This recipe will show you How to Cook Turkey Bacon in the Oven that turns out crispy every time. This baked method is a huge time saver with very little clean up.
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Cooking turkey bacon on the stovetop can be a pain,uneven cooking, grease splatters, and slices that curl up on you. If you want it crisp without standing over a popping skillet, the oven is the way to go. Baking it in the oven takes all that stress away. I’m all about sharing quick and easy meals that actually work. You’ll get evenly cooked strips with hardly any effort.
Why You'll Love Cooking Turkey Bacon in the Oven
- Less fat than frying it: Turkey bacon is already lower in fat than standard pork bacon, and baking it can further reduce the amount of fat per serving.
- It is Crispier: Baking can result in a crispier texture than frying.
- Easy to Prep: This is a simple process that does not require constant attention as frying does.
What Type of Bacon to Use
Turkey bacon is often used as a lower-fat alternative to standard pork bacon. Turkey bacon has a similar taste and texture to pork bacon, but it is leaner and contains fewer calories and saturated fat. It doesn't usually crisp up the same in comparison to pork bacon. This cooking method does the trick!
Most turkey bacon is cured processed meat. I recommend uncured and nitrate-free turkey bacon. Uncured is a type of bacon (pork or turkey) that has not been treated with synthetic nitrates, which are typically used to preserve the color and flavor of cured meats.
Uncured turkey is often made using natural ingredients such as celery powder or sea salt to cure the meat and prevent spoilage. Check out Healthy Tips for Eating Turkey Bacon here.
How to Bake Turkey Bacon in the Oven
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Line a sheet pan or baking pan with parchment paper. Place the turkey bacon on the parchment paper. Don’t stack the bacon.
- Bake for 10 minutes.
- Flip the bacon. Bake.
Temperature
I recommend 400 degrees.
Cook Time/How Long to Bake
Total bake time will vary based on your oven and how crispy you like your bacon. I typically bake for 15-20 minutes.
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Benefits of Using Parchment Paper for Baking Turkey Bacon
Typically when I bake just about anything on a sheet pan, I use parchment paper.
- Prevent sticking: It creates a non-stick surface, which can help prevent the bacon from sticking to the pan during cooking.
- Easy clean-up: Parchment paper can be easily removed and thrown out after cooking, reducing the amount of clean-up required.
- Maintain moisture: Parchment paper can help to retain moisture in the bacon during cooking, resulting in a softer, juicier texture.
- Prevent over-browning: The paper can also help to control the temperature which will help the bacon cook at an even and consistent temperature.
You can use foil instead of parchment paper if you wish. Foil will provide easy cleanup, but it may not provide the same level of moisture retention as using parchment paper.
How to Store
Let the bacon cool completely, then place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap. It’ll keep for about 4–5 days.
Turkey Bacon in the Oven FAQs
I don't use a baking rack. I find using parchment paper and 400 degrees temperature in the oven does a great job of crisping the bacon. You can use one if you prefer.
Turkey bacon is often seen as a “healthier” swap for regular pork bacon, but whether it’s actually healthy depends on what you’re comparing it to and how you use it. Turkey bacon usually has fewer calories and less saturated fat than pork bacon, which can be a win if you’re watching those numbers. But it can also be lower in protein than pork bacon.
Many brands of turkey bacon are high in sodium, sometimes even higher than regular bacon. That’s something to watch if you’re trying to cut back on salt. I always shop for uncured, nitrate-free turkey bacon.
Yes, you’ll want to flip turkey bacon at least once while it bakes. Flipping halfway through helps both sides brown and crisp evenly. Turkey bacon is leaner than pork, so it can dry out faster. Flipping helps prevent one side from overcooking.
Pair With these Breakfast Recipes
Fried Potatoes and Onions
Sweet Potato Oatmeal
Air Fryer Hash Browns
Breakfast Crunchwrap
More Bacon Recipes
Traeger Smoked Bacon
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Southern Green Beans with Bacon
Broccoli Salad with Bacon
How to Cook Turkey Bacon in the Oven
Want to save this recipe for later?
I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also get our free digital cookbook with 30-Minute One-Pot Recipes and weekly recipes and tips.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 slices turkey bacon
- parchment paper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Line a sheet pan or baking pan with parchment paper. Place the turkey bacon on the parchment paper. Don't stack the bacon.
- Bake for 10 minutes. Flip the bacon. Bake for an additional 6-10 minutes or until it is brown and crisp.Every oven will cook at varying speeds. Be sure to keep a close watch to monitor the appropriate cook time.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Mary says
I do thick cut bacon the same way, just a little longer - more like 20 minutes. Best way I've found. Used to do in microwave on a paper plate w/lots of paper towels under and over until I set timer too ling, burnt it and had horrible mess.
staysnatched says
Yep! I recommend 20 minutes as the range for bake time. I'm glad you enjoy this method.