Why You Should Cover Your Christmas Turkey with Bacon Strips

As the festive season approaches, many of us look forward to the most iconic meal of the year – Christmas dinner. 

A beautifully roasted turkey, surrounded by golden roast potatoes, brussels sprouts, and rich gravy, is the star of the show. 

However, achieving the perfect turkey can be a challenge. For some, dry turkey is the bane of Christmas Day, but there’s a simple solution to prevent it: covering your turkey with strips of bacon.

Here’s why you should add this delightful twist to your festive feast:

1. Keeps the Turkey Moist

Turkey breast, in particular, tends to dry out quickly during roasting due to its low-fat content. By layering your bird with bacon, you’re providing a natural bastion of fat. As the bacon cooks, its fat renders and drips down, basting the turkey throughout the roasting process. This keeps the meat juicy and prevents the dreaded dry turkey.

2. Adds Flavour

Bacon isn’t just about fat – it’s packed with flavour. Wrapping your turkey in smoky, salty bacon will infuse the bird with rich, savoury notes that complement its mild taste. The bacon fat melts and soaks into the skin, giving you an incredibly flavourful outer layer. Plus, the contrast between crispy bacon and tender turkey is a texture lover’s dream.

3. Enhances the Crispy Skin

Who doesn’t love a turkey with perfectly crispy skin? The bacon helps achieve that golden, crispy finish. As the bacon cooks and crisps up, it also encourages the turkey’s skin underneath to do the same. The result? A deeply satisfying crunch with each bite.

4. Adds a Touch of Luxury

Bacon-wrapped turkey isn’t just practical; it also elevates the dish, giving it a bit of gourmet flair. It looks impressive on the table and can make your Christmas dinner feel that little bit more indulgent. After all, if you’re going to roast a turkey once a year, why not go all out?

5. Acts as a Shield

The turkey’s breast is prone to overcooking before the legs are done. By covering the bird with bacon, you’re essentially giving the breast an added layer of protection. This shield helps regulate the cooking process, ensuring the turkey cooks evenly. If the bacon gets too crispy before the bird is fully cooked, you can simply remove the bacon strips towards the end of the roasting time and let the turkey finish cooking uncovered.

6. A Versatile Addition

Covering your turkey with bacon also opens up plenty of room for creativity. You can add herbs like rosemary or thyme beneath the bacon for an extra infusion of flavour, or brush the bacon with honey or maple syrup for a sweet, glazed finish. You can even use different types of bacon – smoked, unsmoked, or streaky – depending on your personal preference.

7. A Crowd Pleaser

Let’s face it: everyone loves bacon. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, the addition of bacon to your Christmas turkey is bound to be a hit. Once the bird is carved, the crispy bacon strips can be served alongside the turkey or even crumbled over the stuffing or brussels sprouts for added flavour. It’s a festive win-win.

Final Thoughts

If you’re seeking a surefire way to enhance your Christmas turkey, covering it with strips of bacon is a no-brainer. Not only will it keep the meat moist and full of flavour, but it will also give your festive feast that extra touch of luxury. So, this Christmas, don’t just settle for a traditional roast turkey – wrap it in bacon and enjoy a truly decadent and delicious centrepiece for your holiday meal.

Happy roasting, and Merry Christmas!