If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, juicy tenderness, and a hint of indulgence, let me introduce you to my favorite Garlic Herb Bacon-Wrapped Turkey Breast Recipe. This dish wraps a succulent turkey breast in a blanket of crispy, smoky bacon, infused with fragrant herbs and garlic that make every bite a feast for the senses. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Once you try it, this recipe will quickly become one you turn to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Garlic Herb Bacon-Wrapped Turkey Breast Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each element plays an essential role in balancing bright acidity, savory depth, fresh herbaceous notes, and irresistible crispy bacon texture. Here’s what you’ll need to create this show-stopping dish.
- Balsamic vinegar: Adds a touch of tangy sweetness that brightens the meat and herbs.
- Olive oil: Helps the seasoning mixture adhere and keeps the turkey juicy.
- Fresh rosemary: Gives a piney, aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with turkey.
- Fresh thyme: Offers a subtle earthiness that complements the garlic and bacon.
- Steak seasoning: Provides a bold and well-rounded spice to enhance the overall taste.
- Garlic cloves (crushed): Infuse robust, savory notes throughout the turkey.
- Boneless, skinless turkey breast (3-4 pounds): The lean centerpiece that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- Bacon slices: Wrap the turkey to lock in moisture and add irresistible crispiness.
How to Make Garlic Herb Bacon-Wrapped Turkey Breast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Herb Mixture
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F to get it nice and hot, so your turkey cooks perfectly. While it warms, whisk together balsamic vinegar and olive oil in a small bowl. This will form the flavorful base for your herb rub. Next, chop four sprigs each of fresh rosemary and thyme and add them along with the steak seasoning and crushed garlic cloves into the bowl. Give it a good mix so all those wonderful flavors marry beautifully.
Step 2: Season the Turkey Breast
Take your boneless turkey breast and generously brush the balsamic herb mixture all over it. This step is crucial because it coats the meat with layers of flavor that will penetrate as the turkey roasts. Don’t forget to place the two remaining sprigs of rosemary and thyme right on top of the turkey; they add that fresh fragrance that makes this dish stand out.
Step 3: Weave and Wrap with Bacon
Now comes the fun part – weaving the bacon! Lay out your 10 slices of bacon side by side, then carefully weave them together to create a blanket. Next, drape this bacon weave over the turkey breast, tucking the ends underneath for a snug fit. It’s like giving your turkey a cozy, savory sweater. Make sure the ends of the rosemary and thyme extend slightly so they can be easily removed later.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place your bacon-wrapped turkey on a wire rack set over a foil-lined baking sheet. This setup keeps the bacon crispy all around while allowing drippings to collect beneath for easy cleanup. Brush any leftover herb rub over the bacon for extra flavor. Position the rack on a lower oven tier to keep the bacon from getting too close to the heating element. Let it bake for about one hour or until the internal temperature reaches a safe and juicy 165°F.
Step 5: Final Touch and Serving
Once out of the oven, carefully remove the rosemary and thyme sprigs poking out. Let your turkey rest a few minutes before slicing to lock in all those juices. The bacon should be perfectly crisp, the turkey tender and infused with a bouquet of herbs and garlic. This is truly a moment to savor.
How to Serve Garlic Herb Bacon-Wrapped Turkey Breast Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation of your Garlic Herb Bacon-Wrapped Turkey Breast Recipe, consider fresh sprigs of rosemary or thyme scattered around the plate. A sprinkle of finely chopped parsley or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a lovely contrast of color and a touch of elegance that ties the flavors together beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans to keep the focus on the star—the turkey. Creamy mashed potatoes or a buttery risotto make for comforting body and soul accompaniments. In lighter moods, a crisp garden salad or quinoa tossed with lemon and herbs balances the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more festive occasion, slice the turkey breast into medallions and arrange them overlapping in a circular pattern on a warmed platter. Garnish with edible flowers or delicate microgreens for a stunning centerpiece. Alternatively, serve individual portions atop toasted baguette slices as a hearty appetizer or elegant buffet offering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from your Garlic Herb Bacon-Wrapped Turkey Breast Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors develop even more as the turkey rests, making for delicious sandwiches or quick reheats.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, slice the turkey before freezing for easier portioning. Wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen turkey breast stays best for 2 to 3 months without losing quality.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet covered loosely with foil and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. This method keeps the bacon from drying out and preserves the tender juiciness of the turkey.
