How to Cook Turkey Bacon in the Oven
Learn how to make baked turkey bacon in the oven for a mess-free, hands-off way to cook crispy bacon! This easy recipe is perfect for meal prep & breakfast!
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 325kcal
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
Baking times:
Use the following times to get different textures of bacon, ovens vary so keep an eye on your turkey bacon to ensure it bakes to the level you enjoy the most.
- 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!