Honey Chipotle Turkey Bacon

Sweet, smoky, and irresistibly crisp, this Honey Chipotle Turkey Bacon is proof that a simple twist can completely transform a classic breakfast side. Made with 3 ingredients, you can enjoy crispy bacon again, with slightly less guilt than its pork cousin.

Turkey bacon gets a bad rap. Mostly because, well… it's not bacon! But we're a fan. Since it's leaner than traditional pork bacon we can enjoy an extra slice or two without the added guilt.

While turkey bacon can be slightly more chewy than its pork counterpart, the caramelized honey does double duty here. It adds a good sweet-and-savory flavor while also helping the bacon crisp up beautifully.

Key ingredients

3 ingredients! Grab your favorite turkey bacon (or pork bacon), honey, and chipotle or chili powder. If you'd like an additional layer of smoky flavor feel free to add a touch of cumin or smoked paprika.

Full ingredient list can be found in the recipe card below.

Step-by-step instructions

We prefer the oven-baked cooking method for bacon over pan-fried (less mess and way easier for a crowd), but you can as easily cook turkey bacon in a skillet.

Step 1. Place turkey bacon in a single layer on a baking sheet.

Step 2. Brush with melted honey.

Step 3. Sprinkle chipotle powder on top of the honey bacon.

Step 4. Cook at 400°F for 14-18 minutes until crispy. Keep an eye on it so it doesn't burn.

*These are abbreviated instructions. The full list of directions is in the recipe card below.

Expert tips

• Cured vs. uncured bacon may affect your final dish. Both work, but we noticed that the cured turkey bacon crisped up better than the uncured bacon. That being said, choose whichever one you prefer.
• Wire rack versus direct pan method. We normally prefer placing a wire rackon top of a baking sheet when cooking traditional pork bacon (it avoids soggy bacon and allows us to collect all that bacon grease). Since turkey bacon is much leaner, it doesn't render much fat, so you can cook it directly in the pan. Again, personal preference.
• Don't overload the honey. A light, even coating is all you need. Too much honey can burn before the bacon fully crisps, especially at higher oven temperatures.
• Make turkey bacon in a skillet. You can also make this on the stovetop. Cook turkey bacon in a nonstick skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally, until nearly crisp. Brush with honey, sprinkle with chipotle seasoning, and cook for another 30-60 seconds per side until caramelized. Keep a close eye on it; the honey can go from caramelized to burnt quickly.

Serving suggestions

What doesn't bacon go with?

• Eggs Serve them with all things eggs. Friedscrambledpoached or jammy.
• Make a sandwich Layer it inside a classic breakfast sandwich or layer it in a BLT.
• Pancakes, waffles, or French toast Bacon is the solid side dish to these sweet or savory classics.
• Other breakfast sides Serve bacon with crispy breakfast potatoes hash or simple roasted tomatoes.
• Salads Spruce up a fresh summer salad or add it to prepared egg salad.

Keeping leftovers

To store the bacon, let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Kitchen questions

Does the honey burn in the oven?

Honey can burn if applied too heavily or cooked at high temperatures. Use a light coating and keep an eye on the bacon during the final minutes of cooking.

Solid pairings

Good with everything!

Ingredients

Makes 6

• 12 ounces turkey bacon
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 tbsp chipotle powder or chili powder
• ground cumin or smoked paprika, optional

Equipment

• large baking sheets

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Optional: Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet if preferred.

2. Lay the turkey bacon strips in a single layer on the baking sheet. Avoid overlapping to ensure even cooking and crisping.

3. Slightly warm the honey just until loosened and pourable (about 10–15 seconds in the microwave). This makes it easier to spread evenly. Using a pastry brush or spoon, lightly coat the turkey bacon with the warm honey, then sprinkle evenly with chipotle powder and optional spices if using.

4. Bake for14–18 minutes, checking around the 14-minute mark to prevent burning.

   Without a wire rack: Flip the bacon halfway through cooking for even crisping. With a wire rack: No flipping needed.

   Cooking time will vary depending on thickness and brand. The bacon is done when caramelized and crisp around the edges. Remove from the oven and let rest for 1–2 minutes before serving. The bacon will continue to crisp slightly as it cools.

Kitchen notes

• Cured vs. uncured bacon may affect your final dish. Both work, but we noticed that the cured turkey bacon crisped up better than the uncured bacon. That being said, choose whichever one you prefer.
• Don't overload the honey. A light, even coating is all you need. Too much honey can burn before the bacon fully crisps, especially at higher oven temperatures.