkey bacon in a single layer on the rack or parchment, making sure the strips don’t overlap.
- Bake for 12 minutes on the middle rack of the oven.
- Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any oil drawn out by heat, keeping the turkey bacon more crisp until you serve.
Quick tip:
Not cooking for a crowd? If you only want a few slices, you can make turkey bacon in the toaster oven. Follow the same steps as above.
Turkey bacon tastes great from the oven, but you don’t always have to bake it on its own. For something simple that feels luxurious, wrap a slice of bacon around your favorite fresh vegetable before baking. Or try sprinkling some pepper on top before baking in the oven to elevate your turkey bacon.
How to Cook Turkey Bacon on the Stove
Can you cook turkey bacon in a pan on the stove like pork bacon? Yes, sautéing turkey bacon with oil gives you crispy, flavorful results in a few short steps:
- Pre-heat skillet to medium high.
- Heat slices while turning them every minute to ensure uniform browning.
- When the bacon is halfway done, turn to medium heat.
- Remove from heat to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess cooking oil.
Sautéed turkey bacon shines in classic sandwich recipes like the BLT, and you can prepare it quickly. The delicious taste and crisp texture of our real wood-smoked bacon gives the Ultimate TBLT a nutritious punch.