Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast: The Ultimate Guide to Juicy Perfection

Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast: Prepare to elevate your Thanksgiving or holiday dinner to legendary status! Imagine sinking your teeth into succulent, juicy turkey, infused with the smoky, salty goodness of perfectly crisp bacon. This isn’t just turkey; it’s an experience.

While turkey has been a centerpiece of American Thanksgiving celebrations since the 19th century, the addition of bacon takes it to a whole new level of deliciousness. Think of it as a modern twist on a classic, a culinary hug that brings together tradition and innovation. The practice of wrapping meats in other meats, particularly bacon, has roots in various cultures, often used to add flavor and moisture during cooking. This Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast recipe builds upon that time-honored technique.

People adore this dish for several reasons. First, the bacon acts as a natural baster, keeping the turkey incredibly moist and preventing it from drying out, a common pitfall with roasted turkey. Second, the contrasting textures – the crisp, savory bacon against the tender turkey – create a delightful sensory experience. And finally, let’s be honest, everything is better with bacon! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to prepare, making it perfect for both seasoned cooks and kitchen novices alike. Get ready to impress your guests with this unforgettable centerpiece!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 (5-7 pound) boneless, skinless turkey breast
• 1 pound thick-cut bacon
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste, remember bacon is salty!)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup (optional, for glazing)
• Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional, for garnish)
• Butcher’s twine

Preparing the Turkey Breast:

1. First, let’s get that turkey breast ready! Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear and allowing the bacon to adhere properly.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt. This is our flavor bomb that will make the turkey sing!
3. Rub the mixture all over the turkey breast, ensuring every nook and cranny is covered. Really massage it in there! This will help the flavors penetrate the meat.
4. Now, let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes, or even better, up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld and the turkey to absorb the marinade. If refrigerating for longer than an hour, cover the turkey breast with plastic wrap.

Wrapping the Turkey in Bacon:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, let’s get to the fun part – the bacon!
2. Lay out the bacon strips on a clean work surface. We’re going to create a bacon blanket for our turkey.
3. Start by placing a row of bacon strips across the width of the turkey breast, overlapping each strip slightly. This overlap is important because the bacon shrinks as it cooks.
4. Continue adding rows of bacon, working your way up the turkey breast, until it’s completely covered. Don’t worry if the bacon doesn’t perfectly cover the entire surface; we’ll address that in the next step.
5. Now, use butcher’s twine to tie the bacon securely to the turkey breast. This will prevent the bacon from unraveling during cooking. Tie the twine around the turkey breast at approximately 1-inch intervals. Make sure the twine is snug but not too tight, as this could cut into the turkey.
6. If you have any gaps in the bacon coverage, you can use smaller pieces of bacon to fill them in. Just tuck them under the twine to secure them.

Cooking the Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast:

1. Place the bacon-wrapped turkey breast in a roasting pan. I recommend using a roasting rack inside the pan to elevate the turkey. This allows for even cooking and prevents the bottom from becoming soggy.
2. Add about 1 cup of chicken broth or water to the bottom of the roasting pan. This will help keep the turkey moist and prevent the bacon from burning.
3. Cover the roasting pan with aluminum foil. This will trap the moisture and ensure the turkey cooks evenly.
4. Bake for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the turkey breast reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature at the thickest part of the breast, avoiding the bone.
5. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 30-45 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown. Keep a close eye on the bacon during this stage to prevent it from burning. If the bacon starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil.
6. Optional Glaze: During the last 15 minutes of cooking, brush the turkey breast with maple syrup for a beautiful glaze. This will add a touch of sweetness and enhance the color of the bacon.
7. Once the turkey breast reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the bacon is crispy, remove it from the oven.

Resting and Carving:

1. Let the turkey breast rest for at least 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful turkey. Tent the turkey loosely with foil during the resting period.
2. Remove the butcher’s twine before carving.
3. Use a sharp carving knife to slice the turkey breast against the grain. This will make the slices more tender and easier to chew.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy! Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs, if desired.

Tips and Variations:

• Bacon Choice: I prefer thick-cut bacon for this recipe because it holds up better during cooking and provides a more substantial bacon flavor. However, you can use regular bacon if you prefer.
• Turkey Breast Size: The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your turkey breast. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Spice Variations: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat, or use different herbs such as sage or rosemary.
• Stuffing: You can stuff the turkey breast with your favorite stuffing before wrapping it in bacon. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Smoked Turkey Breast: For an even smokier flavor, use a smoked turkey breast instead of a regular one.
• Serving Suggestions: This bacon-wrapped turkey breast is delicious served with mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and your favorite side dishes.
• Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the turkey breast up to 24 hours in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. Remove it from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature slightly.
• Leftovers: Leftover bacon-wrapped turkey breast can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s delicious in sandwiches, salads, or reheated for another meal.

Troubleshooting:

• Bacon Not Crispy Enough: If the bacon isn’t crispy enough after the recommended cooking time, you can broil it for a few minutes, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.
• Turkey Breast Too Dry: If the turkey breast is too dry, you can baste it with pan juices or chicken broth during cooking. Also, make sure you’re not overcooking it.
• Bacon Unraveling: If the bacon starts to unravel during cooking, you can use more butcher’s twine to secure it.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving):

(Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.)

• Calories: 400-500
• Protein: 40-50g
• Fat: 25-35g
• Carbohydrates: 5-10g

Enjoy your delicious Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast!

Conclusion:

This Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and trust me, you absolutely need to experience it! From the smoky, crispy bacon to the juicy, perfectly cooked turkey, every bite is a testament to simple ingredients transformed into something truly extraordinary. It’s the kind of dish that will have your family and friends raving, and secretly wondering when you became such a culinary genius.

But what makes this recipe a must-try? It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The saltiness of the bacon beautifully complements the mildness of the turkey, while the wrapping ensures that the turkey stays incredibly moist and tender throughout the cooking process. Plus, let’s be honest, everything is better with bacon, right? This isn’t just a turkey breast; it’s a bacon-infused masterpiece that elevates a classic dish to a whole new level.

And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make! Don’t let the impressive presentation fool you; this recipe is incredibly straightforward and requires minimal effort. With just a few simple steps, you can create a show-stopping centerpiece that will impress even the most discerning palates.

Now, let’s talk serving suggestions and variations. While this Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast is delicious on its own, it pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. Think creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, cranberry sauce, or a fresh green salad. For a truly decadent experience, try serving it with a rich gravy made from the pan drippings.

Looking to add your own personal touch? Feel free to experiment with different bacon flavors. Hickory smoked bacon will add an extra layer of smokiness, while peppered bacon will give it a subtle kick. You can also add herbs and spices to the bacon before wrapping the turkey, such as rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder. For a sweeter twist, brush the bacon with a maple syrup glaze during the last few minutes of cooking.

Another great variation is to stuff the turkey breast with your favorite fillings. Consider adding a mixture of breadcrumbs, herbs, and vegetables, or even a layer of cheese and spinach. This will not only add flavor but also create a beautiful presentation when you slice the turkey.

I truly believe that this recipe is a winner, and I can’t wait for you to try it! It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, special occasions, or even a simple weeknight dinner. It’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, and you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to make.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. I’m confident that you’ll love this Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast as much as I do.

Once you’ve tried it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and comments on social media using [Insert a Hashtag Here]. Let me know what variations you tried, what sides you served it with, and most importantly, how much you enjoyed it. I’m always looking for new ideas and inspiration, and I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy cooking!