Prepare to elevate your culinary repertoire with a dish that promises to be a showstopper for any occasion: the Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast. This exquisitely simple yet unbelievably flavorful entrée is perfect for holiday feasts like Thanksgiving and Christmas, but is also straightforward enough to grace your weeknight dinner table. Imagine succulent, boneless turkey breast, generously coated in a rich, aromatic garlic-and-herb butter sauce, then meticulously encased in strips of savory, crispy bacon, and finally baked to golden-brown perfection. The result is a profoundly juicy and tender turkey, infused with incredible flavor, and crowned with a delightful bacon crust that will leave everyone craving more.
Beyond its irresistible taste, this recipe is remarkably adaptable to various dietary needs. It’s naturally low-carb and keto-friendly, making it an excellent choice for those mindful of their carbohydrate intake. Furthermore, with a few simple substitutions, it can effortlessly be made dairy-free and paleo, ensuring that almost everyone can enjoy this magnificent meal. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that combines elegance with ease, and flavor with fantastic dietary flexibility.
Why You’ll Love This Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast Recipe
There are countless reasons why this Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast will become a cherished staple in your kitchen. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience that consistently delivers on flavor, convenience, and versatility. Here’s a deeper dive into what makes this recipe truly special:
Unrivaled Juiciness and Flavor Infusion
The secret to this turkey breast’s phenomenal moisture and taste lies in the ingenious garlic-and-herb butter sauce. This fragrant mixture, lovingly applied beneath the bacon wrap, creates a protective, flavorful barrier. As the turkey bakes, the butter slowly melts, basting the meat from the inside out and locking in all its natural juices. Simultaneously, the herbs and garlic permeate the turkey, adding layers of savory depth that are simply divine. The bacon on top doesn’t just add a crispy texture; its rendered fat also contributes to the rich moisture and distinctive savory taste, ensuring every bite is moist, tender, and bursting with flavor. For those seeking an alternative flavor profile or an extra boost of moisture, submerging the turkey breast overnight in an easy turkey brine can work wonders, allowing you to skip the butter sauce in this recipe if desired.
A Harmonious Partner for Any Side Dish
One of the greatest strengths of this bacon wrapped turkey breast is its incredible versatility when it comes to pairings. Its balanced, savory flavor profile makes it a perfect companion for a wide array of side dishes, regardless of cuisine or occasion. Whether you’re planning a traditional holiday feast or a simple weeknight meal, this turkey adapts beautifully. Imagine serving it with comforting classics like Southern Smothered Potatoes or hearty Broccoli Cornbread. For a touch of green, Italian Green Beans offer a fresh contrast, while a creamy Sweet Potato Pudding provides a delightful sweet and savory balance. From roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes to crisp salads and grain dishes, the possibilities are truly endless, making meal planning a breeze.
Beyond the Holidays: A Simple Weeknight Marvel
While this Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast certainly possesses the elegance and grandeur typically associated with holiday dinners, it’s far too delicious and easy to prepare to be reserved for just a few special occasions a year. Don’t let its impressive appearance fool you into thinking it’s complicated. Its straightforward preparation means you can enjoy this flavorful entrée any time the craving strikes. It’s an ideal solution for a satisfying Sunday dinner, a sophisticated yet low-effort meal for entertaining guests, or simply a delicious way to elevate an ordinary weeknight. Embrace its simplicity and let it become a regular, much-anticipated dish in your family’s meal rotation, proving that extraordinary flavor doesn’t always require extraordinary effort.
Essential Ingredients for Success
Crafting the perfect Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast begins with understanding and selecting the right core ingredients. While the recipe is simple, the quality and preparation of these components make all the difference in achieving a truly memorable dish.
Boneless Turkey Breast: Your Canvas for Flavor
The star of this dish is undoubtedly the boneless turkey breast. You can use either fresh or frozen, but if opting for frozen, ensure it is completely thawed before you begin cooking. Proper thawing, usually done overnight in the refrigerator, is crucial for even cooking and optimal texture. A typical recipe calls for a 3-pound turkey breast, which is ideal for 6 servings. However, if your turkey breast is larger, you’ll need to adjust both the cooking time and the quantity of bacon accordingly to ensure full coverage and thorough cooking. Keep in mind that some turkey breasts come with a netting around them to hold their shape; always remember to remove this netting before you start your preparation. Look for a lean, high-quality turkey breast to ensure the best flavor and texture.
