They’re both called “bacon,” but they’re not the same. So what makes turkey bacon and pork bacon different? Are there any similarities between them besides the word “bacon”? We looked at both of them in a number of ways to give you all the information you need, including how to cook them.
While writing this article, we cooked and ate a lot of bacon (thanks!). One important thing we learned is that there is no such thing as “better” bacon; both are tasty and filling. You can pick either one, or you can do what we do and keep them both on hand.
Turkey bacon has become a popular lower-fat alternative to traditional pork bacon. But knowing if it’s fully cooked can be confusing since most turkey bacon is pre-cooked before packaging. This guide will cover everything you need to check your turkey bacon doneness properly.
Follow these tips to enjoy safe, perfectly cooked turkey bacon every time.
What is Turkey Bacon?
Turkey bacon is made from sliced and formed turkey meat that is cured, smoked, and fully cooked during processing. It provides the smoky, salty flavor of bacon with less fat than pork varieties
Turkey bacon contains both white and dark turkey meat, along with small amounts of skin for fat and texture. The meat pieces are ground mixed with curing salts, spices and water, then pressed into thin strips before smoking.
Unlike pork bacon, turkey bacon requires no cooking before eating. But you can cook it further for a crispy texture. Let’s look at how to know when turkey bacon is fully cooked.
Is Turkey Bacon Already Cooked?
The majority of packaged supermarket turkey bacon is fully cooked during manufacturing. Most brands are smoked as well for extra flavor.
However, always verify on the label that your turkey bacon is pre-cooked. Some specialty or artisanal types may be only cured and require cooking.
For pre-cooked turkey bacon, no preparation is needed – you can enjoy it straight from the package. But cooking it adds crispy texture and enhances the smoky taste.
Can You Eat Turkey Bacon Raw?
Since it’s already cooked, it’s technically safe to eat turkey bacon right out of the package without cooking.
However, the texture will be extremely soft and floppy. Raw turkey bacon is also quite bland without browning from a hot pan or oven.
So for the best taste and texture, never eat turkey bacon totally uncooked. Instead, follow the steps below to heat it up properly.
How to Tell When Turkey Bacon is Fully Cooked
When cooking turkey bacon, use these visual signs to identify proper doneness:
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Color – Fully cooked turkey bacon is browned, reddish-brown, or brownish-black with no pink showing.
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Texture – Properly cooked turkey bacon will be crisp on the edges and chewy or crunchy in the center when cool.
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Fat rendering – The fat on cooked turkey bacon will appear translucent, shiny, and browned around the edges.
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Firmness – Well-done turkey bacon holds its shape and doesn’t droop when picked up.
Turkey Bacon Safety Tips
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Always check the packaging to confirm turkey bacon is pre-cooked before eating.
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Cook raw turkey bacon to 165°F minimum internal temperature.
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Don’t partially cook turkey bacon or cook it ahead of time. Always cook fully in one session.
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Refrigerate promptly after opening and use within 1 week. Discard if smells, colors, or textures seem off.
Following basic food safety practices ensures you can enjoy tasty turkey bacon without worries.
How to Cook Turkey Bacon Perfectly
Though pre-cooked, heating turkey bacon before eating enhances flavor and texture. Here are cooking tips:
Stovetop – Fry in a skillet over medium heat for 2-4 minutes per side until browned and sizzling. Drain on paper towels.
Oven – Bake at 400°F on a parchment-lined pan for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Microwave – Place 1-2 layers of bacon between paper towels and microwave for 2-3 minutes, checking frequently.
Grill – Cook over direct medium heat, turning occasionally, until grill marks appear. Avoid flare-ups from fat drippings.
Air Fryer – Air fry at 400°F for 4-8 minutes until crispy, flipping midway. Work in batches to avoid crowding.
Let’s look closer at techniques for checking turkey bacon doneness while cooking.
Checking Turkey Bacon Visually
When cooking turkey bacon, monitor its visual signs of doneness closely:
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Raw turkey bacon is pinkish-grey in color and floppy in texture.
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It will begin sweating as it heats up, releasing water droplets on the surface.
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The surface will turn tan, then progress to reddish-brown when nearly fully cooked.
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The fat edges will render and become translucent.
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Well-done turkey bacon is dark brown or brownish-black with crispy texture.
The color change from grey to browned indicates the proteins and sugars have caramelized fully.
