As you learn more about healthy eating, you may be looking for new, tasty foods that are natural, high in nutrients, or low in fat. Whole-cut turkey bacon is a healthy, leaner source of protein, and when it’s smoked over real wood, it tastes a lot like pork bacon. How does it cook, though? There’s no secret to cooking turkey bacon; just use simple, tried-and-true methods. Here are some instructions for getting your bacon just right.
For bacon lovers like me, there are always new and tasty ways to cook this salty and savory breakfast meat. While cooking bacon on the stove is a classic method, cooking it in the oven gives you a lot of options for making it just right. In particular, cooking turkey bacon in a toaster oven makes the crispiest, tastiest bacon you can imagine in a quick and easy way.
I will show you my tried-and-true way to cook turkey bacon in a toaster oven on this page. There are helpful tips and tricks to make your turkey bacon go from floppy slice to irresistibly crunchy, no matter how much you know about cooking. Let’s get cooking!.
Benefits of Cooking Turkey Bacon in a Toaster Oven
Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions let’s look at why choosing to cook turkey bacon in a toaster oven is a smart choice
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Even cooking The heating elements in a toaster oven surround the bacon slices, ensuring they cook evenly on all sides No more undercooked streaky bacon!
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Perfect crispiness: The hot air circulating in a toaster oven dries out the bacon’s surface thoroughly, leading to the crispiest texture you can achieve.
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Fast cooking: Compared to regular ovens, toaster ovens heat up and cook food very quickly. You can have crispy bacon in 10-15 minutes.
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Easy cleanup: Cooking bacon in a toaster oven contains the mess to easy-to-clean baking sheets. No more grease splatters!
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Compact size: Toaster ovens take up minimal counter space, perfect for small kitchens. You can cook up a few servings of bacon in even the tiniest toaster ovens.
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Healthier option: Turkey bacon has less fat and fewer calories compared to pork bacon. Enjoy the crispy bacon flavor without overdoing it on the fat intake.
Now that you know the perks, let’s get cooking! Follow my simple step-by-step instructions for crispy turkey bacon made right in your toaster oven.
Step-By-Step Instructions for Cooking Turkey Bacon in a Toaster Oven
Prep the Baking Sheet
Before turning on the toaster oven, prep your aluminum foil-lined baking sheet:
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Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly grease the foil with cooking spray or olive oil.
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The foil makes for effortless cleanup. The light coating prevents sticking.
Preheat the Toaster Oven
Preheating is essential for evenly cooked, crispy turkey bacon:
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Preheat your toaster oven to 400°F, which takes 5-10 minutes depending on the appliance.
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While waiting, pat dry the turkey bacon with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Arrange the Turkey Bacon
Proper arrangement ensures every slice becomes perfectly crisp:
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Place turkey bacon slices on the prepped baking sheet in a single layer without overlapping.
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Leave about 1⁄4 inch between slices so air circulates around each piece.
Cook the Turkey Bacon
Use these visual cues to achieve the ideal crispness:
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Cook turkey bacon for 12-15 minutes, keeping an eye on it towards the end.
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It’s done when slices begin browning at the edges and feel rigid when poked.
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For chewier bacon, err on the lower end of the cooking time. For super crisp bacon, extend the time to 16-18 minutes.
Remove, Drain, and Enjoy!
Carefully remove the piping hot baking sheet from the toaster oven:
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Transfer bacon slices to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease.
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Let cool 1-2 minutes before serving for optimal crispness.
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Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 5-7 days.
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll enjoy restaurant-quality crispy turkey bacon! The toaster oven does all the work with its rapid, even heat circulation.
Cooking Tips for Turkey Bacon Perfection
Beyond the basic method, use these additional tips and tricks for crispy turkey bacon every time:
Choose Quality Turkey Bacon
Not all turkey bacon is created equal. Select a reputable brand without excess fillers or additives. The fewer ingredients, the better. Thinner slices crisp up quicker than thick-cut varieties.
Use a Baking Rack for Maximum Crispness
Placing the bacon atop an oven-safe wire rack allows air to circulate under and over the slices. The extra airflow amps up the crispiness.
Add a Dash of Seasoning
Before cooking, sprinkle turkey bacon very lightly with brown sugar, cayenne, smoked paprika, or black pepper. Avoid over-seasoning since turkey bacon boasts plenty of flavor already.