The Magic of Bacon: Flavor and Texture
Bacon doesn’t just add a delicious crispy exterior; it’s integral to the moisture and flavor of the turkey. Any type of bacon will work here, from thin-cut to thick-cut, and even turkey bacon can be used for a lighter option, although pork bacon typically provides the richest flavor and most satisfying crispness. For a visually stunning presentation that will truly impress your guests, consider basket-weaving the bacon strips around the turkey. This technique not only looks beautiful but also creates an even blanket of bacon, ensuring a perfectly crispy and flavorful crust across the entire breast. The rendered bacon fat also helps to continually baste the turkey as it cooks, contributing to its incredible juiciness.
Aromatic Garlic & Herb Butter: The Heart of the Flavor
Beyond the turkey and bacon, the garlic and herb butter mixture is the unsung hero of this recipe. It’s a simple blend of melted salted butter, fresh thyme, rosemary, parsley, sage, and minced garlic. Each herb plays a crucial role: thyme offers an earthy, slightly minty note; rosemary provides a fragrant, piney essence; parsley adds a fresh, clean brightness; and sage contributes a warm, peppery, slightly balsamic undertone. Minced garlic infuses everything with its pungent, savory aroma. Together, these ingredients create a robust, classic flavor profile that complements the turkey beautifully and helps keep it incredibly moist. Using fresh herbs is highly recommended for the best flavor, but dried herbs can be substituted in a pinch (use about one-third the amount of fresh).
How to Prepare Your Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast
Preparing this succulent Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. Follow these simple steps to create a dish that’s rich in flavor and tender in texture:
- Prepare the Herb Butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted salted butter with freshly chopped thyme, rosemary, parsley, and sage, along with minced garlic. Mix thoroughly until all the herbs and garlic are evenly distributed in the butter. This aromatic blend is crucial for flavoring and moistening the turkey.
- Preheat and Set Up: Preheat your oven to 375° Fahrenheit (190°C). Place a wire baking rack onto a baking sheet. This setup is vital as it allows air to circulate around the turkey and bacon, ensuring crispiness and allowing excess fat to drip away.
- Coat the Turkey: Position the boneless turkey breast on the wire rack. Liberally coat the entire turkey breast with the prepared garlic-and-herb butter mixture. Make sure to spread the mixture evenly over the surface, ensuring every inch is covered to maximize flavor and juiciness.
- Wrap with Bacon: Now for the bacon wrapping. Begin by laying 2-4 slices of bacon horizontally across the turkey breast to cover the ends. Then, take the remaining slices and lay them vertically across the turkey, ensuring the entire breast is tightly encased in bacon. Tuck the ends of the bacon strips underneath the turkey breast to secure them in place during baking. If some strips refuse to stay, toothpicks can be used to pin them down, and can be easily removed after cooking.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheet with the bacon-wrapped turkey breast into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 2 hours, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the turkey breast reaches 165° Fahrenheit (74°C). An internal meat thermometer is indispensable for accurately checking doneness and preventing overcooking.
- Rest and Serve: Once the turkey reaches the target temperature, remove it from the oven. Allow it to rest for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period is critical; it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a supremely tender and moist turkey. If you slice it too soon, the juices will run out, resulting in a drier bird. After resting, slice against the grain for the most tender pieces and enjoy your perfectly cooked Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast!
Chef’s Expert Tips for the Perfect Roast
To truly master the Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast and ensure a sensational result every time, consider these expert tips that go beyond the basic instructions:
Holiday Entertaining: Feeding a Crowd with Ease
This dish is an excellent alternative or supplement to a whole turkey for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, especially if you’re feeding a large group or simply want to offer variety. It cooks faster and is easier to manage than a whole bird, reducing stress on a busy holiday. If you’re wondering how much turkey to prepare per guest, a good rule of thumb is about 1.5 pounds of turkey per person for a boneless breast, accounting for generous servings and potential leftovers. For a detailed guide on calculating portions, refer to resources like How Much Turkey Per Person? This recipe is also fantastic for smaller gatherings, providing all the festive flavor without the commitment of a huge roast.
