If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping dinner that’s as easy as it is delicious, this Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine tender, flavorful pork embraced by crispy bacon, infused with garlic, rosemary, and a hint of brown sugar—that perfect balance of savory and sweet that keeps everyone asking for seconds!
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Incredible flavor combination: The marriage of garlic, rosemary, and brown sugar with smoky bacon transforms a simple pork tenderloin into a flavor powerhouse.
Simple prep, impressive results: Despite looking fancy, this recipe is straightforward and perfect for cooks of all levels.
Perfectly juicy pork every time: Wrapping the tenderloin in bacon helps keep the meat moist and tender, locking in all those delicious juices.
Great for any occasion: This versatile dish shines at weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even special celebrations.
Ingredients & Substitutions
The beauty of this Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient is essential for layering flavor, texture, and a hint of aromatic charm that makes this dish memorable. From the savory garlic to the crisp bacon, every element plays a starring role.
- Pork Tenderloins: Choose tenderloins about 1 pound each, preferably with even marbling and a nice rosy color for the best taste and juiciness.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the meat with deep, fragrant flavor—don’t skip it!
- Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that caramelizes beautifully when roasted, balancing the bacon’s saltiness.
- Dried Rosemary: This herb brings earthiness and a woodsy aroma that pairs perfectly with pork.
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out all the other flavors.
- Olive Oil: Helps bind the garlic and spices into a flavorful paste and adds a light richness.
- Bacon: Use regular thin-sliced bacon to wrap around the tenderloin, adding smoky crispiness with every bite.
- Fresh Rosemary Sprigs: For garnish and an extra touch of herbal elegance.
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Tenderloins
Preheat your oven to a hot 425°F to ensure that beautiful sear. Begin by patting your pork tenderloins dry with paper towels—this helps the seasoning adhere better and makes for a better crust. Then, combine the minced garlic, brown sugar, dried rosemary, salt, pepper, and olive oil into a paste that you’ll lovingly massage all over the pork. This paste is where the magic begins.
Step 2: Wrap with Bacon
Wrap the thin bacon slices around each tenderloin, starting snugly at the bottom and spiraling them up to cover the top beautifully without wrapping underneath—unless you prefer it that way. Tuck the bacon edges neatly underneath the pork so nothing unravels during roasting. Nestle a few fresh rosemary sprigs around the tenderloins; they’ll infuse a subtle herbal aroma while cooking.
Step 3: Roast to Perfection
Place your bacon-wrapped tenderloins in a roasting pan on the middle oven rack. Roast for about 25-30 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer hits 145°F in the thickest part. This timing locks in juiciness and ensures the bacon crisps just right. After roasting, let the meat rest for at least 10 minutes—this resting period is key to juicy slices that hold their delicious juices.
How to Serve Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh rosemary sprigs shine as a simple yet elegant garnish, adding a fragrant touch that complements the flavors perfectly. For a pop of color, finely chopped parsley or a light drizzle of balsamic reduction can add that wow factor on the plate.
Side Dishes
Pair this Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin Recipe with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables for a cozy meal. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also balance out the richness beautifully, or go for garlic sautéed green beans for a vibrant, crunchy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the tenderloin into thick coins and arrange them fan-style on a warm platter. You can also serve it over a bed of herbed quinoa or wild rice for an elegant presentation. For a festive touch, drizzle some homemade apple chutney or cranberry sauce alongside to echo that sweet-savory vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Slicing before storing makes it easier to reheat just what you need without drying out the rest.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well! Wrap cooked slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep nicely for up to 2 months, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something quick and tasty.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes, covered loosely with foil to keep moisture in. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short bursts, but be careful not to overcook to keep the pork tender and juicy.
FAQs
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Can I use thick-cut bacon for this Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin Recipe?
It’s best to use regular thin-sliced bacon because it crisps up nicely and wraps easily around the tenderloin. Thick-cut bacon might take longer to cook and may not crisp evenly, which can affect the texture.
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How do I know when the pork is perfectly cooked?
The internal temperature is the most reliable indicator—aim for 145°F using a meat thermometer. This ensures the pork is juicy, safe to eat, and tender without any dryness.
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Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can season and wrap the pork in bacon ahead of time and keep it refrigerated for a few hours before roasting. This can help the flavors meld even more.
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What if I don’t have fresh rosemary for garnish?
No worries! Dried rosemary or simply skipping the garnish will still result in a delicious dish. For a fresh touch, parsley or thyme can also complement the flavors nicely.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin Recipe enough for anyone craving a simple yet indulgent meal. It impresses with minimal effort and fills your kitchen with the most wonderful aromas. Trust me—you’ll want to make this again and again, whether for a special occasion or just because you deserve a little deliciousness in your week!
Print
Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 12 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin recipe features succulent pork tenderloins coated with a savory garlic and rosemary paste, then wrapped in crispy bacon and oven-roasted to perfection. It’s an easy yet elegant main dish with a beautiful balance of smoky, sweet, and herby flavors that make it ideal for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Meat
- 2 pork tenderloins, about 1 pound each
- 1 pound of bacon (not thick cut)
Seasoning Paste
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1.5 tablespoons olive oil
Garnish
- A few fresh rosemary sprigs
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pork: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat the pork tenderloins completely dry with a paper towel to ensure a good sear and help the seasoning adhere well.
- Make seasoning paste: In a bowl, combine minced garlic, brown sugar, dried rosemary, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and olive oil. Mix until it forms a paste that will coat the pork evenly.
- Season pork tenderloins: Rub the garlic-rosemary paste evenly all over each pork tenderloin to maximize flavor.
- Arrange in roasting pan: Place the seasoned tenderloins in a roasting pan, making sure to leave room around them for even cooking.
- Wrap with bacon: Starting from the bottom, wrap bacon slices around each tenderloin so that the bacon covers the top and sides but does not wrap underneath. Tuck the ends of the bacon underneath the tenderloin to secure it. Arrange fresh rosemary sprigs around the meat for added aroma and presentation.
- Roast the pork: Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F (63°C). The bacon should be crisp and golden brown.
- Rest and slice: Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute for moist, tender slices. Use a sharp knife and tongs to slice the pork tenderloin into medallions for serving.
Notes
- Choose pork tenderloins with even marbling and a nice pink-red color for best flavor and texture.
- Place the roasting pan on the center rack of your oven to help the bacon brown evenly and prevent burning.
- Use a sharp knife and tongs when slicing the tenderloin into coins to keep the slices intact and presentable.
