Cooking turkey bacon may seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite easy. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just need a quick weeknight dinner fix, learning how to cook turkey bacon in the oven is sure to come in handy. In this post, we will walk through everything you need to know about cooking turkey bacon—from ingredients and equipment necessary, to step-by-step instructions on getting the perfect slice of crispy goodness. So if you want to master your culinary skills and make restaurant-quality turkey bacon at home with ease, read on.
Contents
- 1 What Is Turkey Bacon?
- 2 Origin Of Turkey Bacon
- 3 Nutrition From Turkey Bacon
- 4 Ingredients To Cook Turkey Bacon
- 5 How To Cook Turkey Bacon In The Oven?
- 6 How To Tell When Turkish Bacon Is Cooked?
- 7 Tips For The Perfect Turkey Bacon
- 8 Things To Avoid When Cooking Turkey Bacon
- 9 What To Do With Turkey Bacon?
- 10 How To Store Cooked Turkey Bacon?
- 11 How To Reheat Leftover Turkey Bacon?
- 12 Conclusion: How To Cook Turkey Bacon In The Oven
- 13 FAQ: Turkey Bacon
- 13.1 Should turkey bacon be cooked in oil?
- 13.2 Is turkey bacon actually healthy?
- 13.3 Does turkey bacon need cooked?
- 13.4 Should I cook turkey bacon with butter or oil?
- 13.5 Do you cook turkey bacon with water or oil?
- 13.6 Is turkey bacon better fried or baked?
- 13.7 Should I put butter or oil on my turkey bacon?
- 13.8 What flavors go well with turkey bacon?
- 13.9 Can you overcook turkey bacon?
- 13.10 Do you spray the pan before turkey bacon?
- 13.11 What happens if you don’t cook turkey bacon?
- 13.12 Can I cook turkey bacon from frozen?
What Is Turkey Bacon?
Turkey bacon is a breakfast item made from turkey meat. It’s usually seasoned with spices or herbs, and can be eaten as part of an egg dish or as a stand-alone snack. Unlike regular pork bacon, turkey bacon is lower in fat and calories, but still has the same smoky flavor that many people love.

Origin Of Turkey Bacon
Turkey bacon originated in the United States as an alternative to traditional pork bacon. It was introduced in the late 1980s and quickly became popular among health-conscious consumers. As turkey bacon grew in popularity, more varieties were developed, such as pre-cooked or microwaveable slices.
Nutrition From Turkey Bacon
Turkey bacon is a great source of lean protein. It contains about 6-7 grams of protein per two slices and is relatively low in fat and calories, compared to pork bacon. It also has fewer saturated fats than regular bacon—making it the perfect choice for health-conscious eaters.
Ingredients To Cook Turkey Bacon
To make turkey bacon, all you need are a few simple ingredients. You will need:
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
– 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika
– ½ teaspoon of black pepper
– 1 package of turkey bacon (about 12 ounces)
How To Cook Turkey Bacon In The Oven?
To cook turkey bacon in the oven, start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the slices of turkey bacon on top. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Brush this mixture onto both sides of each slice so it’s evenly coated. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. When done, remove from the oven and let cool before serving.
How To Tell When Turkish Bacon Is Cooked?
When the bacon is golden brown and crispy, it’s done. You can also check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—the turkey bacon should reach an internal temperature of 165°F when fully cooked.
Tips For The Perfect Turkey Bacon
Here are some tips to get the perfect slice of turkey bacon:
– Make sure you brush the slices of bacon with the oil and spice mixture before baking in the oven. This will help ensure that they are evenly coated and get a nice crispy texture when cooked.
– Don’t over cook it—the turkey bacon will continue to cook even after it’s been removed from the oven, so make sure to take it out when it’s still slightly moist.
– If you want extra crunch, try baking the turkey bacon on a wire rack instead of parchment paper. This will help get both sides equally crispy and give it some extra texture.
– For an added flavor boost, you can add your favorite herbs or spices to the oil and spice mix.
Now that you’ve learned how to cook turkey bacon in the oven, it’s time to start experimenting with your own recipes! Try adding it to scrambled eggs or a salad for a delicious meal, or just enjoy as a crunchy snack. With a few simple ingredients and techniques, you can create restaurant-quality turkey bacon in the comfort of your own home.
Things To Avoid When Cooking Turkey Bacon
– Don’t overcook the turkey bacon—it should be golden brown and crispy, not burnt!
– Avoid using too much oil or spice mixture. Too much can make the bacon greasy and overpower the flavors.
– Don’t use a wire rack that is too small for your baking sheet. This could cause the bacon to stick and tear.
– Don’t forget to preheat your oven before baking—this will help ensure that your turkey bacon is crispy and evenly cooked.

