How to Cook Costco Turkey Bacon

Columbus Uncured Turkey Bacon is a hickory smoked breakfast meat sold exclusively at Costco warehouses. It comes in a 2.5 pound package containing four 10-ounce packs of sliced turkey bacon strips.

The product is made from turkey thighs that are chopped and formed into bacon-shaped strips. No nitrates or nitrites added. No artificial preservatives either.

Most people grab this for quick weekday breakfasts or weekend brunch spreads. The bulk packaging makes it great for meal prep. You get about 40 slices per package, which feeds a family of four for roughly two weeks.

This guide covers four cooking methods with exact times and temperatures. Total cook time ranges from 5 minutes (microwave) to 17 minutes (oven). You’ll need basic kitchen equipment you probably already own.

Product Details

Product: Columbus Uncured Hickory Smoked Turkey Bacon

Type: Raw (requires cooking)

Package Size: 2.5 lbs (4 x 10 oz packs, approximately 40 slices)

Price: $13.99 at Costco (Updated January 2025). Sale price: $9.97

Storage: Keep refrigerated below 40 degrees F

Calories per Serving: 45 (one slice, 28g)

Main Ingredients: Turkey, water, vinegar, sea salt, raw sugar, celery powder

Item Number: 1363689

Cooking Methods Comparison

Recommended Method: Air fryer for crispiest texture with minimal cleanup and no added oil.

Method 1: Air Fryer (Recommended)

The air fryer produces the crispiest turkey bacon strips without any added fat. Hot air circulation cooks the bacon evenly on all sides. Takes 7-10 minutes total. Perfect for 4-6 slices per batch.

Step 1: How Do You Prepare the Turkey Bacon?

Separate the turkey bacon slices from the package. They tend to stick together when cold.

Instructions:

1. Remove desired number of slices from packaging
2. Let strips sit at room temperature for 2-3 minutes (optional, but helps with even cooking)

Equipment: Air fryer basket, tongs

Step 2: What Temperature and Time Do You Use?

Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F. Cook time is 7-10 minutes depending on how crispy you want it.

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 350 degrees F for 2-3 minutes
2. Arrange turkey bacon in a single layer without overlapping

Temperature: 350 degrees F

Time: 7-10 minutes total

Step 3: When Do You Flip the Bacon?

Flip the turkey bacon strips once at the halfway point. This ensures both sides get crispy and golden brown.

Instructions:

1. Open basket at 4-5 minute mark
2. Flip each strip using tongs

Checkpoint: At 4-5 minute mark

Step 4: How Do You Know When It’s Done?

Turkey bacon is done when the strips turn golden brown and feel firm to the touch. They’ll crisp up more as they cool.

Instructions:

1. Check color at 7 minutes
2. Add 1-2 minutes for extra crispy bacon
3. Transfer to paper towel-lined plate to drain

Target Temperature: 165 degrees F internal

Visual Indicator: Golden brown color, edges slightly curled

Method 2: Oven Baked

Baking turkey bacon in the oven is hands-off and great for larger batches. You can fit an entire 10-ounce pack on one baking sheet. Takes 15-17 minutes at 400 degrees F.

Step 1: How Do You Prepare the Baking Sheet?

Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This makes cleanup way easier.

Instructions:

1. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper
2. Arrange turkey bacon strips in a single layer

Equipment: Rimmed baking sheet, parchment paper or foil

Step 2: What Temperature and Time Do You Use?

Bake at 400 degrees F. Some recipes call for 425 degrees F, which works too but requires watching more closely.

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F
2. Place baking sheet on middle rack

Temperature: 400 degrees F

Time: 15-17 minutes total

Step 3: When Do You Flip the Bacon?

Flip once halfway through cooking. Some people skip this step entirely at 400 degrees F.

Instructions:

1. Remove pan from oven at 8-10 minute mark
2. Flip each strip with tongs

Checkpoint: At 8-10 minute mark

Step 4: How Do You Know When It’s Done?

The bacon should be deeply browned and slightly wavy. It firms up as it cools.

Instructions:

1. Check at 15 minutes for desired crispness
2. Add 2-3 minutes for extra crispy results
3. Transfer to paper towels to absorb grease

Target Temperature: 165 degrees F internal

Visual Indicator: Deep golden brown, edges curling slightly

Method 3: Stovetop Skillet

Pan-frying turkey bacon on the stovetop gives you the most control over doneness. Unlike pork bacon, turkey bacon needs a little added oil because it has less fat. Takes 7-10 minutes over medium heat.

Step 1: How Do You Prepare the Skillet?

Turkey bacon releases almost no fat during cooking. You need to add oil to prevent sticking and get a good sear.

Instructions:

1. Add 1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil to a 12-inch skillet
2. Heat over medium heat until oil shimmers

Equipment: 12-inch non-stick skillet or cast iron pan, spatula or tongs

Step 2: What Temperature Do You Use?