Securing the Bacon for a Flawless Finish
Achieving that beautifully crisp and intact bacon crust is key. Sometimes, bacon strips can be stubborn and won’t stay tucked under the turkey breast. This is where simple wooden toothpicks become your best friend! Use them to pin down any unruly bacon strips, ensuring they remain securely in place throughout the baking process. After the turkey is fully cooked, the bacon will have rendered and firmed up, holding its shape perfectly. At this point, you can easily remove the toothpicks before slicing and serving, leaving you with a perfectly wrapped, aesthetically pleasing roast.
The Indispensable Wire Rack: A Secret to Crispy Bacon
Do not, under any circumstances, skip using a wire baking rack set over a baking sheet! This piece of equipment is absolutely critical for the success of this recipe. The rack elevates the turkey breast, allowing air to circulate freely around all sides. More importantly, it ensures that the rendered grease from the bacon drips off and away from the turkey. If you neglect the rack, the turkey and bacon will sit in a pool of grease, preventing the bacon from getting crispy all the way around and potentially making the turkey soggy. The wire rack guarantees a beautifully crisp bacon crust and an evenly cooked, golden-brown turkey breast.
Achieving the Ideal Internal Temperature
For food safety and optimal tenderness, always cook turkey breast until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use an internal meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast (avoiding bone if it were a bone-in cut, but since it’s boneless, just find the deepest part) to ensure accuracy. Pulling the turkey out a few degrees before 165°F and letting it rest can sometimes result in even juicier meat due to carryover cooking, but ensure it reaches a safe temperature after resting.
The Importance of Resting
Once your bacon-wrapped turkey breast reaches its ideal internal temperature, resist the urge to slice into it immediately. Resting the meat for 5 to 10 minutes (or even up to 15 for larger breasts) under a loose foil tent is paramount. This allows the muscle fibers, which contract during cooking, to relax and reabsorb the juices that have migrated to the center of the meat. Slicing too soon will cause these precious juices to escape onto your cutting board, leaving you with drier turkey. A proper rest ensures a moist, tender, and flavorful result.
Brining for Enhanced Moisture and Flavor
While the garlic-herb butter does an excellent job of keeping the turkey moist, for an unparalleled level of juiciness and flavor, consider brining your turkey breast beforehand. A simple saltwater brine, often enhanced with aromatics like herbs, peppercorns, and citrus, will help the turkey absorb extra moisture and flavor, resulting in an even more tender and succulent roast. If you choose to brine, you might adjust the seasoning in the butter mixture to avoid over-salting, or even skip the butter sauce as mentioned earlier, letting the brine’s flavor shine through.
Serving Suggestions & Pairing Ideas
The beauty of Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast lies not only in its delectable taste but also in its incredible versatility. It pairs beautifully with a vast array of side dishes, making it suitable for any occasion, from casual family dinners to elaborate holiday feasts. Here are some ideas to inspire your meal planning:
Classic Comfort Sides
For a traditional and comforting meal, serve your turkey with beloved classics. Creamy mashed potatoes are a timeless choice, soaking up any leftover pan juices. Roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and potatoes offer earthy sweetness and a satisfying texture. A vibrant green bean casserole or simple steamed asparagus adds a fresh, crisp element, while homemade gravy, often made from the pan drippings, ties all the flavors together beautifully. Don’t forget a side of fluffy stuffing or cornbread for that quintessential home-cooked feel.
Light & Fresh Options
If you’re aiming for a lighter meal, this turkey breast shines with fresh and zesty accompaniments. A crisp green salad with a bright vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the bacon and turkey. Quinoa or wild rice pilaf can offer a wholesome grain component, while sautéed spinach with garlic or roasted broccoli adds vital nutrients and vibrant color without being heavy. Fresh cranberry sauce, whether homemade or store-bought, offers a delightful tang that cuts through the savory flavors.
Holiday Feast Pairings
When hosting a holiday gathering, this bacon-wrapped turkey can be the centerpiece or a fantastic addition to a larger spread. Complement it with sophisticated sides like truffle mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze, or a wild mushroom risotto. Consider serving it with a festive bread such as challah or cranberry-nut bread. A glass of crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, or a light-bodied red like Pinot Noir, would perfectly enhance the meal, making your holiday feast truly memorable.
Dietary Adaptations: Keto, Paleo & Dairy-Free Friendly
This Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast recipe is already wonderfully accommodating for several dietary preferences, and with minimal adjustments, it can fit even more. Its inherent qualities make it a fantastic choice for healthy eating plans without sacrificing flavor.
