As the crisp autumn air settles in and the leaves begin to turn golden, I find myself dreaming of a Thanksgiving feast that not only honors tradition but also brings excitement to the table. Enter the star of the show: a savory bacon-wrapped turkey! When I first tried this delightful twist on the classic dish, I was taken aback by how the smoky, succulent bacon wrapped around the juicy turkey infused it with flavors that sent my taste buds into a frenzy.
This recipe transforms your holiday centerpiece into a showstopper, ensuring that every bite is filled with luscious moisture and mouthwatering richness. With just a handful of simple ingredients and an aromatic blend of herbs, you’ll impress family and friends while keeping the stress of preparation at bay. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a weekend warrior in the kitchen, this bacon-wrapped turkey is sure to steal the spotlight, leaving everyone craving seconds. Let’s dive into this delicious adventure and elevate your Thanksgiving celebration!
Why Choose Bacon-Wrapped Turkey This Thanksgiving?
Flavor Explosion: Each slice delivers a delightful punch of rich, savory goodness, thanks to the crispy bacon enveloping the juicy turkey.
Easily Impressive: This showstopper dish allows you to wow your guests with minimal effort, making it perfect for any home cook!
Versatile Customization: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or experiment with different types of bacon for unique notes.
Moisture Lock: The bacon not only adds flavor but also retains moisture, ensuring every bite remains juicy and tender.
Memorable Moments: Creating this recipe turns your holiday meal into an unforgettable experience that family and friends will remember for years to come.
Bacon-Wrapped Turkey Ingredients
• Elevate your feast with these ingredients.
For the Turkey
- Turkey (11-lb.) – This is the star of your meal; ensure it’s fully thawed and giblets removed for the best results.
- Bacon (1 lb.) – Wraps the turkey for added moisture and flavor; feel free to opt for turkey bacon for a leaner option.
For the Herb Mixture
- Thyme (1 bunch) – Adds an earthy aroma; fresh is best, but dried thyme works if you’re in a pinch.
- Rosemary (1 bunch) – Complements the turkey beautifully; if unavailable, try some dried rosemary as a substitute.
- Large Red Onion – Introduces sweetness; shallots can be a great alternative if you can’t find red onion.
For the Flavoring
- Melted Butter (1/2 cup/1 stick) – Keeps the turkey moist and enhances flavor; olive oil can be used for a lighter finish.
- Chili Powder (1 tsp.) – Adds a touch of warmth; consider smoked paprika for a rich, smoky essence.
- Kosher Salt (1 tsp.) – Essential for flavor enhancement; sea salt is a suitable substitute if needed.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 tsp.) – Elevates the savory profile; fresh minced garlic provides an even bolder taste.
- Paprika (1/2 tsp.) – Adds color and delicate flavor notes; opt for smoked paprika for an extra layer of depth.
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Turkey
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature allows the turkey to cook evenly while ensuring the bacon crisps up beautifully.
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Prepare the turkey by removing the neck and giblets. Place the turkey into a large roasting pan, ensuring it sits comfortably.
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Rub the turkey with melted butter, ensuring it’s thoroughly coated. Then, in a small bowl, mix together chili powder, salt, garlic powder, and paprika before evenly applying it onto the turkey’s skin.
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Stuff the cavity with chopped red onion, thyme, and rosemary. This aromatic blend will infuse your turkey with inviting flavors as it roasts.
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Wrap the turkey in strips of bacon, making sure to overlap them slightly for even coverage. This will help retain moisture and add savory richness.
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Roast the turkey for approximately 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Don’t forget to baste it halfway through to enhance its flavor and juiciness.
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Let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes post-roasting. Allowing it to rest ensures the juices redistribute for beautifully moist slices.
Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs before serving for an elegant touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Bacon-Wrapped Turkey delights are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the turkey up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring your holiday is stress-free. To do this, season and wrap the turkey in bacon, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil before refrigerating. This will prevent the bacon from drying out and keep the flavors vibrant. When you’re ready to roast, simply take it out and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in a preheated oven. This ensures a juicy and tender bird that maintains all the savory goodness, making holiday meal planning a breeze!
Storage Tips for Bacon-Wrapped Turkey
Fridge: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezer: Wrap the cooled bacon-wrapped turkey tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months for future meals.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 25-30 minutes.
Leftover Ideas: Use leftover bacon-wrapped turkey in sandwiches, salads, or casseroles for a tasty second round of delicious meals!
Bacon-Wrapped Turkey Variations & Substitutions
Get ready to personalize your bacon-wrapped turkey and impress your guests with delightful twists that will excite their taste buds!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute melted butter with olive oil or coconut oil for a deliciously rich, dairy-free option.
- Herb Infusion: Swap thyme and rosemary with sage or oregano for a distinct herbal kick that elevates the flavor profile.
- Spicy Kick: For some heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the butter rub, enhancing the turkey’s savory essence.
- Flavorful Bacon: Experiment with different bacon types, like applewood-smoked or peppered bacon, to bring unique flavor notes to every slice.
