Bacon-Wrapped Turkey Recipe

Name: Bacon-Wrapped Turkey
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Yield: 10
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12-14 lb whole turkey, thawed if frozen; 1 lb bacon slices; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 2 teaspoons paprika; Salt and black pepper to taste

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Bacon-wrapped turkey is the ultimate feast for bacon lovers and holiday gatherings. This succulent turkey, enveloped in crispy bacon, is sure to be the centerpiece of any meal.

Tasting Notes:

The combination of juicy turkey and savory bacon creates a mouthwatering flavor explosion. The bacon adds a smoky, salty crunch to every bite, enhancing the natural richness of the turkey. This dish is guaranteed to impress your guests and leave them craving more.

Ingredients:

12-14 lb whole turkey, thawed if frozen
1 lb bacon slices
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste

Kitchen Equipment:

Roasting pan with rack
Kitchen twine
Meat thermometer

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Rinse the turkey inside and out, then pat dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Carefully loosen the turkey skin from the meat using your fingers, being careful not to tear it.
Rub the seasoned butter mixture underneath the turkey skin, covering as much of the meat as possible.
Starting at the neck end, wrap the bacon slices around the turkey, slightly overlapping each slice. Secure the bacon in place with kitchen twine.
Place the bacon-wrapped turkey on a roasting rack set inside a roasting pan.
Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) when measured in the thickest part of the thigh with a meat thermometer.
Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.
Carve the bacon-wrapped turkey and serve hot with your favorite sides.

Pro Tips:

Use thick-cut bacon for better coverage and flavor.
Tent the turkey loosely with aluminum foil if the bacon begins to brown too quickly.
For extra flavor, add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the seasoned butter mixture.

Variations:

Instead of garlic powder and paprika, try seasoning the turkey with your favorite herbs and spices.
Substitute turkey bacon for a lighter option.
Experiment with different bacon flavors such as maple or applewood-smoked.

FAQs:

Can I stuff the turkey if it’s wrapped in bacon?

It’s not recommended to stuff a bacon-wrapped turkey, as the bacon creates a barrier that can prevent the stuffing from cooking properly and reaching a safe internal temperature.

How do I prevent the bacon from becoming too greasy?

Using thick-cut bacon and roasting the turkey on a rack will allow excess grease to drip away, resulting in crispier bacon. Additionally, you can blot the bacon with paper towels after cooking to remove any excess grease.

Yield: Serves 10-12

Bacon-Wrapped Turkey

Prep Time 30 minutes

Cook Time 3 hours

Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients

12-14 lb whole turkey, thawed if frozen
1 lb bacon slices
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Rinse the turkey inside and out, then pat dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Carefully loosen the turkey skin from the meat using your fingers, being careful not to tear it.
Rub the seasoned butter mixture underneath the turkey skin, covering as much of the meat as possible.
Starting at the neck end, wrap the bacon slices around the turkey, slightly overlapping each slice. Secure the bacon in place with kitchen twine.
Place the bacon-wrapped turkey on a roasting rack set inside a roasting pan.
Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) when measured in the thickest part of the thigh with a meat thermometer.
Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.
Carve the bacon-wrapped turkey and serve hot with your favorite sides.