I started making turkey bacon in the oven years ago when I realized that I could cook the rest of breakfast, while it baked. I rarely cook it on the stovetop anymore- the oven means no greasy splatters and consistent results every time! So if you have made the switch to turkey bacon and are trying to find the perfect way to make it, look no further, I'll show you how to get crispy turkey bacon every time.
Recipe Ingredient Notes
- Turkey bacon- an alternative to conventional pork bacon, turkey bacon is a great substitution if you are watching your fat intake or excluding pork products.
- Fresh ground pepper (optional)- feel free to omit.
Why Baking Turkey Bacon in Oven Works Best
It is hands off cooking at its best- place it on a baking sheet and put it in the oven. This gives you time to prepare any other sides. No more grease splatters making a mess or popping on your skin-ouch! But my favorite part? It bakes consistently the same every time. It's a reliable way to make bacon and you don't have to give it another thought until the timer goes off.
Ways to Enjoy Every Bite
I'm a firm believer that bacon goes with everything. Pair it with traditional breakfast items- eggs, pancakes, breakfast casseroles or muffins. You can also crumble it up and put it in salads, chili, Mac and cheese, or baked potatoes- everything tastes better with bacon bites!
Cooking Turkey Bacon in the Oven
Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Place a wire rack on top of the lined baking sheet for extra crispy bacon.
Step 2: Arrange bacon in a single layer. Bake 15-20 minutes. Flip halfway through if you are not using a rack.
Transfer to paper lined plate for 1-2 minutes to cool.
FAQ
Turkey bacon is usually cured or smoked, but not fully cooked. You will want to make sure that you bake the turkey bacon until it is 165°F.
Turkey bacon is lower in fat and calories than traditional pork bacon, so it is a substitute for those looking to lower their fat intake or calories.
We recommend you pat dry the turkey bacon with a paper towel to get off any extra moisture. Using a rack and not over crowding the bacon helps increase the crisp as well.
Recipe Tips from Mrs. G
- Pat bacon dry before baking- packaged turkey can have extra moisture which prevents it from getting crispy.
- Don't overlap strips- turkey bacon tends to stick more than pork bacon, so give them a little extra space.
- Check for "doneness" towards the end of bake time- turkey is leaner, it can quickly overcook so be sure to keep an eye on it.
Storing Leftovers
Turkey bacon stores in an airtight container, wrapped in a paper towel for up to four days. You can also freeze the bacon on a baking sheet and then transfer to a freezer storage bag. Use within two months. To reheat, place in the microwave for 15-30 seconds or reheat on a skillet until heated through.
How to Cook Turkey Bacon in the Oven
Equipment
- baking rack metal cooling rack
- rimmed baking sheet
- parchment paper (optional)
Ingredients
- 12 - 16 ounces turkey bacon
Optional
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400ºF if you are using a rack, 425ºF if you are not.
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Place a (cooling style) rack on top of the baking sheet.Add the strips of bacon to the baking rack, leaving ¼" of space around them. If using pepper, sprinkle it on. Bake for 15-20 minutes, see chart in notes below for cooking times based on level of crispiness .
- If you aren't using a rack: place bacon on directly on the lined baking sheet, leaving a small space in between and bake for 8 minutes. Carefully flip the slices over with tongs and bake for 8 minutes more for crispy bacon (see notes below for chewier bacon).
- Using tongs, remove the crisp strips and place them between paper towels to blot the remaining grease and fat.
Notes
- 10-12 minutes for soft and chewy bacon
- 13-15 for crispy edges but softer centers
- 15-18 minutes for crispy bacon
- Don't throw away excess bacon grease: If there's enough grease on the baking sheet, you can tilt the pan so it accumulates into one corner. Then, pour the grease into a heat-proof glass or canning jar.
- Use the bacon grease instead of oil or butter for extra flavor when making Southern recipes.
- Maple-glazed: Brush the slices with pure maple syrup before baking for a touch of sweetness that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
- Smoky & spicy: Add a dash of smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or chili powder for a smoky, spicy flavor.
- Dairy-free & gluten-free option: This turkey bacon in oven recipe is naturally dairy-free and gluten-free, making it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions. Just be sure to check the ingredient label on your turkey bacon slices to avoid any hidden additives.
- Honey mustard: In a small bowl, mix honey and Dijon mustard, then lightly brush it over the bacon before baking for a tangy-sweet flavor.
- To keep your turkey bacon strips fresh and crispy, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, place the cooked bacon in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes before transferring it to a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents the slices from sticking together, making it easy to grab and reheat individual pieces.
- When you're ready to enjoy your frozen turkey bacon, simply reheat it in the oven, air fryer, or microwave until warmed through and crispy again!
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