Cook at a Lower Temperature for Chewier Bacon
If you prefer pliable bacon rather than shatteringly crisp, try cooking at 325-350°F. Check frequently and remove slices once they reach the desired texture.
Use Oven Mitts for Safe Removal
That baking sheet will be piping hot! Always remove it using mitts rather than bare hands to avoid burns. Consider letting the sheet cool slightly before transferring bacon to paper towels.
Pair with Sweet and Savory Favorites
Once you’ve mastered cooking turkey bacon in the toaster oven, it’s time for the best part – eating it! From breakfast to dinner and everything between, turkey bacon pairs deliciously with all sorts of foods. Here are some of my favorite pairings:
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Breakfast tacos or sandwiches with eggs, cheese, and salsa
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BLT with ripe tomato, lettuce, and mayo on toasted bread
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Turkey club wrap with lettuce, tomato, avocado, and chicken
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Baked potato topped with crispy bacon, scallions, and cheddar
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Brussels sprouts roasted with balsamic, bacon, and Parmesan
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Pasta carbonara made with turkey bacon, peas, and cream
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Bacon-topped macaroni and cheese or baked potato soup
With its smoky, salty, satisfying crunch, turkey bacon makes just about any dish better. Keep a package on hand to instantly elevate eggs, sandwiches, salads, pastas, pizza, baked potatoes, vegetables, and more!
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re new to cooking turkey bacon in a toaster oven, chances are you have some questions. Here I’ll answer some of the most common queries:
Is turkey bacon healthy?
Compared to pork bacon, turkey bacon is the healthier choice, with fewer calories, less fat, and no cholesterol per serving. However, all bacon should still be enjoyed in moderation.
How long does cooked turkey bacon last?
Properly stored cooked turkey bacon keeps for 5-7 days in the refrigerator. Freeze any longer-term leftovers for 2-3 months.
Is turkey bacon gluten-free?
Most turkey bacon is naturally gluten-free. Always double check the label if you have celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity. Avoid varieties with fillers containing wheat, barley, or rye.
Why does my turkey bacon curl?
Curling happens when bacon cooks unevenly. Be sure to arrange slices in a single layer on the baking sheet with space between each piece to prevent curling.
Can you reuse turkey bacon grease?
Yes, the drippings can be stored in the fridge and reused similarly to lard or duck fat. Use it for sautéing veggies or potatoes for extra flavor.
Satisfy Your Bacon Cravings the Easy Way
I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to dig into a perfect plate of crispy turkey bacon! By following my simple toaster oven cooking method, you’ll enjoy consistent results and irresistible texture every time.
Forget messy frying pans and constant monitoring at the stove. Let your toaster oven do the work so you can focus on the best part – devouring the tasty, salty, crispy goodness. From BLTs to breakfast tacos and everything in between, take your turkey bacon game to the next level. Satisfy your bacon cravings the easy way with this foolproof toaster oven approach.
How to Cook Turkey Bacon on the Stove
Can turkey bacon be cooked on the stove in a pan like pork bacon? Yes, you can. Here are the easy steps to make crispy, tasty turkey bacon:
- Pre-heat skillet to medium high.
- Heat the slices and turn them over every minute to make sure they brown evenly.
- When the bacon is halfway done, turn to medium heat.
- Take off the heat and put on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any extra 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.
How to Cook Turkey Bacon in the Oven
Sautéing is quick, but if you don’t want to be in the kitchen, you might like baking turkey bacon instead. 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 thing is batch size. A baking sheet can hold a lot of bacon, which is helpful when you’re cooking for a lot of people.
Follow these steps for crispy, oven-baked turkey bacon without added oil:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place aluminum foil or parchment paper on the bottom of a baking sheet and place a baking rack on top (if you have one). Line the rack or parchment paper with turkey bacon strips in a single layer. Make sure the strips don’t touch each other.
- Put it in the oven on the middle rack and bake for 12 minutes.
- Place the turkey bacon on a plate with paper towels on it to soak up any oil that the heat is drawing out. This will keep the bacon crispier until you serve it.
Quick tip:
You can make turkey bacon in the toaster oven if you only need a few slices. 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.