Is a Thermometer Needed?
Since turkey bacon is pre-cooked, using a meat thermometer isn’t required. Thermometers confirm safety for raw meats only.
However, an instant-read thermometer can help avoid overcooking. Remove turkey bacon from heat when it reaches:
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140-150°F for chewy texture
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160-165°F for crispy texture
Monitor closely so the thinner turkey bacon doesn’t burn or dry out.
What If Turkey Bacon is Undercooked?
If turkey bacon still seems pinkish or floppy after heating, simply cook it longer until the typical signs of doneness appear:
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Firm, opaque texture
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Rich brown or black color
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Crispy edges
Undercooked turkey bacon is safe to eat, but will lack the proper texture and full smoky flavor. Always heat fully for the best results.
Storing Leftovers
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Allow cooked turkey bacon to cool completely, then refrigerate in a sealed container.
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Use leftover cooked turkey bacon within 4-5 days for best freshness.
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To freeze, layer cooked strips between parchment paper in a freezer bag. Use frozen turkey bacon within 2-3 months.
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Reheat frozen turkey bacon in the oven or microwave until warm and crispy.
Proper storage keeps leftover turkey bacon safe and tasty.
Make Delicious Turkey Bacon Recipes
Crispy, fully cooked turkey bacon is delicious in all kinds of dishes:
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Breakfast sandwiches or tacos
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Salads and grain bowls
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Wrapped around smoked sausage
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Crumbled on pizza or baked potatoes
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Turkey bacon carbonara
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Turkey club sandwich
Get creative with this leaner bacon variety!
When handled safely and cooked properly, turkey bacon offers a less fatty alternative to enjoy the smoky, salty bacon flavor you love. Look for brown color, crispy texture, and rendered fat to know turkey bacon is fully cooked. Use visual checks while heating pre-cooked turkey bacon to perfection.
How to cook turkey bacon
- In the oven: Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Put baking paper or a wire cooling rack on the bottom of a baking sheet. On the paper or rack, arrange the bacon strips in a single layer. First bake the bacon for 10 minutes. Then flip it over and cook for another 10 minutes. For more crunch, flip it over and bake it for three to five minutes longer.
NOTE: The bacon on the cooling rack will be crispier than the bacon on the parchment, but it will also be a little drier. Both work, it just depends on your preference.
- In a skillet: Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Place the turkey bacon in a single layer on top of the onions. Cook, turning the bacon once or twice, for 7 to 10 minutes, or until it is golden on both sides.
NOTE: You can melt a teaspoon or two of butter or swirl some olive or avocado oil in the pan before adding the turkey bacon to make the slices crispier.
What’s the difference between pork bacon and turkey bacon?
Turkey bacon and pork bacon are both flavorful, rich and smoky. Both are good with eggs in the morning, in a BLT, and in recipes. But there are a few key differences between turkey and pork bacon.
- Nutrition. Turkey bacon has 80 calories, 3g of fat, 12g of protein, 0g of carbs, and 380mg of sodium per 2 pan-fried slices. Pork bacon has 140 calories, 14g of fat, 4g of protein, 0g of carbs, and 340mg of sodium per 2 pan-fried slices.
- Flavor. Pork bacon is saltier and smokier than turkey bacon. Instead of being as salty, turkey bacon is milder, but still tasty.
- Texture. Turkey bacon is less fat than pork bacon, so it is more likely to be chewy. Somewhat crisp can be made of it, but it doesn’t have the same snap as pork bacon.
How to tell when bacon is cooked enough?
How do you know if Turkey bacon is cooked?
You will know your turkey bacon is cooked once it has curled at all of the edges and appears shriveled with a deeply browned color. Lastly, you want to remove your cooked turkey bacon from the pan with a pair of tongs or anything else that prevents you from being burned.
How do you know if Bacon is cooked?
One of the easiest indicators to notice. Is the color the bacon has become. Cooked bacon should be golden brown. Overcooked bacon will be a very dark brown. Undercooked bacon is light brown. pink/white color will indicate still raw meat. Obviously the more done the bacon the darker the color. Any blackness is really just burnt meat.
How do you cook turkey bacon without overlapping?
Make sure to lay them down flat and make sure no pieces overlap each other. If you can’t fit your desired amount in the pan without overlapping, then you can just cook those afterward as a second batch. While your turkey bacon is cooking, it will start to brown and curl at the edges.