There is nothing that says “Thanksgiving feast” better than a beautifully roasted turkey, and this Bacon Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey with Herb Stuffing takes tradition to a whole new level. If you’ve ever wished your turkey were juicier, more flavorful, and a little more festive, this recipe is exactly what you need. Wrapping a turkey in smoky, crispy bacon not only infuses meat with rich savory flavor, but also helps keep the bird ultra hydrated during the long roasting process. Paired with a fragrant herb stuffing full of buttery bread cubes, fresh aromatics, and holiday herbs, this dish delivers everything you want in a show-stopping Thanksgiving main.

Whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or preparing a cozy holiday dinner for a few loved ones, this recipe brings both visual “wow” factor and unforgettable flavor. It’s designed to be approachable for all cooking levels, with step-by-step instructions that guarantee a moist, tender turkey whether it’s your first time roasting one or your fifteenth.

In this guide, we’ll explore the ingredients, methods, tips, and variations that ensure your Bacon Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey with Herb Stuffing becomes a holiday tradition. The final result is a turkey that’s aromatic, golden brown, and beautifully wrapped in crisp bacon — a center-of-the-table masterpiece worthy of any celebration.

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Why This Turkey Recipe Works

✔ Bacon Lock-In Moisture

Turkey breast meat is notorious for drying out. Bacon acts as a natural self-basting layer, releasing fat slowly during roasting to keep the turkey juicy and tender.

✔ Herb Stuffing for Full Flavor

Fresh sage, thyme, and rosemary fill your kitchen with the scent of pure holiday nostalgia while seasoning the bread cubes from the inside out.

✔ Crispy, Photo-Ready Presentation

The bacon criss-cross pattern creates an impressive aesthetic that photographs beautifully and delights guests before they even take a bite.

✔ Simple Ingredients, Big Results

This recipe uses fresh, accessible ingredients that combine into something extraordinary.

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Ingredients

For the Turkey

• 1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs), thawed if frozen
• 12–14 strips of thick-cut bacon
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 lemon, halved
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 1 head garlic, halved
• Fresh herb sprigs (rosemary, thyme, sage)

Herb Stuffing

• 8 cups bread cubes (day-old preferred)
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 cup diced celery
• 4 tbsp butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Stuffing

1. Melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add onion and celery; sauté until softened, about 5–6 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic and cook 1 more minute.
4. Add herbs, salt, and pepper.
5. Stir in bread cubes.
6. Add broth gradually until the mixture is moistened but not soggy.
7. Remove from heat and cool slightly.

2. Prep the Turkey

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Pat the turkey dry inside and out.
3. Season the cavity with salt and pepper.
4. Stuff with cooled herb mixture (or bake stuffing separately if preferred).
5. Place lemon halves, onion, garlic, and herb sprigs inside the turkey as well.
6. Tie legs with kitchen twine.

3. Season the Exterior

1. Mix olive oil, softened butter, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Rub mixture all over the turkey, including under the skin where possible.

4. Apply the Bacon Lattice

1. Lay strips of bacon over the turkey breast, slightly overlapping.
2. Criss-cross them diagonally for a beautiful lattice effect.
3. Tuck ends underneath the bird.

5. Roast

1. Place turkey on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan.
2. Roast for 3½ to 4½ hours, depending on size.
3. Remove bacon during the last hour if you want deeper browning on the skin.
4. Turkey is done when thigh registers 165°F (74°C).
5. Rest 20–30 minutes before carving.

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Tips for the Best Turkey Ever

Let It Rest

Resting allows juices to redistribute so the meat stays succulent.

Don’t Over-Stuff

Too much stuffing prevents heat circulation. Use extra stuffing in a separate dish.

Use a Thermometer

The single biggest secret to perfect turkey every time.

Save the Drippings

They make exceptional gravy loaded with smoky bacon flavor.

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Variations

Maple Bacon Turkey

Brush the bacon with maple syrup before roasting for a sweet-savory glaze.

Apple & Cranberry Stuffing

Fold dried cranberries and diced apples into your bread cubes.

Garlic Herb Butter Turkey

Double the butter mixture and stuff it under the skin before adding bacon.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole.
• Pair with warm rolls and cranberry sauce.
• Leftovers make legendary sandwiches — especially with bacon bits mixed in.

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Fun Holiday Fact

Traditionally, turkey became the Thanksgiving protein because it was large enough to feed big gatherings, economical to raise, and abundant in early America. The addition of bacon is a modern, indulgent twist that elevates the classic bird with irresistible smoky flavor.