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the stuffing for a delightful crunch and nutty taste that complements the turkey perfectly.
- Stuffed Delight: Create a sweet and savory stuffing with cornbread and dried cranberries for a holiday twist that balances the richness of the bacon.
- Citrus Zing: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the herb mixture for a bright burst of freshness that pairs beautifully with the bacon and turkey.
- Sweet & Smoky: Drizzle some maple syrup over the bacon before roasting to caramelize and add a sweet dimension to the savory dish.
With these variations, your bacon-wrapped turkey will become a personalized masterpiece that tells your unique culinary story!
Tips for the Best Bacon-Wrapped Turkey
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Bacon Overlap: Ensure the bacon strips overlap slightly when wrapping the turkey. This maximizes flavor and keeps the turkey moist during roasting.
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Meat Thermometer: Use a meat thermometer to check the turkey’s internal temperature, especially in the thickest part of the thigh. This ensures your bacon-wrapped turkey is safely cooked and juicy.
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Herb Variations: Feel free to mix up the herbs! Adding sage or oregano can bring a delightful twist to your savory bacon-wrapped turkey.
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Basting Importance: Baste the turkey halfway through cooking to keep it flavorful and juicy, preventing any dryness from the heat.
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Resting Time: Don’t skip letting the turkey rest! Allowing it to sit for 20-30 minutes post-roasting keeps the meat tender and juicy for perfect slices.
What to Serve with Bacon-Wrapped Turkey?
Transform your Thanksgiving meal into a gourmet feast with the perfect accompaniments that bring out the flavors of your bacon-wrapped masterpiece.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The buttery, smooth texture of mashed potatoes pairs splendidly with the rich turkey drippings, creating a comforting bite.
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Garlic Green Beans: These lightly sautéed green beans add a fresh crunch, balancing the savory richness of the turkey while introducing a pop of color.
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Cornbread Stuffing: Combining hearty cornbread with savory herbs, this stuffing is a delightful companion that soaks up all those delicious juices.
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Cranberry Sauce: The sweet-tart flavor of cranberry sauce cuts through the salty richness of the bacon and turkey, enhancing the overall taste experience.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Slightly caramelized, these earthy sprouts provide a delightful contrast in taste and texture, complementing the savory elements beautifully.
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Pumpkin Pie: For dessert, this classic holiday treat brings warmth and spice to your meal, leaving everyone with a sweet, nostalgic taste that lingers on the palate.
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Mulled Cider: Sip on this warm, spiced beverage that adds a festive touch and pairs perfectly with your turkey, enveloping your guests in cozy flavors.
Bacon-Wrapped Turkey Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best turkey for this recipe?
Choosing a fresh, high-quality turkey will make all the difference! Look for a turkey that’s about 11 pounds for balanced cooking time and flavor. Check for a clean, meaty appearance with no dark spots or bruises. If you opt for a frozen turkey, ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking—as a general guide, that takes about 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds in the fridge.
How should I store leftovers after cooking?
Absolutely! To keep your bacon-wrapped turkey fresh after the feast, place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate them. They’ll stay tasty for up to 4 days. If you want to store them for a longer period, you can wrap the cooled turkey tightly with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil and freeze it for up to 3 months.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover bacon-wrapped turkey?
Reheating is simple! Start by thawing it in the refrigerator overnight if it’s frozen. To do this, remove the wrapping and place the turkey in a baking dish. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the turkey for about 25-30 minutes, or until it reaches a warm, juicy temperature throughout. Avoid microwaving to maintain that delicious crispy bacon texture!
My bacon didn’t crisp up; what went wrong?
Very! Ensuring your bacon crisps up during roasting can sometimes be tricky. A few tips: First, make sure the bacon strips overlap slightly for even coverage. Secondly, ensure your oven is accurately preheated before placing the turkey inside. If you find the bacon is still soft towards the end of roasting, you can crank up the oven to 400°F (200°C) for the last 15-20 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Can I prepare the bacon-wrapped turkey the night before?
Absolutely! This is a fantastic make-ahead option. You can assemble the turkey the day before, wrap it in bacon, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to roast the next day. Just remember to bring it to room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking!
Is this recipe suitable for dietary restrictions?
Definitely! If you’re looking to make the bacon-wrapped turkey healthier or if you have dietary concerns, consider using turkey bacon instead of regular bacon for a leaner choice. Always double-check for allergies with guests, especially regarding the spices you choose; for instance, you can swap garlic powder for onion powder if there’s a garlic allergy. Enjoy your meal without the worry!
Bacon-Wrapped Turkey: Elevate Your Holiday Feast Today
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the turkey by removing the neck and giblets. Place the turkey into a large roasting pan.
- Rub the turkey with melted butter, ensuring it’s thoroughly coated.
- Mix together chili powder, salt, garlic powder, and paprika before applying it onto the turkey’s skin.
- Stuff the cavity with chopped red onion, thyme, and rosemary.
- Wrap the turkey in strips of bacon, overlapping them slightly.
- Roast the turkey for approximately 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes post-roasting.
