The Golden Bacon-Wrapped Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe

Crafting the perfect bacon-wrapped thanksgiving turkey can revolutionize your holiday centerpiece.

Crispy, salty strips promise incredible flavor and moisture for your feast.

Pork-wrapped poultry might sound unconventional, but trust me.

Culinary magic happens when traditional techniques meet bold innovations.

Salt and smoke combine to create a memorable main course.

Fragrant herbs and carefully selected seasonings complement the rich meat.

This recipe will make you the star of your gathering.

Roasted Turkey with Bacon for an Extra Savory Holiday

• Flavor-Packed Adventure: Elevate your traditional turkey with a mouthwatering bacon-infused spice rub that transforms an ordinary holiday meal into an extraordinary culinary experience.
• Foolproof Technique: Achieve perfectly seasoned and juicy turkey with simple steps that even novice cooks can master, ensuring a stress-free and delicious main course.
• Crowd-Pleasing Centerpiece: Create a show-stopping Thanksgiving dish that will impress family and friends, combining classic holiday flavors with an innovative bacon twist that makes this recipe truly memorable.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily adjust spices and stuffing ingredients to suit your taste preferences, making this turkey recipe adaptable to different palates and dietary needs.

Bacon Roasted Turkey Ingredient Guide

• Turkey: Fresh whole bird perfect for Thanksgiving feast.

• Bacon, Chopped Bacon: Adds rich flavor and creates delicious paste.

• Kosher Salt, Brown Sugar, Smoked Paprika, Black Pepper, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Cayenne Pepper: Blend of spices for robust seasoning.

• Celery, Carrots, Onions, Apples, Lemon: Fresh vegetables and fruits for internal flavor.

• Rosemary, Thyme: Classic herbs that complement turkey's taste.

• Olive Oil: Helps create golden, crispy skin.

• Aluminum Foil: Protects turkey breast from excessive browning.

Bacon Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey Roasting Method

Step 1: Prepare Turkey for Roasting

Grab your thawed turkey and let it chill at room temperature for an hour. Fire up the oven to 350°F. Remove all those mysterious inner parts (giblets and neck), then give the turkey a thorough pat-down with paper towels until it’s completely dry.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Spice Blend

• Kosher salt
• Brown sugar
• Smoked paprika
• Black pepper
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Cayenne pepper

Set aside two tablespoons of this magical spice mixture for later.

Step 3: Craft Bacon Infusion Paste

Toss the remaining spice blend and chopped bacon into a food processor. Pulse until you’ve got a deliciously fragrant paste that’ll make your kitchen smell amazing.

Step 4: Massage Turkey with Bacon Goodness

• Celery
• Carrots
• Onions
• Apples
• Lemon
• Rosemary
• Thyme

Step 5: Roast to Perfection

Nestle the turkey on a bed of chopped vegetables in a roasting pan. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle the reserved spice blend. Protect the breast with a foil tent. Roast for 13-15 minutes per pound, basting occasionally. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 165°F in the breast and 170°F in the thighs.

Step 6: Rest and Slice

Allow the turkey to rest under foil for 30-45 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is incredibly moist and flavorful. Carve and serve to your eagerly waiting guests.

Turkey Roast Tips with Bacon Richness

• Maximize Flavor Infusion: Gently massage the bacon paste under the skin to ensure every bite is packed with rich, smoky goodness. The bacon helps keep the meat incredibly moist and adds a delicious depth of flavor.
• Prevent Dry Meat: Cover the turkey breast with foil during roasting to protect it from overcooking. This technique locks in moisture and prevents the white meat from becoming tough or dried out.
• Smart Temperature Tracking: Use a reliable meat thermometer to check internal temperatures in both the breast and thighs. Pulling the turkey out at exactly 165°F for breast and 170°F for thighs guarantees perfectly cooked, juicy meat.
• Resting is Crucial: Allow the turkey to rest for 30-45 minutes after cooking. This critical step lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each slice remains tender and succulent when you carve.
• Vegetable Base Magic: Roasting the turkey on a bed of chopped vegetables adds extra flavor and prevents the meat from sticking to the pan. The vegetables also create a delicious base for potential gravy or additional side dishes.

