Perfectly Crispy Oven-Baked Turkey Bacon Every Time

If you’re craving perfectly crispy turkey bacon, this method for oven-baked turkey bacon is a game changer. I’ve been cooking turkey bacon in the oven for years with consistent results every time.

A healthier alternative to pan frying (with virtually zero mess), oven-baking is also convenient. You can make a Coconut Milk Matcha Latte or Tiramisu Latte while the bacon cooks without worrying about it. I often make oven-baked turkey bacon for lunch when working from home and prep a yummy salad while it cooks.

Whether using a conventional, convection, or a Miele Combi-Steam Oven, this recipe provides simple instructions for every scenario. In less than 30 minutes you’ll have deliciously crispy turkey bacon to accompany a healthy breakfast, lunch salad, soup, or tasty snack.

 

Is Turkey Bacon Healthy?

Turkey bacon is generally healthier than pork bacon, especially when it comes to saturated fat, which is linked to heart disease and certain neurodegenerative conditions in some individuals.

 

Organic Turkey Bacon

However, not all turkey bacon is created equal. If possible, choose organic and/or pasture-raised options, as they come from birds raised without added preservatives, artificial nitrates, or nitrites. Typically, they are also kept in more humane conditions, but you can learn more by researching various brands.

 

Say No to GMO

Conventionally raised turkeys are fed genetically modified soy and corn, which can increase inflammation in your body. Remember, you’re also eating whatever the turkey has eaten.

 

How to Cook Crispy Oven-Baked Turkey Bacon

I’ve included three slight variations for various ovens: conventional, convection, and my favorite–the Miele Combi-Steam Oven.

 

Step 1: Heat the Oven and Prep the Baking Sheet

Heat the Oven

Place an oven rack in the center of the oven and set the temperature.

• Conventional Oven: 390º on bake mode
• Convection: 375º on convection bake mode
• Miele Combi-Steam Oven: 390º on surround mode

It’s best to let traditional ovens reach baking temperature before cooking the turkey bacon. You don’t need to wait for a Miele Combi-Steam Oven to reach baking temperature.

 

Prepare the Baking Sheet

In traditional ovens, a baking rack set on top of a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil will yield the best results.

• Foil reflects more heat making the turkey bacon crisp up more evenly in the oven, plus, it makes clean-up a breeze.
• Not only does an elevated baking rack prevent the bacon from contacting the aluminum, but it also supports air circulation for perfectly crispy oven-baked turkey bacon every time.

NOTE: Some studies suggest that aluminum (a toxic heavy metal associated with neurodegenerative diseases) can transfer to food, so it’s best never to let your food touch it.

The Miele method is simple–use the dark baking tray. There’s no need to line it.

 

Step 2: Rinse the Bacon

While the oven heats, gently rinse the turkey bacon in cold water and blot dry between layers of paper towels. Don’t sip this step! It’s one of the tricks to crispy oven-baked turkey bacon.

Lay the strips on the baking rack or Miele baking tray and place the sheet in the center of the oven. The strips can touch but shouldn’t overlap.

 

Step 3: Cook the Turkey Bacon in the Oven

• Conventional Oven: Bake 20-25 minutes
• Convection: Bake 20 minutes
• Miele Combi-Steam Oven: Cook for 15 minutes, then change the cooking mode to browning and cook for 5 more minutes. Note: The smaller Miele ovens don’t need to be fully preheated before putting the bacon inside.

Remember all ovens are different so you may need to adjust the time slightly. You’re looking for brown crispy bacon strips.

Broiling Optional: For a little extra crunch in a conventional oven, you can broil the bacon for 60-90 seconds at the end of the baking time. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning–it happens FAST.

 

Step 4: Cool, Serve and Store

Remove the bacon from the oven and let it cool enough to touch, then serve.

Wrap any leftovers in a paper towel and refrigerate in a tightly sealed silicone pouch for up to 3 days.

 

 

Oven-Baked Turkey Bacon Tips

Cooking Time

Ovens vary so the timing may also vary slightly. The first time you make oven-baked turkey bacon, check it a few minutes early to prevent overcooking.

 

Save Program to Favorites – Miele Oven

Once cooked, save the cooking program to your favorites so you don’t have to change modes each time you want oven-baked turkey bacon.

 

Parchment Paper

Use unbleached parchment paper instead of aluminum foil to line the baking sheet if desired. Additionally, you can place the turkey bacon directly on parchment paper if you don’t have a baking rack. In either case, the bacon won’t be as crispy since parchment paper doesn’t reflect the way foil does.

Do NOT use parchment paper if you plan to broil at the end. It may catch on fire.

 

Can You Cook Pork Bacon in the Oven?

Yes, but I don’t eat pork, so I haven’t tested it. Other food bloggers recommend placing the bacon in a cold oven instead of preheating. This helps the high-fat content render slower.

 

What to Eat with Turkey Bacon

You can have your oven-baked turkey bacon as a side to a traditional breakfast, but there are many more ways to enjoy it. Whether fresh from the oven or leftover, here are some of my favorite ways to eat it: 

• Add to Eggs: Sprinkle some crumbled bacon into scrambled eggs for more flavor and texture.
• Salad Enhancer: Bacon is a convenient protein or topping for salads. It’s the star of my Turkey BLT Salad, and it’s absolutely delicious with this Nectarine Salad.
• Soup Garnish: Oven-baked turkey bacon bits give soups a satisfying crunch, extra flavor, and extra protein. I love them on my Creamy Broccoli Soup.
• Snack: A healthier alternative to chips, crispy turkey bacon satisfies those crunchy cravings and won’t spike your blood sugar. Win-win.
• Dipping: Break the bacon strips into pieces and use them as a substitute for tortilla chips. This is a much tastier way to enjoy your favorite dips.
• Add to Pasta or Risotto: A few generous pinches of crumbled turkey bacon will do wonders to elevate a creamy sauce.

Oven-baked turkey bacon is crispy, convenient, and versatile. Whether you’re enjoying it as part of a high-protein breakfast, salad topper, or as a healthy snack, this method will have you making perfect bacon every time.

 

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How did your turkey bacon turn out? Share your tips or creative uses in the comments below and please leave a rating to help others.