Bacon-Wrapped Turkey Breast: A Succulent Centerpiece for Festive Gatherings
Introduction
Elevate your holiday feast with a bacon-wrapped turkey breast—a harmonious blend of tender poultry, aromatic herbs, and crispy bacon. This dish offers a flavorful alternative to traditional turkey preparations, ensuring a moist and savory experience for your guests.
Ingredients
To prepare this delectable entrée, gather the following:
- Turkey Breast: 5-6 pounds, fully thawed
- Vidalia Onion: 1 large, chopped
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Fresh Rosemary: 2 sprigs
- Fresh Sage: 2 sprigs
- Fresh Thyme: 2 sprigs
- Salted Butter: 1/2 stick, melted
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon
- Bacon: 1 pound
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat the Oven
- Set Temperature: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Turkey Breast
- Thaw and Dry: Ensure the turkey breast is fully thawed and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Stuff the Cavity: Flip the turkey breast to expose the cavity. Stuff it with the chopped onion, minced garlic, and fresh herb sprigs. Return the turkey to its original position and place it in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Season the Turkey
- Mix Seasoning: In a bowl, combine the melted butter with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Apply Butter Mixture: Brush this seasoned butter mixture evenly over the surface of the turkey breast, ensuring thorough coverage.
4. Wrap with Bacon
- Arrange Bacon Strips: Lay bacon strips horizontally across the turkey breast, overlapping slightly to cover the entire surface.
- Create a Weave (Optional): For an intricate presentation, weave additional bacon strips vertically through the horizontal layers to form a lattice pattern.
5. Add Aromatics
- Surround with Onion and Garlic: Distribute any remaining chopped onion and minced garlic around the turkey in the baking dish to enhance flavor during roasting.
6. Roast the Turkey
- Initial Roasting: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast for 1 hour.
- Tent with Foil: After the initial hour, tent the turkey with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
- Continue Roasting: Roast for an additional 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Rest and Serve
- Rest the Turkey: Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes. This step ensures the juices redistribute, resulting in a moist and tender serving.
- Slice and Serve: Carve the turkey breast into slices and serve alongside your preferred holiday side dishes.
Serving Suggestions
This bacon-wrapped turkey breast pairs excellently with:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes infused with roasted garlic complement the savory turkey.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: A side of caramelized Brussels sprouts adds a delightful crunch.
- Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce balances the richness of the bacon and turkey.
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (Based on 8 Servings):
- Calories: Approximately 333 kcal
- Protein: 45g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g