Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast is a sensational dish that brings together the lean, tender texture of turkey with the irresistible, smoky crispiness of bacon. This vibrant pairing creates a succulent and flavorful centerpiece perfect for impressing guests at a festive dinner or simply treating yourself to a comforting meal any day. The juicy meat inside and the savory bacon outside offer a delightful contrast that guarantees satisfaction with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet indispensable ingredients sets the foundation for this delicious Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s boosting flavor, adding moisture, or enhancing the appealing look of the dish.
- Boneless turkey breast (2 to 3 pounds): The lean star of the show, providing tender and juicy meat.
- Bacon slices (8 to 10): Wraps the turkey in smoky, crispy goodness that seals in flavor.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the spices adhere to the turkey and adds moisture during roasting.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Gives a savory depth that complements both turkey and bacon.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Infuses a warm, smoky hint that enhances the bacon’s flavor.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Adds an earthy herbal note for balanced seasoning.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for bringing out and amplifying all the flavors.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Provides a subtle spicy kick for complexity.
- Fresh herbs (optional): Perfect as a garnish to brighten and freshen the presentation.
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Turkey
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the turkey breast dry using paper towels — this helps the seasoning stick properly and ensures the bacon crisps up beautifully.
Step 2: Season the Turkey
In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Coat the turkey breast evenly with olive oil, then rub the spice mixture all over it to infuse the meat with layers of flavor.
Step 3: Create the Bacon Blanket
On a clean surface, lay out 8 to 10 bacon slices slightly overlapping to form a “blanket” that is wide enough to wrap around the turkey breast. This bacon blanket is what will hold the turkey tightly, locking in moisture and taste.
Step 4: Wrap the Turkey Breast
Place the seasoned turkey breast onto the center of the bacon blanket and carefully wrap the bacon around it, making sure it’s snug. Tuck the ends underneath to keep everything secure during roasting.
Step 5: Roast to Perfection
Transfer the bacon wrapped turkey breast to a roasting pan lined with foil or a baking dish. Roast in the preheated oven for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes until an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached. Around halfway through cooking, baste the bacon with some of the drippings or a touch of olive oil to help the bacon crisp up.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Remove the turkey from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes. This resting period helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each slice is juicy and tender. Garnish with fresh herbs if you like, then slice and serve warm.
How to Serve Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast
Garnishes
Fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley add a vibrant pop of color and a fragrant touch that complements the smoky richness of the bacon wrapped turkey breast beautifully. A light sprinkle after cooking not only looks stunning but adds a subtle freshness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, sautéed green beans, roasted root vegetables, or even a crisp, green salad. These sides add comforting textures and flavors, creating a well-rounded meal that everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the bacon wrapped turkey breast on a wooden carving board with scattered fresh herbs and a small bowl of cranberry sauce or herb cream cheese. Not only is this visually inviting, but it also offers your guests the chance to customize each bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover bacon wrapped turkey breast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it wrapped well helps maintain moisture and flavor for your next meal.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, slice the turkey first, then place portions in freezer-safe bags or containers. Frozen turkey portions will keep best for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the turkey slices with foil and warm them gently in a 325°F (160°C) oven until heated through. This method helps preserve juiciness while preventing the bacon from becoming too tough or dry.
FAQs
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can wrap the turkey breast in bacon the night before and refrigerate it. Just bring it back to room temperature before roasting for best results.
What side dishes pair well with bacon wrapped turkey breast?
Classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad beautifully complement this dish and round out the flavors and textures.
How do I ensure the bacon gets crispy but the turkey remains juicy?
Basting the bacon with pan drippings during cooking helps it crisp up nicely, and checking the internal temperature to avoid overcooking ensures the turkey stays juicy.
Can I use smoked bacon instead of regular bacon?
Absolutely! Using smoked bacon will add an even more intense smoky flavor, enriching the Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast with a deeper savory character.
Do I need kitchen twine to keep the bacon in place?
While the overlapping bacon usually holds itself, kitchen twine can be used if you want extra security during roasting. It makes handling and slicing easier but is not required.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to create a memorable meal that blends juicy, tender turkey with crispy, flavorful bacon, this Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast recipe is a must-try. It’s straightforward, satisfying, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. I guarantee it will become one of your favorite dishes in no time!
Print
Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast is a delicious dish that combines the lean, tender qualities of turkey with the rich, smoky flavor of crispy bacon. Perfect for festive dinners or comforting meals year-round, this recipe delivers juicy, flavorful meat with a savory and crispy bacon exterior.
Ingredients
Turkey and Bacon
- 1 (2 to 3-pound) boneless turkey breast
- 8 to 10 slices of bacon
Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish (optional)
- Fresh herbs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for roasting the turkey breast evenly.
- Prepare Turkey: Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the seasoning stick better.
- Season Turkey: In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Rub olive oil evenly over the turkey breast, then coat it thoroughly with the seasoning mixture for maximum flavor.
- Arrange Bacon: Lay bacon slices overlapping slightly on a clean surface to create a bacon “blanket” wide enough to wrap around the turkey breast completely.
- Wrap Turkey with Bacon: Place the seasoned turkey breast on top of the bacon blanket. Carefully wrap the bacon around the turkey, tucking the ends underneath to secure the bacon in place.
- Transfer to Roasting Pan: Move the bacon-wrapped turkey breast to a roasting pan lined with foil or place it in a baking dish, ready for the oven.
- Roast: Roast in the preheated oven for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) as measured with a meat thermometer.
- Baste Bacon: Halfway through cooking, baste the bacon with pan drippings or a little extra olive oil to promote crispiness on the exterior.
- Rest: When done, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist slices.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, slice, and serve warm for a delicious meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, spread a layer of herb cream cheese or cranberry sauce between the turkey and bacon before wrapping.
- Use smoked bacon instead of regular bacon for a smokier taste.
- If the bacon does not hold tight, use kitchen twine to tie the bacon-wrapped turkey breast securely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
