Product Review: Jimmy Dean Turkey Bacon

I decided to purchase turkey bacon instead of regular bacon because I am eating healthier foods. The decision turned out to be one of the best changes I have made recently.

The product I purchase to first try turkey bacon was Jimmy Dean's Hardwood Smoked Turkey Premium Bacon. It is cured dark and white turkey chopped and formed with natural smoke flavor added. That sounds a bit scary, but since regular bacon is a bit scary I decided it would be fine, especially since it has 65% less fat than regular bacon.

The package comes with 24 pieces. Each slices has 25 calories, 2 grams of fat, 1 gram of saturated fat, 15 milligrams of cholesterol, 200 milligrams of sodium, 2 grams of protein, and no carbohydrates, sugar, or fiber.

There are three different ways you can cook Jimmy Dean turkey bacon.

Way to cook Jimmy Dean turkey bacon #1: Pan Fry. To pan fry you arrange the bacon slices in a cold frying pan and cook over low heat until the edges begin to curl. Turn the bacon over occasionally and pour off fat when it accumulates. Drain bacon on paper towels before eating.

Way to cook Jimmy Dean turkey bacon #2: Broil. To broil bacon arrange the slices on a broiler pan. Place them in preheated broiler about four inches from the heat source. Broil three to four minutes and turn the bacon once during this time. Drain the bacon on paper towels before serving.

Ways to cook Jimmy Dean turkey bacon 3#: Microwave. Place slices of turkey bacon in between paper towels. Place on a microwave safe plate and cook on high power. Cook 2 slices for 1 ½ minutes, cook 4 slices for 2 ½ - 3 minutes, and cook 6 slices 3 ½ - 4 minutes.

I microwaved my bacon, simply because I only have access to a microwave. The process is quick and convenient. The first time I cooked the bacon in the microwave I used the lower time recommendation and my bacon turned out a little undercooked. I like crispy bacon so I had to cook my bacon a little longer the next time to get the proper texture.

Personally I like the taste and texture of turkey bacon better than normal bacon, but I know many people who would disagree with me. Since I don't like the chewy, fatty part of normal bacon, the lean and crispy turkey bacon is a dream come true for me.