Savory Bacon Wrapped Holiday Turkey

A Butter and Bacon Hug

My kitchen smells like a holiday dream when this turkey is cooking. The garlic butter and bacon fill the whole house. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It feels like a warm hug for everyone who walks in.

This recipe is my favorite way to make a turkey. The secret is the butter under the skin. It makes the meat so juicy and tender. I think that little step matters most for a happy meal.

The Onion Secret

Do not throw away those onion pieces. They are not just for flavor. Placing them under and inside the bird is an old trick. It helps the turkey cook evenly from all sides.

It also makes a wonderful gravy later. The onions get all soft and sweet in the pan. My grandson once tried to eat one straight from the pan. I still laugh at that. He said it was the best onion ever.

Weaving a Bacon Blanket

Now for the fun part. Weaving the bacon looks fancy, but it is simple. It is like a little craft project for your food. It keeps the turkey breast from getting dry.

Fun fact: This method is called a bacon lattice. It makes the turkey look so dressed up. Have you ever tried weaving bacon before? It is easier than it looks, I promise.

A Patient Roast

The high heat at the start makes the bacon crispy. Then we turn the oven down. This lets the inside cook slowly and gently. Basting is the key. It adds more flavor and moisture.

Do not skip the rest at the end. Letting the turkey sit is so important. It lets all the juices settle back into the meat. This matters because it makes every single slice perfect.

Your Turn to Share

This recipe has been in my family for years. We have made it for big celebrations and small Sunday dinners. What is your favorite holiday food memory? I love hearing your stories.

Does your family have a special dish you make every year? Tell me about it. And what is your favorite part of the turkey, the leg or the breast? I am always team leg myself.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Unsalted Butter	1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g)	For the garlic butter mixture
Garlic, minced	1 tablespoon	For the garlic butter mixture
Dried Thyme	1 tablespoon	For the garlic butter mixture
Dried Rubbed Sage	1 teaspoon	For the garlic butter mixture
Smoked Paprika	1 teaspoon	For the garlic butter mixture
Kosher Salt	2 teaspoons	For the garlic butter mixture
Turkey	1 large (12-15 pounds)	Thawed, neck and giblets removed
Onions, peeled and quartered	6 medium	Divided between pan bottom and turkey cavity
Thick-cut Bacon	1 1/2 pounds (22-24 slices)	For wrapping legs, wings, and creating a breast blanket
Chicken Broth	1 cup (240 g)	Poured into the base of the roasting pan

My Holiday Turkey with a Bacon Blanket

Hello, my dear! Let’s talk about our holiday turkey. I have a special way to make it. We give it a cozy bacon blanket. Doesn’t that sound wonderful? The bacon keeps the turkey so moist and juicy. It also makes the skin incredibly tasty. My grandson calls it the “superhero turkey.” I still laugh at that.

This recipe is easier than it looks. I will walk you through it step-by-step. We will make a simple garlic butter first. Then we get our turkey ready for its blanket. The smell in your kitchen will be amazing. It reminds me of big family dinners at my grandma’s house.

Step 1: Make the Garlic Butter

Let’s make our garlic butter. Mix the soft butter with all those lovely herbs. The thyme and sage smell like a holiday forest. Rub this all over the turkey, under the skin too. This makes the meat so flavorful. (A hard-learned tip: Soft butter is much easier to spread than hard, cold butter!).

Step 2: Prepare the Turkey

Now, prepare your turkey. Take out the little bag of parts from inside. We will use onions to add more flavor. Put some in the pan and some inside the bird. This is an old trick my mother taught me. It makes the gravy taste wonderful later.

Step 3: Create the Bacon Blanket

Time for the bacon! Wrap two slices around each leg. It’s like putting warm socks on the turkey. Then we make the blanket for the breast. Weave the bacon on parchment paper. It is like a simple craft project. Do you like sweet or savory stuffings? Share below!

Step 4: Cook the Turkey

Flip your woven bacon onto the turkey breast. Tuck any loose ends underneath. Now it looks so pretty and ready for the oven. We start with a hot oven to get things going. Then we turn it down to cook slowly. Basting it keeps everything moist.

Step 5: Let it Rest

The most important step is to let it rest. Take the turkey out and just leave it be. This lets all the juices settle back in. If you cut it right away, the juices will run out. Waiting is the hardest part, I know!

Cook Time: 3–3 ½ hours
Total Time: 4 hours (with resting)
Yield: 12 servings
Category: Dinner, Holiday

Three Fun Twists to Try

This recipe is wonderful as it is. But you can also change it up. Here are a few ideas for next time. Cooking should always be a little fun. It is how we make new family traditions.

Maple Glaze

Brush a little maple syrup on the bacon halfway through. It adds a sweet and smoky taste. My neighbor gave me this idea one Thanksgiving.

Herb Garden

Use fresh rosemary and sage in the butter. Fresh herbs make the kitchen smell so good. It feels like you brought the garden inside.

Spicy Kick

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the butter. This gives the turkey a little warm feeling. It is a nice surprise for those who like it.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving Your Masterpiece

Now, what to serve with this glorious turkey? You need things that taste good together. Creamy mashed potatoes are a must. The gravy from the pan is perfect on them. A simple green salad helps balance the meal. It adds a fresh, crunchy bite.

For drinks, I have two favorites. A cold apple cider is so refreshing. It is sweet and tangy. For the grown-ups, a glass of Chardonnay wine pairs nicely. It tastes like crisp apples and goes well with the bacon.

Which would you choose tonight?

Storing Your Savory Bacon Turkey

Let’s talk about storing your beautiful turkey. First, let the bird cool completely. Then, take all the meat off the bone. Store it in airtight containers in the fridge. It will stay good for about three to four days.

You can also freeze the turkey for later. Use freezer bags and push out all the air. It will keep for three months. This is a great batch-cook trick for busy weeks.

I once reheated turkey in a hot oven. It dried out! Now I reheat it with a bit of broth in the pan. This keeps the meat juicy and tender. Storing food well means no waste and easy meals. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Turkey Troubles

Is your bacon not getting crispy? Your oven might be too crowded. Make sure hot air can move around the pan. I remember when my bacon was soggy. Moving the rack up fixed it!

The skin might tear when you loosen it. Just go slow and use your fingers. A small tear is okay. The garlic butter will still taste wonderful. This matters because cooking should feel fun, not stressful.

Is the breast cooking faster than the legs? A small piece of foil can shield it. This prevents the white meat from drying out. Getting this right means a perfectly moist turkey. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Turkey Questions, Answered

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free? A: Yes, it is! Just check your chicken broth label to be sure.

Q: Can I make any part ahead? A: You can make the garlic butter two days early. Keep it in the fridge.

Q: I don’t have thyme. What can I use? A: Dried rosemary is a lovely swap. It will still taste great.

Q: Can I make a smaller turkey? A: Of course! Just use less bacon and butter. The cooking time will be shorter.

Q: Any optional tips? A: Add an orange inside the cavity with the onions. Fun fact: This adds a lovely, subtle sweetness. Which tip will you try first?

Sharing Your Holiday Table

I hope this recipe brings joy to your kitchen. The smell of roasting turkey is pure happiness. It reminds me of my own family’s laughter.

I would love to see your creation. Your table is a special part of your story. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! Let’s share our cooking adventures.

Happy cooking!

—Olivia Hartwell.