Medium heat works best. Too high and the bacon burns before cooking through. Too low and it won’t crisp up.

Instructions:

1. Set burner to medium heat (setting 5-6 out of 10)
2. Place 4-5 strips in the skillet without crowding

Temperature: Medium heat

Time: 7-10 minutes total

Step 3: How Often Do You Flip?

Flip the turkey bacon strips every 2-3 minutes. More frequent flipping helps with even cooking and prevents burning.

Instructions:

1. Flip strips every 2-3 minutes
2. Adjust heat if bacon is browning too quickly

Checkpoint: Every 2-3 minutes

Step 4: How Do You Know When It’s Done?

Look for a deep brown color and crispy edges. The strips should feel firm when pressed with tongs.

Instructions:

1. Check doneness at 7 minutes
2. Continue cooking 1-2 minutes more for crispier bacon
3. Drain on paper towels before serving

Target Temperature: 165 degrees F internal

Visual Indicator: Deep brown color with crispy edges

Method 4: Microwave

Microwaving is the fastest method but produces softer, chewier turkey bacon. Best for single servings when you’re in a rush. Takes about 1.5-2 minutes.

Step 1: How Do You Set Up for Microwaving?

Layer paper towels to absorb grease and prevent splatter. This keeps your microwave clean.

Instructions:

1. Place 2-3 paper towels on a microwave-safe plate
2. Arrange 3-4 turkey bacon strips in a single layer
3. Cover with another paper towel

Equipment: Microwave-safe plate, paper towels

Step 2: What Power Level and Time?

Use high power. Cook time is roughly 30-45 seconds per slice.

Instructions:

1. Microwave on HIGH (100% power) for 1.5-2 minutes for 3-4 slices
2. Add 30 seconds per additional slice

Power Level: HIGH (100%)

Time: 1.5-2 minutes for 3-4 slices

Step 3: When Do You Check Progress?

Check at 1 minute. Microwave wattage varies a lot between units.

Instructions:

1. Stop and check at 1 minute mark
2. Continue in 15-second intervals until done

Checkpoint: At 1 minute mark

Step 4: How Do You Know When It’s Done?

The bacon should look cooked through with no raw spots. It won’t get as crispy as other methods.

Instructions:

1. Bacon should be heated through and slightly firm
2. Let rest 30 seconds before eating (it continues cooking)

Target Temperature: 165 degrees F internal

Visual Indicator: Cooked through, lightly browned edges

Safety and Quality Indicators

Food Safety

• Internal Temperature: 165 degrees F minimum for poultry products
• Raw Product: Columbus turkey bacon is NOT precooked. Must be cooked before eating.
• Thawing: If frozen, thaw in refrigerator overnight before cooking

Quality Indicators (Done Properly)

• Color: Golden brown to deep brown
• Texture: Firm when pressed, crispy edges
• Temperature: Hot throughout, above 165 degrees F
• Appearance: Edges slightly curled, no raw spots

Signs of Overcooking

• Dark brown or blackened edges
• Brittle, shattering texture (unless you prefer it this way)
• Burnt smell

Serving Suggestions

Portion Size: 2-3 slices per serving (approximately 10 servings per package)

Serving Ideas

• Pair with scrambled Costco eggs and toast for a classic breakfast
• Crumble over salads for protein and crunch
• Build a turkey bacon BLT sandwich with fresh tomatoes and lettuce
• Serve alongside Costco Belgian waffles for weekend brunch

Pairing Recommendations

• Works great with Costco breakfast sausage for a full protein breakfast
• Complements Costco fried rice when crumbled on top
• Add to breakfast wraps with eggs and cheese

Storage and Reheating

Leftover Storage

• Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking
• Store in airtight container
• Consume within 4-5 days

Freezing Uncooked Bacon

• Freeze unused packs for up to 2 months
• Best quality within 1 month of freezing
• Thaw in refrigerator before cooking

Reheating Instructions

• Air Fryer: 350 degrees F for 2-3 minutes
• Microwave: 15-20 seconds on HIGH
• Skillet: 1-2 minutes over medium heat
• Target Temperature: 165 degrees F

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue: Turkey Bacon Is Chewy, Not Crispy

Cause: Undercooking or too low temperature

Solution: Increase cook time by 2-3 minutes. For air fryer, bump temperature to 360-380 degrees F. For stovetop, use medium-high heat instead of medium.

Issue: Bacon Sticks to Pan

Cause: Not enough oil in skillet. Turkey bacon has less fat than pork bacon.

Solution: Add 2 tablespoons vegetable oil to pan before cooking. Use a non-stick skillet. For oven method, always use parchment paper.