Store Bacon Roasted Turkey Without Drying Out

• Store leftover turkey in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below for 3-4 days. Separate white and dark meat to maintain moisture.
• Wrap turkey slices tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Place in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air. Frozen turkey stays good for 4-6 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place turkey slices on microwave-safe plate. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat on 50% power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature frequently.
• Preheat oven to 325°F. Place turkey in baking dish, drizzle with broth or gravy. Cover with foil to lock in moisture. Warm for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey Side Picks

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Select a bright, acidic chardonnay or sauvignon blanc to cut through the rich, smoky bacon flavors and complement the turkey's herbs.
• Enhance with Herbal Cocktail: Create a rosemary gin martini that mirrors the herb profile inside the turkey, offering a sophisticated and complementary drink experience.
• Match Bold Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied pinot noir with subtle fruit notes that won't overpower the complex bacon and spice rub, balancing the turkey's robust seasoning.
• Serve Craft Beer Companion: Select an amber ale or Belgian-style farmhouse ale with malty undertones that harmonize with the bacon's smokiness and the turkey's savory profile.

Roasted Turkey Bacon Swaps

• Gluten-Free Bacon Turkey: Replace regular spices with certified gluten-free alternatives. Use gluten-free bacon and ensure all ingredients are labeled gluten-free.
• Herb Garden Turkey: Substitute smoked paprika with fresh thyme, rosemary, sage, and parsley. Add more fresh herbs under the skin for an intense herbal flavor profile.
• Low-Sodium Turkey: Use minimal salt or replace with herbs like oregano and basil. Select low-sodium bacon and omit added salt while maintaining robust seasoning through spices.
• Dairy-Free Bacon Turkey: Skip butter or cream-based seasonings. Use olive oil instead and ensure all spices are dairy-free. Maintain the bacon paste technique for rich flavor without dairy components.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of bacon for the paste?

Yes, you can experiment with various bacon types like applewood-smoked, pepper-crusted, or maple bacon to add unique flavor profiles to your turkey.

• Do I need special equipment to make this turkey?

No, you just need a food processor, roasting pan, and standard kitchen tools. A meat thermometer is helpful to ensure proper cooking temperatures.

• Is the bacon paste difficult to apply under the skin?

It’s simple. Use clean hands to gently separate the skin from the meat, then carefully spread the bacon paste evenly, ensuring full coverage without tearing the skin.

• What if my turkey is not completely thawed?

Thaw your turkey in the refrigerator, allowing approximately 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds. Never thaw at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.

Bacon Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe

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4.5 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Succulent Thanksgiving turkey blends crispy bacon with classic holiday flavors, creating a mouthwatering centerpiece that promises unforgettable dining memories. Guests will savor each juicy, herb-infused slice, celebrating traditional American cuisine with a delightful crispy bacon twist.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 12–15 pounds turkey
• 1/2 pound bacon, roughly chopped

Spice Blend:

• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Aromatics and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 celery ribs, roughly chopped
• 6 carrots, roughly chopped
• 2 onions, roughly chopped
• 2 apples, quartered
• 1 lemon, halved
• 3–4 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 3–4 sprigs fresh thyme
• Additional salt and pepper, as needed

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Instructions

1. Prepare the poultry by thoroughly defrosting and allowing it to reach ambient temperature for approximately one hour. Remove internal organs and pat the surface completely dry with paper towels.
2. Craft a robust seasoning blend combining aromatic spices including kosher salt, brown sugar, smoked paprika, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Set aside a small portion of this mixture for later application.
3. Transform the remaining spice mixture and finely chopped bacon into a smooth, cohesive paste using a food processor, pulsing until thoroughly integrated.
4. Carefully separate the skin from the turkey breast, creating a gentle pocket. Massage the bacon-spice paste underneath the skin, ensuring even distribution throughout the meat.
5. Season the interior cavities with additional salt and pepper. Generously fill the turkey with a medley of chopped celery, carrots, onions, apples, lemon wedges, fresh rosemary, and thyme sprigs.
6. Position the turkey atop a bed of roughly chopped vegetables within a roasting pan. Drizzle with olive oil and dust the exterior with the reserved spice mixture.
7. Cover the breast area with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning. Roast in a preheated 350°F oven, calculating approximately 13-15 minutes per pound. Periodically baste the turkey and monitor internal temperatures.
8. Verify doneness by confirming the breast reaches 165°F and thigh meat registers 170°F using a reliable meat thermometer.
9. After removing from the oven, allow the turkey to rest, tented with foil, for 30-45 minutes before carving to ensure maximum juiciness and flavor retention.

Notes

• Choose high-quality, thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor intensity and better paste consistency.
• Start with room-temperature turkey to ensure even cooking and prevent dry meat sections.
• Create extra moisture by placing a shallow pan of water in the bottom of the oven during roasting to prevent dryness.
• For gluten-free adaptation, verify all spice powders are certified gluten-free and replace wheat-based ingredients.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 100mg