Bacon Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey

Thanksgiving is a special time for family, food, and tradition. One year, I decided to take my turkey game to the next level by wrapping the bird in bacon, and it was a game changer! The smoky, crispy bacon melded perfectly with the juicy turkey, creating a feast that everyone at the table raved about. Since then, I’ve made this bacon roasted Thanksgiving turkey my signature centerpiece for holiday dinners.

This recipe is both straightforward and impressive. It features a succulent turkey seasoned with a simple yet flavorful rub, wrapped in bacon strips that baste the bird as it roasts for tender, juicy results with crispy, savory bacon on top. Whether it’s your first time roasting a turkey or you want to elevate your usual recipe, this bacon roasted Thanksgiving turkey will have your guests asking for seconds!

Ingredients

– 1 (12-14 lbs) whole turkey, thawed
– 1 lb thick-cut bacon strips
– 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tsp garlic powder
– 2 tsp onion powder
– 2 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
– 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tsp dried rosemary)
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– 1 large onion, quartered
– 1 lemon, halved
– 4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
– 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions

1. Prepare the Turkey: Remove the turkey giblets and pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Place the turkey on a large roasting rack inside a roasting pan.

2. Make the Seasoning Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

3. Season the Turkey: Carefully loosen the skin from the turkey breast by sliding your fingers between the skin and the meat. Spread about half of the seasoned butter under the skin, covering the breast and thighs. Rub the remaining butter all over the outside of the turkey.

4. Stuff the Cavity: Stuff the turkey cavity with the quartered onion, lemon halves, and garlic cloves. This will infuse the bird with fragrant flavors from the inside.

5. Wrap with Bacon: Lay the bacon strips over the turkey breast, slightly overlapping, to cover it well. The bacon will keep the turkey moist and add incredible flavor as it crisps up in the oven.

6. Roasting: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan. This will keep the environment moist and collect drippings for gravy.

7. Place the turkey in the oven and roast for about 3 to 3 ½ hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast.

8. Baste: Every 45 minutes, baste the turkey with the pan juices to keep it moist and encourage crispy bacon.

9. Rest and Serve: Once done, remove the turkey from the oven and tent loosely with foil. Let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving.

Tips for the Perfect Bacon Roasted Turkey

– Use thick-cut bacon for the best flavor and texture.
– Let the turkey rest after cooking to allow juices to redistribute.
– Save pan drippings to make a delicious gravy.
– Use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked turkey every time.

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With the aroma of the bacon and fresh herbs filling your kitchen, this turkey will be the star of your Thanksgiving table. Serve it with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, and cranberry sauce for a complete feast. Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy every bite of your bacon roasted turkey!

Bacon Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey

This bacon roasted Thanksgiving turkey features a succulent bird seasoned with a flavorful rub and wrapped in crispy bacon, perfect for holiday dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Total Time 4 hours hrs

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

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Turkey

• 1 each whole turkey, thawed 12-14 lbs
• 1 lb thick-cut bacon strips
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped or 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped or 1 tsp dried rosemary
• Salt to taste
• freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 1 each lemon, halved
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Equipment

• Roasting pan
• Roasting rack

Method

 

1. Remove the turkey giblets and pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Place the turkey on a large roasting rack inside a roasting pan.
2. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Carefully loosen the skin from the turkey breast by sliding your fingers between the skin and the meat. Spread about half of the seasoned butter under the skin, covering the breast and thighs. Rub the remaining butter all over the outside of the turkey.
4. Stuff the turkey cavity with the quartered onion, lemon halves, and garlic cloves.
5. Lay the bacon strips over the turkey breast, slightly overlapping, to cover it well.
6. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan.
7. Place the turkey in the oven and roast for about 3 to 3 ½ hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast.
8. Every 45 minutes, baste the turkey with the pan juices to keep it moist and encourage crispy bacon.
9. Once done, remove the turkey from the oven and tent loosely with foil. Let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving.

Notes

Use thick-cut bacon for the best flavor and texture. Let the turkey rest after cooking to allow juices to redistribute. Save pan drippings to make a delicious gravy. Use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked turkey every time.

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