Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin is one of the best recipes for entertaining. It is so easy to make that you probably don't need a recipe for it. You just need to season the pork, wrap it in bacon, and bake it.
Get ready for a pork dinner that is not only a delicious meal but also incredibly easy to make. Today, I’m sharing my favorite easy pork tenderloin recipe. Whether it's for a dinner party or just a special treat for yourself, this dish is sure to impress.
The recipe is part of my collection of pork recipe you can try all year round. Check out this recipe for Roasted Pork In Garlic Tomato Sauce, or this Roasted Boneless Pork Chops, both versatile and perfect for entertainment, but also easy enough to make on a regular dinner night.
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💝 Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavors: With just pork tenderloin, bacon slices, and a few spices, you’ll create a tender cut of meat that’s bursting with flavor.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it's a casual get-together or a formal dinner party, this recipe fits right in.
- Customizable: Add a glaze of maple syrup or a spice rub of your choice to make this dish uniquely yours.
📝 Key Ingredients
Here is a list of ingredients you will need for the recipe. Make sure you check the recipe card at the end of the article for full instructions.
- Pork Tenderloin: You'll need 1-2 pieces of pork tenderloin, a tender and lean cut perfect for this dish. Alternatively, you can use pork loin.
- Smoked Bacon: About 1 pound of smoked bacon, preferably in thin slices, to wrap around the pork. This adds a wonderful smoky flavor and helps keep the meat juicy.
- Seasonings: For basic seasoning, use ¼ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of pepper. Add ½ teaspoon of thyme for that aromatic touch. Feel free to adjust these to your taste.
- Optional Add-ons:
- Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, sprinkle some harissa powder or paprika, either sweet or smoked. For a more traditional flavor, garlic powder is a great addition.
- Sweet Glaze: To add a sweet note, brush 1-2 teaspoons of honey or maple syrup over the bacon before baking. This creates a delightful caramelization and a beautiful glaze.
👩🍳 How to make
Step 1: Prepare the Pork: Start by removing the silver skin from the pork tenderloin with a sharp knife. This ensures a more tender pork tenderloin. Season the pork with a mix of salt, black pepper.
Step 2: Wrap with Bacon: Wrap the pork tenderloin in strips of bacon, ensuring the ends of the bacon overlap slightly. This is the best way to keep the meat juicy and add a smoke flavor.
Step 3. Brush with the spices. Mix the honey or the maple syrup with the spices and brush the bacon with them. You need only one or tablespoons of maple syrup or warm honey to brush over the top of the meat.
Step 4: Cook to Perfection. Preheat your oven to a safe temperature for pork, typically around 375 degrees F.
Bake until the internal temperature of the meat reaches the food safety mark of 145 degrees F, which you can check with a meat thermometer or an instant-read thermometer. (Check the recipe card for more instructions)
Step 5: Rest and Serve: Let the pork rest on a cutting board for a few minutes after cooking. This helps in retaining the juices, ensuring a juicy pork tenderloin.
Slice the pork into thick slices on a diagonal and serve next to mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, green beans, salad, or anything else you like. The crispy bacon outside and the tender pork inside make for a delicious meal.
Pour the juices from the pan over the meat and potatoes and serve everything with a glass of red wine.
💡 Expert Tip
Make this dish either in the oven or in an Air Fryer. The Air Fryer alternative is a quicker option with a crispy finish. Preheat it to 400F(204C). Cook pork tenderloin for about 20 minutes and pork loin for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Air fryers vary, so adjust the time as needed.
❄️ Storage instructions
Wrap the leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Alternatively, you can place them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigeratorfor up to 3-4 days.
Freeze: Wrap the cooled pork tenderloin securely in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe airtight container. Freeze it for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating:
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pork tenderloin in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying out, and heat until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place the pork in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power, checking periodically.
🙋♀️ Recipe Faqs
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Wrap the seasoned and bacon-wrapped tenderloin in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to cook, let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before baking.
Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure that your pork tenderloin is cooked to the perfect internal temperature of 145°F. This guarantees that your pork is safe to eat and remains juicy.
This delicious bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin is not just an easy recipe; it's a celebration of flavors that's perfect for any occasion. From your first time making it to the next time, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. And if you're looking for more great options, check out my other recipes for a variety of different cuts of meat and flavors, like this Chicken Marbella, another beautiful recipe for entertaining.
🐷 More recipes with pork
📖 Recipe
Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients
- 1-2 pieces of pork tenderloin
- 1 pound smoked bacon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon harissa powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375F.
- Season the meat with salt and pepper.
- Take a piece of bacon and wrap it around the pork tenderloin. Continue wrapping the bacon around the meat until all the meat is covered.
- Mix the honey or the maple syrup with the chosen spices and brush the surface of bacon with it.
- Bake at 375F for 45 minutes to an hour or until the temperature inside reaches 145F and the bacon is crispy.
- Let the meat rest for about 5 minutes before you slice it.
Notes
- Meat Preparation: Ensure the pork tenderloin is trimmed of excess fat and silver skin.
- Bacon Wrapping: Overlap the bacon strips slightly as you wrap them around the tenderloin to ensure even cooking and coverage.
- Seasoning: Feel free to modify the seasoning to suit your taste. Herbs like rosemary or sage can add a nice touch.
- Checking Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork. It should reach 145°F for safe and juicy results.
- Resting the Meat: Allow the pork to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the juices redistribute, making the meat more tender and flavorful.
- Serving Suggestions: Consider serving the pork tenderloin with sides that complement its richness, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
- Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be enjoyed for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat leftovers in the oven or on the stovetop to maintain the moisture and texture of the meat.
- Alternative Cooking Methods: If you prefer a smokier flavor, this recipe can also be prepared on a grill. Monitor the temperature closely to avoid overcooking.
- Glaze Options: For added flavor, consider brushing the bacon with a glaze like maple syrup or honey mixed with Dijon mustard during the last few minutes of cooking.
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