Name: Bacon Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 5 h
Total time: 5 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/2 pound bacon, roughly chopped; Additional salt and pepper as needed; 2 Tablespoons olive oil; 6 celery ribs, roughly chopped; 6 carrots, roughly chopped; 2 onions, roughly chopped; 2 apples, quartered; 1 lemon, sliced in half; 3-4 sprigs fresh rosemary; 3-4 sprigs fresh thyme

If you’re hunting for the ultimate show-stopper this holiday season, I absolutely have to share my Bacon Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe with you. This turkey is the perfect marriage of smoky, savory bacon and traditional roasting flavors that will have everyone at your table asking for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). I tried this for the first time last year, and let’s just say, it quickly became the star of our Thanksgiving feast. Keep reading—I promise you, this recipe is well worth the extra love in the kitchen!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Juicy, Flavor-Packed Turkey: The bacon-infused paste under the skin keeps the meat incredibly moist and layered with smoky goodness.
Aromatic and Colorful: Using apples, lemon, and fresh herbs inside the cavity adds beautiful fragrance and complexity.
Simple Yet Impressive: Despite the gourmet taste, this recipe is easy enough to prep ahead and execute with confidence.
Perfect for Thanksgiving Traditions: It’s a fresh twist that still honors the classic turkey centerpiece.

A roasted turkey is placed on a white platter on a white marbled surface, surrounded by green herbs and bright yellow cherry tomatoes. The turkey has a golden brown, crispy skin with black pepper specks visible. A woman's hand is gently lifting one thick, white slice of turkey breast from the bird, showing the moist, smooth interior. Around the turkey, there is a red pear and a split pomegranate showing its deep red seeds. The setting is bright and detailed, highlighting the textures and colors of the food. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Bacon Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey, Thanksgiving turkey recipe, bacon-wrapped turkey, holiday turkey ideas, festive turkey recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Bacon Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe plays a role — the spices bring out a perfect balance of heat and richness, while the bacon adds depth and a caramelized crust you’ll find irresistible. When shopping, try to pick fresh herbs and crisp apples for the best flavor punch.

Flat lay of a whole fresh raw turkey with smooth skin, a small mound of roughly chopped pink bacon strips, a small white ceramic bowl filled with coarse kosher salt and another with light brown sugar crystals, a small white ceramic bowl holding a vibrant smoked paprika powder, a small white ceramic bowl with freshly ground black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl containing pale beige onion powder, a small white ceramic bowl of fine garlic powder, and a small white ceramic bowl with bright red cayenne pepper; fresh celery ribs chopped into large green stalks, bright orange roughly chopped carrots, two peeled white onions quartered, two crisp red and green apples quartered, one lemon halved exposing its juicy yellow interior, and fresh aromatic sprigs of rosemary and thyme arranged symmetrically around the ingredients; all elements neatly spaced and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Bacon Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey, Thanksgiving turkey recipe, bacon-wrapped turkey, holiday turkey ideas, festive turkey recipes

Turkey: A 12-15 pound bird is ideal for ample servings and even roasting.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and helping tenderize the meat.
Light brown sugar: Balances savory flavors with a hint of sweetness.
Smoked paprika: Adds smoky warmth without overpowering.
Freshly ground black pepper: For a subtle kick and earthiness.
Onion powder: Deepens the savory notes.
Garlic powder: A must-have for that classic umami boost.
Cayenne pepper: A touch of heat to awaken your palate.
Bacon: Half a pound, roughly chopped, is what brings this turkey to life.
Olive oil: Helps the skin crisp up beautifully.
Aromatics (celery ribs, carrots, onions): Roughly chopped for roasting and flavor infusion.
Apples and lemon: Fresh, zesty elements to brighten the roast.
Fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs: Classic herb flavors that complement turkey perfectly.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile the Bacon Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe is—you can easily tweak it to match your family’s tastes or dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to experiment with herbs or the stuffing aromatics to make it your own.

Herb Swap: I sometimes swap rosemary for sage, which adds a lovely earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with turkey.
Spice Level: If you like it milder, reduce the cayenne pepper; for a smoky punch, you can even add chipotle powder.
Dietary Tweaks: For a lower-sodium option, reduce the salt and rely more on fresh herbs and lemon for flavor.
Make it Ahead: You can prep the spiced bacon paste and stuff the bird up to 24 hours in advance—just make sure to bring it to room temperature before roasting.

How to Make Bacon Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Turkey and Oven

First things first—make sure your turkey is fully thawed. I like to pull mine out of the fridge about an hour before cooking to take the chill off; this helps it roast more evenly. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the giblets and neck from the cavity, and pat the turkey dry with paper towels to help the skin crisp up better.

