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Best Way to Cook Turkey Bacon: Tips from Pros!

Mar 21st 2023 - Team

Best Way to Cook Turkey Bacon: Tips from Pros!

Looking for a healthier alternative to traditional pork bacon? If so, turkey bacon might be the one for you. This is not only a strip of delicious bacon but it also offers numerous health benefits.

Best Way to Cook Turkey Bacon

We’ll take a look at how to best prepare and cook delicious turkey bacon. From thawing the bacon to pre-cooking steps and finally making use of the oven-baking process, read on to find out the best way to cook turkey bacon!

Things you will need:

  • Turkey Bacon Slices
  • An oven
  • Parchment paper or foil

What is Turkey Bacon?

Turkey bacon is a type of bacon made from turkey meat instead of pork. It has a higher proportion of white meat to dark, which makes it have lower fat and calories than regular bacon. It also contains fewer saturated fats and cholesterol, making it healthier for you.

Turkey bacon offers the same flavor and texture as traditional bacon while being leaner and healthier. It’s perfect for those looking for an alternative to regular bacon or wanting to reduce their fat intake but still enjoy the delicious taste of bacon. Turkey bacon can be used in recipes just like regular bacon – but with more health benefits!

(See more: Turkey Bacon vs. Pork Bacon: What’s Healthier?)

Preparation

Thawing the Bacon

When storing cooked bacon, it's important to keep it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for no more than 5-7 days. To thaw turkey bacon, place the desired amount of pieces on a paper towel-lined plate and microwave for 60-90 seconds.

This will help to remove excess bacon fat while also ensuring that you don't overcook or burn your bacon. If you don't have a microwave, you can also thaw frozen bacon by placing it in cold water and allowing it to sit until completely thawed. Once thawed, cook as usual. Thawed bacon can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days before cooking.

Pre-Cooking Steps

When pre-cooking turkey bacon, there are a few steps you'll want to take to ensure that your bacon turns out perfectly. For starters, you'll want to make sure that your bacon is thawed properly, and once thawed, you can then begin the cooking process:

Oven Baked Method

The oven-baked method is one of the best ways to make turkey bacon. Here are the steps you will need to create that crispy bacon:

  • To get started, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • Alternatively, you can make use of a sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil to create the signature wavy bacon texture.
    • Lining up a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper will also make it easier to clean up later after the baking process.
  • Place your desired amount of slices of bacon strips on the baking sheet and season with black pepper (or any other extra flavorings). Make sure to arrange the strips or slices of bacon with enough space in between each slice.
  • Bake in the preheated oven and the cooking time: is about 5-10 minutes. Make sure to flip halfway through the cooking time, until desired crispiness is reached.
    • Pro tip: Watch over the bacon in the oven as cook time varies from oven to oven.
    • You may reheat your leftover bacon later by preheating the strips of bacon in a pan on medium heat.
  • The bacon will release its own fat and bacon grease onto the parchment paper which can be saved for later use. This method is one of the best ways to create that perfect bacon for you to enjoy.

If using an oven, you may want to place a baking rack over the baking sheet to help keep the bacon from sticking and burning. Once you are done cooking, remove from the heat and place on a plate lined with a paper towel to absorb any excess grease.

Air Fryer Method

For air fryer turkey bacon, you'll also want to season with black pepper (or any other extra flavorings) before adding your desired amount of strips or slices into the basket of an oiled air fryer. Set the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 5-10 minutes until desired crispiness is reached.

Benefits of Turkey Bacon

As mentioned, turkey bacon is a healthy alternative to regular bacon for those looking to reduce their fat intake, but still enjoy the delicious taste of bacon. It has several health benefits and here are some of the benefits:

  • One of the most well-known benefits of turkey bacon is that it has lesser calories and saturated fat than pork bacon. Turkey bacon also contains less cholesterol and sodium per serving, making it a healthier option for those watching their weight and cholesterol levels.
    • Some way to use turkey back is to add them to your breakfast recipes such as the breakfast sandwich or club sandwich.

(See more: 17 Healthy Turkey Bacon Recipes to Try)

  • Additionally, turkey bacon is considered uncured bacon, meaning it does not contain nitrates or other additives that can be unhealthy when consumed in large amounts.
  • On top of its health benefits, turkey bacon offers the same texture and flavor as traditional pork bacon. When cooked correctly, it can become crispy and full of flavor.

For those who want the delicious taste of bacon without the extra fat and calories of regular pork bacon, turkey bacon is an excellent choice! With its numerous health benefits and just as tasty results when cooked right, it’s no wonder why so many people choose this healthier option for their family meals!