Description
This Bacon Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey brings a bold and flavorful twist to your holiday feast! The smoky bacon combined with a perfectly balanced spice rub ensures the turkey stays juicy and delicious. Whether it’s your first time roasting a turkey or you’re a seasoned pro, this recipe will make Thanksgiving dinner a mouthwatering success. Serve it alongside classic sides for an unforgettable meal!
Ingredients
Scale
- 12-15 pounds turkey
- 2 Tablespoons kosher salt
- 2 Tablespoons light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ pound bacon, roughly chopped
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- Additional salt and pepper, as needed
- Aromatics: 6 celery ribs (roughly chopped), 6 carrots (roughly chopped), 2 onions (roughly chopped), 2 apples (quartered), 1 lemon (halved), 3-4 sprigs fresh rosemary, 3-4 sprigs fresh thyme
Instructions
- Prep the Turkey: Ensure the turkey is fully thawed and let it sit at room temperature for 1 hour before cooking. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Remove giblets and neck, then pat the turkey dry.
- Make the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, mix kosher salt, brown sugar, smoked paprika, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the rub.
- Make Bacon Paste: Add the remaining spice rub and chopped bacon to a food processor and pulse to create a paste.
- Season the Turkey: Gently loosen the skin from the turkey breast, then massage the bacon paste under the skin, evenly distributing it. Season the cavities with salt and pepper, then stuff with celery, carrots, onions, apples, lemon, rosemary, and thyme.
- Roast: Place the turkey on a bed of chopped vegetables in a roasting pan. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle the reserved spice rub over the outside. Tent the breast with foil and roast for 13-15 minutes per pound, basting occasionally, until internal temperatures reach 165°F in the breast and 170°F in the thighs.
- Rest and Carve: Let the turkey rest for 30-45 minutes under foil before carving.
Notes
- Make Ahead Tip: Prep the turkey up to 24 hours in advance by seasoning it and stuffing with aromatics. Just be sure to let it sit at room temperature for an hour before roasting.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Serving Suggestions: This turkey pairs beautifully with cheesy scalloped potatoes or roasted veggies for the perfect holiday meal!
- Prep Time: 45 minute
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 10 oz cooked turkey)
- Calories: 350kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg