The Best Bacon-Wrapped Turkey Recipe: A Next-Level Thanksgiving or Christmas Dinner

ESPAÑOL A couple of years ago, one of my friends prepared a bacon-wrapped turkey for Thanksgiving, and I was absolutely amazed! What a fabulous idea!

Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

I mean, nothing can go wrong with bacon, right? Inspired by her creation, I decided to make it my own by creating a delicious marinade that incorporates some fantastic elements of Mexican cuisine, like chipotle and citrus.

The result? It is one of the best turkey recipes I’ve ever made in my 13 years of teaching people how to cook oven-roasted turkey on my YouTube channel. Whether you’re roasting a whole turkey for Thanksgiving or a smaller bird for Christmas, this recipe guarantees a flavorful and juicy turkey wrapped in a beautiful bacon weave for that perfect holiday touch. Would you rather try something different? Check out this Mexican Pavo Enchilado recipe.

Why This Bacon-Wrapped Turkey Is Next Level

1. Unique Marinade: The smoky chipotle, tangy citrus, and sweet touch of honey bring a bold flavor to the turkey.
2. Perfect Texture: The bacon blanket not only enhances the flavor but also keeps the skin of the turkey moist and crispy.
3. Juicy Meat: Learn the best way to roast a turkey that’s moist on the inside and golden on the outside.
4. Versatile Cooking Options: Whether you’re roasting in an electric roaster, using a sheet pan, or a baking tray, this recipe adapts to your kitchen setup.

Ingredients for Bacon-Wrapped Turkey

Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this next-level Thanksgiving turkey:

• ¼ cup honey
• 5 tablespoons butter
• 5 garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
• 2 green onions (scallions)
• Juice of ½ a lemon
• 2 chipotle peppers
• 3 cups orange juice
• 1 apple (halved)
• 1 whole head of garlic (halved)
• Slices of bacon (enough to cover the entire turkey)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Bacon-Wrapped Turkey

1. Prepare the Butter Rub

In a food processor or blender, combine:

• Lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons orange juice
• Butter room temperature
• Salt
• Green onions
• Garlic cloves
• Ground pepper

Blend until smooth to create your butter mixture.

2. Marinate the Turkey

• Gently separate the turkey’s skin from the entire breast and as far as you and go in the legs using a spoon or your fingers. Be careful not to tear the skin.

• Rub butter mix under the skin.

• Blend the remaining orange juice, honey, salt, and chipotle peppers to create a secondary marinade. Pour this mixture over the turkey and refrigerate it. You can use an airtight container using oven-safe baking bags. Baking bags saves space, and you can flip the turkey anytime you open the fridge to achieve a more even marinade. Marinate overnight.

3. Assemble the Bacon Weave

• The next day, when the turkey was marinating overnight, On a clean work surface, place a large piece of parchment paper and on top lay strips of bacon to form a bacon weave or bacon blanket.

• Remove the turkey from the refrigerator, and place it on a cutting board or in your baking tray. Gently drape the bacon weave over the turkey to cover the entire breast and legs.
• Place the quarter apple and half garlic clove inside the turkey cavity. This will bring more flavor to the meat and help keep it moist.

4. Roast the Turkey

• Preheat the oven to 325°F (degrees F).
• Place the turkey in the roasting pan, ensuring the bottom of the pan is lined with water or broth to keep the meat moist.
• I use roasting bags. Remember to make a 1-inch cut on top of the bag to let the steam escape.

5. Monitor Cooking Times

• Roast the turkey, allowing about 15 minutes per pound for a larger bird. Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the thickest part of the turkey breast reaches 165°F.
• I like to take the turkey out of the oven every hour and baste it generously with its own juices using a baster. This simple step not only enhances the flavor but also ensures a beautifully golden and crispy skin by the end of the roasting process.

6. Rest and Serve

• Once fully cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 20 minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the white meat and dark meat.

Pro Tips for a Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey

• Place half an apple and a halved head of garlic inside the cavity of the turkey. This keeps the meat moist while adding subtle flavors.
• Avoid overstuffing the cavity; stuffing absorbs the natural juices from the turkey.
• Baste the bacon periodically with pan drippings to ensure a flavorful finish.

What to Do with Leftover Turkey

• Store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Use bacon drippings to make your homemade gravy!

FAQs About Bacon-Wrapped Turkey

1. Why put bacon on turkey?
Bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor while protecting the turkey skin from drying out. It also gives your turkey an eye-catching presentation.

2. Can I prepare this recipe without a roasting bag?
Yes! Roasting directly in a baking tray or sheet pan works perfectly.

3. How do I make this for a smaller bird?
If you’re cooking a bone-in turkey breast instead of a whole turkey, simply adjust the marinade and bacon quantity.

Why This Recipe Is a Good Idea for the Holiday Season

This recipe combines the best of traditional Thanksgiving flavors with a modern twist. The main reason to try it? It’s foolproof and guaranteed to impress. From the crispy bacon strips to the juicy turkey meat, this dish takes your holiday table to the next level.

More Easy Oven Roasted Turkey for Christmas or Thanksgiving

• Roasted Turkey with White Wine and Pineapple Brine (Hawaiian Style)
• Tender and Juicy Holiday Turkey with 4 Simple Ingredients
• Pavo Adobado│Juicy Mexican-Style Adobo Oven-Roasted Turkey
• How to Prepare the Perfect Roasted Orange Turkey