Bacon Wrapped Turkey with Herb Butter

Name: Bacon Wrapped Turkey with Herb Butter
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 180 min
Total time: 240 min
Yield: 10 servings
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 1 whole turkey (about 5 kg (11 lbs), giblets removed); 1 kg bacon (thick-cut); 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened); 2 tbsp fresh rosemary (chopped); 2 tbsp fresh thyme (chopped); 2 tbsp fresh sage (chopped); 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)

240 min 10 servings Medium

All Recipes

Juicy turkey wrapped in crispy bacon, infused with herb butter, perfect for holiday feasts.

Prep

30 min

Cook

180 min

Total

240 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Bacon Wrapped Turkey is an irresistible twist on the traditional roast turkey. By enveloping the turkey in a layer of smoky, crispy bacon, you ensure that the meat remains juicy and flavourful. This version is ideal for those who want to impress guests with a show-stopping centrepiece at their holiday table. The herb butter infused under the skin adds an additional layer of flavour, making each bite a delightful combination of savoury herbs and succulent turkey. This recipe is suitable for both seasoned cooks and those trying a more elaborate dish for the first time.

Instructions

Prepare the herb butter

In a bowl, combine softened butter, rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper until well mixed.

Pro tip: Ensure the butter is soft for easy mixing and spreading.

Prepare the turkey

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Pat the turkey dry with paper towels and loosen the skin over the breast and thighs.

Pro tip: Loosening the skin helps the herb butter penetrate the meat.

Apply the herb butter

Spread the herb butter generously under the skin and over the outside of the turkey.

Pro tip: Using your hands makes it easier to evenly distribute the butter.

Wrap with bacon

Lay bacon strips over the turkey, overlapping slightly to cover the entire surface.

Pro tip: Use toothpicks to secure bacon in place if necessary.

Roast the turkey

Place the turkey in a roasting pan and roast for 3 hours, or until a meat thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.

Pro tip: Baste occasionally with pan juices for extra moisture.

Rest the turkey

Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 30 minutes before carving.

Pro tip: Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender.

💡

Tips & Tricks

Use a meat thermometer to ensure turkey is cooked to perfection.
Let the turkey rest to retain juices before slicing.
Choose thick-cut bacon for best coverage and flavour.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to cook bacon wrapped turkey?

It takes about 3 hours to cook a bacon wrapped turkey, plus 30 minutes of resting time.

What temperature should bacon wrapped turkey be cooked to?

Cook the turkey until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Can you prepare bacon wrapped turkey ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it the night before and roast it fresh on the day of serving.

How do you keep bacon wrapped turkey moist?

Using herb butter under the skin and wrapping in bacon helps retain moisture.

What sides go well with bacon wrapped turkey?

Classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and cranberry sauce complement this dish well.

Serving Suggestions

This Bacon Wrapped Turkey pairs wonderfully with classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and cranberry sauce. It can be prepared ahead of time by assembling the turkey with bacon and herb butter the night before, then roasting it fresh on the day of serving. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, making delicious sandwiches or salads. Remember to reheat gently to maintain moisture.

Nutrition per serving

480

Calories

68g

Protein

24g

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