Slow Roasted Turkey with Bacon

This slow roasted turkey with bacon is moist, flavorful, and nearly foolproof — the perfect centerpiece for your holiday dinner. Learn the steps for how to make a tender turkey that practically bastes itself.

The Story Behind This Recipe

After cooking turkey dinners for over 30 years, I’ve decided that the Super Bowl of dinners has to be a turkey dinner! By the time all the dishes are on the table, I always feel like I should have a cheering section — and maybe even a trophy. 🏆

Until you’ve done it all by yourself, most people don’t realize how much planning and precision it takes to pull off a turkey dinner successfully.

So today, I’m sharing the step-by-step method of roasting a turkey I’ve developed over the years — a combination of wisdom from friends, trial and error, and great advice I once read in Emily Barnes’s book, The 15-Minute Home Organizer (affilate link), where I learned her “perfect every time” slow-roast method.

And the bacon topping? That delicious trick came from a friend from Ireland, who told me that in her home, turkey was always roasted with bacon on top. (Once you try it, you’ll see why!)

Why You’ll Love This Turkey with Bacon

• Moist and flavorful: Slow roasting keeps the meat tender and juicy.
• Self-basting: The bacon and low-and-slow heat do all the work.
• Convenient: Start it the night before if you’d like and let it cook while you sleep. The timing can be very forgiving, allowing you to adjust when it’s done with everything else that’s going on.
• Crowd-pleasing: Crispy bacon on top adds incredible flavor and a beautiful presentation.

Equipment You’ll Need

(The following contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience..)

The equipment you need for roasting a turkey will probably not be used often in your home kitchen. But, when you need it, you’ll be so grateful for it! Tuck it away in a special out-of-the-way cupboard so you’ll know just where to reach for it when you need it!

• Roasting pan with rack (or my friend uses a large disposible foil roasting pan)
• Turkey lifter
• Baster
• Meat thermometer
• Cutting board & carving knife
• Electric knife (optional but helpful)
• Aluminum foil

I’ve put together items that are similar to what I use in the following list from Amazon. (Which, by the way, would be great ideas for a bridal shower gift!)

Before You Begin

• Plan the size: Buy 1–1½ pounds of turkey per person (bone-in whole turkey). If you want leftovers, it is recommended 2 pounds per person.
• Thaw properly: Place the turkey on the lower rack of your fridge and follow package thawing instructions. (It takes DAYS, so plan ahead.)
• Check resources: The Butterball website is a great source for thawing and roasting times. It even has a call hotline if you run into troubles!

How to Make This Slow Roasted Turkey with Bacon

For a detailed description & recipe, check the printable recipe card below. Here’s the quick overview of how I make my favorite turkey with bacon method:

1.Prep the turkey:

• Thaw completely and remove the neck and giblets.
• Rinse the inside cavity,pat dry, and salt. Brush melted butter over the breast side.
• Sprinkle generously with your favorite seasoning or the simple spice rub listed below.

2.Assemble in the roaster:

• Place the rack and turkey lifter in the pan.
• Turn the turkey breast side down so it cooks in its own juices.
• Lay a full package of bacon strips over the top (which is now the back of the turkey).

3.Roast:

• Bake at 350°F for 1 hour (to kill off all the bacteria in the meat), then lower to 200- 225°F and slow roast until done (about 1 hour per pound).
• The slow roasting method keeps the turkey moist and tender (producing lots of juice!) — and you can even let it cook overnight for an easy next-day carving.

4.Check doneness:

• The turkey is ready when the meat thermometer reads 170°F in both the thigh and breast.
• Remove from the oven, tent with foil, and rest for 15-30 minutes before carving.

5.Carve & serve:

• Slice the breasts off in 2 whole sections first, then cut them into even slices.
• Arrange the crispy bacon around the edges of the serving platter first, then layer the turkey slices overtop.
• Garnish with fresh rosemary and orange slices for a beautiful, festive touch.

Simple Holiday Turkey Spice Rub Recipe

It’s nice to cook a turkey with fresh herbs, but if you don’t have any on hand, here is a simple spice rub that will give your turkey all the classic flavors you love!

• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp dried sage
• 1 tbsp dried rosemary
• 1 tbsp dried thyme
• 1 tbsp paprika
• ½ tbsp garlic powder
• ½ tbsp onion powder
• 1 tsp black pepper

Mix and sprinkle on buttered turkey breast.

Helpful Tips for Roasting a Turkey with Bacon

• Use a large roasting pan. This slow-roasting method produces a lot of flavorful juice, so be sure your pan is deep and wide enough to catch it all. You don’t want it bubbling over the sides while it cooks.
• Cook low and slow — even overnight. For larger turkeys, you can start roasting in the evening: cook one hour at 350°F, then turn the oven down for a long, gentle overnight roast. (Figure about one hour per pound.)
• Speed up the cooking if you need to. If you find you don’t have time for the entire slow roast process, you can partially slow roast it, and then turn the heat up to make it cook faster.
• Use a meat thermometer. This is the most reliable way to make sure your turkey is fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 170- 175°F in the thickest part of the breast and in the thigh.
• Make it ahead for less stress. You can roast your turkey the day before a big meal. Simply carve it, place the slices in a 9×13 pan, drizzle with some of the reserved turkey juices, cover with foil, and reheat gently in the oven the next day until warm.
• Save every drop of juice! The drippings are full of rich flavor — perfect for gravy, moistening leftovers, or adding to soups.
• Let it rest before carving. After removing your turkey from the oven, tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 15 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the meat tender.
• Check your oven shelf height. Make sure your turkey fits comfortably before preheating the oven — especially if you’re using a high-sided roasting pan. (I always remove the top shelf and cook it on the bottom shelf.

Side Dishes to Serve with Roasted Turkey

There are so many different favorite recipes that go with roast turkey – like mashed potatoes & gravy, old fashioned stuffing, sweet potatoes, and so many more! I put together an entire list of yummy side dishes for Thanksgiving dinner that pair wonderfully with this roast turkey with bacon.

Pin It Now, Make It Later

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