What To Do With Turkey Bacon?
Turkey bacon is a great addition to many dishes! Try adding it to salads or sandwiches for an extra crunch, use it as a pizza topping instead of regular bacon, or even add it to your favorite omelet or breakfast burrito. You can also make homemade turkey bacon bits by cutting the slices into small pieces and sautéing them in a pan until crispy.
How To Store Cooked Turkey Bacon?
Once cooked, you can store the turkey bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply place the slices on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until crispy. You can also microwave it on high power for 1-2 minutes for a quick and easy reheat.
How To Reheat Leftover Turkey Bacon?
Leftover turkey bacon can be reheated in the microwave, oven or skillet. To reheat in the microwave, place the slices on a plate and heat for 30-45 seconds at high power. For oven reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for 10 minutes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If using a skillet, cook the turkey bacon in a lightly-oiled pan over medium heat for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Conclusion: How To Cook Turkey Bacon In The Oven
Cooking turkey bacon in the oven is an easy, affordable way to enjoy this delicious and nutritious protein-packed food. With a few simple techniques and some creative recipes, you can easily transform turkey bacon into a tasty snack or meal. Be sure to keep these tips in mind when prepping and reheating your turkey bacon so it remains flavorful and crispy.
FAQ: Turkey Bacon
Should turkey bacon be cooked in oil?
Enjoyscrumptious, crispy turkey bacon while avoiding the dreaded “dried out” texture with just a few drops of oil! Not only will it help you get that crunchy consistency but also prevents sticking to your cooking basket – an added bonus. And don’t worry about any additional fat as turkey bacon is already lower infat than its pork counterpart.
Is turkey bacon actually healthy?
Turkey bacon is a great substitute for those on special diets or who cannot consume pork, providing lower calories and fat. However, caution should be exercised – turkey bacon may contain preservatives that pose an increased cancer risk along with less protein and more added sugar than traditional pork options.
Does turkey bacon need cooked?
To safely enjoy the deliciousness of turkey bacon, always ensure it is cooked to completion. Cook sliced strips over medium-high heat and double check that they are crisp throughout – undercooked meat carries a major risk of food poisoning! Never store raw poultry or any other meats for later consumption either.
Should I cook turkey bacon with butter or oil?
For perfectly crispy turkey bacon, fry it in a generous portion of vegetable oil – just 2 tablespoons! The added cooking fat will ensure the heat touches each piece evenly during the frying process so that every bite is as tasty and crunchy as can be.
Do you cook turkey bacon with water or oil?
Turkey bacon should be cooked in oil to ensure it is crispy and crunchy after frying. However, some recipes may call for a combination of oil and water if desired – just make sure the water evaporates before serving! This technique can also help keep the bacon from sticking to the pan while cooking, making cleanup even easier.
Is turkey bacon better fried or baked?
Craving bacon but don’t want to skimp on taste or nutrition? Oven-baked turkey bacon offers the crispy flavor you love with fewer fat and calories, plus it’s easy to clean up. Read this post to learn why oven baked turkey bacon is better – and how you can make your perfect batch.
Should I put butter or oil on my turkey bacon?
A healthier cooking alternative to pork bacon, turkey bacon may be lower in fat – but the trade-off is that it can easily dry out while cooking. To keep your turkey bacon crispy and prevent sticking during preparation, a splash of oil will make all the difference.
What flavors go well with turkey bacon?
Turkey bacon has a neutral flavor that pairs well with sweet and savory spices. Try adding some garlic powder, smoked paprika, and pepper to your turkey bacon while frying up for a zesty kick – it’s sure to take your dish to the next level.
Can you overcook turkey bacon?
You won’t want to end up with dry, tough turkey bacon. To achieve that perfect golden-brown and crispy finish, preheat your air fryer before cooking – then keep a close eye on the timer.
Do you spray the pan before turkey bacon?
Enjoy a delicious breakfast in no time with stovetop-cooked turkey bacon. Heat your nonstick skillet over medium heat and lightly spritz it with olive oil or cooking spray. Add the strips of savory bacon to create an even layer, then let them sizzle for 4-5 minutes before flipping – you’ll have perfectly cooked slices ready soon.
What happens if you don’t cook turkey bacon?
Enjoy turkey bacon without worry by taking the extra precaution of making sure it’s cooked through. Heat up a skillet over medium-high heat and cook your strips until they are golden brown to ensure any food poisoning risks are eliminated before biting in.
Can I cook turkey bacon from frozen?
Start your meal with some delicious turkey bacon that has been pre-sliced and frozen. Give the instructions in your recipe an extra 2 to 3 minutes of cooking time for mouthwatering results.

Jeanie Shaffer is a food writer based in Wilmington, North Carolina. She is a regular contributor to the local press and has been featured in publications such as Southern Living, Garden & Gun, and Our State. Jeanie’s love of good food and drink knows no bounds, and she is particularly passionate about anything involving ice cream or gelato. When she’s not eating or writing about food, Jeanie can be found playing with her two dogs or spending time with her husband on the beach.