Turkey bacon baked in the oven is a simple, hands-off way to get flavorful strips ready while you prepare the rest of breakfast. It’s a great time-saver and produces consistent results with minimal cleanup.
I’ve written about how to bake pork bacon before, but turkey bacon behaves a bit differently. Below I share a straightforward method for oven-baked turkey bacon, along with tips, brand notes from my testing, and a clear recipe so you can get crispy, yet tender, turkey bacon every time.
What is turkey bacon?
Turkey bacon is made from a blend of light and dark turkey meat that is formed and pressed into strips resembling traditional pork bacon. It contains less fat than pork bacon, which changes how it cooks and how crisp it becomes.
Why bake turkey bacon?
Baking turkey bacon is convenient because you can cook multiple strips at once and free up stovetop space for other breakfast elements like French toast, muffins, potato hash, or breakfast sandwiches. A baking sheet and parchment paper simplify cleanup and keep the oven doing the work while you finish the meal.
How to cook turkey bacon in the oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Lay turkey bacon strips on the prepared sheet so they do not overlap.
- Bake for about 10 minutes, then flip each strip and bake for another 5–10 minutes, depending on thickness.
- The bacon is done when you see golden brown spots on both sides. Allow the strips to rest briefly to firm up before serving.
Turkey Bacon Tips
- Cooking time varies with thickness. Thin slices crisp faster; thick slices need more time but may remain slightly soft.
- Turkey bacon often feels floppy right out of the oven because it lacks the high fat content of pork bacon. Let it cool for a minute or two to firm up.
- Overcooking leads to an unpleasantly chewy, sometimes burnt taste—cook until browned rather than until extremely dry.
- Store leftover cooked turkey bacon in the refrigerator for up to a week; reheat gently to avoid drying it out.
Common Turkey Bacon Questions
Which brand of turkey bacon is the best?
I tested three brands and compared texture and crispiness after baking:
- Albertson’s Signature Select, Uncured Turkey Bacon: Thick and flavorful, but it tended to stay chewier and less crisp after baking.
- Butterball Turkey Bacon: The thinnest of the three; it crisped up nicely but requires close attention to avoid burning.
- Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon: A good balance—thin yet firm and slightly crisp, with a satisfying slice-like texture.
All three were enjoyable. For a hearty breakfast sandwich I prefer a thicker slice; for pastries or lighter breakfast plates I lean toward a thinner, crispier option.
How long to cook turkey bacon in the oven?
Typical bake time ranges from 10 to 15 minutes, depending on how thin or thick the slices are and how brown you want them. Start checking at 10 minutes and adjust as needed.
Does turkey bacon get crispy?
Yes, turkey bacon can become crispy if baked long enough and if the slices are thin. Thicker slices may not reach the same crunch as pork bacon but will firm up as they cool. Avoid overcooking to prevent a leathery texture.
Recipe: Turkey Bacon in the Oven
Simple, reliable oven method for 6 ounces of turkey bacon (adjust quantities as needed).
Ingredients
- 6 oz turkey bacon
- Parchment paper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange turkey bacon slices in a single layer without overlapping.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then flip each piece and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes, watching closely toward the end.
- Remove when both sides show golden brown spots. Let rest for a minute or two so the strips firm up before serving.
Notes
- Cooking time depends on slice thickness—thin slices crisp quickly, thick slices take longer and will be chewier.
- Turkey bacon lacks the fat of pork bacon, so it may feel soft right from the oven; cooling briefly improves texture.
- Overcooking makes turkey bacon tough rather than crunchy, so aim for even browning rather than extreme dryness.
Nutrition (approximate per serving)
Calories: 54 kcal | Carbohydrates: 1 g | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 4 g | Sodium: 324 mg
Post updated on 12/20/21