Bacon-Wrapped Turkey Breast (Printable version)
Tender turkey breast wrapped in crispy bacon, seasoned with herbs for a savory main dish.
# Ingredient List:
→ Turkey
01 - 2.6 lb boneless skinless turkey breast
→ Marinade & Seasoning
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
05 - 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
06 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
07 - 1 tsp salt
08 - ½ tsp black pepper
→ Bacon
09 - 14–16 slices streaky bacon
→ Optional
10 - 1 lemon, sliced (for garnish)
11 - Fresh herbs (for serving)
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a roasting tray with baking paper or foil.
02 - In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
03 - Pat the turkey breast dry and evenly rub the marinade mixture over all surfaces.
04 - Arrange bacon slices slightly overlapping on a board. Place the turkey breast on top and wrap the bacon around, tucking ends underneath to secure.
05 - Transfer the bacon-wrapped turkey to the prepared tray, seam side down. Use kitchen twine if necessary to hold bacon in place.
06 - Roast for 1 hour 15–20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. If bacon browns too fast, cover loosely with foil.
07 - Remove from oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
08 - Garnish with lemon slices and fresh herbs as desired and serve.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The bacon does double duty—it crisps up beautifully while keeping the turkey impossibly moist inside.
- Rosemary and thyme with a whisper of smoked paprika create a flavor profile that feels special without requiring culinary school.
- It looks restaurant-worthy on the plate but honestly comes together faster than you'd expect for something so elegant.
02 -
- Drying the turkey before wrapping is non-negotiable; wet skin means soggy bacon, and that defeats the whole purpose of using bacon in the first place.
- The bacon won't cook fully if you crowd the oven, so use a properly sized tray with a little breathing room on the sides for heat circulation.
03 -
- Use a meat thermometer and don't rely on time alone—the 74°C (165°F) internal temperature is your true north, and it ensures moist, safe turkey every time.
- If your bacon is thick-cut and refuses to wrap cooperatively, microwave the slices for 30 seconds to warm them up, which makes them pliable without cooking them.