How to Cook Turkey Bacon in the Oven

Cooking turkey bacon in the oven is a simple and splatter-proof way to make it.  It is by far the best way to cook turkey bacon.   I have been baking both pork and turkey bacon in the oven for years. It is the only way I like to do it, to be honest.  Turkey bacon is a healthy option that turns out perfectly crispy every time when cooked in the oven and the clean-up is so easy.

Pan-frying bacon on the stove causes a big mess with the splatter and often takes a long time as you cook small batches over and over.  When you cook turkey bacon in the oven, it is all done at once on sheet pans so everyone gets warm fresh bacon at the same time.  This turkey bacon recipe is simple and you do not need a baking rack or broiler pan like other methods.  You too will agree that cooking turkey bacon in the oven instead of on the stove is your new favorite recipe.

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What you Need to Oven Cook Turkey Bacon

To cook turkey bacon in the oven, you only need a few pieces of kitchen equipment.  You will need sheet pans and cooking spray.  I suggest using cooking spray even if you have nonstick pans.  I also prefer the cooking spray versus using parchment paper. I find the parchment paper tends to dry out the turkey bacon a bit.  Let's be honest, turkey bacon is already less fatty and moist than regular pork bacon so let's not dry it even more. In a pinch, you can use aluminum foil to cook your bacon in the oven.

All  About Turkey Bacon

Turkey bacon is a lower fat option than regular bacon. It is oftentimes more low-carb and keto-friendly as well. Regular pork bacon tends to have added sugars; therefore, turkey bacon can be a better option for lower carbohydrate diets.   Turkey bacon is also a lower-sodium often. To find out more about if turkey bacon is healthy and what is turkey bacon made from, check out this article from HealthLine - Is Turkey Bacon Healthy; Nutrition, Calories, & More. 

• TURKEY BACON VS PORK BACON ( 2 slices  brands may vary) 
• 70 CALORIES vs 90 CALORIES
• 5g FAT vs 7g FAT
• 0g CARBS vs 0g CARBS   
• The above is based on Oscar Meyer Turkey Bacon vs Oscar Meyer Hardwood Smoked Pork Bacon

Have you ever wondered if you can eat turkey bacon raw?

Well yes and no, it depends on the brand you are using. Most turkey bacon is already cooked, often smoked when processing; therefore, it is similar to deli meats you may buy for sandwiches. However, some brands are not processed that way and are actually raw turkey meat. Turkey bacon can be cured or uncured. Please read your packaging carefully and as a rule of thumb, always cook your turkey bacon before eating it - especially for pregnant women, kids, and seniors.

How to Bake Turkey Bacon

Turn the oven to 425° to preheat.  Next, you will spray your baking sheets with cooking spray.  Finally, evenly space out the turkey bacon on the sheet pans. I can typically get 8-10 on a pan depending on the size of the bacon and the pans I am using. Do not overcrowd or overlap, turkey bacon tends to stick together easier than regular bacon.

How Long to Cook Turkey Bacon & at What Temperature 

To make turkey bacon crispy, baking it in the oven is the way to go.   Based on if you want your bacon lightly cooked or extra crispy, that will determine how long to cook turkey bacon in the oven.  The following times are suggested cook time based on cooking turkey bacon at 425° in a single layer on a sheet pan.

• Chewy Bacon/Slightly Cooked Turkey Bacon - bake for 8 minutes
• Slightly Crispy Edges Turkey Bacon & Soft in the center - bake for  10-12 minutes
• Extra Crispy Bacon (as seen below) - bake for 13-15 minutes

How to Tell When Turkey Bacon is Done

Everyone has a different idea of how they like bacon cooked. Some people like it still a bit soft or pliable and others like it very well done and crispy.  So based on how you like it, see the cooking times above.  You can tell when turkey bacon is done because it will no longer be soft in the center or edges and should not be sticking to the pan still. Once it is cooked and a bit crisp, it should lift on the pan easily when using cooking tongs so you can transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels.

This recipe for turkey bacon works also in a smaller toaster oven just as well as in your regular oven.  For toaster oven times, I would watch it and cook it a few minutes less. Still place the bacon strips on the toaster oven pan that comes with most models.  Also learn HOW TO COOK TURKEY BACON IN THE MICROWAVE OVEN, for the fastest way to get your breakfast done.

What to Serve with Turkey Bacon

Besides serving bacon with eggs, pancakes, or as a BLT, here are some great recipes to enjoy with your oven-baked turkey bacon.  You can enjoy it with these recipes or use the cooked turkey bacon in these recipes to replace the regular bacon.  There are breakfast, dinner, keto, gluten-free, and a ton of other recipe ideas here to make with bacon. All of these recipes ideas go well with and are great to serve with turkey bacon.

How to Store Leftover Cooked Turkey Bacon

Leftover cooked turkey bacon can be stored in the refrigerator.  I like to wrap it up in the paper towels I placed it on after cooking. Then I place that into an air-tight container that is long enough to store the bacon strips whole.  Cooked turkey bacon will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat leftover bacon, place in the microwave on a paper towel-lined plate and heat for 15-20 seconds for a slice or 30 seconds for up to 3 slices. Leftover crumbled turkey bacon is great to top salads, baked potatoes, soups, vegetables, and pasta.

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