Step 2: Make the Spice Rub and Bacon Paste

Mix kosher salt, brown sugar, smoked paprika, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Reserve about 2 tablespoons for later. Take the remaining spice blend and toss it with the chopped bacon in a food processor, pulsing 10-15 times until it forms a spreadable paste. This step is a game-changer—I discovered it adds smoky, salty moisture right under the skin, locking in flavor and juiciness.

Step 3: Loosen the Skin and Season

Gently slip your fingers between the turkey skin and breast meat, carefully loosening it without tearing. Season both the front and back cavities generously with salt and pepper. Stuff those cavities with the celery, carrots, onions, apples, lemon halves, and herb sprigs—it creates a wonderful fragrance as the turkey cooks. Then, spoon and spread the bacon-spice paste under the skin, pressing it evenly over the breasts. This is where the magic really happens!

Step 4: Oil, Spice, and Prepare for Roasting

Drizzle olive oil all over the turkey’s skin and rub it in gently. Sprinkle the reserved spice rub on top for that extra flavor layer. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine, and tuck the wingtips underneath to avoid burning. Place the stuffed vegetables leftover from the cavity into your roasting pan—the turkey will sit on this bed so it doesn’t stick and cooks more evenly.

Step 5: Roast and Baste

Cover the breast loosely with foil to prevent over-browning, then roast the turkey at 350°F for about 13-15 minutes per pound. Halfway through, remove the foil so the skin crisps up beautifully. If you want to get fancy, baste a couple of times an hour using the pan juices, but don’t worry if you’re short on time—it’s optional. Use a digital meat thermometer to check; breasts should reach 160°F and thighs 170°F, then let rest for about 30-45 minutes. The internal temperature will continue to rise slightly as the turkey rests.

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Pro Tips for Making Bacon Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe

Let It Rest: I’ve learned that the resting period is crucial—it lets the juices redistribute and makes carving easier without losing those delicious drippings.
Use a Thermometer: Don’t rely on time alone; I always use an instant-read thermometer to avoid dry turkey and get perfect doneness every time.
Loosen the Skin Carefully: When working under the skin with the bacon paste, be gentle to avoid tearing, which keeps the turkey looking beautiful and seals in moisture.
Don’t Skip the Aromatics Bed: Elevating the turkey on veggies and herbs adds flavor and prevents the bottom from burning or sticking, a trick I picked up after some roasting mishaps!

How to Serve Bacon Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe

Bacon Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I usually go for a simple, fresh garnish like a little handful of chopped parsley or additional rosemary sprigs around the carved turkey for color and aroma. Sometimes lemon wedges on the side add a nice bright note that complements the bacon richness perfectly.

Side Dishes

My family goes crazy for classic sides like herb-stuffed mashed potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, and green bean casserole alongside this Bacon Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe. Cranberry sauce with a hint of orange zest and some fresh dinner rolls round out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love placing the whole carved turkey on a large wooden board surrounded by fresh herbs, apple slices, and lemon wedges—it looks rustic and inviting. You can even serve generously sliced turkey on individual plates with a drizzle of pan juices or gravy for a fancy touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your feast, wrap leftovers tightly in foil or store them in airtight containers in the fridge. I find the turkey stays juicy for up to 4 days this way and makes for quick sandwiches or salads.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftover carved turkey pieces in freezer bags with as much air removed as possible. It freezes well for about 2 months—just make sure to label and date the bags to keep track.

Reheating

To keep reheated turkey moist, I like warming it in a covered baking dish with a splash of broth or pan juices, wrapped with foil, at 325°F until heated through. This brings back that fresh-from-the-oven juiciness.

FAQs

Can I use this recipe with a frozen turkey?

It’s important to thaw your turkey completely before starting the recipe to ensure it cooks evenly and safely. Plan ahead and thaw your turkey in the fridge 3-4 days prior depending on size, or use the cold water thaw method if in a pinch.
Why do you put bacon under the skin?

Placing the bacon-spiced paste under the skin not only flavors the meat directly but also keeps it moist and juicy while it roasts. The fat from the bacon bastes the turkey breast naturally for tender results.
Should I baste the turkey while roasting?

Basting is optional but helps develop a golden crispy skin. I usually baste a couple times after removing the foil half-way through roasting, but focusing on good seasoning and the bacon paste under the skin will give great flavor regardless.
How do I know when the turkey is done?

Use an instant-read thermometer to check the thickest part of the breast (160°F) and the thighs (170°F). Remember the temperature will rise a bit during resting, ensuring perfectly cooked turkey every time.

Final Thoughts

This Bacon Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe has quickly become my go-to for holiday celebrations and special family dinners. I love how it elevates the traditional roast with smoky bacon flavor and those fresh aromatics without making the process stressful. If you want a turkey that’s juicy and packed with flavor, this recipe will not disappoint—you’ll want to add it to your Thanksgiving tradition and impress your guests year after year. Give it a try, and I’m sure it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too!