The ketogenic diet, or keto diet, is a high-fat, moderate-protein, and very low-carbohydrate diet. The goal of the keto diet is to shift the body's metabolism away from using glucose as its primary fuel source and towards using fat. This process, called ketosis, occurs when the body breaks down fat into ketones, which are then used for energy. Many people on the keto diet enjoy bacon, but are looking for a healthier option. Turkey bacon can be a good alternative.
Turkey Bacon: A Keto-Friendly Protein
Turkey bacon can be a suitable substitute, offering a leaner protein source while still providing that satisfying bacon flavor.
Keto Turkey Bacon Recipes
Here are several ways to incorporate turkey bacon into your keto meal plan:
Keto Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders
These sliders make for a quick and easy low-carb lunch or dinner. Using keto dinner rolls, cheddar cheese slices, deli turkey breast slices, bacon, and ranch dressing, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal.
To make these sliders:
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- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a baking sheet or baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cut keto dinner rolls in half.
- Place the bottom halves on the prepared baking tray.
- Add slices of cheddar cheese as the first layer, then the turkey slices and bacon slices.
- Spread ranch dressing on the top buns and place on the baking tray.
- Spray the tops of the buns with nonstick cooking spray (or melted butter or olive oil).
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the sliders are heated through.
You can add toppings like lettuce, tomato, and red onion for extra flavor and nutrients.
Keto Turkey, Bacon, and Ranch Pinwheels
These pinwheels are an easy appetizer for parties or a fun lunch option. Deli turkey slices are rolled up with cream cheese, ranch seasonings, bacon, and cheddar cheese.
To prepare the pinwheels:
- Lay down a sheet of plastic wrap and set the cream cheese on top.
- Lay a second sheet of plastic wrap on top of the cream cheese, then use a rolling pin to spread it out until it's 1/4 inch thick and roughly a rectangle.
- Peel the top layer of plastic wrap off of the cheese.
- Lay the slices of turkey on top, then cover with plastic wrap again and flip the whole thing over so that the meat is on the bottom.
- Remove the plastic from the top of the cheese, then season with garlic powder, dill, and onion powder.
- Sprinkle the bacon and cheddar cheese over the top.
Turkey Bacon Ranch Quesadilla
This quesadilla is a quick and easy protein-packed lunch, especially great for using leftover turkey. It combines turkey, crispy bacon, white cheddar cheese, chopped onion, green chiles, and ranch dressing in a low-carb tortilla.
Steps to make the quesadilla:
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- Lay your tortilla out flat and spread ranch over it and top with cheese.
- Add turkey, bacon, red onion, and green chiles.
- Heat a medium-sized skillet to medium heat.
- Butter or spray your skillet with cooking oil, then add your quesadilla.
Oven Baked Taquitos with Turkey, Bacon, and Avocado
These taquitos are packed with sliced deli turkey, crispy bacon, and tender avocado.
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175°C).
- Place mozzarella slices on a silicone baking sheet.
- Add the turkey, bacon and avocado.
- Bake until the cheese is melted.
Other Keto-Friendly Breakfast Options
While turkey bacon can be a great addition to your keto diet, here are some other options to diversify your breakfast menu:
- Veggie Omelet: Load up on fiber, vitamins, and minerals with an omelet filled with low-carb veggies like onions, mushrooms, garlic, spinach, bell pepper, and squash.
- Avocado: Enjoy half an avocado with a spoon or blend it with almond milk and cocoa powder for a smoothie.
- Crustless Quiche: Combine eggs, protein (sausage, ham, bacon), and cheese in a dish and bake.
- Sausage: Add beef or turkey sausage links to your breakfast plate.
- Greek Yogurt Parfait: Top plain yogurt with keto-friendly granola and a small amount of low-carb fruits like blackberries or raspberries.
- Macadamia Nut Pancakes: Use ground macadamia nuts or pecans instead of wheat flour.
- Bacon and Eggs: A classic keto-approved breakfast.
- Flaxseed Porridge: Mix flaxseeds with coconut milk, cinnamon, butter, grapeseed oil, and blueberries.
- Cauliflower Cheddar Hash Browns: Use riced cauliflower as a potato substitute.
- Cobb Salad: A non-traditional but keto-friendly breakfast option.
Tips for Storing and Reheating
- Quesadillas: Store in a plastic or glass container with an airtight lid in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in a skillet or air fryer. They can also be frozen.
- Cooked Bacon: Lay cooked bacon between paper towels and place in a freezer bag for freezing. Reheat in the microwave or air fryer.
- Leftover Turkey: Cut turkey into smaller pieces, freeze on a baking sheet for 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months.
Read also: Flavorful Ground Turkey Mediterranean Dishes