Savory Bacon-Wrapped Herb-Roasted Turkey
Elevate your Thanksgiving feast with this Savory Bacon-Wrapped Herb-Roasted Turkey, a recipe passed down by my incredible boss, a culinary wizard in his own right. This turkey is not only a feast for the eyes, with its deliciously crispy bacon adorning the golden-brown skin, but it also boasts an unforgettable flavor profile, thanks to the fresh sage and aromatic vegetables. With a preparation that keeps the turkey incredibly moist and tender, this dish is sure to be the star of your holiday table, creating lasting memories for you and your guests.
13
Servings
1292
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole Turkey
13 lb (uncooked)
Kitchen Twine
to taste (for tying the turkey)
Aluminum Foil
1 piece (to tent the turkey)
Butter
2 cups (softened)
Fresh Sage
1.5 ounces (chopped)
Bacon
1 lb (uncooked, sliced)
Onion
1 (chopped)
Garlic Clove
1 (minced)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2
Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey cavity. Rinse the turkey thoroughly under cold running water and drain it well. Gently pat dry with paper towels.
3
Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Combine them, then stuff the mixture into the turkey cavity.
4
Using kitchen twine, tie the turkey's wings close to the body and secure the legs together.
5
In a bowl, combine the softened butter with the chopped sage to create a savory herb butter.
6
Carefully rub the sage butter under the skin and over the skin of the turkey, ensuring an even coating for maximum flavor and moistness.
7
Season the turkey generously with salt and pepper to taste.
8
Layer the uncooked bacon slices over the turkey skin, allowing them to stick to the buttered surface.
9
Insert an oven-safe meat thermometer into the thickest part of the inner thigh, avoiding the bone.
10
Place the turkey in a roasting pan and tent loosely with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
11
Roast for about 3 hours, then remove the foil for the last hour of cooking to crisp the bacon and skin.
12
Cook for an additional 15 minutes after removing the foil to allow the bacon to render and become crispy (optional: chop bacon for serving).
13
Once the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), remove the turkey from the oven.
14
Let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes before carving. During this resting time, the temperature will rise to 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
Nutrition Information
69 g
Fat
17.5 g
Carbs
15.5 g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main feature of the Savory Bacon-Wrapped Herb-Roasted Turkey?
This recipe features a turkey wrapped in crispy bacon with a flavor profile enhanced by fresh sage, onion, and garlic for a moist and tender holiday feast.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) for roasting the turkey.
How do I prepare the turkey before cooking?
Remove the giblets and neck, rinse the turkey under cold water, drain it well, and pat it dry with paper towels.
What ingredients are used for the stuffing?
The turkey cavity is stuffed with a mixture of one chopped onion and one minced garlic clove.
How should I secure the turkey?
Use kitchen twine to tie the wings close to the body and secure the legs together.
How is the herb butter made?
Combine 2 cups of softened butter with 1.5 ounces of chopped fresh sage.
Where should the sage butter be applied?
Carefully rub the butter mixture both under the skin and over the skin of the turkey for maximum flavor.
What seasonings are recommended?
Season the turkey generously with salt and pepper to taste.
How do I apply the bacon?
Layer uncooked bacon slices over the turkey skin so they stick to the buttered surface.
Where should I insert the meat thermometer?
Insert it into the thickest part of the inner thigh, making sure to avoid the bone.
Should I cover the turkey while roasting?
Yes, place the turkey in a roasting pan and tent it loosely with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
How long does the turkey roast with the foil on?
Roast the turkey for approximately 3 hours before removing the foil.
When should the aluminum foil be removed?
Remove the foil during the last hour of cooking to allow the bacon and skin to become crispy.
Is there an extra step for crispier bacon?
You can cook for an additional 15 minutes after removing the foil to further render the bacon fat.
What is the removal temperature for the turkey?
Remove the turkey from the oven once the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
What is the final safe internal temperature for the turkey?
The temperature will rise to the food-safe level of 165°F (74°C) during the resting period.
How long should the turkey rest after roasting?
Let the turkey rest for 20 to 30 minutes before carving.
Can the bacon be served separately?
Yes, the instructions mention that you may optionally chop the bacon for serving.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to provide 13 servings.
What size turkey is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for a 13 lb whole uncooked turkey.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 1292 calories.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 69 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 17.5 grams of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 15.5 grams of protein per serving.
What type of sage should I use?
The recipe specifies using fresh sage for the herb butter.
Who inspired this recipe?
The recipe was passed down by the author's boss, described as a culinary wizard.
What is the recipe category?
This recipe falls under the Whole Turkey category.
Does the recipe include fiber or sugar information?
No, fiber and sugar data are not specified for this recipe.
Is the bacon cooked before it is placed on the turkey?
No, you use 1 lb of uncooked, sliced bacon to wrap the turkey.
What is the total preparation and cook time suggested?
The turkey roasts for a total of about 4 hours plus 20-30 minutes of resting time.