FAQs
Can I use skin-on turkey breast instead of skinless?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use skin-on turkey breast, though the bacon wrapping provides plenty of moisture and crispiness on its own. The skin may add extra flavor but isn’t necessary for success.
Is it important to use fresh herbs in this recipe?
Fresh herbs really make a difference in aroma and flavor. While dried herbs can work in a pinch, fresh rosemary and thyme bring a bright, vibrant taste that’s essential to this recipe’s character.
Can I prepare the herb mixture ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the balsamic and herb mixture up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a stir before brushing it on the turkey to redistribute the flavors.
What do I do if I don’t have a meat thermometer?
A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure perfectly cooked turkey. If you don’t have one, bake for around 1 hour but check that juices run clear and the meat feels firm but not dry when pierced. Investing in a thermometer is well worth it for safety and quality.
Can I use turkey tenderloin instead of a whole breast?
You could, but a breast provides more uniform thickness for even cooking and enough surface area for the bacon weave. Using tenderloins might require adjusting cooking times and closely monitoring to prevent overcooking.
Final Thoughts
The Garlic Herb Bacon-Wrapped Turkey Breast Recipe is a gem that brings together simplicity, indulgence, and incredible flavor in one neat package. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe promises to deliver juicy, aromatic turkey with a crispy bacon crust that everyone will love. Give it a try—you just might find your new favorite way to enjoy turkey!
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Garlic Herb Bacon-Wrapped Turkey Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A savory and aromatic Garlic Herb Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast featuring a flavorful balsamic vinegar and olive oil marinade infused with fresh rosemary, thyme, garlic, and steak seasoning. Wrapped in crispy bacon and baked to juicy perfection, this dish makes a perfect centerpiece for any meal.
Ingredients
Marinade and Herb Rub
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 sprigs fresh rosemary (divided)
- 6 sprigs fresh thyme (divided)
- 2 tablespoons steak seasoning
- 6 cloves garlic (crushed)
Main Ingredients
- 3–4 pound boneless, skinless turkey breast
- 10 slices bacon
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F to prepare for baking the turkey breast wrapped in bacon.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar and olive oil until combined.
- Make the Herb Rub: Chop 4 sprigs of rosemary and 4 sprigs of thyme finely and add them to the bowl along with the steak seasoning and crushed garlic. Mix thoroughly.
- Coat the Turkey: Brush the herb mixture evenly over the entire surface of the turkey breast, ensuring it’s well covered.
- Add Whole Herb Sprigs: Place the remaining rosemary and thyme sprigs (2 each) on top of the turkey breast for added flavor and aroma.
- Wrap with Bacon: Weave the 10 slices of bacon together into a lattice and carefully lay this weave on top of the turkey breast, covering it completely.
- Tuck Bacon Ends: Tuck the ends of the bacon slices underneath the turkey breast to secure the wrapping during baking.
- Arrange Herb Sprigs: Make sure the ends of the remaining rosemary and thyme sprigs stick out slightly from under the bacon for easy removal after cooking.
- Prepare Baking Setup: Place the bacon-wrapped turkey breast on a wire rack set over a foil-lined baking sheet to allow even cooking and crisping of bacon.
- Final Brush: Brush any leftover herb rub on top of the bacon weave for enhanced flavor.
- Bake the Turkey: Position the baking sheet on a lower oven rack to prevent bacon from getting too close to the heating element. Bake for 1 hour or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the turkey from the oven, then carefully pull out the rosemary and thyme sprigs from under the bacon. Slice the turkey breast and serve.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is cooked safely and stays juicy.
- Let the turkey rest for a few minutes after baking to retain its moisture.
- For a spicier flavor, add crushed red pepper flakes to the herb rub.
- Make sure to tightly weave the bacon to prevent it from unraveling during baking.
- If you prefer crispier bacon, you can broil the turkey for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