Issue: Uneven Cooking

Cause: Overlapping strips or overcrowded cooking surface

Solution: Arrange bacon in a single layer with space between strips. Cook in batches if needed. Flip halfway through cooking.

Issue: Bacon Burns Before Cooking Through

Cause: Temperature too high

Solution: Lower heat setting. For air fryer, try 350 degrees F instead of 380-400 degrees F. For stovetop, use medium heat rather than medium-high.

Issue: Bacon Has Rubbery Texture

Cause: Microwaving without paper towels or overcrowding

Solution: Always use paper towels above and below bacon when microwaving. Limit to 3-4 slices per batch. Try oven or air fryer method for better texture.

Product Variations and Related Items

Similar Costco Products

• Kirkland Signature Hickory Smoked Bacon (pork, higher fat, stronger flavor)
• Costco turkey burgers (also from Columbus brand)
• Kirkland Fully Cooked Bacon (precooked, just heat and eat)

Cooking Time Adjustments

If you’re cooking the Kirkland pork bacon instead, you’ll need to adjust times slightly. Pork bacon renders more fat and may take 1-2 minutes longer in the air fryer.

For precooked bacon products, times are much shorter since the bacon just needs reheating. Usually 30 seconds to 1 minute in the microwave.

Nutritional Comparison

Columbus turkey bacon has about half the fat of regular pork bacon. Each slice contains:

• Calories: 45
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 2g
• Carbs: 0g
• Sodium: 200mg (8% daily value)

By comparison, Kirkland pork bacon has about 40 calories per slice but only 2.5g protein and 3.5g fat. The turkey version gives you more protein with less fat. That’s why it’s popular for meal prep and healthier breakfast options.

The trade-off is sodium. Turkey bacon tends to run higher in sodium than pork bacon. If you’re watching salt intake, keep that in mind.

FAQ on How To Cook Costco Turkey Bacon

What Temperature Do You Cook Costco Turkey Bacon?

For the air fryer, set it to 350 degrees F. Oven baking works best at 400 degrees F.

Stovetop cooking uses medium heat. The microwave runs at full power. All methods should bring the internal temperature to 165 degrees F for food safety.

How Long Does Turkey Bacon Take in the Air Fryer?

Air fryer turkey bacon takes 7-10 minutes at 350 degrees F.

Flip the strips halfway through at the 4-5 minute mark. Add 1-2 minutes for extra crispy texture. Cooking time varies slightly between air fryer models.

Is Costco Turkey Bacon Precooked or Raw?

Columbus turkey bacon from Costco is raw and requires cooking before eating.

Don’t confuse it with Kirkland Fully Cooked Bacon, which just needs reheating. Always cook turkey bacon to 165 degrees F internal temperature.

Can You Microwave Costco Turkey Bacon?

Yes. Place 3-4 slices between paper towels on a microwave-safe plate.

Cook on HIGH for 1.5-2 minutes. The texture will be softer and chewier than air fryer or oven methods. Check at 1 minute to prevent overcooking.

How Do You Make Turkey Bacon Crispy?

The air fryer produces the crispiest turkey bacon without added oil.

Cook at 350-380 degrees F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway. For stovetop, add 2 tablespoons vegetable oil and cook over medium-high heat.

Do You Need Oil to Cook Turkey Bacon?

For stovetop cooking, yes. Turkey bacon has less fat than pork bacon and releases almost no grease.

Add 1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil to your skillet. Air fryer and oven methods don’t require oil.

How Many Calories Are in Costco Turkey Bacon?

Each slice of Columbus turkey bacon contains 45 calories, 6 grams of protein, and 2 grams of fat.

That’s roughly half the fat of Kirkland pork bacon. Sodium is 200mg per slice, which is 8% daily value.

Can You Freeze Costco Turkey Bacon?

Yes. Freeze unopened packs for up to 2 months.

For best quality, use within 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking. Never refreeze thawed turkey bacon. Cooked leftovers last 4-5 days refrigerated.

How Do You Know When Turkey Bacon Is Done?

Look for golden brown color and slightly curled edges.

The strips should feel firm when pressed with tongs. Use a food thermometer to confirm 165 degrees F internal temperature. Bacon crisps more as it cools.

What Is the Best Way to Cook Turkey Bacon?

The air fryer method produces the best results. You get crispy turkey bacon without added oil and minimal cleanup.

Oven baking is best for large batches. Stovetop gives you the most control over browning.

Conclusion

Now you know how to cook Costco turkey bacon using four different methods. The air fryer delivers crispy turkey bacon in under 10 minutes with zero added fat.

Oven baking handles large batches for meal prep. Stovetop gives you control over that perfect sear.

Columbus turkey bacon is a solid lean protein option at $13.99 for 2.5 pounds. Stock up when it goes on sale for $9.97.

Keep your food thermometer handy. Hit 165 degrees F internal temperature every time. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.