Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

Introduction:

A bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin is the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors.

This dish takes the naturally tender pork tenderloin, wraps it in crispy bacon, and coats it with a flavorful glaze that caramelizes as it bakes.

The result is a succulent, juicy tenderloin with layers of bacon crispiness and a sticky, sweet coating.

This recipe is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even holiday meals. It’s easy to prepare but delivers impressive flavor.

The sweet glaze, often made with brown sugar, maple syrup, or a tangy mustard base, complements the salty bacon, creating an irresistible combination of flavors.

Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned chef, this recipe will become a favorite for its simplicity and stunning presentation.

Ingredients:

For the Pork Tenderloin:

2 pork tenderloins (about 1 to 1.5 pounds each)

10-12 slices of bacon (thinly sliced for easier wrapping)

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for a smoky flavor)

1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)

For the Glaze:

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard for a milder flavor)

2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)

For Garnishing (optional):

Fresh parsley, finely chopped

Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet to allow the bacon-wrapped tenderloin to cook evenly and crisp up.

Step 2: Prepare the Pork Tenderloin

Trim the pork tenderloins of any excess fat or silver skin using a sharp knife.

Season the pork tenderloins generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika (if using).

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the tenderloins on all sides until they are browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. This helps lock in the juices and adds extra flavor to the pork.

Remove the tenderloins from the skillet and allow them to cool slightly before wrapping them in bacon.

Step 3: Wrap the Pork with Bacon

Lay the bacon slices out on a flat surface, slightly overlapping each other.

Place one pork tenderloin at the edge of the bacon slices and carefully roll it, wrapping the bacon tightly around the pork. Tuck the ends of the bacon under the pork to secure them.

Repeat with the second pork tenderloin.

Step 4: Make the Glaze

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).

Stir the mixture until the brown sugar has dissolved, and the glaze has thickened slightly, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 5: Apply the Glaze and Bake

Place the bacon-wrapped tenderloins on the prepared wire rack, seam side down.

Brush a generous amount of the glaze all over the bacon-wrapped tenderloins.

Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, brushing more glaze over the pork halfway through the cooking time.

For extra crispiness, turn the oven to broil for the last 3-5 minutes of cooking. Watch closely to avoid burning the bacon.

Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature of the pork should reach 145°F (63°C) for medium. Once the pork has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the oven.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Allow the pork tenderloin to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist and tender.

Slice the tenderloin into thick medallions and drizzle any remaining glaze over the top.

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a bit of brightness.

Conclusion:

Bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that combines the best of both worlds: the juicy, tender pork and the crispy, smoky bacon.

The sweet and tangy glaze adds an extra layer of flavor, making this dish perfect for special occasions or weeknight dinners.

Serve this dish with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Once you try this recipe, it will become a regular feature at your dining table for its ease of preparation and outstanding flavor.