Keto & Low Carb Benefits
Turkey breast is naturally low in carbohydrates and high in protein, making it an excellent foundation for a ketogenic or low-carb diet. The addition of bacon adds healthy fats without increasing carb count, enhancing satiety and flavor. The garlic and herb butter, being fat-based, also fits perfectly within these guidelines. This recipe, as written, is an ideal main course that helps you stay on track with your low-carb goals while enjoying a delicious and satisfying meal. It provides essential nutrients and protein to keep you feeling full and energized.
Dairy-Free Modifications
Making this recipe dairy-free is incredibly simple. The primary dairy component is the butter in the herb mixture. Easily substitute salted butter with your favorite dairy-free butter alternative. There are many high-quality plant-based butters available today that will provide the same rich texture and moisture without the dairy. Ensure all other ingredients, like bacon, are also dairy-free if that is a concern, though most are naturally so.
Paleo-Friendly Choices
To make this Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast fully compliant with a paleo diet, a couple of ingredient swaps are necessary. Instead of conventional butter, use ghee (clarified butter), which is dairy-free and paleo-approved. Additionally, it’s crucial to select a paleo-friendly bacon. This means choosing bacon that is sugar-free and free from other non-compliant additives, such as nitrites, nitrates, or artificial preservatives often found in conventional bacon. Always check the ingredient label carefully to ensure your bacon meets paleo standards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions about making Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast, along with helpful answers to ensure your cooking success:
Can I use a bone-in turkey breast?
While this recipe is optimized for a boneless turkey breast, you can certainly adapt it for a bone-in breast. However, you’ll need to increase the cooking time significantly, as bones slow down heat penetration. Always rely on an internal meat thermometer to ensure the thickest part of the meat (avoiding the bone) reaches 165°F (74°C). The bacon wrapping technique will also need slight adjustment to accommodate the bone structure.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze sliced turkey breast in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can do some prep work in advance. You can mix the garlic-herb butter a day or two ahead and store it in the refrigerator. You can also coat and wrap the turkey breast with bacon several hours before baking, or even the night before. Store the prepared turkey breast, covered, in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This helps streamline your cooking process on the day of your meal.
What is the ideal internal temperature for cooked turkey?
The safe internal temperature for cooked turkey, including turkey breast, is 165°F (74°C). Always use an accurate meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat to confirm doneness. This ensures the turkey is safe to eat and perfectly cooked, not overdone and dry.
More Delicious Turkey Recipes to Make Your Mouth Water
If you’ve enjoyed this Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast, you’re in for a treat with these other fantastic turkey recipes that offer a variety of flavors and cooking methods:
- Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
- Instant Pot Turkey Stock
- Smoked Turkey and White Bean Soup
- Turkey Stuffed Peppers
- How to Cook Turkey Bacon in the Oven
- Garlic and Herb Sous Vide Turkey
- Baked Turkey Wings
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Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast
Cheryl Malik
- Pin
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons salted butter melted
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 1 sage leaf chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 3-pound boneless turkey breast
- 8-10 slices bacon
Equipment
- Oven
- Small bowl
- Baking sheet
- Wire baking rack
- Internal meat thermometer
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375° Fahrenheit. In small bowl, mix together butter, thyme, rosemary, parsley, sage, and garlic.
- Place wire baking rack on baking sheet and set turkey breast on rack. Liberally coat turkey breast in butter-herb mixture, being sure to apply mixture evenly.
- One by one, wrap strips of bacon around turkey breast and tuck ends of bacon under turkey to stay in place. Start by placing 2-4 slices of bacon horizontally across turkey breast to cover ends of turkey, then lay remaining slices of bacon vertically across turkey breast to cover sides.
- Place baking sheet in preheated oven. Bake 2 hours or until turkey reaches internal temperature of 165° Fahrenheit. Once temperature is reached, remove turkey from oven and let rest 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- If your turkey breast has a netting around it, be sure to remove that before you get started!
- Don’t skip the wire rack! It’s super important. The rack elevates the turkey breast so the grease from the bacon will drip off and away. If you don’t use the rack, the turkey and bacon will just sit in the grease, and the bacon won’t get crispy all the way around.
- Make it Dairy Free: Use dairy-free butter.
- Make it Paleo: Use ghee instead of butter, and use a paleo-friendly bacon without sugar or other non-compliant additives.
Recipe yields approximately 6 servings. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by 6. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Nutrition Information
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.