If you’re exploring the world of healthy eating, you might be on the hunt for new and delicious foods to try that are all-natural, nutrient dense, or lower in fat. Whole-cut turkey bacon is a nutritious leaner protein option, and when it’s real-wood smoked, it tastes incredibly similar to pork bacon. But does it cook the same? You can use a variety of simple and familiar cooking methods to cook turkey bacon, and there’s no trick to it. Here are some instructions for getting your bacon just right.
Turkey bacon has become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional pork bacon With its lower fat content and fewer calories, many find it to be a healthier choice But one question that often comes up is – do you have to cook turkey bacon before eating it?
The short answer is yes turkey bacon does need to be cooked prior to consumption. But to better understand why let’s take a closer look at what turkey bacon is and the proper ways to cook it.
What is Turkey Bacon?
Turkey bacon is made from ground or chopped turkey that has been cured. The curing process involves injecting a brine solution containing water, salt, sugars, and sodium nitrite. This helps preserve the meat and gives it flavor. After curing, turkey bacon is smoked to add smoky notes and further cook the meat.
The end result is a product that looks and tastes similar to traditional pork bacon, but is made from turkey Popular brands like Oscar Mayer, Hormel, and Jennie-O all offer turkey bacon options
Is it Safe to Eat Uncooked Turkey Bacon?
While turkey bacon goes through a curing and smoking process, it is still not fully cooked when you purchase it. The USDA recommends cooking turkey bacon to 165°F, the safe minimum internal temperature for poultry products.
Eating undercooked or raw turkey bacon can potentially expose you to harmful bacteria like salmonella. For this reason, it is not recommended to eat turkey bacon without cooking it first.
I always make sure to read the packaging carefully. Some turkey bacon labels do indicate that the product is pre-cooked or ready to eat. As long as the package specifies it is fully cooked, then it is safe to consume without additional preparation. But this is not usually the case with major turkey bacon brands.
Proper Cooking Methods
Cooking turkey bacon thoroughly before eating eliminates any risks from raw poultry. Here are some easy methods for preparing tasty turkey bacon at home:
In a Skillet: The most traditional way is to cook turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat. Place the slices in a single layer and flip occasionally with tongs or a spatula until browned and crispy. This takes about 5-10 minutes.
In the Oven: Baking turkey bacon in the oven results in crispy, evenly cooked strips. Place bacon slices on a foil-lined baking sheet and cook at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. Flipping halfway through ensures the bacon crisps on both sides.
In the Microwave: For a quick option, turkey bacon can be cooked in the microwave. Place slices between paper towels and microwave on high in 30 second intervals until desired crispness is reached, flipping occasionally. This takes 2-4 minutes.
In an Air Fryer: Air frying allows you to cook turkey bacon with no oil. At 370°F it takes about 8-10 minutes to achieve crispy turkey bacon with an air fryer.
No matter which method you use, always make sure turkey bacon reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to verify doneness if needed. The bacon should be sizzling, browned, and crispy when fully cooked.
Proper Storage
To maintain safety and quality, proper storage of turkey bacon is important. Here are some tips:
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Store unopened turkey bacon in the fridge and use within 1 week of the sell-by date.
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Once opened, reseal the package and use within 3-5 days.
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Keep cooked turkey bacon in an airtight container and use within 4-5 days.
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For longer storage, freeze turkey bacon for up to 1-2 months.
Always keep turkey bacon refrigerated as you would with regular bacon. The cold environment helps prevent spoilage and bacterial growth.
Creative Ways to Enjoy Turkey Bacon
When cooked properly, turkey bacon makes a tasty addition to all kinds of dishes. Here are some fun ways to enjoy it:
- Chopped in omelets, frittatas or breakfast scrambles
- Crumbled on top of salads or soups
- Added to sandwiches, burgers or wraps
- Paired with roasted Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes
- Rolled up with cream cheese or goat cheese
- Baked into casseroles or egg bakes
- Used in BLT sandwiches
- Served alongside pancakes or waffles
Turkey bacon offers the signature smoky, salty flavor of bacon with fewer calories and fat. So yes, you do need to cook it before eating to eliminate any food safety risks. But once cooked, it can be used to enhance a variety of savory dishes. Following proper cooking methods and storage will help you safely enjoy the turkey bacon experience.
How to Cook Turkey Bacon in the Oven
Sautéing is quick, but if you’re hands-off in the kitchen, you might prefer baking turkey bacon in the oven. There are benefits to baking turkey bacon in the oven. One is that you can prep other parts of your meal while the bacon cooks. Another is batch size: a lot of bacon can fit on a baking sheet, which is useful when you’re cooking for a crowd.
Follow these steps for crispy, oven-baked turkey bacon without added oil:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and set a baking rack on top (if you have one). Arrange your turkey bacon in a single layer on the rack or parchment, making sure the strips don’t overlap.
- Bake for 12 minutes on the middle rack of the oven.
- Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any oil drawn out by heat, keeping the turkey bacon more crisp until you serve.
Quick tip:
Not cooking for a crowd? If you only want a few slices, you can make turkey bacon in the toaster oven. Follow the same steps as above.
Turkey bacon tastes great from the oven, but you don’t always have to bake it on its own. For something simple that feels luxurious, wrap a slice of bacon around your favorite fresh vegetable before baking. Or try sprinkling some pepper on top before baking in the oven to elevate your turkey bacon.
How to Cook Turkey Bacon on the Stove
Can you cook turkey bacon in a pan on the stove like pork bacon? Yes, sautéing turkey bacon with oil gives you crispy, flavorful results in a few short steps:
- Pre-heat skillet to medium high.
- Heat slices while turning them every minute to ensure uniform browning.
- When the bacon is halfway done, turn to medium heat.
- Remove from heat to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess cooking oil.
Sautéed turkey bacon shines in classic sandwich recipes like the BLT, and you can prepare it quickly. The delicious taste and crisp texture of our real wood-smoked bacon gives the Ultimate TBLT a nutritious punch.
Best Way To Cook Turkey Bacon
FAQ
Can you eat turkey bacon without cooking it?
Is turkey bacon already fully cooked?
Does turkey bacon cook differently than regular bacon?
Can turkey bacon be a little pink?
Can you cook turkey bacon in a skillet?
You can take the traditional route and cook turkey bacon in a skillet. Simply take a few slices of turkey bacon and heat them in a single layer in your skillet over medium flame. Cook them for about 7 to 10 minutes and make sure to flip the slices over after every 2 to 3 minutes to cook both sides evenly.
Can you cook turkey bacon in the oven?
According to Cooks Illustrated, preparing turkey bacon in the oven can lead to a leathery outcome, and no one wants that. Instead, set a skillet over a medium heat, but make sure it isn’t a dry pan. The secret to crispy turkey bacon is frying it in about 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
How long does it take to cook turkey bacon?
Bake the turkey bacon till it’s brown and crispy. This will take about 8 to 10 minutes. The sides of the strips will dry and become crunchy, indicating that they are ready to be flipped. Use a pair of tongs to flip the bacon strips over. This makes the turkey bacon crunchier.
Can You microwave turkey bacon?
Instructions Line a microwave-safe platter with a paper towel and put a single layer of turkey bacon slices on it. You can microwave 4 slices in one go. Put the platter in the microwave and set your microwave to 100% power. Microwave the bacon in 30-second increments for about 2 to 3 minutes or until it’s crispy.