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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Transform the remaining spice mixture and finely chopped bacon into a smooth, cohesive paste using a food processor, pulsing until thoroughly integrated.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Verify doneness by confirming the breast reaches 165°F and thigh meat registers 170°F using a reliable meat thermometer.
- 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