If you are looking for a show-stopping centerpiece that’s both juicy and bursting with flavor, the Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine a tender turkey breast, perfectly seasoned and lovingly wrapped in crispy, smoky bacon that adds a savory depth you won’t find in your ordinary roast. This dish combines simplicity and elegance, making it ideal for family dinners, holiday feasts, or whenever you want to impress your guests with minimal fuss. Once you try this recipe, the rich flavors and tender texture will have you coming back for seconds every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how just a handful of simple ingredients can come together to create such a delicious dish. Each item plays a vital role—from enhancing moisture to adding savory undertones—ensuring every bite of this Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast Recipe is unforgettable.
- Cold water (3 quarts): Essential for the brining process to keep the turkey super juicy and flavorful.
- Kosher salt (½ cup): The magic ingredient in the brine that tenderizes the turkey and seasons it deeply.
- Granulated sugar (â…“ cup): Balances the saltiness and helps with browning for that gorgeous color.
- Whole peppercorns (10, optional): Adds a subtle spicy note to elevate the flavor complexity.
- Boneless, skinless turkey breast (about 3 pounds): The main star that, once wrapped in bacon, transforms into a juicy, succulent masterpiece.
- Bacon slices (10-12): Crisp up beautifully in the oven, locking in moisture while infusing a smoky richness to the turkey.
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast Recipe
Step 1: Brine the Turkey Breast
Start your delicious journey by preparing the brine—combine cold water, kosher salt, sugar, and peppercorns in a large container. Submerge the turkey breast completely in this mixture and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight. This step is crucial as it allows the turkey to absorb moisture and seasoning, which means your final dish will be incredibly juicy and full of flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Turkey for Wrapping
Once brined, rinse the turkey breast under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Drying the turkey properly helps the bacon crisp up beautifully during cooking. Lay the turkey on a clean cutting board, and get ready to wrap it with bacon carefully, ensuring even coverage without overlapping too much, so each slice crisps evenly.
Step 3: Wrap with Bacon
Take the bacon slices and wrap them around the turkey breast snugly but gently. The bacon not only lends an irresistible smoky flavor but also keeps the turkey breast moist as it cooks. If you have some toothpicks handy, use them to secure the bacon ends briefly to prevent slipping during roasting, just make sure to remove them before serving.
Step 4: Roast to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bacon-wrapped turkey breast on a roasting rack set inside a baking pan to allow air circulation and even cooking. Roast the turkey for about 90 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The bacon should be crispy and golden brown, and the turkey tender and juicy.
Step 5: Rest and Slice
After roasting, resist the temptation to slice immediately. Let the turkey breast rest for at least 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. This resting period guarantees every slice will be moist and tender, making your Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast Recipe the star of any meal.
How to Serve Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your presentation and add fresh flavors. Think vibrant sprigs of rosemary or thyme to give a lovely aroma, or serve with thin lemon slices which add a zesty contrast to the smoky richness of the bacon. Fresh parsley sprinkled over the top adds a pop of color and brightens the overall plate.
Side Dishes
This Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast Recipe pairs beautifully with classic comfort sides. Creamy mashed potatoes and savory stuffing beautifully complement the hearty turkey. For a lighter touch, sautéed green beans or a crisp mixed green salad add freshness and balance to your plate. Roasted root vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes bring out the earthy flavors and add warmth to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive occasion, slice the turkey breast into thick rounds and arrange them artfully on a wooden cutting board alongside bowls of cranberry sauce and gravy for dipping. You can even form mini sandwiches with crusty rolls, arugula, and a slather of grainy mustard—perfect for a casual gathering with friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover bacon wrapped turkey breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consuming within 3 to 4 days ensures you still enjoy the rich flavors and tender meat without any loss of quality or safety.
Freezing
If you want to keep the leftovers longer, wrap the turkey tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. Properly stored, this turkey can last up to 2 months in the freezer without losing much of its deliciousness. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices of the turkey breast in a covered dish with a little broth or water and warm gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through. This helps maintain the moistness without drying out the meat or bacon. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the crispy bacon texture.
FAQs
Can I use turkey with the skin on instead of skinless?
Absolutely! Leaving the skin on adds another layer of flavor and helps with moisture retention. Just adjust cooking times slightly to ensure the skin crisps without overcooking the turkey inside.
Is it necessary to brine the turkey breast?
While you can skip brining, it’s highly recommended. The brine ensures the turkey breast remains juicy and infused with subtle flavors, which is harder to achieve with just seasoning.
What type of bacon works best for wrapping?
Thick-cut bacon is ideal since it crisps up nicely without drying out. Avoid overly thin bacon, as it can become too crispy or even burn before the turkey finishes cooking.
How long can I prepare this dish in advance?
You can brine the turkey up to 24 hours ahead and wrap it with bacon a few hours before roasting. However, for best freshness, cook the turkey on the day you plan to serve it.
Can I add other seasonings or herbs?
Definitely! Garlic powder, smoked paprika, or fresh herbs like sage and thyme pair wonderfully with this recipe. Just be mindful not to overpower the natural flavors of the turkey and bacon.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about sinking your teeth into a juicy turkey breast wrapped in crispy bacon, which is why this Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast Recipe has become a favorite in countless kitchens. It’s straightforward, boasts unbeatable flavor, and makes any meal feel special. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to dish for holidays and cozy dinners alike. Enjoy every flavorful bite!
Print
Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 8 hours brining time)
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Total Time: 9 hours 50 minutes (including brining and resting time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast recipe offers a flavorful and juicy turkey breast wrapped in crispy bacon, perfect for a delicious and impressive main course. The turkey is first brined to enhance moisture and tenderness, then wrapped in bacon slices and oven-roasted until golden and cooked through.
Ingredients
Brine
- 3 quarts cold water
- ½ cup kosher salt
- â…“ cup granulated sugar
- 10 whole peppercorns (optional)
Main
- 1 boneless, skinless turkey breast (about 3 pounds)
- 10–12 slices bacon
Instructions
- Prepare the Brine: In a large container or pot, combine the cold water, kosher salt, granulated sugar, and whole peppercorns if using. Stir until the salt and sugar have dissolved completely.
- Brine the Turkey Breast: Submerge the boneless, skinless turkey breast in the prepared brine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow the turkey to absorb moisture and seasoning.
- Preheat the Oven: Remove the turkey breast from the brine, pat dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, and let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Wrap with Bacon: Lay the turkey breast on a baking tray or roasting pan, then carefully wrap the slices of bacon around the entire breast, slightly overlapping them to cover fully.
- Roast the Turkey: Place the wrapped turkey breast in the preheated oven. Roast for about 90 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast, ensuring it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute for a succulent final dish.
Notes
- Ensure to dry the turkey thoroughly after brining to help the bacon crisp up better during roasting.
- Adjust cooking time if your turkey breast is larger or smaller than 3 pounds.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee the turkey is fully cooked without overcooking.
- The brining process significantly enhances moisture and flavor but can be skipped if short on time—just season the turkey well before wrapping with bacon.
