Turkey Breast with Bacon

Turkey Breast with Bacon is a simple and delicious way to cook poultry for a Sunday roast or a weekday dinner. The salty bacon helps keep the lean meat moist while adding plenty of flavour during the roasting process. You can serve this with roasted vegetables, gravy or a fresh salad. It is a reliable recipe that works well for a family meal.
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Photo of the finished dish for the recipe Turkey Breast with Bacon

Why prepare turkey breast with bacon

This method of cooking Turkey Breast with Bacon ensures the meat does not dry out in the oven. The fat from the bacon melts into the turkey as it roasts which creates a juicy texture. It requires very little preparation and uses common kitchen staples. You get a beautiful golden finish on the outside with very little effort.

Follow these simple steps for turkey breast with bacon

Step 1
Prepare: Preheat your oven to 190C and lightly grease a roasting tin with oil. Pat the turkey breast dry with kitchen paper to help the seasoning stick. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil with thyme, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the meat until it is evenly coated.
Step 2
Wrap: Lay the bacon rashers over the turkey breast one by one. Overlap them slightly to cover the entire top and sides of the meat. This layer of bacon acts as a shield to keep the moisture inside. You can secure the ends of the bacon underneath the turkey if needed.
Step 3
Roast: Place the prepared meat into the roasting tin and put it in the oven. Roast for about fifty to sixty minutes until the internal temperature reaches 74C. The bacon should become crispy and golden during this time. Check the meat halfway through to ensure the bacon is not browning too quickly.
Step 4
Rest: Remove the tin from the oven and move the meat to a clean board. Let the Turkey Breast with Bacon rest for ten minutes before you start slicing. This allows the juices to settle so the meat stays tender when served. Slice into thick pieces and serve warm with your favourite side dishes.

Tips to make turkey breast with bacon even better

Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the Turkey Breast with Bacon to avoid overcooking. If the bacon starts to brown too much before the turkey is done, cover it loosely with a piece of foil. Using smoked bacon can add an extra layer of flavour to the meat. Let the turkey reach room temperature for thirty minutes before cooking for more even results.

Make sure to save the juices from the roasting tin to make a quick gravy. You can add fresh herbs like rosemary or sage under the bacon for more aroma. If you prefer a very crispy finish, you can turn up the heat for the last five minutes.

You might also enjoy empanadas with beef, vegetable tart or baked dab.

Ingredients

servings
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  • 800 g turkey breast
  • 200 g streaky bacon rashers
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking time

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Nutrition information

NUTRITIONper serving
  • Energy:1590 kJ / 380 kcal
  • Fat:19 g
  • - of which saturates:7 g
  • Carbohydrates:1 g
  • - of which sugars:0 g
  • Protein:48 g
  • Fibre:0 g
  • Salt:1.3 g

People also ask

The best way to keep Turkey Breast with Bacon moist is to wrap the meat tightly in bacon and avoid overcooking. Using a meat thermometer ensures you remove it from the oven as soon as it reaches the safe temperature of 74C. Resting the meat for ten minutes after roasting also helps retain the natural juices.
You can season and wrap the Turkey Breast with Bacon up to twenty four hours before you plan to cook it. Keep it covered in the fridge until you are ready to put it in the oven. This can actually help the flavours develop and makes the cooking process much faster on the day.
This dish goes well with roasted potatoes, steamed green beans or a creamy mash. The salty flavour of the bacon pairs perfectly with a traditional gravy or a cranberry sauce. You can also use leftovers in sandwiches or salads the next day.
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4.8 / 5 - (9 ratings)