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This Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin is a celebration of pork on pork, where tender pork meets crispy bacon in an incredibly easy yet flavorful recipe. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a double dose of pork goodness with minimal effort.
Easy Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
This Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin is a revelation for pork lovers out there – you won’t believe how good it is until you try it! Combining juicy pork with rich, crispy bacon, it delivers an irresistible flavor punch in every bite. It’s easy to make but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, making it the perfect dish for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend dinner. Trust me, this is one recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
- Effortless Elegance: You’ll love how easy this recipe is to whip up, turning simple ingredients into an elegant dish. It’s ideal for anyone wanting to impress without the stress.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of juicy pork tenderloin and crispy bacon packs a flavor punch that’s hard to resist.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: This Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin is a hit at both casual dinners and fancy gatherings. Its versatility and crowd-pleasing taste make it a go-to recipe for any event, whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a family meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Pork Tenderloin: You’ll want a nice tenderloin that’s about 1 to 1.5 pounds. Make sure to not confuse this with pork loin which will take longer to cook.
- Bacon: I used thin cut bacon because it’s easier to wrap around the tenderloin.
- Olive Oil: Just a little bit for searing the pork. Vegetable or canola oil can be used as well.
- Garlic: Use as much or as little as you wish, but fresh is always best.
- Rosemary: This herb brings a fragrant, earthy note to complement the pork and bacon. You can substitute this with thyme or sage.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
Making this pork tenderloin is straightforward with stunning results. It’s perfect for a delicious meal that looks like you’ve put in way more effort than you actually did.
Get The Oven Ready
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your oven is hot enough to cook the pork evenly and get that bacon nice and crispy.
Season The Pork And Wrap It In Bacon
Grab your pork tenderloin and season it with some salt and pepper. This step is super simple but really important for flavor. Make sure you get a good, even coating over the entire tenderloin. Now, take your bacon slices and wrap them around the pork tenderloin. You want them to overlap slightly so the whole tenderloin is covered. If the bacon isn’t staying in place, just secure it with some toothpicks.
Sear With Flavor
Heat up some olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the minced garlic and chopped rosemary – it’ll start to smell amazing. Then, add your bacon-wrapped pork. Sear it for a few minutes on each side until the bacon starts to get that delicious golden color.
Roast To Perfection
After searing, pop the skillet with the pork into your preheated oven. Let it roast for about 20-25 minutes. You’re aiming for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) – that’s when you know it’s perfectly cooked.
Rest Before Serving
This part is crucial. Once it’s done, let the pork rest for about 5-10 minutes. It lets the juices redistribute, making sure your tenderloin is super juicy when you slice it. After resting, remove any toothpicks, slice it up, and get ready to enjoy!
Serve This With
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pork ahead of time by wrapping the tenderloin in bacon and refrigerating it until you’re ready to cook. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before searing and roasting, to ensure even cooking.
How do I know when the pork tenderloin is fully cooked?
The best way to ensure your pork tenderloin is cooked perfectly is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Remember, the pork will continue to cook a little more while it’s resting, so taking it out at the right temperature is key for a juicy result.
What can I do with leftovers?
Leftover Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin makes for delicious sandwiches or salads the next day. Simply slice the pork thin and add it to your favorite sandwich bread with some lettuce and mayo, or toss it in a salad with a vinaigrette dressing. It’s also great when chopped and added to pasta dishes.
Expert Tips
- Ensure Even Bacon Crispiness: To get that perfectly crispy bacon all around, start by searing the bacon-wrapped tenderloin in a skillet before roasting. This initial sear helps render the fat and starts the crisping process.
- Let the Meat Rest: Always allow your pork tenderloin to rest for 5-10 minutes after roasting. This resting period lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring your pork is juicy and flavorful when sliced.
- Use Thin-Cut Bacon: Opt for thin-cut bacon for this recipe. It wraps more easily around the tenderloin and cooks more evenly, ensuring each bite has the perfect balance of pork and bacon.
- Temperature is Key: Invest in a good meat thermometer. Cooking the pork to the correct internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) is crucial for a tender, moist result.
Storage
Once the tenderloin has cooled down, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, or place it in an airtight container. You can then refrigerate it, where it will keep well for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently to maintain its moisture and flavor.
Discover More Pork Tenderloin Recipes
- Maple Glazed Pork Tenderloin
- Pork Tenderloin With Mustard Sauce
- Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin
- Cajun Honey Pork Tenderloin
- Garlic Butter Pork Tenderloin
- Bacon Cheeseburger Egg Rolls
Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pork tenderloin about 1 to 1.5 pounds
- salt and pepper to taste
- 8-10 slices bacon thin cut
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the pork tenderloin with salt and pepper.
- Wrap the bacon slices around the pork tenderloin, slightly overlapping each slice. Secure the bacon with toothpicks if necessary.
- In a large ovenproof skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and rosemary, then place the bacon-wrapped pork in the skillet. Sear until the bacon is golden and crisp, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Let the pork rest for 5-10 minutes before removing the toothpicks and slicing.
Tips & Notes:
- Soak Toothpicks: Soak your toothpicks in water for about 10 minutes before use. This prevents them from burning in the oven when you use them to secure the bacon.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Don’t hesitate to try different seasonings on the pork. Adding paprika, garlic powder, or a hint of cayenne pepper can give a unique flavor.
- Choose Thin-Cut Bacon: Opt for thin-cut bacon as it wraps more easily around the tenderloin and cooks more evenly. Thick bacon may need extra cooking time.
- Rest the Meat: Always let the pork tenderloin rest after roasting. This step is crucial for keeping it juicy and tender.
